all the dish that’s fit to print
family time by the pool doesn’t have to be local
Indagare.com just released their list of favorite indoor and outdoor pools for travelling families. Three of our Park Hyatt properties topped the list! Take a look at their fabulous details, and a few more of our personal favorite pools from around the world.
Indgare.com’s Picks:
Boasting the best pool area in the city, Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires features a large, indoor pool that is available to guests all year. The pool, which is 82 feet long and surrounded by soothing natural toned marble, is a great way to keep kids entertained or for couples to unwind after a busy day in the capital. (more…)
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godzilla strikes the mori arts center
A dinosaur-themed vacation in the city that gave us Godzilla! The Summer with Dinosaurs package at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo includes tickets to the Dinosaur Museum’s special exhibit “Dawn of the Dinosaurs” in the Mori Arts Center, which features computer graphic animation, interactive dinosaur origami, and special dinosaur modeling classes with a resident paleontologist. Located on the 52nd floor of the Mori Tower, ‘Dawn of the Dinosaurs’ features some of the earliest dino specimens knows, making the Jurassic period look futuristic. It is a great family activity that every age group will enjoy.
As part of the package, children staying at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo will receive a dinosaur amenity from the hotel, and parents can enjoy either lunch at Grand Hyatt’s Oak Door restaurant or breakfast via room service. Rates start at 38000JPY, approx $426 USD.
After a day of running around through life sized dinosaur dioramas, parents can indulge in a mini adult vacation; leave the kids with a babysitter, and pull up to the dinosaur-themed bar for some prehistoric inspired cocktails, like the herb mojito—a Triassic favorite. Grand Hyatt Tokyo also offers nightly entertainment at the Maduro Bar, a perfect after-hours reprieve after the day’s excitement. It is sure to be a thrilling and dynamic family trip!
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meet miss moppet
© Frederick Warne & Co ©NTPL/Robert Morris
Learned life lessons from Peter Rabbit? Had a framed picture of Jemima Puddle-Duck on the wall as a child? No childhood has escaped the whimsical influence of the works of Beatrix Potter. Her anthropomorphic characters are in countless tales read to kiddies of any era at bedtime. (more…)
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with and without the kids
Before school starts, take the kiddies on one last hurrah this summer with a fun family trip. Or, wait ‘til they’re back in school and sneak off for a grown-ups only, post-summer getaway.
historic haunts for halloween
Do something different for Halloween. Pop over to jolly old England and take part in some spooky Halloween activities. Medieval castles and aged Estates provide the perfect eerie setting for All Hallows Eve. Join the Royal Oak Foundation – the U.S. affiliate to the National Trust – and get access to over 300 historic houses without having to pay an admission fee.
©NTPL/Ross Hoddinott ©NTPL/Andrew Butler
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(heard onboard) “when will we be there!?!?”
Instead of just working on a golden tan this summer, teens aboard Crystal Cruises can learn to make sushi from a Nobu-trained chef, craft a perfect golf swing with a PGA pro, or learn the native tongue of the next port of call with a Berlitz instructor.
Noting a surge of multigenerational family travel, Crystal is passing on its tradition of Six-Star enrichment for adults to its younger guests. Along with educational activities, kids are entertained with DJ-hosted dance parties, video games, and ice cream bars. Families can take advantage of the Crystal Family Memories program that provides numerous perks including a complimentary berth, a Private Adventure credit and family portraits. Once en route parents can relax, take in the scenery, enjoy the food…all without ever having to hear the dreaded, “Are we there yet?”
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bear necessities
While cataloguing the library at Wimpole Hall, a lucky employee found a rare first copy of Rudyard Kipling’s beloved, Jungle Book. Kipling had dedicated his famous children’s book to his youngest daughter, Josephine, who died of pneumonia five years after it was published at the age of six. The inscription reads, “This book belonged to Josephine Kipling for whom it was written by her father, May 1894”. Kipling did not sign the inscription, but based on many archives, it is thought to be his handwriting. It is now on display at the house, adding to the allure of its Georgian interiors and lush gardens. Visitors can take a peek at the first edition of the book that told us the stories of Bagheera and Shere Khan, Mowgli and Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, and spawned the Disney classic film.
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alice (marshall) in wonderland
© NTPL/Cristian Barnett and Andrew Butler; © Walt Disney Pictures
To commemorate the movie (which debuts on March 5) the National Trust is transforming Antony into the fantasy land envisioned by Lewis Carroll.
In collaboration with the Dodgy Clutch Theater Company, the National Trust has created a family-friendly extravaganza showcasing key elements of the stories of Alice. Visitors will enjoy imaginative installations set amidst the lush Antony gardens, Alice-inspired events, and extended hours.
Take a trip down the rabbit hole for the stunning gardens and vistas that inspired Tim Burton to choose Antony for the film. As always, members of The Royal Oak Foundation – the U.S. affiliate of the National Trust – get in FREE to the grounds and house (although some events may cost a small fee). Read through a selection of wonderland highlights below:
Alice and Alistair Day
When: March 6
What: Any child named Alice or the male equivalent of Alastair (American boys might be at a slight disadvantage), or anyone decked out as a character from Alice in Wonderland, will be admitted free. Can’t make it to Antony? Check out the 13 other participating sites across Devon and Cornwall.
Mad Hatter’s Tea Parties
When: March 6-7, every weekend, and Bank Holidays
What: Families will enjoy workshops, games, and dressing. Take time for tea and snacks in the tea-party marquee on Antony’s vast Cork Oak Lawn. Cost is an additional £5 per person.
Antony House Opening
When: March 16
What: Begin at the beginning and go on ‘till you come to the end: then stop. Heed the King’s expert advice and explore Antony House for a sneak peek of the rooms appearing in scenes of the film, including Alice’s bedroom.
The White Rabbit Easter Trail
When: April 2-9
What: Follow the trail of the elusive White Rabbit throughout Antony’s magnificent landscaped gardens. (Attention chocoholics the trail is hosted by Cadbury so it has to be good!) Cost is an additional £1.50 per child.
Explore Your Own Wonderland
When: May 29-June 3
What: I’ve often seen a cat without a grin; but a grin without a cat! It’s the most curious thing I ever saw in my life! Make friends with the Cheshire Cat and the rest of the Alice in Wonderland gang with a week of Alice themed children’s activities. Seek out the giant chessboard and become a queen, king, or knight in your own life-size game of chess.
Weird and Wonderful Tea Parties
When: June 27
What: Look for special tea parties being held all across Devon and Cornwall at the following participating National Trust properties: A la Ronde, Castle Drogo, Killerton, Lydford Gorge, Park Estate, and many more.
Croquet Workshops
When: July 21, 28; August 5, 19, 25
What: Learn how to play croquet on the lawn at Antony (but without a flamingo as your mallet!) Let off some steam in a Caucus Race – no rules or instructions just run at random per Lewis Carroll’s direction.
The Royal Oak Foundation is the United States affiliate 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 in U.S. cities on topics including British history, architecture, gardens, the fine and decorative arts – as well as other programs in the UK.
park hyatt puts spring in your step
Despite the onslaught of ‘Snowmaggedon’ this week, D.C. will surely thaw out in time for the National Cherry Blossom Festival at the end of March! The breathtaking scene around the Tidal Basin is rumored to coax a smile from even the most steel-hearted of lobbyists.
Spring in D.C. (before the swampy summer sets in) is perfect for the obligatory sightseeing tour of our nation’s capital. With Park Hyatt Washington as your home base, it’s easy to explore everything, from the monuments and museums, to galleries and boutique shops. Book the hotel’s annual Spring Blossom Package available from March 5-April 25.
Take advantage of an upgrade to a Park Deluxe room, a pot of Cherry Blossom Green Tea from the hotel’s Tea Cellar, choice of valet parking or continental breakfast for two, and a backpack for the kids filled with lots of sightseeing goodies!
Package rates start at $349 plus tax. Maximum occupancy for guestrooms is three people. Guests can reserve the package and a second room for children 16 years and under for an additional $75 a night.
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stuffing galore on nantucket
Let someone else baste the turkey this year and relax with a few great, last minute holiday deals from Nantucket Island Resorts. Stay at the White Elephant, where Hot Dates, Cool Rates will get you a room for $150 per night from November 25-29. Then feast with the family at the All-day Thanksgiving Buffet at Brant Point Grill for $65 adults, $32.50 kids 6-12yrs and $5 for 3-5 yrs.
Book online or call 800.ISLANDS and mention “Hot Dates, Cool Rates.”
Visit http://www.nantucketislandresorts.com for more information.
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