1. Value

Fall rates at hotels on the island are greatly reduced in September, October, and beyond.  For example, at the iconic White Elephant hotel the lowest midweek July rate available is $550, while in September guests can stay overnight for as little as $265.  Quite a bargain!

2. Nantucket Restaurant Week , September 27- October 3, 2010

For a small island, Nantucket has a wide variety of esteemed culinary establishments – just to note, two of the island’s restaurants are actually up for James Beard Awards this year!  Three course dinners will be offered at top Nantucket joints from $25 – $45.

3. Nantucket Historical Association’s Harvest Fair, October 2, 2010

Celebrate fall harvest at the Old Mill and learn about Nantucket’s agricultural heritage, play lively colonial games, and make traditional crafts such as cornhusk dolls or beeswax candles.

4. Nantucket Conservation Foundation’s Cranberry Festival , October 9, 2010

Visit Nantucket’s infamous cranberry bogs, generally closed to the public but open for a short time in October just when the berries are harvested.  Enjoy bog tours, hay rides, sheep-shearing, and of course, fresh berries and delicious cranberry creations!  

5. Annual Chowder Contest, October 16, 2010

What is a New England vacation without “chowdah”?  Taste and vote for your favorite Nantucket Chowder, held right in the center of it all on Main Street in Nantucket Town.  This event costs $7, all-you-can-eat!

6. Scenic Hiking and Biking

Traverse the many different trails of Nantucket and check out the beautiful fall foliage.  For speedier tours of the island, rent a bike and hit the newly resurfaced 6.4 miles of bike paths.  Bike rentals typically cost around $30/day; complimentary bikes are available for guest of the White Elephant and The Wauwinet.

7. Golf

Nantucket is home to many top-notch golf clubs including the world-class Sankaty Head Golf Club.  Play is limited to members during the summer; however the public is allowed to play in the off-season (October-May) for a fee.

8. Inexpensive airfare

Think getting to Nantucket is difficult and pricey?  Phooey!  Fly Jet Blue direct from New York City to Nantucket starting at $49 this September.

9. Romance

If you took the kids to Nantucket this summer, come back in the fall sans the little guys and stay at the romantic Wauwinet (open until October 26).  The 32-room inn doesn’t allow children under 12, so there’s no chance of having a screaming baby just down the hall.  Rates at this luxury inn start at just $225 in October.

10. Traditional New England-style Thanksgiving

Take a stroll down the cobblestone streets of Nantucket and you’ll feel like you traveled through time back to the 18^th century!  The White Elephant’s Brant Point Grill hosts a special Thanksgiving buffet with all the comfort foods you’d expect at your grandmother’s house without all the work.

For those who care about the environment, there really is a cruise company that does too! Crystal Serenity just aced its intensive safety and environmental audit and as proof to the skeptics, in addition to their stringent Crystal Clean initiatives, Crystal Cruises has recently paired with the Clean the World organization to recycle unused toiletries and amenities to children’s charities around the world.

Crystal also prides itself on its 100% recyclable Ecohanger and reusable garment bags as well its commitment to a ‘sustainable seafood only’ policy.  While cruising with Crystal, you no longer have worry about the environmental impact of this luxurious vacation!

The Firming Eye Treatment is a blissful firming and hydrating treatment using specific products rich in seaweed extract, green tea, and vitamin C.  These help to reduce the appearance of fine lines, circles, and puffiness.  It’s great for contact lens wearers and those that struggle with eye-strain – so for the many office workers who stare at computer screens all day long, this one is for you!

]]> http://www.alicemarshall.com/2010/06/09/free-spa-treatment-in-june-and-july/feed/ 0 http://www.alicemarshall.com/2010/04/22/jared-coffin-house-on-the-today-show/ http://www.alicemarshall.com/2010/04/22/jared-coffin-house-on-the-today-show/#comments Thu, 22 Apr 2010 22:18:56 +0000 janet http://www.alicemarshall.com/?p=1859 Check out the video below of Niloufar Motamed, Features Editor at Travel + Leisure magazine, recommending the Jared Coffin House and Inn on the Alameda as great places to bring Mom for Mother’s Day! Al Roker nods his approval to the Nantucket deal: accommodations, bike rentals for two for one day, and one breakfast for two at Brant Point Grill, all for $150 per night! And in Sante Fe you can spoil your mom with a cooking class and daily breakfast and wine and cheese reception, with the third night half off!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

In the South Malé Atoll, just eight miles from the Maldivian capital Malé, Naladhu offers ocean-view and lagoon-facing beach villas, each with stunning living spaces designed with comfort in mind.  The bathroom has an enclosed outdoor area meticulously landscaped with tropical flora to give an enchanting paradise vibe. For a sexy shower time, guests can rinse off in total privacy in the outdoor rain shower, or draw a bath for two in the al fresco terrazzo bathtub.  Then heat things up in the interior steam room.

From May through July, rack rates start at $2,200 per night for a Beach House (excluding service charge and Maldivian bed tax).

Rosewood Mayakoba, Riviera Maya

At Rosewood Mayakoba, the line between ‘inside’ and ‘outside’ is deliciously blurry. But on the beautiful and balmy Mayan Riviera, it’s completely allowed! Let the wild embrace of the jungle saturate your senses in the spacious bathroom of your Deluxe Overwater Lagoon Suite, which seems to be floating along the water’s edge.  Enjoy an romantic outdoor shower, surrounded by Yucatán flora or take an evening bath gazing out into the mangrove trees surrounding your villa.

Rates start at $850 per night from May to December for a Deluxe Overwater Lagoon Suite.

Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos

Rates begin at $3,146 for a One Bedroom Beach villa.

Anantara Phuket Resort & Spa, Thailand

The “sexiness” of Anantara Phuket Resort & Spa is in its seclusion, as the resort is situated along Mai Khao Beach in the quiet northwest corner of the island, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the strip. Modeled after a traditional southern Thai village and surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the Pool Villas are spacious and super private, so  newlyweds can while away the days with no fear of interruption or distraction. Queue up your wedding song on the iPod docking station, and step right from the luxurious bathroom into the infinity pool. Then try your best to choose between relaxing in the soaking tub built for two or feeling the breeze in the outdoor rain shower.

Rates begin at $1,082 for a Pool Villa.

La Reserve Ramatuelle, just outside of Saint-Tropez, France

Rates begin at around $1,320 for a Deluxe Room in high season.

Crystal Cruises

Crystal Symphony’s two 982-square-foot Crystal Penthouses boast large verandahs and have the feel of elegant residential apartments with luxurious fabrics, details and finishes.  While both the master and guest bathrooms feature rare marbles and designer fittings, the master bathrooms have new sunken Philippe Stark Duravit Jacuzzi bathtubs with 90-degree ocean views, glass mosaics and recessed televisions, among other features.  The suites also offer an entrance lobby, his and her walk-in closets, private study area, living room, state-of-the-art audio-visual system, and dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Today is International Women’s Day and it’s very clear that Mother Nature has been notified as it is the most gorgeous spring day here in New York City – finally!

It’s also a very appropriate day to recognize strong independent females, like Sue Harmsworth, the CEO and founder of the global spa company ESPA International.   Sue has been working in the spa industry for over 40 years and has consulted on nearly 200 spas in over 60 countries worldwide since she started ESPA in 1993 – quite the accomplishment!

Here is a little advice and insight from Ms. Harmsworth for all women to absorb and consider:  “I have a very female workforce globally and try to mentor them in how to deal with the stress of modern life.  I believe that if you are straight with people it is much easier in the long run.  The world is very small and any attempt to cover up will always be found out.  If you don’t know something, don’t pretend that you do.  Respect other cultures and don’t think our way is the best.  Be open to new ideas and people who know better.  We never stop learning; I learn something new every day.  Have a curiosity about everything and everybody and be aware of everything around you.  Assume nothing, what you say is often heard in a different way.  Believe in yourself, many people can achieve great things.”

Right on, Sue, and Happy International Women’s Day!

Now it’s easy (and affordable!) for you to take that last-minute breather from winter. Offering is available from March 1-31. Not a COMO fan yet? You still have time, click here. For more information, e-mail the Uma Reservations Team at res.ubud@uma.como.bz.

…and that’s not all! 

The picturesque White Elephant hotel on Nantucket is now on Facebook. Become a fan, and you can enter to win access to Nantucket’s “it” event for gourmands and wine connoisseurs alike – The 2010 Nantucket Wine Festival.

One lucky couple will have the chance to win:

• 4 day/3 night stay in a luxurious White Elephant Suite or a one-bedroom White Elephant Hotel Residence
• Two tickets to the following events:
  • Thursday: Harbor Gala on the White Elephant Lawn, featuring over 30 wineries and restaurants
  • Friday: The Ultimate Seafood Seminar
  • Friday: Six-course Wine Dinner at TOPPER’S at The Wauwinet featuring Pride Vineyards of Nappa Valley
  • Saturday: Grand Tasting featuring wines from over 150 world-class wineries
• Sunday Brunch for two at Brant Point Grill at the White Elephant featuring the infamous “Make Your Own” Bloody Mary Bar

Hurry, become a Fan by April 18 to enter to win!

 Here are ESPA’s 20-minute fixes to help combat the after-holiday body blues:

 To Strengthen Fried Hair

ESPA Pink Hair and Scalp Mud

This hair and scalp treatment gives luster and manageability to dry, damaged, and chemically treated hair. 

 20-Minute Fix: Massage onto dry scalp and smooth a second layer through the hair and leave on for 20 minutes before washing off.

To Slim a Bloated Body

ESPA Detoxifying Seaweed Bath

This algae-rich seaweed bath is great for those trying to detox or slim down as it acts as a lymphatic circulatory stimulant that eliminates bloating and fluid retention.   

20-Minute Fix: Add two capfuls twice weekly to a warm bath and immerse body for 20 minutes before cleansing as usual. 

To Brighten a Tired Face

ESPA Essential Mineral Mask

This cleansing mask is made with natural clays, minerals, and essential oils that draw out skin impurities while rebalancing moisture levels and refreshing the skin without it ever becoming dry and flaky.

20-Minute Fix: Apply a generous layer over the entire face, neck, and décolleté and leave on for 15-20 minutes before washing off with warm water.

All products are available online at ESPA’s revamped website www.espaonline.com or at ESPA spas worldwide, including The Peninsula Spa by ESPA, New York.

For more information or samples of the above, please e-mail janet@alicemarshall.com or call 212 861 4031.

It’s that time of the year: the leaves are gone, and Starbucks has the gall to bring out its holiday cups.  So, at the risk of getting ahead of ourselves, we wanted to send out two new deals for the Caribbean and Mexico for early 2010 (!) escapes.  

On the Riviera Maya, Rosewood Mayakobá just announced its ‘5 for 4’ offer for stays from January 3 through May 10, 2010.  This is available for all room categories.  The fifth (consecutive) night is complimentary, and the only blackout date is March 3 to 7, 2010.  The resort just won a Five Diamond Award for 2010, on top of a slew of others, but the real reason to go is the tequila library.

More details and reservations here or call 888-ROSEWOOD 

In Turks & Caicos, Parrot Cay has several new offers for stays from January 10 through September 8, 2010: ‘7 for 5,’ ‘4 for 3,’ and then 25% off of any of its packages.  These are applicable to all room categories.  Its packages include the Stress Management Program and the Ayurvedic Program at the COMO Shambhala Retreat, the all-inclusive Sun and Seclusion, and then the new Babymoon and Romantic Runaway packages.

More details and reservations here or call 649-946-7788

After last winter, we are resolved to build in some warm sun & turquoise water getaways this year.  After all, the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte only gets you so far. 

Who says you have to be a celebrity to go on a wellness retreat? Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa in Thailand thinks everyone deserves some serious R & R, so they have designed two Wellness 360 Sentiré Retreat Packages that, from October 5-12^th and 12-19^th, include 7 nights for the price of 5.

Experience the powerful rejuvenating effects of Pilates with renowned A-List instructor Kirstin Ferrie, personal trainer to Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York. A ten-year veteran of the craft, Kristin is the first teacher from the UK to be gold certified with the Pilates Method Alliance. Take daily yoga class and learn to meditate with Kate Guthrie, who is known for her creative, playful nature and relaxed classes that are accessible to students of all levels. Whether you need some deep-tissue work or want to try traditional Shiatsu massage, Dale Husted is your man. After an hour of his hands, you’ll be completely energized. And don’t forget your consultations with Naturopath Dr. Gopal and Ayurvedic expert Kavitha Hulmani. They’ll enlighten you about holistic medicine and the body’s ability to heal itself.

All this learning could work up an appetite, but who wants to ruin their new training with a burger and fries? Anantara has thought of everything; this package also includes a cooking class with Kelly Brennan, the resort chef, who will instruct on how to prepare “wellness” cuisine.

For more package details, see our original post.