January 7th, 2012
The Caves in Negril, Mon
Lucky me just returned from an indulgent and relaxing vacation in Jamaica. Wonderfully spicy meals, carefree swims and various rounds of golf (some prettier than others) were spent with family and best friends. I feel very lucky to have a place that I visit annually that both restores my vitality and even, my sense of self – the light bronzing doesn’t hurt either.
Here are a few snapshots from the trip.
The infamous 4th hole at Tryall Golf Club
Family and Pals at Sunset
Another poolside beauty
**I also found a great new restaurant called Push Cart Derby in Negril. Stay tuned for the review post…
Nantucket, Mass
December 2-4
Brant Point Dressed up for Christmas
This past weekend was the highlight of Nantucket Noel, the month-long period between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the annual, three-day weekend known as the Christmas Stroll.The Stroll has a curious, though still evident according to recent goers, mercantile history. In1974, the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce and a few local residents organized the first stroll in response to the opening of the Cape Cod Mall in Hyannis, MA. The hope was to encourage people to stay and shop locally. Now 38 years later, the island has just finished up its latest Stroll, last weekend.
Carolers on Main Street
Cherished events such as the Christmas House Tour on Friday evening and the Annual Craft Show on Friday and Saturday appeals to the adults, while Saturday’s Stroll Day delights children with window, doorway and tree decorating contests. The weekend’s biggest affair though is the highly anticipated arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus by Coast Guard boat.
Main Street Decorated
At noon, the jolly couple arrives at Straight Wharf (where the Hy-Line ferry comes in) and then boards a horse-drawn carriage (sleigh, if you will), which carries them up Main Street, past a line of patient and eager, young fans up to a stage in front of the Pacific National Bank. Children have the opportunity to sit with Santa Claus, take a photo and, of course, relay their wish! Throughout the day Main Street is filled with costumed entertainers, characters such as the Magical Talking Tree, periodgarbed carolers and bell ringers who create aspirited environment. Older children and adults will also enjoy the tremendous creative effort displayed by the town’s shopkeepers who participate in the annual holiday contests.
The annual tree in the boat by North Wharf
Look for similar writeups on Nantucket Events on my upcoming App: NANTUCKET HIDEAWAYS
out this March!
It’s official. I’ve gone back to full-time work. My new job is to help lead the editorial team at Tablet Hotels. And, if my recent introduction (see post below lifted from Tablet’s beautiful blog, Tablet Talk) to the Tablet community is any indication of future treatment, not to mention, encouraged hotel opinions, well, then it looks like a great match!
There’s a new member to the ever-expanding Tablet family, and we thought it best to introduce you to her here.
Meg Nolan van Reesema is a hotel expert through and through, with so many hotel stays under her belt, she’s starting to lose count (450? 500?). After working on the editorial staffs of magazines such as Town & Country, Vanity Fair and Travel + Leisure Golf, she became a freelance travel writer, blogger and author, publishing three books (Caribbean Hideaways, Italian Hideaways, and most recently, England’s Hideaways) with Rizzoli.
She’s traveled the world (43 or so countries), scouting true hotel gems and their enviable locations. So why keep that kind of knowledge under wraps? Despite her reluctance towards the word “favorite,” we asked her to select a few of her top spots below:
Cape Grace Hotel
Cape Town, South Africa
“From the rooftop spa to the in-your-face Table Mountain view, plus a few indulgent extras like a mahogany-laden cigar bar, multi-course tasting menus (vegan versions too!) and a gleaming motor yacht for champagne sundowner cruises, coddling one’s jet-lag knows no better home. That, and even the standard rooms’ dressing area and bathrooms offer the most comfortable layout I’ve seen yet.”
Villa Fontelunga
Siena, Italy
“With natural entertainers Paolo, Simon and Philip as hosts, throwing impromptu family-style dinner parties and low-key cocktail gatherings on the back lawn, Fontelunga has an inviting, social air. So when you pair that inclusive spirit with the setting of a historic, rose-colored Villa, or the more mod, tangential villas, the makings of a memorable, if not cinematic, evening are assured.”
Relais La Suvera
Siena, Italy
“What can I say? I’m a sucker for hotels that make me wish for time travel, or at least a grand, eighteenth-century, soiree to attend. With an enormous aviary in the courtyard, a fragrant lemon-tree garden and a ballroom with balconies overlooking the Tuscan countryside, the setting is complete. Plus, the breakfast buffet features silver serving trays and crystal glasses.”
Jade Mountain
Soufriere, St. Lucia
“Easily, it is one of the most architecturally astounding hotels in the Caribbean. The open-air, panoramic views render requests for ‘ocean view’ amusing, while the ‘dojo,’ or personal butler, policy, full-feature spa and sunrise yoga ensure the pampering box is boldly checked. It’s also where I was introduced to jungle-biking, a remarkably challenging adventure through tangled, muddy paths alongside remnants of a 17th-century rum plantation.”
Covent Garden Hotel
London, England
“Rarely has a hotel married the concept of private and public space as well as Covent Garden and smack in an enviable urban location. It satisfies the need to meet people for coffee and then squire away in solitude with a book in the cozy library. Plus, the suites actually deliver on their elevated stature and make one feel truly special.”
Hotel Oceana
Santa Barbara, California
“I may be slightly influenced by memory and our exceptional service (it’s where my husband proposed), but I’m fairly certain I was smitten with its beachfront location, laidback buffet breakfast, affordable price and adorable pool cabanas before the question was popped.”
Mid-September
The Grand Hotel
Mackinac Island, Michigan
View upon our arrival to The Grand
Recently I was invited to attend the Family and Friends weekend of none other than, Mr. Color himself, the famed interior designer, Carleton Varney. The lovely weekend took place at one of Varney’s vibrant bastions of glamour, the famed Grand Hotel on Michigan’s charming Mackinac Island. My husband, son and I took the requisite two flights from New York and then a short, 20-minute ferry over to the quaint island where transportation is restricted to on foot, bicycle or get this; a horse-drawn carriage.
The facade of the hotel
The Grand’s horse-drawn carriages are particularly attractive, driven by red jacketed, top hat-donning men, ensuring a stately entrance to the massive, 19th-century hotel. This was my first visit to Mackinac Island, a popular summer retreat for mid-westerners, and had only heard snippets of its history and topography, though its lore as being car-free was rather profound. Upon arrival we shuffled into our carriage and were delighted by the sights outside our small windows.
The view from the top of the hill down to The Grand
The crystal clear lake resembled Caribbean-esque colors and the grass was particularly vibrant shade of green, and oh so manicured. The main street of the island is chock-a-block with Fudge Shops (seriously, lots of Fudge) and despite the island’s devout traditionalism with regards to transportation, Main Street does boast a Starbucks. The most appealing store for us was the small outfitter store which carried popular name brand sportswear like Patagonia, Arc’teryx and North Face. Of course, this is most likely due to Norther Michigan’s considerable chill and the draw of warm fleece products.
Main Street
Our favorite leisure activity was biking the relatively, flat 7-mile route around the island. We rented two bikes and a baby carrier for the back and for less than $50, enjoyed a 2-hour bike ride (with a few stops in between to snack and skip rocks) with some of the most spectacular scenery. The evergreen trees alongside the smooth, clear lake were a spectacular sight, especially with the slight bite to the air. We were blessed with sunshine and an amenable toddler, allowing us to take in the surroundings with total relaxation and appreciation.
The vivid greens and blues of Mackinac Island
Our other favorite, okay my favorite, activity over the weekend was actually the reason I was invited to come along – a book signing. Friday evening, Carleton gathered a few of his author friends (Barbara Eden, Edwina Sandys) alongside him and we signed and sold books in the name of the local library. It was a fabulous event, complete with cocktails and nibbles, plus a raffle where some of Carleton’s enviable linens and fabrics were the prizes.
My lovely post
Alongside the estimable Carleton Varney
As you can imagine, Mr. Color, Carleton’s wonderful book, sold out very quickly. I was lucky to sell plenty as well, no doubt, due to my prime seating next to the guest of honor himself. The event was a tremendous success and much credit is due to the superb organization by Mimi Cunningham, a member of the family whom owns and operates the historic Grand Hotel. Below is a picture of my turn at reading out the winning ticket for the raffle.
Reading out Xavier's winning ticket
Beyond the public events and obvious beauty of the property, the weekend was a wonderful success in that I met wonderful, generous people. Carleton had gathered a truly astounding group in his honor and it was a privilege to not only be among them, but to have the pleasure of spending time with each of them.
Thank you Carleton, Susan and Brinsley for including me and my family on such an unforgettable adventure and to Mr. & Mrs. Musser at the Grand Hotel, for being such gracious hosts! We hope to return soon.
Labor Day Weekend
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
I just returned from a whirlwind weekend in Amsterdam to celebrate the marriage of my sister-in-law to an incredibly charismatic Dutch fellow. With unprecedented sunny weather and a joyous occasion upon us, the weekend was a total success. Not to mention, I was fortunate enough to stay at the newly renovated, (to the tune of 61 Million EURO) De L’Europe. (formerly the Hotel de L’Europe)
The elegant facade and wraparound terrace
Long considered a spot for respite right in the midst of the city’s buzzing center, the iconic hotel has furthered the notion by combining updated, Dutch-modern furnishings – think comfy white couches – within traditional 19th century architecture and reproductions of the famous, Dutch Masters artwork. The dimensions of the hotel’s new Dutch Masters Wing are rather substantial, particularly the 42 suites, whose ample space encourage a hosting of the beloved Dutch tradition of “borrel” (cocktails and appetizers) in one’s room. If you want to ensure the borrel of the year, book the six-bedroom signature suite, which features a wrap-around terrace overlooking the canal.
Also new to the hotel are the guestroom’s 21st century amenities like the iPad directories found in the rooms, motion lighting footpaths (key for jetlagged travelers), TV-imbedded mirrors and my favorite, (and too oft-ommitted) heated bathroom floors done in a striking aquamarine mosaic tile. The room’s custom fragrance, L’Eau De L’Europe, is well worth noting for its sweet subtlety, along with the hotel’s signature skincare line created by parfumeur Blaise Mautin with face creams for men and women. However, despite the hotel’s considerable updates, the charm of the hotel remains with the hotel’s enviable location, right across from the flower market and its Euro-chic terrace, complete with umbrellas and flowerpots situated right along the bed of a canal.
The redesigned lobby of the de l'europe
Whether the canal and city views are appreciated from your room’s balcony (if you can swing it, book it!) or from the terrace, or even the gym’s ground level windows, the view’s constant boat traffic and cling-cling of passing bicycles on the street is so wonderfully and iconically Amsterdam, that it makes staying at the L’Europe even more rewarding.
Must Do’s: Dining out on the hotel’s terrace, wisely equipped with heating lamps for the cool Amsterdam temperatures. The steak tartare is delicious and the wine selection wonderfully robust. Chef Richard van Oostenbruggee oversees all 3 restaurants and offers easily one of the city’s top dining options. Alas, if the weather just won’t cooperate (likely for Amsterdam), head to breakfast late and enjoy it with a view from one of the window-fronting tables in the dining room.
August 2011
Nantucket, Mass
This past month I have been up on Nantucket working on my first, formal publishing attempt in the digital sphere (this blog being rather, ehem, informal). I have been asked to write a mobile application, what’s known as an App on Nantucket. In keeping with my brand and penchant for discovering things off-the-beaten-path, I have decided to name it:
a cover idea
Given that it is an app, designed for the iphone/ipad and thus must be rather service-oriented, the app will include information on everything from what to do and where to eat to my usual inclusion of where to stay and what not to miss. The app promises to deliver the best of the island’s many gems and secrets.
One of Nantucket Hideaways many Top Views
Right now I am busy filing entries at night and taking photos and meeting some of the island’s saltiest characters by day. I’m also introducing my 1-year old son to one of my favorite spots. As you can imagine, its a bit of a juggling act. But, all in all, a plum assignment, if there ever was one. Here are some of my favorite shots that will be included in the app.
Brant Point
July 12-15th
White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
The Greenbrier North Entrance Facade
This past week I went down to visit the fabled, Greenbrier Resort. A bastion of American old-world glamor with enough pink, greens and floral prints to make Lilly Pulitzer feel like a knock-off. Designed by the beloved American designer and born Aristocrat, Dorothy Draper, the Greenbrier has a distinct look and feel that can only be described with words like; bold, bright and indeed, beautiful.
Dorothy Draper Classic Design in the Greenbrier's north parlor
A guestroom in the Carleton Varney suite
My guestroom in the 1-bedroom cottages
My visit fell just in time to witness the preparations for the upcoming, annual Greenbier Classic, a new stop on the PGA Tour. The resort is renowned for its Golf, drawing guests from around the world with three courses available to guests, including the tournament-worthy, Old White Course (pictured below). I took a short playing lesson with the new Junior Pro, Tully, who in typical Southern fashion, was ever the gentleman despite my errant shots.
The approach to the 18th green - watch CBS next week for live coverage
Throughout my three-day tour, I was bombarded by the resort’s vibrant color scheme and intentional old-world ambiance (There’s even a roaming horse and carriage!). As current resident designer and Draper’s protogé , Mr. Carleton Varney told me, “the Greenbrier is a resort set in the past”. He also implored me to look up the definition of glamour and promising me that all the adjectives found in said definition directly apply to the Greenbrier.
The lobby staircase
With 710 guestrooms, the Greenbrier is an enormous, sprawling Estate filled with roving guests of all ages. It is well suited equally for families and the mature set with its array of activities; tennis, golf, swimming, horseback riding and lawn sports such as croquet and shuffleboard. Plus, there’s a constant roving shuttle bus ensuring no one ever has to walk too far.
The Resort's West Virginia wing (the bunker is housed below)
Ultimately, though the Greenbrier strikes a certain fondness for those who lived through the Cold War given its now, world-famous, Bunker. Originally built as the fallout shelter for the government during the late-50s, the once top-secret Bunker is a huge draw for guests and offers hour-long tours that allow you to enter into the 112,544-square-foot bunker. Now used as a storage facility for confidential files of various Fortune 500 companies, access to the entire bunker is highly restricted along with the ability to take photos. Nevertheless, the tour is highly informative. Moreover, there are many other types of tours available, including one with the Resort’s resident Historian, Dr. Bob Conte, a gregarious fellow. Known as “America’s Resort’, the Greenbrier has its fair share of historic lore, including housing many a visiting US President, as well as various elected officials and Dr. Bob knows it all. He is quick to compliment the Resort’s new owner, local West Virginian magnate, Jim Justice, calling him the “one-man stimulus plan”.
Dr. Bob Conte, the Resorts Historian
The heralded Mint Julep
The Greenbrier’s multiple room options make it a favored as a destination for multi-generational family reunions or group family vacations. Ranging from guestrooms in the hotel of three different categories to 1-bedroom cottages and Estate homes with 2 to 3 bedrooms, the possibilities for large groups are considerable. It’s no wonder there must have been three different corporate retreats along with a multi-generational family reunion during my quick stay. And from what I could tell, it makes a great spot for employee-bonding. After all, where else can you lose money in Roulette alongside colleague? That’s right – the Greenbrier is also home to a year-old, in-house Casino.
The Greenbrier Dancers do their nightly waltz at 10pm at the entrance of the Greenbrier Casino
So, whether its historic intrigue, a love of bright rhododendrum-pattern interiors or the beloved Mint Julep (legend says the libation was invented at the Greenbrier), America’s Resort maintains its position as one of the country’s most sought-after and fulfilling vacation spots for those in need of something singularly grand.
One of the guestrooms in the new Estate Wing
July 4th Weekend
Over our Nation’s birthday, I was fortunate enough to have a signing on one of my favorite islands of all time; Nantucket. I want to thank the wonderful people at Nantucket Bookworks for hosting me and putting together a truly wonderful and incredibly generous signing. And then, for keeping my books in the windows throughout the weekend!
Discussing a specific Hideaway in England with a guest
I loved being there and hope to come back often. Here are some more photos of the evening.
Good Friends and Fans
Chatting up passerbys
St. Petersburg, Russia
It’s no wonder blackout shades were invented in Russia!
The sky at 4am - just before the sun began its ascent
Okay fine, that’s not true – but the annual White Nights phenomenon in Saint Petersburg would seem to be an ultimate marketing angle for them. Given that the sun never really sets and the entire city is indulging in what appeared to be a month-long, late-night festival of street and riverboat revelers, sleep was a precious and rare commodity during my brief sojourn.Which, was rather unfortunate considering the plushness of the W bed in my Marvelous Room at the new W St. Petersburg.
The Living Room Lounge at the W
Rather than sleep, I enjoyed an amazing tour of one of my newfound, favorite urban locales. As guests we were treated to excellent rooftop and marina-side dining, a Soviet Union-era ballet performance and the baroque-style Mariinsky Theater and private tours of precious sights like the Hermitage, Peterhof and the Church of Spilled Blood. (A rather grim name for an unbelievably beautiful church).
With such a magnificently orchestrated tour and great group of fellow travelers, I find myself still smiling, even days, after my return. From the premiere party and its Russian cousin, whose people-stalking, er watching opportunities were enviable, to the multiple boat tours on the River Neva and through the city’s wide canals, the trip left me uncharacteristically satisfied with an initial visit to a city.
No doubt, I shall return and perhaps with a more finite focus on the massive Art and antique collections throughout the city. However, until then, I am beyond grateful for having visited and particularly during, what I can only imagine to be, the best time of year to visit. After all, who the heck needs sleep?
Inside the Hermitage
The Peter and Paul Fortress (this shot was taken at 10pm)
Tweeting on the River Neva
Saint Petersburg, Russia
June 7 -12th
St. Isaacs Cathedral at midnight
Lucky me was invited to the premiere of the new W Saint Petersburg, which was hosted during the city’s annual White Nights, which, is when the sun doesn’t really ever set and the sky goes from dusk to dawn without ever getting pitch black. In other words, it’s magnificent.
The W Facade next to St. Isaacs Cathedral
I can’t imagine what Russian teenagers must think. Then again, teenagers tend to be blase about most things. So, once again, I’m lucky to be here, witnessing this visual marvel at an age where, although my partying days have dwindled, can still inspire me and encourage a celebratory spirit that I can relish as a special occurrence.
The Premiere Party on the Rooftop
Two of St. Petersburg's elegant skyline pinpoints seen through the rooftop bar's cutout windows
FROM THE PEANUT GALLERY