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Tags:Grand Adirondack Hotel, historic hotels, I Love NY, Lake Placid, Marriott Bonvoy, Tribute Portfolio Hotel
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Sun, Shore and Spirit Salons: Driveable New England Summer Getaways

July 11, 2021

*The Shore House, Narragansett, RI, a historic, boutique inn situated directly on the beach.*

Travelers seeking a fun, summer getaway need look no further than these New England destinations, from a revamped historic hotel overlooking the sparkling ocean in Narragansett and a newly opened family-friendly destination resort on Block Island, to spiritual wellness workshops at a boutique Nantucket hotel and an activity-packed destination resort in a quaint New Hampshire lake town.

Champlin’s Marina & Resort – Block Island, RI isa newly renovated 9- acre property that aims to be a fresh destination for all — families, couples and even solo travelers. The property features one of New England’s largest marinas with 120 fixed slips, a destination restaurant, 46 guest rooms and special event venue overlooking the Great Salt Pond. Guests will enjoy al fresco dining at Galley House for the freshest seafood around, a Café Boutique with grab n’ go pastries, pizza, and more, as well as a new onsite ice cream parlor. Interior Designer Giovanna Lucy of New England-based Giovanna Lucy Design, and David Ashen, founder of Dash Design, envisioned the new resort to be reflective of Block Island.

The Shore House – Narragansett, RI, a historic, boutique inn situated directly on the beach debuted last month following a complete renovation of its 31-rooms and a beautiful new lobby. Enhancing the overnight experience, the Shore House opened a new, sophisticated beachside restaurant, Sea Craft, overlooking the sparkling blue sea. Menu highlights include an elevated take on a lobster roll, locally caught day-boat fish and creative ceviche and crudo plates, as well as a crafted approach to traditional beach cocktails. Sea Craft’s outdoor patio will see the addition of an outdoor bar, fire pits and beautiful new landscaping. The patio will also be elevated so that visitors can enjoy even better views of the ocean.

Nantucket Resort Collection – Nantucket, MA: Regatta Inn, part of Nantucket Resort Collection — an iconic collection of three luxury boutique hotels on Nantucket — just unveiled six newly renovated guest rooms this season, featuring modern, beach inspired decor from the vision of interior designer Giovanna Lucy of New England-based Giovanna Lucy Design. Nantucket Resort Collection will also be hosting exciting onsite activations this summer including: a pop-up with Chelsea’s own Bottino NYC on July 17 with elevated Italian dishes from Michelin Star Executive Chef and Partner, Jamie Kenyon, a set of intimate Spirit Salons on July 11 with Intuitive Psychic Medium, Gurdeep Bhogal, and a pop-up shop with Tuscan designer UASHMAMA  featuring gorgeous, eco-sustainable lifestyle products from June 29-July 3.

Mill Falls at the Lake – Meredith, NH is a timeless, all-season resort located on Lake Winnipesaukee in Meredith, New Hampshire. The resort is comprised of four unique hotels & inns and varied dining venues that offer something for everybody. With its lakeside location, Mill Falls is the perfect summer destination for families, offering antique speed boat rides, pontoon boat charters, paddle boarding, kayaking, visits to local wineries, hiking and more. The Mill Falls Marketplace is open year-round and features boutique shops including Lee’s Candy Kitchen, the Innisfree Bookshop, Voila Salon, and the Great Northern Trading Company.

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Tags:driveable getaways, family vacation, Getaways, New England hotels, New England travel, summer getaway, summer vacation
Posted in beach holiday, beach resorts, Getaways, hotels, hotels and resorts, New England travel, summer family travel, summer travel | Leave a Comment »

Club Med Launches Flash Sale For Up To 55 Percent Off All-Inclusive, Warm-Weather Escapes Through Summer 2021

January 15, 2021

*Learning to scuba dive at the all-inclusive Club Med Sandpiper Resort in Florida. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com.*

Club Med, a pioneer of the all-inclusive resort concept, is kicking off the new year with new opportunities to save on all-inclusive getaways at its spacious resorts in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Florida – from last-minute winter escapes to planning ahead for spring and summer travel.

The January Flash Sale, open for bookings now through January 19, 2021 with travel dates through August 27, 2021, offers guests up to 55 percent off stays, free room upgrades and additional perks, unlimited land and water activities, extensive culinary options and premium oceanfront accommodations.

Offering more room for guests to roam freely and comfortably, Club Med’s open-air, low density resorts are integrated in and respectful of the surrounding nature and feature low-rise buildings spread across 50 acres. Each resort is currently operating at a limited capacity in order to enable social distancing and exclusivity. In addition to creating a sense of privacy and freedom, Club Med’s enhanced safety and hygiene protocols allow travelers to feel confident and protected when booking their upcoming getaway.

For full details on the Flash Sale, visit www.clubmed.us/flashsale.

January Flash Sale

Booking window: Today through January 19, 2021
Travel window: Select dates from January 12, 2021 (check-in) through August 27, 2021 (check out by August 28, 2021; Blackout dates apply including President’s week & Easter/Passover weeks)
Up to 55% off* plus perks:
- Free room upgrade
- Up to $400 air credit
- Kids under 4 stay free
- No single supplement
- Flexibility and protection with free cancellation and more (see Terms & Conditions below)

Participating Club Med Resorts

Club Med Sandpiper Bay, Florida: Now Open. Recently named one of the top ten family resorts in the U.S. by USA TODAY 10Best‘s 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards, the resort – located in between Miami and Orlando – offers an all-inclusive getaway sans passport with a variety of land and water sports fit for the entire family, like kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, pickle ball and the flying trapeze. While the kids have their own adventure, adults can relax by the adult-exclusive pool, on the beach that is situated alongside the St. Lucie River, or at the Club Med Spa, while kids enjoy time at the children’s clubs with unlimited land and water activities.
Club Med Cancún, Mexico: Now Open. Located at the tip of the iconic Riviera Maya surrounded by white sandy beaches and the world’s second largest coral reef, the family-friendly resort is perfect for those looking to create life-long memories. The resort’s recently expanded Aguamarina family oasis area features 120 oceanfront family rooms, exhilarating water games at the dedicated family pool, and outdoor activities as part of the new Club Med Amazing Family programming. For added R&R, rediscover wellness through one of our personalized beauty or relaxation treatments at the L’OCCITANE Spa.
Club Med Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: Now Open. On a 2,000-foot stretch of beach, Club Med Punta Cana welcomes all travelers to enjoy reconnection and relaxation through: a newly renovated Tiara Exclusive Collection space featuring 32 oceanside family suites, a dedicated infinity pool and bar, and morning room service; the new Club Med Amazing Family program, a fun-filled agenda of weekly activities for families to bond and create memories; Club Med CREACTIVE by Cirque du Soleil, an interactive playground with more than 25 acrobatic and artistic activities for guests of all ages; and treatments at L’OCCITANE Spa and men’s barber shop. Adults can stay or access the resorts’ Zen Oasis, an adult-exclusive area featuring an oversized lagoon pool, spacious Jacuzzi and private cabanas.
Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda, Dominican Republic: Now Open. Located in the unspoiled beaches of Miches on the Dominican Republic’s northeast coast, the Exclusive Collection (5 star) eco-chic resort is the first in the region and features four boutique villages specializing in wellness, adventure, kid-friendly and adults-exclusive experiences catering to travelers seeking a boutique, hotel-within-a-hotel experience. Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda was recently selected as winner of the ‘Best Hotel Over 200 Rooms Americas/Caribbean’ category in the 2020 International Hotel and Property Awards.
Club Med Turkoise, Turks and Caicos: Now Open. Nestled into Grace Bay Beach, consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the world by TripAdvisor, the adults-exclusive resort is an all-inclusive paradise offering freshly renovated accommodations including deluxe ocean-front guestrooms with balconies, infinity edge pool, a wellness center and a wine cellar, as well as unlimited activities including sailing, kayaking, and flying trapeze.

Additional participating resorts include Club Med Caravelle, Guadeloupe, French Caribbean and Club Med Buccaneer’s Creek, Martinique, French Caribbean.

To ensure added flexibility and peace of mind for travelers, Club Med also offers:

**Free Cancellation Policy: Cancel for free up to 15 days prior to departure for bookings made before February 28, 2021 and for travels on or prior to September 3rd, 2021. For complete cancellation policy details, see here.
Emergency Assistance Program: All guests traveling before April 30, 2021 will receive coverage for emergency medical expenses during their stay, including those related to COVID-19.
Safe Together safety and hygiene protocols: Implemented in all of the brand’s resorts as they reopen, including those in Florida, Mexico, and the Caribbean, these newly enhanced hygiene and safety measures were developed through recommendations from the World Health Organization, local health authorities, and the advice of an International Scientific Committee comprised of a specialized team of doctors and professors.

Full details on the above policies can be found here.

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Tags:Club Med, Club Med discounts, Club Med flash sale, Club Med resorts, hotel deals, hotels and resorts, resort deals
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White Elephant Palm Beach Hotel Opening Nov. 4, 2020

October 16, 2020

The 32-room White Elephant Palm Beach, which is opening November 4, 2020 and is the sister property to the famed White Elephant resort in Nantucket,  is housed in the former Bradley Park Hotel – originally constructed in 1924 as one of the first resorts on Palm Beach’s Main Street.

From one vacation destination to another, Nantucket’s White Elephant resort will welcome a sister property in Palm Beach on November 4, 2020. The 32-room White Elephant Palm Beach is housed in the former Bradley Park Hotel – originally constructed in 1924 as one of the first resorts on Palm Beach’s Main Street. During its century-long history, it was initially owned by Colonel Edward R. Bradley, who ran a private and celebrated Beach Club casino on land that is today Bradley Park. For more than 20 years, the hotel served as a magnet for business tycoons and high rollers who frequented the salon. Over the decades that followed, the hotel remained a mainstay for seasonal visitors. In 1980, in part to its architectural significance, the hotel was listed with the Landmark Preservation Commission. 

The footprint of the structure and the facade remains, while the interiors have been stripped to the bones and rebuilt by Boston-based Elkus Manfredi Architects. The nationally recognized firm, known for their projects with The Peninsula Chicago and Four Seasons Residences, Boston, worked closely with the Town of Palm Beach to create a new hotel that showcases the history of the existing building while incorporating a contemporary interpretation of Mediterranean-revival architecture. White Elephant Palm Beach will maintain the welcoming feel of a private residence with 13 rooms and 19 suites spread across four stories. 

The hotel stands one street north of Royal Poinciana Way, Palm Beach’s original Main Street, less than two blocks from the Atlantic Ocean and one block from the Intracoastal Waterway. White Elephant Palm Beach is adjacent to Bradley Park, which will serve as a grand lawn to the hotel, and is less than a half mile from the newly redeveloped Royal Poinciana Plaza shopping complex.  

The layout of the property takes advantage of the South Florida sunshine and features a U-shaped outdoor courtyard that is the social heart of the hotel – a place to relax and recharge, whether lounging on the patio or around the pool. The landscaping features mature, local flora whose lush colors and tropical fragrances envelop guests.  Previews of what’s to come started earlier this year, when White Elephant Palm Beach’s signature restaurant Lola 41– a Nantucket staple – began serving its globally-inspired dishes and local seafood specialties. 

The design captures the spirit of a grand home while maintaining the ambiance of a landmarked boutique hotel. Breaking from the bright pinks and greens that dominate the Palm Beach aesthetic, the White Elephant Palm Beach features a neutral color palette with sleek metal accents and vibrant pops of color. The hardwood floors, Carrara marble, elegant tiles and woven rugs are all interpreted with contemporary style.  Outside, the Mizner-style facade is painted a light, creamy-white color with classic black-and-white striped awnings, terracotta roof tiles, and black trim to bring a fresh, sophisticated look to the classic structure. Guests will be welcomed onto the property by a seven-foot white elephant statue by Santa Fe-based artist Fredrick Prescott. (A “sister” elephant statue, Trunket, is on the grounds of White Elephant in Nantucket.)

The statue is just one of 120 original pieces of colorful modern and pop art personally curated by the owners and Elkus Manfredi. The museum-worthy collection will be on display throughout the rooms and common spaces. Featured artists include Robert Rauschenberg, whose early creations in the 1950s anticipated the pop art movement, and Jennifer Bartlett, known for her small, square steel plates that are combined in grid formations to create large-scale works. Several pieces by painter Kenzo Okada, the first Japanese-American artist to receive international acclaim using abstract expressionist style, will be on display, as will works by Donald Baechler, part of the East Village, New York 1980s art movement. A 54-inch round acrylic work by Orit Fuchs was specifically created for the hotel and is a focal point of the lobby; while six prints by Yinka Shonibare, who will unveil a new public sculpture installation in West Palm Beach in 2021, will be found on the second-floor corridor. Doodle Boy, a 10-year-old British artist, was also commissioned to create 30 exclusive pieces for the powder rooms. Using clean black lines hand drawn with a thick marker, he incorporated a hidden signature elephant in each of his drawings. 

Guestrooms and suites range from 510- to 3,000-square feet featuring custom-designed furniture. King-size beds will be outfitted with Pratesi by Rivolta linens with upholstered backboards accented in a colorful palm and flower print. The same fabric will be found on the back of the desk chairs and on the throw pillow piping. Other noteworthy pieces include console tables by Selamat Designs in collaboration with the heritage brand, Morris & Co, which are wrapped inside and out with authentic William Morris “Strawberry Thief” covering. The pattern was originally created in 1883. Each of the suites will be furnished with plush grey and cream armchairs and couches. The custom-designed wooden arches that frame the entrance to some of the rooms are a defining architectural element of the hotel. Other decorative accents such as bronze elephant door knockers, bold patterned throw pillows, rattan ceiling light fixtures, and black and white striped side tables are sprinkled throughout. The bathrooms feature marble tiles, double sinks crafted from stone, a dry vanity and glass-enclosed walk in showers with L’Occitane bath amenities.

The two penthouse suites are ideal for those who want to entertain, with large living rooms, fully equipped kitchens, and terraces ranging between 800- to 1,200-square-feet. With views of Bradley Park, the Park Suite is a three-bedroom that can be expanded into four, and the ocean-facing Palm Suite is a two-bedroom that can be expanded into three. 

Among other amenities, guests will have complimentary use of BMW courtesy vehicles, Priority Bicycles and Radio Flyer Wagons as well as exclusive access to Barton & Gray yachts for excursions. A shuttle will be offered to transport guests between the beach and property, and complimentary sweet treats from the White Elephant ice cream cart will be available poolside daily. 

“Our main mission is to combine our vision of hospitality with the ethos and style of casually elegant Palm Beach,” comments Douglass Karp, President of New England Development. He notes, “We are pleased to combine our promise of service excellence with the exciting tradition of hospitality in this legendary resort destination. We feel right at home in Palm Beach.”

New England Development   (NED) is one of the nation’s premier real estate development and management companies, led by Chairman Stephen R. Karp, Vice Chairman Steven S. Fischman and President Douglass E. Karp. As part of NED’s national portfolio that includes retail, mixed-use and hospitality assets, plus marinas and golf courses, the company operates luxury hotels on Nantucket, MA, including White Elephant and The Wauwinet. Both are recipients of Conde Nast Travelers’ Readers’ Choice Award. In 2019, TOPPER’s was also named AAA’s only “Five Diamond” restaurant on Nantucket and has been a recipient of Wine Spectator’s “Grand Award” for 24 consecutive years. In addition, NED was a major part of the team that developed the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel adjacent to the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.

New England Development also developed and manages the 440,000 SF Palm Beach Outlets in West Palm Beach and the adjacent 300,000 SF Marketplace at the Outlets, located directly off Interstate 95 on Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard in West Palm Beach, FL. 

Reservations are being taken now; rates start at $650 for a guest room and $995 for a suite. (280 Sunset Avenue, Palm Beach, FL )

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Tags:New England Development, new hotels, Palm Beach hotels, White Elephant Palm Beach Hotel
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Enjoy Holiday Traditions at The Willard, Historic Hotel That Has Hosted Presidents, Dignitaries for 200 Years

November 1, 2019

There’s something about the holiday season at the Willard InterContinental, a legendary hotel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, located in the heart of the nation’s capital that has welcomed U.S. presidents, foreign dignitaries and celebrities, as well as has been the site of many historic moments in U.S. history for 200 years.

Washington, D.C.– There’s something about the holiday season at the Willard InterContinental. The elegant garland-wrapped columns outside lure visitors to take in the stately lobby décor, snap a photo by the tree dripping in glittering ornaments and wind through the lobby to find this year’s “how did they do that?” gingerbread display. Year after year the music, aromas, events and traditions offered at The Willard suspend the stress of the season to allow for enjoyment of the simple pleasures that only the holidays can bring, all within the formal yet welcoming backdrop of the beloved property.

The Willard’s collection of holiday offerings fills the hotel, calling visitors from around the world and locals from around the region to pop in and linger longer than they anticipated. Here is an at-a-glance rundown of the seasonal events:

Nightly Caroling Program

Step into the lobby of the Willard InterContinental between December 1 and 23, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., to enjoy complimentary caroling performances. A time-honored tradition for over 18 years, The Willard’s holiday caroling program features a wide range of highly accomplished vocal and choral ensembles, and is regarded as one of the most comprehensive of its kind in Washington, D.C. Sip a seasonally inspired cocktail from the lobby’s pop-up bar while listening to a medley of classic holiday carols from groups including The Gay Men’s Chorus, Washington Saengerbund, Arlington Children’s Chorus, Georgetown Visitation and Vox Pulchra, just to name a few.

2019 Gingerbread Display

The unveiling of the hotel’s annual gingerbread display, a cornerstone of the Willard InterContinental’s holiday décor, is one of the most highly anticipated events each holiday season. Every year, The Willard’s pastry department works to create a gingerbread display that pays tribute to an iconic landmark around the nation’s capital. This year, The Willard is thrilled to announce that their 2019 official gingerbread display will be of the Jefferson Memorial, including The Tidal Basin and D.C.’s iconic cherry blossom trees.

Standing at 8.5 feet by 5 feet, The Willard’s gingerbread display will feature a southeast view of the famed Jefferson Memorial, and include the famed bronze statue of Jefferson by Rudulph Evans and all four quotations from Jefferson’s writings that are carved into the walls of the actual memorial. The display will also include an audio feed of Thomas Jefferson’s Inaugural Address, as well as a real water simulate the Tidal Basin complete with live fish. Intricate chocolate techniques, along with the use of fondant, will bring the famed cherry blossom trees surrounding the memorial to life. Spearheaded by Executive Pastry Chef Jason Jimenez, Pastry Cook Magenta Livengood, and Engineer David Sanabria, the display’s creation is currently underway and is expected to take over 600 hours to complete. The displays anticipated reveal is slated for November 20th.

The Gift of Giving Back Campaign

This memorial was chosen to be the featured landmark in this year’s gingerbread display as it speaks to The Willard’s newly formed partnership with the Trust for Historic Preservation and the Trust for the National Mall and the fundraising campaign the hotel will launch this holiday season in an effort to bring awareness and necessary funds for the ongoing efforts needed to preserve the Jefferson Memorial, the Tidal Basin and the surrounding historic grounds, recently named as one of America’s most endangered historic places. Official announcement to follow shortly.

Holiday Afternoon Tea in Peacock Alley

Beloved by visitors and locals alike, Afternoon Tea remains one of the Willard InterContinental’s most cherished holiday traditions. Seated in the gilded hall of Peacock Alley, lined with Christmas trees, adorned with whimsical holiday décor, and featuring the elegant sounds of a live harpist, the Willard’s signature holiday afternoon tea experience offers an exquisite menu of sandwiches, scones and pastries with a seasonal twist. Inspired by Tchaikovsky’s iconic Nutcracker Ballet, Executive Pastry Chef Jason Jimenez has created an assortment of decadent desserts that speak to scenes of the classic Christmas story including sugar plum scones, inspired by the Dance of the Sugar Plum, and Pryanki, a traditional Russian gingerbread cookie inspired by the famed Russian Dance. An indulgent affair, named among “the top ten places to do Afternoon Tea like a royal” by the Travel Channel, The Willard remains one of the most premiere venues for Afternoon Tea in Washington, D.C., and is a must do event this holiday season. Afternoon Tea is offered daily in December (excluding December 24, 25 and 31) with seatings from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. The cost is $75 per adult, or $85 with a glass of champagne, $45 per child (5-12 years of age). Guests younger than five years of age dine complimentarily.

History Happy Hour – The Sweet World of the White House

Back by popular demand, Roland Mesnier, former Executive Pastry Chef at The White House, returns to the Willard InterContinental this December to join The Willard’s veteran bartender Jim Hewes for the holiday edition of History Happy Hour. Providing an insider’s perspective on White House holiday traditions, Chef Mesnier will share memorable moments and entertaining stories from his 26-year tenure serving five American presidents from 1979 to 2004. As no History Happy Hour would be complete without a cocktail lesson or two, Jim will provide attendees with hands-on instruction on how to craft two holiday cocktails inspired by a few of Chef Mesnier’s famous desserts, as noted in his new book, Creating the Sweet World of White House Desserts: A Pastry Chef’s Secrets. Hosted in partnership with the White House Historical Association, this event will take place on December 19 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $56 per adult (21 years+) and can be purchased on the hotel’s website, under the events calendar. Cost includes three cocktails and light appetizers. Due to the overwhelming popularity of this event last year, this event is expected to sell-out quickly.

Holiday Cookie Decorating Class

Calling all junior bakers! Step into the sweet world of the Willard InterContinental’s pastry department this holiday season for a hands-on class on all things cookies! Led by Executive Pastry Chef Jason Jimenez and his talented team of pastry chefs, bakers will learn the art of cookie decorating using a variety of techniques and decorating tools. Ideal for children ages 4-12, this two-hour interactive experience will take place on December 14 at 11 a.m. Tickets can be purchased on the Willard InterContinental’s website, under the events calendar. $45 per child.

Chocolate Making Class with SPAGnVOLA

Join the Willard InterContinental and SPAGnVOLA recognized by National Geographic as one of the world’s best chocolate shops, for a two-hour hands-on chocolate truffle making class. Guided by Head Chocolatier Crisoire Reid from SPAGnVOLA, participants will learn the artisan technique of tempering chocolate, the process to making chocolate ganache, as well as the steps to using the ganache to handcraft your own delicious seasonally inspired chocolate truffles to take home. Attendees will also have the opportunity to taste a variety of SPAGnVOLA’s signature bon-bon’s and truffles, as well as their incredibly popular hot chocolate, all while hearing from Eric Reid, co-owner of SPAGnVOLA, on his experience as a cacao grower in the Dominican Republic. Offered on December 14 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., tickets can be purchased on the Willard InterContinental’s website, under the events calendar. $65 per ticket or $100 for two tickets.

Christmas Day Brunch

For Washingtonians and visitors alike, Christmas at The Willard is a feast for the senses. Stepping into the lobby your eyes are drawn not only to the majestic 20-foot Christmas tree but to the whimsical décor throughout. Your nose is drawn to the blend of sweet and savory scents emanating from the extravagant brunch buffet set throughout the gilded hall of Peacock Alley, lined with Christmas trees, while your ears are drawn to the sounds of the season gently playing in the background. Set in the picturesque and ornately decorated Willard & Crystal Ballrooms, Christmas Day Brunch features a festive menu of items, including a variety of action stations offering a range of cuisine from pancakes and waffles, to seafood and wild game, to risotto made in a parmesan wheel, to a carving station with traditional Christmas meats including Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb, Baked Ham and Slow Roasted Prime Rib. An elaborate dessert display, including an action station for cherries jubilee flambe with vanilla ice cream, will also be offered. For the youngest of diners, a buffet offering a selection of tot-approved dishes, such as mac & cheese, pizza, and chicken fingers, will also be available.

Christmas Brunch at the Willard InterContinental is a longstanding tradition among generations of families. As no Christmas would be complete without a visit from Santa Claus himself, families are able to meet and greet the man himself throughout the duration of brunch. Four seatings for Christmas Day brunch will be offered between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The cost is $125 per adult, which includes bottomless mimosas, bellinis and bloody mary’s, and $55 per child (ages 5-12 years old). Guests younger than five years of age dine complimentarily.

Holiday Package

There is really no other place quite like the nation’s capital during the holiday months. Whether wanting to escape for a long weekend away or for a midweek break, guests can keep cozy with the Winter Wonderland Package and receive upgraded room accommodations to an Executive Suite, complimentary breakfast for two at Café du Parc and valet parking for one vehicle. This wintry retreat will be available for stays between November 21 and March 20, 2020 with rates beginning at $359. Reservations must be booked 72 hours in advance of arrival and upgrades are based upon availability.

A legendary hotel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C., is a world-class destination known for its rich history, luxurious accommodations, premier meeting spaces and inventive cuisine. Often referred to as the “Residence of Presidents,” this iconic property located in the heart of the nation’s capital has welcomed U.S. presidents, foreign dignitaries and celebrities, as well as has been the site of many historic moments in U.S. history for 200 years. Recently named among the top two hotels in Washington, D.C. by Travel + Leisure, The Willard offers 335 spacious and elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites that exude a unique blend of contemporary luxury and historic charm.

For more information, visit www.washington.intercontinental.com or call 202-628-9100.

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Tags:Christmas in the Capital, historic hotels, Historic Hotels of America, holiday travel, Holidays at the Willard, Holidays in DC, Willard InterContinental Hotel
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The Equinox to Open First Hotel in NYC’s Hudson Yards With Exclusive Offers for Virtuoso Travelers

June 29, 2019

NYC-TheShed_20190410_124347e2 (c) Karen Rubin

The Shed, the newest cultural/performance venue in New York City, is one of the attractions in the city’s newest neighborhood, the Hudson Yards, where the Equinox is opening its first hotel. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

NEW YORK, NY– Equinox Hotel, New York City, the first property by the celebrated fitness brand debuts July 15, 2019. Based on the same philosophy as its clubs, Equinox Hotels will inspire people pursuing their maximum potential. With only weeks until its opening, Equinox Hotel, New York City is giving guests a multitude of enticements to reserve their stay through a Virtuoso® travel advisor, including complimentary advantages available only through Virtuoso’s Preview Program:

Upgrade at time of booking, if available
Early check-in and late checkout, if available
Continental breakfast daily for two
US$100 hotel credit, once per stay
Wi-Fi
Airport transfer for Suite reservations of two nights or longer
Private helicopter airport transfer for Equinox Suite reservations of two nights or longer

Virtuoso guests also receive one of these exclusive extras available from June 15 – December 31, 2019:

Additional US$100 spa credit, per stay
Complimentary personal training session
Two complimentary SoulCycle classes with swag

Equinox Hotel, New York City will open in the luxurious new Hudson Yards neighborhood on Manhattan’s West Side, where guests will also find The Shed, the city’s newest cultural and performance venue, the Highline, an elevated urban park which has become one of the most popular attractions in New York State, and the intriguing Nest.

Over 25 years, Equinox has developed a brand representing service, quality, expertise, leadership and results. Equinox Hotels, where the science of fitness meets the art of travel, will continue this commitment to excellence.

“Equinox Hotel, New York City is reinventing luxury lifestyle travel for people who play as hard as they train and work,” says Albert Herrera, Virtuoso’s senior vice president of Global Product Partnerships. “The distinction in its holistic approach to everything from sleep to dining to spa treatments is evident in the innovative details. Hudson Yards will add to this this next-level lifestyle movement, offering world-class shopping and dining in thoroughly upscale surroundings.”

The 212 rooms, including 48 suites, will be the ultimate slumber chambers featuring soundproofing and blackout blinds. Beds use natural-fiber mattresses that adapt to any form and employ a Scandinavian technique of two duvets for temperature regulation. An Equinox Sleep Coach will be available to optimize a restful night.

Guests, who automatically become Equinox Fitness Club members during their stay, will have 24-hour access to the largest-ever 60,000-square-foot flagship Equinox Fitness Club. Group fitness classes, private Pilates, personal training, 25-yard indoor salt-water pool, hot and cold plunge pools, outdoor pool and terrace as well as a next-generation SoulCycle studio will also be offered. Equinox’s digital experience connects the club and hotel, streamlining needs from check-in to room service to booking sessions and amenities.

Crafted by experts and backed by Equinox’s Health Advisory Board, the Spa will emphasize recovery-based treatments, science-grounded technology, regeneration and relaxation. It will offer inter-modal experiences including cryotherapy, infrared sauna, quantum harmonics, massage, bodywork and skin therapies.

The hotel will feature Stephen Starr’s new signature restaurant and bar, Electric Lemon, boasting an 8,000 square-foot terrace providing views over Manhattan and the Hudson River from the 24^th floor. Menus balancing flavor and fuel will be offered in the restaurant, guestrooms, and social spaces. Other in-room dining options will include high-performance breakfasts, nourishing dinners, nutritious performance kits, sleep-promoting items and next-level mini-bar snacks. Guests will even have access to in-room IV vitamin drips for energy or hydration.

Equinox Hotel, New York City is the latest property to premiere with a boost from the renowned Virtuoso Preview program, which provides advantages exclusively through the network’s 20,000 travel advisors. Preview is part of Virtuoso’s industry-leading Hotels & Resorts Program, with over 1,300 properties in more than 100 countries.

These complimentary benefits at Equinox Hotel, New York City are offered only through booking with a Virtuoso travel advisor or at www.virtuoso.com, where guests will be paired with an advisor to facilitate the reservation and other trip elements. To find Virtuoso’s roster of advisors, visit https://www.virtuoso.com/advisors#.

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Tags:Equinox Hotel, Equinox Hotel New York City, Equinox Hotels, hotel deals, hotels, Hudson Yards NYC, New York City hotels, Virtuoso travel
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Luxury ADLER Lodge Ritten to Open in Italy’s South Tyrol

February 22, 2019

Set on a perfect perch overlooking some of the Dolomites’ most majestic mountain peaks, ADLER Lodge Ritten will be an ideal holiday for those looking for laid-back luxury.

Lichtenstern, Italy – On a sunny plateau known as Renon, a popular weekend getaway for city dwellers, a new hideaway from the ADLER Hotel Group is taking shape: ADLER Lodge Ritten. Some destinations simply cast a spell, touching your spirit and staying in your heart, and ADLER Ritten promises to do just that.

The intimate lodge will be a sister to celebrated hotels like ADLER Spa Resort Thermae in Tuscany and Dolomite properties ADLER Lodge Alpe, ADLER Spa Resort Dolomiti and ADLER Spa Resort Balance. Set on a perfect perch overlooking some of the Dolomites’ most majestic mountain peaks (such as the Rosengarten and the Latemar), ADLER Lodge Ritten will be an ideal holiday for those looking for laid-back luxury. Set in a remote glade in Lichtenstern between Oberbozen and Klobenstein, the owners have designed the lodge as “a place of peace and deceleration.” Reachable only by a single limited-access road, the hotel is surrounded by forest, with incredible mountain views that make guests feel like they’ve entered another world.

Visitors won’t need a car to get around, as Renon’s historic narrow-gauge railway, the Rittnerbahn, stops just 200 meters from the hotel at the Stella station. When they’re ready to explore the thriving city of Bolzano, it’s just a 12-minute ride away via cable car. Activities are designed to highlight the distinctive beauty of each season and might include skiing, snowshoeing, Nordic walking, wine tasting or cycling (the hotel offers complimentary electric-bike rentals). Bolzano’s worthy cultural sites include the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, the 13th-century Mareccio Castle, and the Duomo di Bolzano cathedral.

ADLER Lodge Ritten will consist of a spacious main building with reception area, lobby, bar, restaurant and spa. There will be two additional structures for guest accommodations, each with ten junior suites. Also scattered throughout the property will be 20 one- and two-story chalets, some set around a small natural lake. All rooms will have private bio saunas and either balconies or terraces, and chalets will also feature wood-burning fireplaces.

All meals, soft drinks, wines and spirits will be included in the room rate, and chef Hannes Pignater is planning to spoil guests throughout the day with menus that focus on regional and local products. There will be breakfast featuring local farm specialties; a lunch buffet of snacks and typical South Tyrolean dishes; and exquisite, multi-course dinners in the restaurant, which will have a panoramic view of the evening sky.

The spa will face the impressive Schlern peak and offer incredible Dolomite views, through large glass windows. Customized face and body treatments will incorporate extracts, oils and other products from the ADLER care line, which combines natural cosmetics and the latest technology. Guests will be able to choose among three saunas: One classic steam sauna in the main building, as well as two saunas located deep in the forest, giving visitors a chance to truly immerse themselves in nature. The heated infinity pool will be open year-round.

The Sanoner family has been in the hotel business since 1810, when they opened their first small inn, and the five Adler hotels are currently managed by the family’s seventh generation Along with ADLER Lodge Ritten, there are three spa resorts in Italy’s Dolomites mountain region and one in Tuscany. All ADLER Spa Resorts are renowned for providing not only relaxation and beauty services, but also modern western medicine and alternative healing methods. For guests wishing to delve deeper into improving their health, there are also two ADLER MED medical competence centers, one at ADLER Thermae in Tuscany and the other at ADLER Balance in the Dolomites. Each has its own team of doctors from disciplines like general medicine, laboratory medicine, aesthetic medicine, modern Mayr medicine, homeopathy, herbal medicine and nutrition.

For more information visit https://www.adler-resorts.com/en/spa-hotel/1-0.html
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Tags:Adler Hotel Group, ADLER Lodge Ritten, Adler spa resorts, health and wellness resorts, resorts in Italy
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Belmond, Owner of Luxury Hotels, Orient Express, River Cruise Properties, to be Acquired by LVMH

December 21, 2018

Venice_082418_331e2(c) Karen Rubin-San Marco

Venice, Italy, where 40 years ago, Belmond was established with the acquisition of the iconic Hotel Cipriani, Belmond is being acquired by LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, one of the leading luxury groups in the world, and Belmond Ltd., owners, part-owners or managers of 46 luxury hotel, restaurant, train and river cruise properties, jointly announced they have entered into an agreement for LVMH to acquire Belmond.

Established over 40 years ago with the acquisition of Hotel Cipriani in Venice, Belmond owns and operates a global collection of exceptional hotel and luxury travel adventures in some of the world’s most inspiring and enriching destinations. The company operates in 24 countries with its unique and distinctive portfolio of 46 hotel, rail and river cruise experiences.

Belmond’s iconic properties include hotels like Hotel Cipriani in Venice, Hotel Splendido in Portofino, Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire, Grand Hotel Europe in St. Petersburg, Maroma Resort & Spa in Mexico, Hotel das Cataratas in the Iguassu National Park in Brazil, and Cap Juluca in Anguilla. Legendary trains, such as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and Belmond Royal Scotsman and exceptional cruises such as Belmond Afloat in France fleet and Belmond Road to Mandalay, complete a portfolio that offers extraordinary experiences with curated activities and an understated personal service to a globally-diverse, highly refined customer.

Through this acquisition, LVMH will significantly increase its presence in the ultimate luxury hotel world. Synonymous with history, heritage and timeless experiences, Belmond has a seasoned management team and is an ideal complement to the Cheval Blanc masions, renowned for their exceptional service, architecture and unique gastronomy.

Bernard Arnault, Chairman and Chief Executive Offer of LVMH, added: “Belmond delivers unique experiences to discerning travelers and owns a number of exceptional assets in the most desirable destinations. Its heritage, its innovative services, its excellence in execution and its entrepreneurship resonates well with the values of the Group and is complementary to our own Cheval Blanc maisons and the Bvlgari hotels activities. This acquisition will significantly increase LVMH’s presence in the ultimate hospitality world.”

For more information, visit Belmond.com.

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Tags:Belmond, Hotel Cipriani, luxury hotels, LVMH, Orient Express
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Black Friday & Cyber Monday Travel Deals on Hotels, Resorts, Tours

November 16, 2018

Venice_082418_348e2(c) Karen Rubin-San Marco

Venice, Italy. On Black Friday only, Perillo Tours, a leader in escorted travel to Italy for more than 70 years, is offering $500 off per couple on all 2019 Italy escorted tours © Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com

Savvy shoppers searching for travel deals this Black Friday and Cyber Monday can save big on stays at a Kennebunkport Resort Collection property, the Woodstock Inn & Resort, and Perillo Tours.

Kennebunkport Resort Collection, Maine

The Kennebunkport Resort Collection (KRC), with nine boutique properties and six restaurants in the classic coastal Maine destination, has a Cyber Monday offer that makes a perfect gift for the traveler in the family: KRC gift cards available for purchase all day on Monday, November 26.

Buy a $500 gift card and receive a $100 resort credit.
Buy a $200 gift card and receive a $25 resort credit.

Fine print: Gift cards can be purchased online or by calling (800) 573-7186. The resort credit is valid on non-room purchases only (available for dining, spa treatments, activities and retail items) and expires one (1) year from date of issuance (November 26, 2019). Gift cards have no expiration date and are valid for use at any of the nine hotels, six restaurants, and the Tree Spa at Hidden Pond.

The Woodstock Inn & Resort in Woodstock, VT

The 24-hour Cyber Monday sale on Monday, November 26, 2018 begins at 12:00 am Eastern Time and includes:

Guestroom rates starting at $179
Bed & Breakfast package starting at $199
Guests can save up to 50% off standard rates
Rates are valid for stays from November 27, 2018 through June 27, 2019, not including holidays, holiday weeks, and weekends. Other blackout dates will apply. Upgrades are available at additional cost. All rates are subject to the applicable 10% rooms tax and a $33 per day resort fee. Breakfast is subject to tax and gratuity. Other restrictions may apply.

Surrounded by Vermont’s Green Mountains in the heart of Woodstock Village, the newly renovated Woodstock Inn & Resort invites guests with round-the-clock activities throughout all four seasons. The warmer months offer biking, hiking, fly fishing and hawk walks to golfing, hands-on gardening, swimming in the pool, just to name a few. In the winter, skiing and snowboarding is available at the resort’s mountain, Suicide Six Ski Area. For reservations and additional information, please visit www.woodstockinn.com or call (888) 338-2745.

Perillo Tours

On Black Friday only, Perillo Tours, a leader in escorted travel to Italy for more than 70 years, is offering $500 off per couple ($250 per person) on all 2019 Italy and Hawaii escorted tours. The offer is valid on new bookings only for travel January 1 – December 31, 2019. The 24-hour Black Friday sale is bookable online, via phone or email from 12:01am to 11:59pm on November 23, 2018. Must use booking code: BlackFri18.

New for 2019, Perillo Tours has introduced an 11-day Taste of Italy itinerary focusing on Italy’s famed cuisine with visits to Bologna, Florence, Perugia, and Rome, and a 13-day South & Sicily tour where guests can discover several gems of the south including Naples, Capri, Pompeii, Bari, Lecce, Taormina, Palermo, and more. In addition, Perillo Tours offers seven core Italy itineraries ranging from 14-days exploring Rome, Sorrento, Florence, Venice and Milan, to nine-days in Rome and the Amalfi Coast. Each Perillo Tours itinerary includes hotels, sightseeing with expert guides, transfers, baggage handling, daily breakfast, select scheduled meals, tips, taxes, free time for self-discovery, and complimentary Wi-Fi on all Perillo coach bus. In Hawaii, Perillo Tours offers two island and three island itineraries. For more information on Perillo Tours, visit www.perillotours.com or call (800) 431-1515.

On Cyber Monday only, Perillo’s Learning Journeys is offering savings of up to $500 per couple on the Valentine’s Day in Sorrento, Italy live like a local itinerary. The eight-day trip departs on February 10 and includes non-stop roundtrip air on Alitalia from NYC (JFK), arrival and departure airport transfers from Rome to Sorrento, six night hotel stay, walking tour of Sorrento, a limoncello tasting, city tax and daily continental breakfast. Couples can enjoy the charm and romance of the Amalfi Coast while exploring the city and immersing in the rich Italian culture. The Cyber Monday special is priced at $1498 per person (based on double occupancy). The offer is valid on online bookings made on Monday, November 26 only. The trip package must be paid in full at the time of booking and is non-refundable.

Learning Journeys offers cutting-edge travel experiences powered by Perillo Tours’ 73 years of travel planning expertise. More than a traditional vacation, Learning Journeys’ itineraries focus on enhanced immersion in a specific interest or passion, such as yoga and wellness, cooking, photography, watercolor painting, bird watching, dance, language study, conservation, and much more. For more information on Perillo’s Learning Journeys, visit www.learningjourneys.com.

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Tags:Black Friday travel deals, Cyber Monday travel deals, hotels & resorts, Kennebunkport Resort Collection, Perillo Tours, Woodstock Inn
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Cyber Monday Travel Deals in the Berkshires of Massachusetts

November 16, 2018

The historic Red Lion Inn (it was depicted in Norman Rockwell’s famous painting of Stockbridge) is offering a Cyber Monday travel deal © Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com

Two renowned historic hotels in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts are offering Cyber Monday travel deals.

The Red Lion Inn – Stockbridge, MA

Save up to 40 percent off bookings at The Red Lion Inn. Rates for winter and spring travel start at $99 per night; summer dates start at $179 per night. Offer is only available on Monday, November 26 and can be booked online at: https://www.redlioninn.com/getaway-deals/.

The Red Lion Inn, situated in the heart of Stockbridge, MA, is centrally located near major cultural events and venues and is a patron of the Berkshires’ visual and performing arts. Providing food and lodging to guests for more than two centuries, the Inn offers 125 antique-filled rooms and suites and four restaurants with formal and casual dining with locally sourced food. For more information, visit www.redlioninn.com.

Porches Inn at MASS MoCA – North Adams, MA

At Porches Inn at MASS MoCA receive 25 percent off midweek stays (Sunday through Thursday) through Labor Day 2019. Rates start at $119 per night in the winter; $157 in the summer. Offer only available on Monday, November 26 and can be booked online at: https://www.porches.com/berkshires-hotel-specials/

Guest of the Porches Inn stay just steps away from the mecca of art and culture that is MASS MoCA in 19th Century Victorian row homes, where retro-industrial architecture blends with paint-by-number pictures and vintage TV lamps to create a whimsical, granny-chic stay. For more information, visit www.porches.com.

Reservations for both hotels must be fully pre-paid and are non-refundable. Bookings have limited availability for each date. Blackout dates apply and may change throughout the sale and a minimum stay may be required on select dates.

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