“Book” it to Nantucket

March 29th, 2013

Writers have long drawn inspiration from Nantucket’s peaceful setting, from classic authors like James Fenimore Cooper and Edgar Allen Poe to authors of today like Nathaniel Philbrick. Taking place this June 21-23, the second annual Nantucket Book Festival will connect readers and authors, bringing books to life and encouraging a love for reading and writing while celebrating Nantucket as a haven for the literary arts. Scheduled events include lively panel discussions, interactive readings for adults and children, and special experiences like the Authors in Bars evening that will give festival goers the chance to raise a glass and rub elbows with their favorite authors.

A roster of over 20 notable American writers, many of them Nantucket natives, are participating, including:

  • Nathaniel Philbrick: Philbrick is a New York Times bestselling author of seagoing books including In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex.
  • Paul Hendrickson: Having worked in journalism for over 30 years, Paul is the author of a number of distinguished books, including his most recent, Hemingway’s Boat: Everything He Loved in Life and Lost.
  • Louis Lowry: Author of more than 30 children’s books, Lowry is known for her popular classroom-read, The Giver.

Stay at Nantucket’s iconic hotel, the White Elephant, the official host hotel for the literary event. The hotel’s Brant Point Grill, will host the weekend’s closing brunch on Sunday, June 23, with author, Alice Hoffman, who has written over 20 novels including Here on Earth, an Oprah’s Book Club choice. Other events will feature breakfast receptions with famed authors, Ann Leary and Amy Brill, and a pig roast at the island’s popular Cisco Brewery.

For a complete weekend schedule of festivities, click here. Most of the events are complimentary and open to the public, however, some events do require tickets. Tickets will go on sale April 15 and can be purchased here.

Other participating Nantucket Island Resorts’ hotels include the White Elephant Village, the newest addition to the collection. The Cottages & Lofts at The Boat Basin are over-water accommodations that offer all the romance of boat life with all the comforts of home – no sea legs required. Jared Coffin House is a landmark inn right in the heart of town, just steps away from many Book Festival locations. For a reader’s retreat like no other, head to The Wauwinet; the inn’s two beaches and lush bayside garden are perfect venues for dipping into a good read.

To book reservations with Nantucket Island Resorts click here. Rates start at $275 per night.

 

lion tracks, snapshots, and kori bustards

March 13th, 2013

With more and more luxury travelers booking a safari as the choice, out-of-this-world experience, operators are upping their “game.”  andBeyond, the organization known for its pioneering eco-tourism, is now offering specialty, niche components to complement and personalize the traditional safari experience to match one’s interests. This includes private game drives focused on getting the perfect picture, learning how to track the Big Five in South Africa, or honing in on the kori bustards during a bird watching adventure in Tanzania. They have even created a yoga package. Add-ons start at $675 per day.

 

Animal Tracking

Gain the stealth and cunning of a lion and learn how to track wildlife with the help of a ranger and tracker team in a private, open 4×4 safari vehicle. Search for the elusive leopard, follow the warning cries of baboons to discover a pride of lions, look for clues, such as broken branches, to unearth a herd of elephants.

Rate: From R6,120 ($675), offered at Phinda, Ngala, and Kirkman’s Kamp

 

Bird Watching, African Style

Set out in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with a specialist birding ranger to enjoy the varied species found in the African bush. Most andBeyond lodges offer this opportunity to spot kori bustards, hornbills, secretary birds, and shining blue and red superb starlings – perfect for avid ornithologists.

Rate: From R6,120 ($675)

(more…)

Nantucket Wine Festival Returns

March 7th, 2013

The Nantucket Wine Festival, one of the nation’s most celebrated wine and food events, returns for its 17th year, May 15-19, 2013. The Festival’s offshore location offers wine enthusiasts an intimate and exclusive way to experience world class wines and food.  The schedule is filled with special events including celebrity chef cooking demonstrations, tastings, seminars, symposia, auctions, and a special charity gala.

The White Elephant, Nantucket’s landmark hotel, will host many of the wine festival events including The Grand Tastings (new for 2013) and Harbor Gala. The Grand Tastings will feature over 150 wineries from California, France, Spain, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, and beyond.  The Harbor Gala is the signature event with 40 stations of dishes prepared by some of the best chefs in the country – paired perfectly with wines from around the world.  See the full list of Wine Festival events here.

The White Elephant and sister properties White Elephant Village and The Wauwinet are offering weekend packages including overnight accommodations, event tickets, dinners at Brant Point Grill and TOPPER’S, as well as Bloody Mary-fueled brunches (the hair of the dog, they say!). Rates start at $500 per night, and a complete list of packages can be viewed here.

When oenophiles aren’t busy sniffing and tasting exceptional wines, they can enjoy all the outdoor activities that spring on Nantucket has to offer. The island has over 29 miles of bike paths and 83 miles of beaches! Complimentary bikes are available for guests of White Elephant Village, The Cottages & Lofts at the Boat Basin, and The Wauwinet; The Cottages also offers the complimentary Beach Bus to take guests to any beach – from Quidnet to Madaket.

To book online, please visit www.nantucketislandresorts.com or call 800.ISLANDS (800.475.2637) or 508.325.1000 and mention Nantucket Wine Festival.

 

date-ready lips

March 4th, 2013

There’s enough to fret about on a first date (and second, and third), so take kissable lips off the worry list with this three-step, foolproof, pre-date regimen. The expert tips from Guinot’s Director of Education, Elizabeth Murchison, will leave lips soft, smooth, and just begging to be kissed.

 

Step 1: Cleanse the lips with the eye makeup remover and exfoliate with Gommage Biologique.

 

Step 2: Apply a thin layer or Mask Hydra Beauté for five minutes. Remove with a damp cotton pad.

 

Step 3: Apply a thin layer of Guinot’s new Lip Balm five minutes before you apply your lipstick.

 

(*Step 4: Pucker up!)

(more…)

Now Open: Park Hyatt Busan

March 1st, 2013

Park Hyatt and Daniel Libeskind Offer Largest Rooms in South Korea, Floor-to-Ceiling Windows, Three-Floor Spa and Residential-Themed Restaurants

NEW YORK (March 1, 2013) – Designed by the Pritzker-prize winner Daniel Libeskind, Park Hyatt Busan opened its doors today. Located in the iconic l’Park development in Marine City and adjacent to Haeundae Beach, the hotel now offers the largest rooms and suites in Busan.

Libeskind has designed the hotel to express the dramatic beauty and power of the environment. The building features a curvilinear geometry and glass façade inspired by the wind filling the sails of a ship, the waves of the Haeundae Ocean, and the camellia – Busan’s symbol flower. The award-winning architect has designed various world-renowned projects, including the World Trade Center rebuilding in New York City.

The interiors have been designed by award-winner, Japan-based Super Potato. Each of the 269 rooms and suites feature natural elements of French oak flooring, granite stone bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows that allow for spectacular views of the ocean, Gwangan Bridge and Yacht Marina.

Reminiscent of a “home” setting, Park Hyatt Busan’s dining and entertainment offerings include the Dining Room, the Living Room and the residential-style Lounge – all located on the top three floors of the 33-storey hotel.  A patisserie, specializing in homemade French pastries and sweets, is located at the ground level.

The Lumi Spa & Fitness center spans three full floors, with a 65-foot, indoor, glass-enclosed swimming pool and whirlpool with full ocean views.  There are seven treatment rooms, men’s and women’s saunas, Korean scrub services, 24-hour gymnasium with private fitness studios and a golf simulation driving range.

About Park Hyatt

Park Hyatt provides discerning, affluent business and leisure guests with elegant and luxurious accommodations. Guests of Park Hyatt receive highly attentive personal service in an intimate environment. Located in several of the world’s premier destinations, each Park Hyatt is custom designed to combine sophistication with a distinctive regional character. Park Hyatt features well-appointed guestrooms, meeting and special event spaces for groups, critically acclaimed art, food and beverage programmes, and signature restaurants featuring award-winning chefs. There are currently 31 Park Hyatt hotels in the following locations: Abu Dhabi, Baku, Beaver Creek, Beijing, Buenos Aires, Busan, Canberra, Carlsbad, Chennai, Chicago, Dubai, Goa, Hamburg, Hyderabad, Istanbul, Jeddah, Maldives, Melbourne, Mendoza, Milan, Moscow, Ningbo, Paris, Saigon, Seoul, Shanghai, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto, Washington D.C., and Zurich.  parkhyatt.com.

 

Categories

Archives