all the dish that’s fit to print
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.
No Comments »
things that go bump in the night
Rattling pipes, creaky floorboards, and strange noises in general – these can all be part of staying somewhere other than one’s own bed. However, here’s a collection of places where there’s an actual reason for the sounds – ghosts! Get into the Halloween spirit this October with a stay in or visit to some of these haunted hotels and houses. Boo!
Jared Coffin House – Nantucket, MA
Check into Room 223 to bunk in with the ghost of a Whaling Captain (an experience you arguably can’t get at the nearby Whaling Museum!). Guests of Room 609 meanwhile have had nighttime visits from the apparition of a little girl. Other ghosts are known to roam the halls and rooms of the historic property in the heart of Nantucket town. Not a believer? Just ask the Innkeeper who has had a few “run-ins” with said spirits, including being pushed from behind while working the front desk – alone!
Homes and Buildings of the UK National Trust (Visit for Free as a Member of The Royal Oak Foundation)
Crown Liquor Saloon – Belfast
Sharing a ’snug,’ (an individual wooden booth) with ghosts is not exactly the idea when meeting friends for drinks. On Great Victoria Street in the center of Belfast, tales of the haunted saloon are quite common. The Crown Liquor Saloon acted as a haven for weary Great Northern Railway travelers centuries ago, and the old watering hole still plays host to Victorian-era haunts today. One visitor recalled sitting with three ghostly men and a woman in one of the famed booths while waiting for her friends to arrive for cocktails.
Ham House – Surrey
“All Dogs Go to Heaven” may be the case for most; however, for one King Charles Spaniel, Ham House is his final resting place. The dog’s portrait hangs in the gallery, but a livelier version of the pooch can be “seen” meandering the halls. A recent investigation by the Ghost Club, a paranormal research organization based in London, concluded that there may be as many as fifteen ghouls (not to mention other ghostly dogs) dwelling in the property. The property kindly requests you leave your Fido at home.
The Old Post Office – Tintagel, Cornwall
The flickering lights in the old post office didn’t deter the custodians from their daily duties. However, it did inspire the use of the antique Spagnolli receiver, a predecessor to morse code, to make sense of the flashing lights in the converted manor house. The flashes spelled out the word “Noah” repeatedly – eerily enough, the surname of a previous resident.
Blickling Hall – Norfolk
“Oh, the lady signed for it… the lady in the Dining Room,” said two delivery men returning a painting to the estate home. The house administrator was supposedly the only person living in Blickling Hall at the time, so who could the ghost have been but that of Anne Boleyn, who called the property her childhood home. Following her inability to bear a male heir for Henry VIII, Anne was executed. Yet on the anniversary of her death each year, visitors can expect to see her ghost. The ‘Grey Lady,’ a nickname given to the apparition for her long grey dress with lace collar, has been spotted looking across the lake and riding up the drive in a coach drawn by a headless horseman.
No Comments »
windfalls and walks
Picture bright fall foliage, stepping out into an orchard garden to collect and enjoy fresh fruit from the tree, or wandering the stunning landscape that surrounds a National Trust holiday cottage.
No Comments »
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!
No Comments »
father’s day getaways
Wondering what to do with Dad for Father’s Day? Send him away! We love you, Dad, and you’ve been at that desk for too long. Time for a much needed vacation!
Golfing at sea on Crystal Cruises
WHAT: Not Your Average Cruise
WHY: Think cruising is just for elderly ladies? Think again. All of Crystal Cruises itineraries feature an impressive list of activities for men that extend way beyond bridge, shuffleboard, and marathon eating.
MAN-TIVITIES: In a single day at sea, activities abound: paddle tennis, golf lessons with a PGA professional, jogging around the wide deck, poker in a world-class casino, a work out in a fully equipped gym, and cigars and scotch during ESPN’s Top Ten of the Week, to name but a few.
GOLF SPECIAL: For men who are glued to the green, Crystal’s 2009 High Tea and Golf Tees 11-day British Isles voyage gives guys the option of onshore golf excursions at up to six different golf courses in England, Ireland, and Scotland. (more…)
No Comments »
family matters in santa fe
The kids are going to be off from school soon, and then what are you going to do with those little buggers? Take them to Santa Fe! The new family-friendly package from the Inn on the Alameda offers up an enticing extended weekend trip that satisfies parental units and offspring alike. Charming (and discounted!) accommodations at the Inn are combined with exciting and educational trips to the Georgia O’Keeffe museum and a ghost ranch. More details below… (more…)
No Comments »
before twitter and facebook …
While England might evoke images of tradition and all things stuffy to some, here’s a new National Trust holiday cottage with a storied past to electrify – the Wireless Cottage on the Lizard in Cornwall, the most southerly point of mainland Britain. It was here that Guglielmo Marconi (Nobel Prize winner and inventor of the radiotelegraph) developed wireless communication, and the site is the oldest surviving wireless station in the world. Working in the cabins, Marconi and his team received a record-breaking wireless communication in January 1901 that covered a distance of 186 miles and proved that signals could travel well over the horizon. Had Marconi not had this breakthrough, it is thought no one could have saved the 700 who survived the Titanic nearly ten years later. Accommodating two people (plus one dog!), the fully-restored cottage has a double bedroom and a sitting room with sea panoramas. Next door, the second, smaller hut now houses a museum dedicated to Marconi’s pioneering work. The cottages are within one mile of Lizard Lighthouse and directly next to the southern Cornish coastal path. Wireless Cottage is available all year at a price ranging from £407 a week in spring and up to £934 in summer.
No Comments »
our very own ‘top ten’ summer deals
It was a long winter. We won’t try to predict the rest of 2009, but we do know one thing for sure: we will all need a break this summer. Now that spring is here, let’s start daydreaming.
To help plant a few seeds, so to speak, we have gathered up the newest, best hotel deals for this summer. This is our very own “Top Ten.” One suggestion from us: this is the moment to rethink spots that were always seen as prohibitively expensive. Like Nantucket. London. Switzerland. Even Parrot Cay in Turks & Caicos.
Some of these deals have already started, so if you want to just skip spring and go straight to a summery vacation, be our guest…
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Deal: A little something called “Hot Dates, Cool Rates” from Nantucket Island Resorts, which owns The Wauwinet, the White Elephant, the White Elephant Hotel Residences, The Cottages & Lofts at the Boat Basin, and the Jared Coffin House.
Breakdown: Specific dates throughout the high summer season have seriously low rates.
For example:
- Jared Coffin House: Normal summer rates start at $155 per night; Hot Dates rates start at $105
- The Cottages & Lofts at the Boat Basin: Normal summer rates start at $490 per night; Hot Dates rates start at $175 per night
- White Elephant: Normal summer rates start at $615 per night; Hot Dates rates start at $195 per night
- The Wauwinet: Normal summer rates start at $680 per night; Hot Dates rates start at $225 per night
Why Should I Leave My Air-Conditioned Apartment?: Because Nantucket is one of the prettiest islands in our country, and it has never been more accessible than it is this year. Once there, spend idyllic days bicycling, beach reading, and picking your own strawberries.
Fine Print: Rates are subject to change after April 15, so keep checking the website to see the latest dates and rates.
Book here
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Deal: “Muy Sabrosa” package at the Inn on the Alameda adds not only value but culinary spice to a stay in this kooky, lovely city.
Breakdown: Package rates begin at $376 for a two-night stay and include a two-and-a-half hour cooking demo and lunch at the Santa Fe School of Cooking, a $40 gift certificate to Mucho Gusto (a cozy Mexican café next to the Inn), plus breakfast and afternoon port and cheese daily.
Why Should I Leave My Air-Conditioned Apartment?: To get lost in the flowers at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. Plus, Santa Fe averages 325 days a year of blue skies and sun, and is one of only nine cities in the world to be designated a “Creative City” by UNESCO.
Fine Print: Package is available for Sunday- Tuesday and Wednesday- Friday stays during specific dates through the year.
Get more details or call 888-984-2121 to book
Turks & Caicos
Deal: Parrot Cay’s ‘4 for 3‘ and ‘7 for 5‘ offers have just been extended through December 20, 2009. Summer rates go down, so you can stay longer for even less.
Breakdown: Nightly rates begin at $575 this summer (rather than $775 in the winter), which means two can stay four nights and pay $1,725. That rate includes daily breakfast, return airport transfers, and complimentary Pilates and yoga.
Why Should I Leave My Air-Conditioned Apartment?: Because this resort is like rehab for the soul. The private island spans 1,000 acres, with white sand beaches and turquoise water in every direction. You can bone-fish, consult with the Ayurvedic doctor, or float in the pool all day.
Fine Print: You have to play it cool when swimming next to Bruce Willis and his newly-betrothed.
Book here or call 649-946-7788
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Deal: Rosewood Mayakobá just announced a “Spring Getaway” promotion for the month of April. Rates have been reduced by 25% for stays April 1 through 30, with no minimum stay, no advance booking requirement, and no blackout dates.
Breakdown: Lagoon Suites are now $590/night, Deluxe Lagoon Suites are now $790/night, and Deluxe Overwater Suites are $850/night. This rate includes daily breakfast for two (not normally included).
Why Should I Leave My Air-Conditioned Apartment?: Because this is for April, and last we checked New York still isn’t 80 degrees and sunny. Plus, does your apartment have its own private plunge pool and butler? Thought not.
Fine Print: Must be paid in full at the time of booking, and non-refundable. In other words: just go.
Book here or call 888-ROSEWOOD
London, England
Deal: Now through September 6, 2009, the Metropolitan and The Halkin are offering super-low fixed U.S. dollar rates. And we mean super-low.
Breakdown: A “City Room” at the Met is $199/night, rather than ₤375. A “Double Room” at The Halkin is $299/night, rather than ₤390.
Why Should I Leave My Air-Conditioned Apartment?: Because London is less expensive than New York to visit and live in for the first time since 2002. And with current exchange rates, it’s 25% less expensive for Americans to visit now than it was last year. So you can see London at its greenest, sunniest, and cheapest.
Fine Print: Two-night minimum stay and an advance booking requirement of seven days. Must be paid in full at time of booking. Non-refundable.
Book the Met here and The Halkin here
English Countryside
Deal: Members of The Royal Oak Foundation get 25% off rates and breakfast at England’s three Historic House Hotels, plus a complimentary room upgrade.
Breakdown: Nightly rates begin at £160 (about $230) before the discount, so stay three nights for about $540, including the cost of Royal Oak Foundation membership.
Why Should I Leave My Air-Conditioned Apartment?: Because we don’t have many lush gardens and lovely estates like these in the U.S. This is a true escape from modern stressers like Blackberries, E-ZPass, and MetroCards. Just pack that novel you’ve been trying to read.
Fine Print: Valid for stays through October 31, 2009, with certain blackout dates
Book: There are three steps to this one, but they are well-worth it.
- Call 800-913-6565, ext. 205 to become a Royal Oak Foundation member (it’s $55 and there are many benefits).
- On the same call, ask for the promotional code needed to receive the member discount at Historic House Hotels.
- Reserve your stay in England.
Interlaken, Switzerland
Deal: The Victoria-Jungfrau is offering an ongoing “Internet Special” with steeply discounted rates. This is like a Swiss sample sale.
Breakdown: While normal nightly rates for two begin at €613 (about $786), “Internet Special” rates for two begin at € 250 (about $320).
Why Should I Leave My Air-Conditioned Apartment?: Because this legendary resort is nestled right smack in the middle of the Swiss Alps. Take one of the hotel’s mountain bikes, head for the hills, yell “Ricola!” at the top of your lungs, and then chill out in the 60,000-square foot spa.
Fine Print: Two-night minimum stay, non-refundable.
Book here
European Cruises
Deal: Book Crystal Cruise’s “European Celebration” promotion available on most Mediterranean and Baltic cruises this summer and save up to $1,500 per person. Plus enjoy the new “All-Inclusive, As You Wish” $2,000 per couple spending credit on twelve of the Med and Baltic sailings to spend on virtually anything while on board.
Breakdown: “European Celebration” fares start at $4,245 per person for 11-day Baltic cruises $4,080 per person for 12-day Mediterranean cruises. Savings is determined by cabin category selected; on most qualifying cruises, save $1,500 per person on a penthouse suite, $1,000 per person on a verandah stateroom, and $750 per person on a deluxe stateroom.
Why Should I Leave My Air-Conditioned Apartment?: Because the convenience of unpacking once and traveling to multiple ports on a single itinerary will beat couch-surfing the Travel Channel every time.
Fine Print: “All-Inclusive, As You Wish” shipboard credit cannot be used for cruise deposits or casino gambling
Book at 888-799-4625 or contact a travel agent
Last but not Least: Two Far-Flung Spots That Won’t Break the Bank
Trang, Thailand
Deal: Stay three nights for the price of two at Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa.
Breakdown: Nightly rates start at $169, so a three-night stay is $338.
Why Should I Leave My Air-Conditioned Apartment?: Because the resort is on Changlang Beach, one of the most pristine of all Thai beaches and part of the Hat Chao Mai National Park. Dive into the waters of the Andaman Sea and rub shoulders with the sea cows, famous in this region.
Fine Print: Valid until October 31, 2009
Book here
Ubud, Bali
Deal: The “Ultimate Savings Offer” at COMO’s Uma Ubud means rates start at $195, including breakfast
Breakdown: Rates normally start at $260.
Why Should I Leave My Air-Conditioned Apartment?: Because just breathing this pure air is worth the trip. The hotel looks out over Tjampuhan valley in the deep lush forest of the Balinese hills, where you can pick your own orchids. We’ll resist the temptation to insert an Eat, Pray, Love reference here.
Fine Print: Two-night minimum stay and an advance booking requirement of seven days. Must be paid in full at time of booking. Non-refundable. This isn’t valid from July 15- September 15, but otherwise is available until December 31, 2009.
Book here or call +62 361 972 448
No Comments »
nantucket sample sale
Nantucket has always been seen as a playground for the rich; this spring, Nantucket Island Resorts reminds us that its a destination for all tastes and budgets. To prove the point, certain dates throughout the year have been named “Hot Dates” when each property offers significantly lower rates. Check www.nantucketislandresorts.com regularly to determine which dates qualify.
Jared Coffin House: Spring rates start at $220 per night; Hot Dates rates start at $99
The Cottages & Lofts at the Boat Basin: Spring rates start at $210 per night; Hot Dates rates start at $125 per night
White Elephant: Spring rates start at $275 per night; Hot Dates rates start at $175 per night
The Wauwinet: Spring rates start at $380 per night; Hot Dates start at $225 per night
No Comments »
lite london
For the first time since 2002 London is less expensive than New York (and 25% cheaper to visit than last year, to boot!). Here are ten tips for travelers to make the most of this special time across the pond from our own insider on the ground, Mr. Simon Kerr, Regional Director of Marketing and Sales for COMO Hotels and Resorts (and an intrepid traveler in his own right)! (more…)
No Comments »
