White Elephant Hotel, Nantucket
With the recent heat wave, and the persistant Miami humidity, I’m dreaming of a coastal escape a bit further north. Nantucket’s White Elephant Hotel, the epitome of “beach chic”, is what keeps coming to mind. I was lucky enough to be introduced to the White Elephant a few years back on a girls’ getaway weekend. This historic inn is the largest resort in Nantucket and includes 54 guest rooms & suites within the main hotel and 11 garden cottages, all with elegant, nautical styling. We all decided it would be more fun to stay together, so we reserved the 3 Bedroom Garden Cottage. It was perfection. The cottages, separate from the main building, make you feel as if you have rented a private vacation home while still having the luxury accommodations of a resort, steps away. Each room seemed airy and fresh with ivory and white
Garden Cottage
decor, accented with touches of blue. We definitely knew we were on the coast without even venturing onto the cottage balcony. The grounds surrounding each cottage and the hotel are gorgeous and look as if they were manicured 5 minutes before you arrive. Their restaurant, Brant Point Grill (a.k.a. BPG and highly rated by Zagat), serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday Brunch (evidently the best on the island) on the terrace where the view is never without sailboats gliding across the harbor. With all of this and a staff that couldn’t be friendlier, you can easily spend your entire stay at the stunning resort; but, minutes away are quaint cobblestone streets full of unique boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants offering THE best clam chowder and all of the charm you’ve always associated with Nantucket.
I have dear memories here of the ladies in my family in plush robes relaxing in our cottage living room, sipping champagne, and planning the next special event for all of us…my wedding (I had gotten engaged a few weeks before). It is guaranteed that you too will get an “Unforgettably Nantucket” experience, as their website says, when staying at the White Elephant Hotel.
The White Elephant Hotel was ranked #1 Resort in Massachusetts on Travel & Leisure’s World’s Best Hotels in 2011, appeared in the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List in 2009, 2008, 2006, and 2005, and was awarded the AAA Four Diamond Award in 2010.
I recently came back from a trip to Dallas for my sister’s baby shower. We had the celebration at Sevy’s Grill, which I’ve been hearing about for years. Now I know why. YUM. The food was scrumptious. Maybe that’s why Sevy’s was named Diners’ Choice Winner in Dallas in 2010 by OpenTable.com. The service? Beyond compare.
Here’s a peek at our custom luncheon menu…
First Course:
Tortilla Soup
Fresh Corn Chowder
Fresh Field Greens Salad
Second Course:
The Sevy Burger
Buzzy’s Seafood Tacos
All Natural Rosemary Chicken
Angel Hair Pasta with Spinach
Third Course:
Sorbet Duo
Photography by Marian Goldman
Let’s not forget about the cake! Dallas Affaires Cake Co. created one of the best chocolate cakes I’ve ever tasted, and it looked gorgeous, too, with fresh roses and hyacinth on top. I was in awe when I entered the bakery or should I say cake museum? True works of art.
…and what’s a party without flowers? Mockingbird Florist was recommended by my brother-in-law who is a regular. My sister has trained him well. We expected to have trouble picking out natural blue flowers since IT’S A BOY! But the floral geniuses at Mockingbird whipped up bunches of baby blue and white hydrangeas, deep blue irises, and powder blue hyacinths in no time. It was the perfect finishing touch to the room.
The fabulous NYC photographer, Marian Goldman, flew in specifically for the event and, yet again, captured another important day for our family beautifully…did I mention she’s my aunt?
I’ll soon be back to meet my new nephew (yay!), I think a celebratory dinner, cake, and flower arrangement is in order!
In the Travel Tips section, I’m sharing tricks I’ve learned and advice I’ve gotten on the road to help make the journey as smooth as possible.
Dining with Friends on Vacation is so much more relaxing when all you have to do is show up.
Travel Tip: Assign Everyone A Night to Plan Dinner.
If you’re traveling with friends, assign each person (or couple) a night, or even the entire day, to choose a restaurant and make the reservation. This way, everyone is happy at some point with cuisine, location, and price, and you don’t have to worry about making the plans every night.
On The Itinerary posts are places I’m convinced everyone must visit in this lifetime.
I first heard about Triple Creek Ranch in Montana from my parents who visited several years ago. They called me from their private cabin after they checked in and were giddy with delight. I haven’t stopped hearing about it since…they keep saying how nice it would be to bring the entire family to this luxury all-inclusive resort in the Montana Rockies. The intimate ranch is for adults-only, but if you rent out the place, you can bring the kiddies. That would be a dream. I’ve never been to Big Sky Country and to be honest never thought about it before as a future destination; but after seeing their stunning photos of the breathtaking scenery & wildlife (elk, bears, eagles, and mountain lions) and hearing about the luxe accommodations and fine dining, it’s on my list. And when I go, my activities will include the helicopter ride over Yellowstone National Park and the Cattle Drive where you help move 100-800 head of cattle. Giddy-up! And if all that hasn’t won you over, word is delicious chocolate chip cookies and gourmet bag lunches show up in your room before you set out on a hike and again to take along when you leave for the airport. No airport food courts or airline snack packs for Triple Creek guests. Triple Creek Ranch was ranked #1 U.S. Hotel by Travel + Leisure in 2011, has been mentioned in Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report for years, and is a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux Association. We’re convinced, it shouldn’t be missed!
Seriously…have you ever seen more stunning luggage tags? There’s no mistake which bag is yours with this shimmering beauty dangling from it. The Graphic Image Metallic Luggage Tag is made in soft goatskin leather and comes in both gold and silver with a polished buckle. The bonus? We have the matching passport case and jewelry roll. Ultimate gifts for any traveler! Find them all now in our Arrive Chic e-boutique.
Recently my friends, Christina & Dave, traveled to Maui to escape their busy NYC life for a while. Just hearing they were there, brought back many fabulous memories of our time at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea on our honeymoon. As we arrived at the resort, we were greeted with a cool towel & fresh lei and plush monogrammed robes were awaiting us in our room. I immediately wanted to extend our trip. We began each morning with a decadent breakfast buffet. I’ve never been known to pass up a good meal and if my husband hadn’t learned that already, he was figuring it out quickly as my plate was stacked higher than his each morning. Our days were filled with heavenly spa massages and relaxation poolside where we were only interupted by someone asking if we would like complimentary fresh fruit or an Evian facial spritz. Since then, I believe the Evian facial spray is a must in every woman’s bag…especially if you’ll be on an airplane or outside for any length of time. The Lobby Lounge, overlooking the pool, is where we had a cocktail before dinner each night and enjoyed the most amazing marinated artichoke which made me a new fan of the veggie. You can’t go wrong with any of the restaurants at the resort. But, Ferraro’s was by far my favorite…delicious food, outdoor ocean view seating (it is Wailea’s only beachside restaurant), and an acoustic band playing the Rolling Stones…”Wild,wild horses couldn’t drag me away.” And wasn’t that the truth.
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea was listed on the World’s Best Hotels List by Travel & Leisure each year from 2007 to 2010, on the T&L 500 in 2010 & 2011, on the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List each year from 2005 to 2011, and was chosen as Hawaii’s Leading Resort in 2008 by the World Travel Awards.
Meet Ashley
Former NYC fashion industry girl, forever traveler, foodie at heart, and now Mom in Miami. My blog, Arrive Chic, covers the style I find in everyday life both on the road and at home, often with my two energetic little boys in tow.
