For those of us working in the travel industry, undoubtedly we’ve all been asked at one point or another by friends and family about our recent travels, travel advice, and generally where we like to go for our own personal vacations. So we at AMPR decided to ask the same of our clients – some of the most well-traveled people we know!
Kicking off a new AM/PM feature, we’re highlighting Mr. Simon Kerr, Group Commercial Director for COMO Hotels and Resorts. When not jetsetting from company headquarters in London to properties in Bhutan, the Maldives, and Bali – to name a few! – Kerr leaps at the chance to travel. Here he recounts a recent trip to Mykonos.
You’ve been where?
Mykonos – Greece
How Long?
One Week
And you decided to go there why?
It’s the only place that I choose to go back to. This was my fourth time. Mykonos ticks all the boxes for a fabulous Mediterranean vacation – great beaches, chic, understated, wonderful restaurants, nice crowd and as flashy, or low key as you want it to be.
Was it a family or other kind of vacation? Reunion?
I went with a small group of friends for a 40th birthday celebration
Where’d you stay and why did you like it? Hate it? Anything that made you smile, go “wow,” jaded hotelier that you are?
We stayed at a small hotel called The Alkyon, which sits above Mykonos Town. It was a great location, being only a 10-minute walk down the hill to the heart of things and within easy reach of the many fabulous beaches. The hotel is pretty simple, but as with everything in Mykonos is understated (all buildings must be built in a tradition style, no more than two floors and painted in white and blue). We hired quad bikes , which was a fun and convenient way to get around the island. At the end of each day, we returned to our terrace for cocktails, and one of the best sunsets on the planet.
Most memorable bite?
We fell in love with a small restaurant in the heart of Mykonos Town, called Opa Taverna. Nothing fancy – but good, honest Greek cuisine. It also was where all the local shop keepers converged at the end of each night (and as they say – if it attracts the locals, it must be good). A great atmosphere (aided by plenty of wine) always emerged. We also love a small beach restaurant on Ornos Beach, called Constantis – wonderful grilled cuisine and fresh salads. You also have to mention the famous Caprice Bar in Little Venice. It offers the best Strawberry Daiquiris and sunset party in the Mediterranean. The size of a postage stamp – but always great fun.
Any great retail experience? Did you buy anything that you really don’t think you can buy at home?
Mykonos is teaming with wonderful boutiques and you can spend hours browsing the cobbled alley ways of Mykonos Town. Not being a massive shopper – my discovery of the vacation was a beach I had not been to before. Panormos Beach is on the north side of the island. It was two wonderful beach restaurants and as it is not especially easy to get to, or on the more touristy south side of the island, attracts a stylish, cool, in the know crowd. The sheltered bay is perfect for swimming, they scatter large, white cushions on the beach to lounge on and you can spend the day soaking up the sun, eating wonderful food and sipping delicious cocktails – heaven.
To die for view? Gobsmacking scenery? Sounds count too!
The sunset from the Alkyon Hotel is hard to beat. Alternatively head on down to Caprice for some fun.
Any new friends?
The animated Mykonos shop keepers that converged each night at Opa Taverna and of course the “beautiful people” that make Mykonos beaches world famous.
Anything you are reading that was so great you just holed up in your room and read?
Oh if only …
What didn’t you do that you would do next time?
As it’s my fourth time there – nothing! The formula that Mykonos offers, as well as it being a small, easy to navigate island, makes it the perfect one week vacation to recharge your batteries.
And so where are you off to next?
The current list includes: Burma, the beaches of the Philippines, Utah, Ecuador, Costa Rica, the Ethiopian Highlands, Reunion, Croatia, Japan, and Syria.
Don’t leave home without what?
A camera and a spirit of adventure
Best vacation souvenir?
My mid nineteenth century Burmese Buddha, which I picked up in Thailand
Share your best memory, please!
Sitting in Bodh Gaya in India on Christmas Day, watching 3,000 Tibetan Monks chanting around the tree where Buddha attained his enlightenment.
Pristine beaches, friendly natives, delicious local cuisine, and beautiful weather make Bali and Thailand two of the happiest places on earth, according to author Paul Theroux. On his quest for happiness, Theroux picked both of these locales as the most joy-filled spots in the world. And we’d have to agree!
Bali is known for its enticing beaches, but Theroux urges travelers to find traditional crafts and ceremonies sure to pique cultural curiosity. At Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa, guests can find their own personal Nirvana by enjoying a handcrafted cocktail at the chic Sunset on Six rooftop bar and lounge while watching a burning sun set below the Indian Ocean, or by exploring the rolling hills and local jungle by elephant or Harley-Davidson. If you’re looking for a more holistic approach to finding your bliss, COMO Shambhala Estate is a sanctuary for health and wellness where guests’ individual needs are met with a custom-tailored program of nutrition, exercise, therapies, and activities.
You’ll be all smiles in “The Land of Smiles.” With nine properties in Thailand, Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas ensures that wherever you are in this beautiful country, you’ll have the chance to experience Thailand’s wonders for yourself. At Anantara Golden Triangle, the on-site elephant camp offers a rare chance to get up close and personal with these gentle giants while learning from experienced mahouts (elephant trainers) how to ride them. Explore the incredible coral reefs of the Similan Islands—some of the most renowned and best preserved in the world—on a dive excursion during your stay at Anantara Phuket. Or witness the excitement of Thailand’s bustling capital where the Metropolitan Bangkok offers guests both easy access to the hubbub of the city and a chic place to retreat.
Anantara’s artist-in-residence Christopher Hogan led local orphans in arts and crafts lessons this week at Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa in the Maldives. As part of the company’s ongoing collaboration with the local community, ten children created works that will be sold at the resort over the holidays. All profits will be donated to the Children’s House, the best kind of souvenir!
The votes are in! Nantucket Island Resorts has announced the results of its first video sweepstakes, ‘Flip Out on Nantucket.’ Visitors were invited to submit one-minute long video clips made during their summer 2010 stay on Nantucket for the chance to win a grand prize vacation valued at $15,000.
Of the many videos submitted during the May 26 – September 6 entry period, Ben and Carly Kinberg’s award-winning video entitled ‘Nan-Took-It’ was one of 10 finalist videos selected by Nantucket Island Resorts’ panel of judges. Voting on the top 10 videos was then opened to the public for a 15-day voting period in which over 2,000 votes were cast. After all votes were tallied, the Kinberg’s ‘Nan-Took-It’ video was determined the winner receiving nearly 500 votes!
The lucky Kinberg couple stayed at the White Elephant for their honeymoon in May 2010. During their stay, Kinberg captured a video of a seagull ‘stealing’ a muffin from his wife while relaxing on the hotel’s harborside lawn. When reminiscing on their Nantucket vacation later in the summer, the couple came across details of the video contest on the White Elephant website and quickly uploaded their video for consideration.
The couple plan to return to Nantucket in June 2011 to claim their grand prize, which consists of a five-night stay at a Nantucket Island Resorts property along with two dinners, two spa treatments, jeep rental, harbor cruise, and $1,000 gift card.
Other prize winners included Chris Gale of New York, NY, and Sean O’Neill of Wellesley, MA. Runner-up Gale was awarded a $500 gift card for his ‘Mr Bear’s Nantucket Visit’ video, and O’Neill received an honorable mention prize of a $250 gift card for his ‘Griswold’s NIR Experience’ video.
Nantucket Island Resorts is a collection of premier hotels on Nantucket including The Wauwinet, White Elephant, White Elephant Hotel Residences, Jared Coffin House, The Cottages & Lofts at the Boat Basin, and Nantucket Boat Basin.
Does this sticky hot summer weather have you looking forward to the fall? If so, might be time to start planning a fall vacation to Nantucket. The summer crowds have dispersed, the water is the warmest it’s been all summer, and restaurant reservations are much easier to come by. If that’s not enough, here are 10 Other Great Reasons to Visit Nantucket This Fall.
1. Value (more…)
The Academy Awards will be presented in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 7. But did you know the road to this year’s Oscars actually started at the Nantucket Film Festival?
Three Oscar nominated films, The Hurt Locker, The Messenger, and The Cove, all screened at the 2009 Nantucket Film Festival. Together, they have collectively garnered 12 Academy Award nominations.
Wait! There’s more! Nantucket Film Festival alumni of previous years are also nominated for Academy Awards.
Lee Daniels (Film Festival Alum 2007) is nominated for Best Director and Best Picture, Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire.
Jason Reitman (Film Festival Alum from 2000-2001) is nominated for Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay (co-written with Sheldon Turner), and Best Picture, Up in the Air.
Stanley Tucci (Film Festival Alum 2001) is nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role, The Lovely Bones.
Celeb spotting during last year’s Festival included Ben Stiller, Meg Ryan, Ben Foster, Harold Ramis (a.ka. Egon from Ghostbusters), Kathryn Bigelow, Cheryl Hines, Paul Giamatti, Fisher Stevens, Peter and Bobby Farrelly, Lily Taylor, NBC’s Brian Williams and Chris Matthews, husband-and wife-duo (and part-time Nantucket residents) Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, and director, John Hamburg.
This year, the 15th Annual Nantucket Film Festival will take place June 17-20, 2010, and will be filled with parties, screenings, discussion panels, awards, and more.
Stayed tuned to learn how one lucky couple can win a VIP Trip to the 2010 Film Festival and The Wauwinet!
For more information on the 2010 Nantucket Film Festival please visit http://nantucketfilmfestival.org/
Some say there are no guarantees in life. Fortunately, Nantucket Island Resorts and Crystal Cruises beg to differ!
Hot Rates, Cool Dates Guaranteed
Hot Dates, Cool Rates by Nantucket Island Resorts are back! For 2010, guests who book by April 1, 2010, get the lowest rate guaranteed at each property.
No April Fools here. If the rate goes lower at any time before a guest’s stay, Nantucket Island Resorts will honor the lower rate. In addition to the guaranteed rate, guests will also receive:
Rates start as low as $125 at Jared Coffin House, $175 at The Cottages & Lofts at the Boat Basin, $195 at White Elephant, $225 at The Wauwinet, and $500 at White Elephant Hotel Residences.
When making reservations online, book and then enter special request code GTDLOW, or call 800.ISLANDS (800. 475.2637) and mention special request code GTDLOW
Crystal Cruises’ Price Guarantee & Assurance
In addition to Crystal Cruises’ Price Guarantee, which protects guests who have already booked by giving them the best applicable fare if it drops, the Crystal Assurance Plan also includes reduced cancellation periods from 75 days to 45 days prior to sailing without penalty, and extended deposit requirements, from three to seven days before deposit is due.
Plus, to celebrate Crystal’s 20th Anniversary in 2010, guests will enjoy 2-For-1 Fares for all destinations, All Inclusive – As You Wish shipboard spending credits of up to $1,000 per guest, free round-trip air with most cruises, and business class air for Penthouse categories in Europe.
For information and reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit crystalcruises.com.
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/
Nantucket Island Resorts has just added three more pet-friendly cottages at The Cottages & Lofts at the Boat Basin, bringing the total of Woof Cottages to eleven. Pets are a welcome addition at the Nantucket waterfront hotel where, upon check-in, pets receive the VIP treatment with a welcome basket of pet treats and play toys, food and water bowls, personalized pet tags – even Doggie sunscreen (15 SPF).
Several years ago, the king of Morocco put forth Vision 2010 announcing the proposal to attract ten million tourists to Morocco by 2010. As a result, hotels have been steadily opening since 2001, and a handful more will open in the next two years. All of these, however, pale in comparison to the crowning development, Le Royal Mansour Marrakech.
One of the few privately-owned hotel properties in Marrakech, Le Royal Mansour recreates a historical medina, paying homage to the architecture and ambience of Marrakech at its height in the 16th century. Built into the historic wall of Marrakech, the property is designed with traditional Morocco in mind, complete with handcrafted wood and antique furniture, ornate tiles, and spectacular water displays and fountains. The project is unique to contemporary Marrakech with no expense spared in aesthetic or service; the finest teams in design, architecture, management, and cuisine were brought in, including the culinary expertise of three-timed Michelin-starred Yannick Alléno.
Le Royal Mansour Marrakech will have a soft opening on September 1 and will be fully open on November 1, 2009.