all the dish that’s fit to print
history repeats itself
Bodysgallen Hall (left) and Hartwell House
In anticipation of greener, warmer months, Historic House Hotels has organized its second year of guided garden tours. The 300-year-old, participating properties include Bodysgallen Hall & Spa in northern Wales and Hartwell House & Spa just outside of London. The historic homes were a gift to The National Trust in 2008. As such, members of the Trust’s U.S. affiliate, The Royal Oak Foundation, receive special concessions at the houses.
Enjoy spectacular views of Snowdonia and Conwy Castle during a three-night stay at the 17th-century Bodysgallen Hall, nestled amidst 200-acres of wooded parkland in northern Wales. From May 18-21, guests can participate in visits to nine beautiful gardens, including the world-famous Bodnant garden and the exotic plant nursery of international plant hunters Bleddyn and Sue Wynn-Jones.
Or channel your inner royalty with quick trip from Central London to the rural landscaped countryside of the stately Hartwell House in Buckinghamshire. Stay for three nights, June 21-24, and explore ten gardens, including the late Nancy Lancaster’s former garden near Oxford, Lord Carrington’s garden at Bledlow, plus some National Trust gardens at Cliveden and Waddesdon Manor.
Price per person sharing a double or twin bedroom is £1150 for either property. Cost includes accommodation for three nights, luncheon for three days, transport between the halls and garden destinations, dinners, breakfast, a tour of nine or ten gardens, and full use of the spa (including VAT).
The Royal Oak Foundation is the United States partner of the National Trust of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Royal Oak members gain free entry to over 300 important historic houses and gardens. The Foundation supports National Trust conservation projects and offers a series of lectures and other public programs across the US on topics including British history, architecture, gardens, and the fine and decorative arts. As a U.S. not-for-profit organization, membership dues and donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
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comedic relief on the shores of lake geneva, featuring charlie chaplin
No offense, Charlie, but we can’t stay silent with this news. Fans of Chaplin will soon be able to pay homage to his life during a stay at the elegant La Réserve Geneva.
Already over a decade in the making, the famous silent film actor’s home is in its final two years of transformation from a residence to a museum.
And when the museum finally comes to fruition? Make sure to book a night or two at the nearby La Réserve Geneva. Complete the package with a Lake Suite for views of the water, exquisite dining at the Le Loti restaurant, and a hot springs-infused treatment at the spa.
Then head on over to the museum to enjoy memorabilia and displays from Chaplin’s life, including the piano at which he composed film scores and a desk where he wrote an autobiography and scripts for two of his movies.
Not ready for home post-lounging on Lake Geneva? Extend your vacation in Switzerland and jet to Interlaken’s Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa for a majestic hike or an exclusive treatment at the new SENSAI SELECT SPA.
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fireside fun courtesy of the royal oak foundation
The perfect recipe for a chilly winter’s night? Spending hours snuggled up by a crackling fire playing a good old-fashioned board game.
Just in time, the UK’s National Trust has launched its very own Monopoly set, becoming the first charity version of the game to be created. Exclusively available in the US through The Royal Oak Foundation, it is on sale now to further brighten the coming festive season. National Trust properties have replaced the locales on the standard US version of the board, which includes familiar names such as “Pennsylvania Avenue” and “Park Place.”
Reserve your National Trust Monopoly game for $100, 50 percent of which is a tax-deductible donation to The Royal Oak Foundation for their work with the National Trust.
Here are a few highlights from the new board:
- Lyme Park in Cheshire –featured in the BBC’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, with Colin Firth emerging from the lake as Mr. Darcy – replaces Boardwalk.
- Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire – one of Britain’s greatest and most complete Elizabethan houses built by the formidable Bess of Hardwick – replaces Park Place.
Players can purchase National Trust countryside sites that include the iconic Snowdonia (Pennsylvania Avenue) and the glorious gardens of Stourhead (Indiana Avenue). The game also substitutes 20 Forthlin Road, the childhood home of Sir Paul McCartney, for Mediterranean Avenue, and the Birmingham Back to Backs, the atmospheric 19th century courtyard of workers’ homes, for Baltic Avenue.
Twenty-six National Trust places from across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are featured in the board game; they include beaches, a light house, a mill from the Industrial Revolution, and Sir Winston Churchill’s family home.
Where there are houses and hotels in the original game, National Trust Monopoly has players building visitor centers and holiday cottages; the grouping of National Trust locations, including countryside, beaches, grand mansions, industrial works, and beautiful gardens, reflects the range of properties within the Trust’s care.
Proceeds of the game go directly to preserving the real versions of the special places on the board – so even the most ruthless Monopoly property developers will still be doing their parts for conservation.
The game features National Trust-specific Community Chest and Chance cards including scenarios like Health and Safety Inspection. Pay £50, Coastal Path Repairs. Pay £100, and Fundraising Appeal Does Well. Collect £150.
The Royal Oak Foundation is the United States partner of the National Trust of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Royal Oak members gain free entry to over 200 important historic houses and gardens, 40 castles, 76 nature reserves, and six World Heritage Sites owned by the National Trust. The Foundation supports National Trust conservation projects and offers a series of lectures and other public programs in U.S. cities on topics including British history, architecture, gardens, the fine and decorative arts – as well as other programs in the UK. As a U.S. not-for-profit organization, membership dues and donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
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nantucket tops country for recycling
October 26, 2009, Cape Cod Times announced that a national advocacy group recently named Nantucket as the top recycling community in the country, knocking San Francisco off its perch. Thanks to an adaptation of a “zero waste” recycling program a decade ago, Nantucket leads the way in recycling and composting, and is ingraining “green” values within younger generations in the community. (Trust us. Ask any islander about the “Take it or Leave It” pile, which has become a hot gathering spot to find anything from furniture to good beach reads.)
Recycling and caring for the environment is now second nature to islanders. Everyone plays an important role. Here is how the Nantucket Boat Basin is helping:
- Reducing Pollution from Vessel Sewage Discharges – Raw or poorly treated sewage can spread disease, contaminate shellfish beds, and lower oxygen levels in water. Nantucket is a no-discharge harbor, and the Boat Basin offers complimentary pump-out services at all three of its wharves. Recently, The Clean Waters U.S. Fish and Wild Life Service recognized the Nantucket Boat Basin for participating in the most “pump-outs” of any marina in the U.S. The Boat Basin’s clean facilities and “clean boating” educational efforts were also recognized.
- Welcome and Educate – Upon arrival to the Nantucket Boat Basin, all incoming vessels receive a lovely welcome bag dedicated to Nantucket & the environment. Information on how to recycle, the proper use of environmental materials and where to properly discard each, is included. Boaters looking to refuel are given an absorbent donut to affix around fuel nozzles, to reduce leakage into the water. Guests also receive a small jar of biodegradable soap to wash their boat with, all in an effort to keep the surrounding water clean.
- Waste Has a Place! – The Nantucket Boat Basin has a zero-tolerance policy for mixed, or non-complying rubbish. There are 35 sets of large recycling bins to sort aluminum, plastics, and glass located throughout the 30 docks of the marina. Cigarettes can be extinguished in 50 dedicated areas, and there are 190 decorated rubbish barrels that blend with the décor of the island. Pet owners can even “dispose” at the Boat Basin’s Animal Needs Park with complimentary biodegradable bags.
- Time and Dedication – The Nantucket Boat Basin provides environmentally- friendly staff dedicated to removing, sorting, and cleaning the marina’s waste each day. Four or more marina attendants are on hand daily just to clean and maintain the 18 bathrooms and shower facilities.
For more information on the Nantucket Boat Basin and its environmental efforts, please visit http://www.nantucketboatbasin.com/
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oldest u.s. capital city, new reasons to visit
When a city-wide celebration and an amazing deal collide, it’s the recipe for a perfect getaway. From October 25, 2009 to February 28, 2010, the charming Inn on the Alameda becomes even more enticing. In honor of its 24th year, guests can get the third consecutive night of their stay for just $24! Located in the heart of downtown Santa Fe, but tucked away behind thick adobe walls, the Inn on the Alameda provides the calm we’re always craving, but is just steps from the action. And there’s action to be had this year, as the city is commemorating its 400 year legacy since being declared a Spanish villa in 1610.
The 400th Anniversary events calendar is full of theater productions, live music, history and children’s programs and an arts and lecture series. Be immersed in the rich heritage of Santa Fe’s Native American, Spanish, European and African-American cultures while staying at a cozy inn that prides itself on capturing this multi-faceted spirit.
alternative holidays
Not looking forward to packing the beach gear or the skis this holiday season?
These unconventional end-of-year getaways will scratch the travel itch. Rounded up here are cozy and kid-friendly locales for families, unique spots for adventurers and enriching destinations for those craving cultural stimuli.
Family Festivities
WHAT: Getaway to a Country Cottage
WHERE: National Trust Holiday Cottages – UK
WHY: Because a trip to the English countryside with a family membership in the Royal Oak Foundation to see old castles and gardens (for free!) could just be the best present for the Harry Potter-loving kids (or parents).
DETAILS, DETAILS: With over 360 cottages from which to choose, here are a few:
- Emley Farmhouse in Surrey sleeps up to 10 and has a traditional country kitchen, perfect for that big Christmas dinner. A three night stay starts at $740.35, a seven night stay, $1416.75.
- 89 Church Lawn in Wiltshire sleeps up to seven and has exclusive access to the National Trust’s stunning winter gardens. You can even go fishing in the beautiful lake. A three night stay starts at $590, a seven night stay, $1065.50.
- Abermydyr in Wales sits on the banks of the River Aeron and sleeps up to six. Brings the kids here for the Christmas food and craft fair at Llanerchaeron, a Trust protected gentry estate. A three night stay starts at $493.50, a seven night stay, $957.30.
WHAT: Swiss Family Reunion
WHERE: The Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa – Interlaken, Switzerland
WHY: Christmas dinners, a Children’s Party for New Year’s Eve, and Dad treating Mom to a Festive Foam Bath with winter aromas and champagne all conspire for festive fun.
DETAILS, DETAILS: Splash Hour at the pool, the Zurich Zoo and the St. Beatus caves will thrill the kids, and fitness classes, Turkish baths, and professional childcare will restore their parents’ sanity. Rates start at $877 per night for double occupancy.
Adventurers Only
WHAT: Arabian Eco-experience
WHERE: Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa – Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE
WHY: It feeds the craving for sun while heeding the call of the wild.
DETAILS, DETAILS: Home to one of Abu Dhabi’s largest Arabian wildlife conservancies, guests can go hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, take a game drive, or learn archery. Double occupancy rates start at $537 per night; book at least 30 days in advance to receive a 15% discount.
WHAT: Modern Day Pilgrimage
WHERE: Uma Paro – Bhutan
WHY: Because hiking to a Buddhist monastery sure beats waiting in line at a department store with frantic holiday shoppers.
DETAILS, DETAILS: One of its many active adventures includes a trek to Tiger’s Nest monastery, located in the sheer cliffs 2,700 feet above Paro Valley and a peaceful orchard picnic with spectacular views. For the month of December, double occupancy rates start at $330 per night.
WHAT: Chance to Step Foot on Antarctica
WHERE: Crystal Cruise’s Symphony departs from Buenos Aires, Argentina to Valparaiso, Chile.
WHY: Due to an upcoming ban on cruise ships in the Antarctic Ocean, this will be Crystal’s final voyage to the area.
DETAILS, DETAILS: In addition to visiting amazing locales in South America, six thrill-seekers will take the rare overland trip to Antarctica to see remote villages, a petrified forest, and a penguin breeding ground. Rates start at $8,995, double occupancy.
Cultural Cravings
WHAT: Revelation in the Red City
WHERE: Royal Mansour Marrakech – Morocco
WHY: It will be impossible to miss the carolers when exploring Djemma El-fna, a square in the historical district of town known for having the best musicians, dancers and storytellers.
DETAILS, DETAILS: When in this city of cultural fusions be sure to visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, and the largest souk (traditional market) in Morocco to bargain for spices or clothing or tea pots. Riads start at €1,500 a night.
WHAT: Balinese New Beginning
WHERE: Uma Ubud – Bali
WHY: What better way to start the year then with the New Year package’s complimentary massage on the first day of 2010.
DETAILS, DETAILS: Guests will see the village decorated with traditional bamboo poles and banana leaves and enjoy a Balinese-inspired New Year’s Eve dinner, followed by a cocktail party with DJ at the pool bar. Rates start at $260 per night, double occupancy.
WHAT: A Resolution Well-Kept
WHERE: Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa, Chiang Rai, Thailand
WHY: Utilizing those new Thai cooking skills back home will keep the post-holiday gloom at bay.
DETAILS, DETAILS: The cooking lessons are just the beginning of the cultural immersion; at the Elephant Camp (part of the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre), a 30-minute lesson will teach adventurers to drive an elephant. Rates start at $520, double occupancy.
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nantucket’s farmers & artisans market
Courtesy of Nantucket Farmers Market (via Flickr)
Find yourself on Nantucket some Saturday morning? Lucky duck.
Do yourself (and the island) a favor and wander over to the Nantucket Farmers & Artisans Market, happening each Saturday through October 17 from 9 am to 1 pm. Cambridge and North Union Streets, right by the Starlight Theater, are closed to cars for the market.
Spotted this past Saturday was Karin Sheppard of Island Weaves, with her beautiful blankets of alpaca, silk, and mohair, David Berry of Nantucket Honey Bee Company with his light and dark honeys (the color changes depending on whether the bees are pollinating summer or fall flowers), and Dylan Wallace and Claudia Butler of Nantucket Native, with their organic fruits and vegetables – and chocolates. There were plenty more stands, all full of locally made and grown goodies.
A tip for those who wander in unprepared: there’s an ATM around the corner, on the bottom of Main Street.
If you want to book a trip to the island this fall (one of the lovelier times to go), check the Nantucket Island Resorts website for the latest “Hot Dates, Cool Rates” offers.
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green laundry
Crystal Cruise Ship
As part of Crystal Cruises’ “Crystal Clean” program that supports environmentally-friendly initiatives, the cruise line has outfitted all of its guest room closets with EcoHangers. Made from 100% recycled paper, EcoHangers are recyclable and a more environmentally sound alternative to conventional wire and plastic hangers. To take this “green” laundry practice a step further, the cruise line is using washable garment bags for laundry distribution, eliminating the use of more than 100,000 plastic bags on its ships per year.
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move over metro
Reduce your carbon footprint and cover more ground around the capital with Park Hyatt Washington’s complimentary Bicycles at the Park program. Available for hotel guests, the rentals last four hours, allowing plenty of time for a scenic ride, and perhaps a picnic lunch. The new hybrid bicycles are comfortable and sturdy, no matter the terrain. For a leisurely ride, we suggest the flat towpath along the canal. For a more intense workout, try a rugged trail in Rock Creek Park. An historic route to take is the Mount Vernon Trail, which starts at Roosevelt Island and follows the Potomac River to Washington’s famous estate at Mount Vernon, and along the way goes through Old Town Alexandria (a perfect lunch spot) and Fort Hunt Park. The concierge will be sure to put you on the right path with a city biking map, bike lock, helmet, kickstand, and bottled water.
Bicycles at the Park will continue to be unveiled at more Park Hyatts around the world. We’ll keep you posted!
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keep it green, phuket!
Over 600 volunteers are donating their time and efforts today to spruce up beaches across Phuket as part of “Clean Phuket Day.” This day of volunteerism kicks off an island-wide initiative to preserve the beauty of Phuket in a community outreach program called Keeping Phuket Clean, just in time for the summer season!
Beaches in the mix include Mai Khao, Nai Thon, Bang Tao, Surin, Kalim, Patong, Kata, Nai Harn, Ya Nui, Rawai and Panwa. Volunteers are given a clean-up zone and time to meet, where they will be supplied with garbage bags, water, and soft drinks before the cleaning fun starts!
“Clean Phuket Day” is made possible with the support of almost every major hotel in Phuket, island businesses, the local beach communities, and the local government. The newly opened Anantara Phuket Resort & Spa, situated along Mai Khao beach on the north end of the island, is supporting the initiative. Over 250 volunteers are expected to arrive at Mai Khao beach for cleaning, which is great news for the sea turtles, who will make their way to Mai Khao in the winter season to lay their eggs.
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