our very own ‘top ten’ summer deals

March 31st, 2009

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.

  1. Call 800-913-6565, ext. 205 to become a Royal Oak Foundation member (it’s $55 and there are many benefits).
  2. On the same call, ask for the promotional code needed to receive the member discount at Historic House Hotels.
  3. 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 

and the winner is…

March 30th, 2009

Team Audemars Piguet defeated SOCO International in a riveting 8-6 victory to take first place at the annual weeklong King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament, held at Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa near Chiang Rai, Thailand. Drawing a crowd of international spectators and dignitaries, twelve teams from around the world competed for the cup and for the bragging rights of being named top “ponies.” This year’s tournament raised $53,453 (or 1.9 million Thai baht) through the gala auction to benefit the National Elephant Institute and the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre. Since its inception eight years ago, the tournament has raised over $200,000, which goes towards the medical care, sustenance, employment, and mahout training programs in support of Thailand’s elephant population.

Committed to the conservation of Thai Asian elephants, Anantara Golden Triangle serves as the northern chapter of the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre, running its own Elephant Conservation program and Elephant Camp. The Elephant Camp serves as an interactive way for guests to partake in the conservation movement, where they learn how to bathe, feed, and even “drive” the elephants.

For additional information on this year’s King’s Cup tournament, including player biographies and final scores, visit: www.anantaraelephantpolo.com.

why should you go to mexico in april? here’s one good reason.

March 27th, 2009

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.   

Here’s the 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).

Last we checked, New York still isn’t 80 degrees and sunny.  Even if you live in Florida, does you have your own private plunge pool and butler? Thought not.

The fine print: must be paid in full at the time of booking, and non-refundable.  In other words:  just go.  Book online or call 888-ROSEWOOD.

om shanti om

March 27th, 2009

Every once in awhile we need to break away from the rat race to find peace and balance in life. And what better way to rediscover your chi than stretched out in downward facing dog along Changlang Beach on the Andaman coast of Thailand at the new Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa. The resort is extending its signature “Wellness 360″ program to include two week-long retreats October 5-12 and 12-19, 2009. Each retreat features instruction and consultations with leading experts in the fields of Pilates, yoga, and Ayurveda. Work with specialists to cultivate healthier choices to encourage the balance of mind, body, and spirit, which can be incorporated into a daily routine and practiced beyond the resort if you ever find the courage to return home!

Included in the Wellness 360 Retreats package:

  • an Ayurvedic consultation with practitioner Kavitha Hulmani and resident naturopath Dr. Gopal
  • a “wellness cuisine” cooking class with the resort’s resident chef, Kelly Brennan
  • one Anantara massage
  • one additional spa treatment of choice
  • five days of yoga
  • all meals

Rates begin at $3,592 per person, which includes: seven night’s accommodations; round-trip airport transfers; all meals; daily classes, and selected therapies and consultations. For additional information, please visit http://sikao.anantara.com.

printemps peepers

March 26th, 2009

Frugal fashionistas are flocking to London to take advantage of the amazing deals at Metropolitan and Halkin hotels. If you too are planning to travel across the pond, AMPR’s Beauty Marshall suggests trying an affordable trend from spring and summer runway beauty: play up eyes with thick black lines, 80s influence, smoke, and bold colors. And to remove the crop of shadows, liners, and mascara that are stronger than Michelle’s arms, try ESPA’s Deep Cleansing Eye Gel. This chamomile and lavender-rich gentle eye makeup remover that is perfect for taking off all paints and powders, even waterproof formulas and lipstick. Fear not liquid-savvy travelers – the tiny tube is less than an ounce, leaving plenty of room other beauty necessities.Shop for Deep Cleansing Eye Gel ($36.00) and other ESPA products at www.espaonline.com or at ESPA spas worldwide including: The Peninsula Spa by ESPA, New York; The Peninsula Spa by ESPA, Chicago; and ESPA at Acqualina in Miami.

drink to your health at Park Hyatts

March 25th, 2009

Park Hyatt has teamed up with renowned Brazilian nutritionist, Patricia Teixeira, to combat the lack of quick healthy options with the launch of its specialty nutritional smoothies and juices.  With a background in Physiology and Sports Biochemistry, Teixeira has counseled and prescribed personalized diets for well-know international sports figures.

For Park Hyatt, she tailored the ingredients to target specific problems plaguing the weary business traveler, from a suffering immune system to jet lag. There is a choice of two smoothies and three juices on the menu, which includes a description of ingredients and health benefits, as well as recommendations on the best time to drink each selection. Good Energy Juice, for example, contains carrots and red apples to balance blood sugar levels, spinach to detoxify hormones and beetroot to support digestion. These nutrients and the high fiber content help power through the endless morning meetings. Anti Jet Lag Juice guarantees the first step to a productive day – a good night’s sleep. This drink combines kale’s phytonutrients with pumpkin seeds to trigger tryptophan, the body’s sleep hormone, as well as carrots and apples to balance sugar levels. 

nantucket sample sale

March 24th, 2009

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

espa endorses facials

March 24th, 2009

In a recent New York Times article, aestheticians and dermatologists crossed swords over whether or not facials are a necessary step in caring for skin. We have an exclusive verdict from spa skincare authority ESPA, and as you might guess, the luxury spa gurus are in favor of a facial performed by a properly trained therapist. However, they also tout recreating the spa experience at home with natural products that nourish and strengthen skin, not break it down with synthetic chemicals. ESPA’s reasoning addresses the necessity for setting aside time to restore the mind, body, and spirit, leading to overall wellbeing and radiant a complexion. ESPA’s philosophy reveals that modern lifestyles are demanding more than just traditional skincare and there is a powerful and deep need to stop, consider, and rediscover our natural balance. (more…)

go-to gadget guru

March 24th, 2009

Taking your new digital toy on holiday may seem a little daunting, especially if you aren’t quite sure how all the bells and whistles work. But Crystal Cruises is making it a breeze for guests to explore the advanced features on their MacBook Pros and BlackBerry BoldsTM while sailing the high seas with the addition of the line’s very own version of the Geek Squad. (more…)

lite london

March 23rd, 2009

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…)

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