Layover: Boston

by Brenda Yun on


Beantown! As one of the most historic cities in the U.S., there’s plenty to look forward to should you have some time during a layover at the Boston Logan International airport or close by. Boston’s public transportation system, the “T” for short, reaches Logan on the Blue (Wonderland) line, and is also just 20 minutes from downtown (via the Sumner Tunnel) by car.

Try some of these layover activities on for size…

Short Layovers (3 hours or less):

  • The Logan Airport is one of the few that hosts a selection of salons and spas on the premises. Check out the Classique Hair and Nail Salon in Terminal C. While you’re there, you can get a jet setter’s pampering at the Jet Setter Mini Spa, also in Terminal C. There’s also the XpresSpa in Terminal B.
  • If you really want to get pampered (or need some exercise) and don’t mind shelling out a little extra dough, head to the Hilton Health Club & Spa at Logan International Airport, a sun-flooded facility that has a gym, sauna, and express massages. Take one of the free buses that run every 10 to 15 minutes between the airport and hotel.
  • If you need to fill that belly, there are a few decent locally established restaurants. Both Boston Beer Works and the Legal Seafoods Restaurant are located in Terminal C.
  • Revere Beach near the quaint enough town of Winthrop is worth a quick look if you’re really itching to dart out of the airport.

Longer Layovers (4 hours or more):

  • America’s oldest park, the Boston Common, also functions as the heart of Boston. Part of the Freedom Trail runs through the common, and a wintertime favorite is the Frog Pond, which doubles as an ice skating rink. Check out the spooky old graveyard near the Boylston “T” stop. The famous Cheers bar is also close by at 84 Beacon Street.
  • Faneuil Hall or Haymarket Square is a great place to grab some grub, people watch, and shop.
  • Boston’s very own little Italy called the North End is within walking distance from Faneuil Hall, and there’s a beautiful new green that is worthy of a stroll.
  • The Aquarium is also close by and has a spacious IMAX theater there.

Other tips:
Got kids? Head to Terminal A and let your kids play at the “Kidport,” a comfortable place for kids to let out some energy, complete with an airplane climbing sculpture, baggage claim slide, wall mural, window display, and magnetic poetry wall.

Adirondack escape updated, ready for guests

by Tom Johansmeyer on

When summer arrives, New Yorkers tend to turn to the Hamptons or the Jersey shore – depending on tax bracket. Many forget that the Adirondacks are only a few hours away. When reminded of this, the usual response involves “family destination” … and maybe a sneer. It also involves a mistake. While this corner of “upstate” remains family-friendly, there are plenty of upscale accommodations and experiences, without the traffic and travel headaches that New Yorkers find to the east and south.

The Sagamore Hotel is in the midst of a $20 million renovation, a rarity in today’s constrained market. But, the benefits of this investment are evident upon arrival. Much of the property has been redesigned rebuilt to reinforce the luxury experience. The on-property spa has 13 treatment rooms, obviating the need to wait, and the indoor pool makes it possible to take a dip even in the meanest of northern New York winters.

While the regular guestrooms are perfectly serviceable, drop the extra cash, if possible, to upgrade to a suite. Spacious doesn’t begin to describe … the bathroom. The elbow room available in the living room and bedroom is even more profound. Even for an intimate getaway, you don’t want to be crammed together – that’s a choice you’d prefer to make on your own! The bed is the star of the guestroom experience. Again, the king-sized scale makes close quarters a choice rather than a necessity, and the mattress is soft without swallowing you. In fact, it’s probably the best “compromise” bed available. Both my wife and I were happy, and I prefer to sleep on a board, while she feels that beds should be comfortable.

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As you wander The Sagamore Hotel, you get the feeling that something is somehow different. But, it’s hard to put your finger on it. The menu is carefully crafted, and the guestrooms are large and inviting. The lobby is spacious with natural pockets for larger groups to sit and have a sense of being separated from others. While this is all advantageous, it’s similar to what you’d find in any ex-urban resort. The Sagamore succeeds, however, in making it all hang together. It just fits. The mystery behind this connectedness can be traced to the general manager.

Tom Guay, who runs the Sagamore, was previously the property’s executive chef. It’s a strange route to GM – which I was unafraid to tell him. Usually, the top dog comes out of the sales department. Chefs are crazy people that you hide from the guests for most of the day, only occasionally letting them appear tableside for brief periods of time. Then, they return to the familiar insanity of a busy kitchen. Guay did get a chuckle out of my reaction (and handled it well). Apparently, the number of chefs rising to the top is increasing, and he credits the ability to multitask under hectic conditions as the driver. The attention to detail for which successful chefs are famous, I realized, is what brings the Sagamore together.

The sense of cohesion extends beyond the core property to the “lodges,” which physically constitute a property-within-a-property at the Sagamore. This part of the resort is more economical, ensuring that the traditional Adirondack constituency – families on a budget – can continue to enjoy the quiet natural surroundings. The large guestrooms in this corner of the Sagamore come with living rooms that have pullout beds in the couches and in-suite kitchenettes.

Jeopardizing the continuity of the Sagamore is the fact that there is still plenty of construction across the property: the $20 million is still being spent. The outdoor pools are being built, and guestrooms are in their final stages. A new rooftop deck is underway. While some guests may find these efforts to be a bit of an eyesore, consider the works in progress to be similar to the last multi-course meal you ate. Did the entrée suck because it was being cooked while you ate your soup? Of course not. The ongoing construction only impedes the guest experience if you choose to let it. I sat outside both nights I was on property and worked (wireless internet access is available in the rooms and in outside seating areas) and had no problems at all.

If you’re looking for a quick dash out from New York City or Boston, the Sagamore is a great alternative. It’s about the same distance from both cities, and you won’t have to deal with the crowds that plague the Hamptons and Cape Cod. Get in early, and stake your space while the renovations are being finished: the crowds are already starting to pour in!

Disclosure: The Sagamore Hotel picked up the tab for this jaunt, but the observations are all mine!

One&Only Palmilla’s New Villa Redefines Los Cabos Luxury

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Set foot in One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos, Mexico, and it’s pretty clear there isn’t a bad room in the house. Elegantly designed restaurants feature carefully constructed menus, and the beach is within easy reach of just about any spot on the property. But, sometimes privacy is paramount. Or, you’d like a bit more special attention than you’d get at the average upscale resort. When your needs are more complex, it’s time to book a stay at the property’s new villa. The four-bedroom escape-within-an-escape leaves nothing to chance.

While not dislocated from the property, the villa is out of the way. Hotel staff will take you to the large front door of this gated retreat by golf cart. An attendant will usher you in, and the world will begin to look different instantly. A staff of 12 works the villa, attending to everything from on-demand spa treatments (a therapist is on call) to private culinary requirements. The staff-to-guest ratio can be quite high, especially if a family of four occupies the villa, but the resort team, I’m told, remains unobtrusive.

Two master suites bookend the property. Each has a deep, large tub and walk-in shower, extra-large vanity and private terrace. The two “smaller” bedrooms include separate bathrooms and terraces, as well. The arrangement assures privacy for every guest even within the villa, without segmenting the experiences of people who choose to travel together.

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Anchoring the bedrooms is the central living space, which is decked out with high-end electronics and has walls carefully adorned with appropriate art – both of which are themes throughout the entire villa. The space is airy and open, a feeling enhanced by the large windows and sliding glass doors that open onto the main terrace and provide stunning views of the beach. Push through the doors, and you’re welcomed into what could be the setting for a thriving party scene or a serene hideout where you can enjoy the murmur of the waves undisturbed. Depending on your taste, you can sit at the full outside bar and sip your favorite spirit or take your glass over to the outdoor fireplace – the perfect way to pass an evening.

For the chronic workaholic, the villa has an office equipped for internet access, video conferencing and the other activities that keep you engaged when you shouldn’t be. The high-backed chair and leather floor add a touch of comfort to the time you spend spoiling your getaway. In all fairness to those who have to stay in touch, the on-property office may help alleviate the anxiety of wondering what’s going on while you’re away.

The price of convenience is high. Expect to drop from $8,000 to $12,000 a night for Palmilla’s villa. And, there are minimum stays of seven nights for some parts of the year. If you were thinking that this would make a great Christmas getaway, play (way) ahead. The space is booked for the next two of them already.

The Palmilla villa accommodates eight comfortably, though you can host parties that are much larger – just send everyone away when you feel like it, and spend some time enjoying the solitude of your private beach.

Disclosure: The Los Cabos Tourism Board picked up the tab for this trip. But, if you know me, you know I don’t do anyone favors. The opinions are definitely my own.

The Arrabelle has a built-in solution for golfers’ wives

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Golf addict? Instead of hoping for a 6 AM tee time at your local 18, get on a plane (flights are cheap, we may have mentioned a few times on Gadling), and take off for Vail, Colorado. The Arrabelle at Vail Square has put together a cool package – “Drive and Revive” – for golfers … with a little something for non-duffers who may be traveling with you.

Drop $399 a night to stay at this RockResort, and you’ll get more than just an upscale roof over your head. The personal concierge service will generally make your life easier when you’re on the road (wish I could dig this up at home …). Also, you’ll get a round of golf at the Red Sky Ranch Golf Club for every night you stay. In Vail for four nights – that’s four rounds of golf. You can get out there daily with no worries.

Well, there is one concern. If you have your wife or girlfriend with you, disappearing to the links for the better part of every day won’t go over well. The Arrabelle has built in a solution for you. Each night comes with a $150 spa credit. With massages and facials in play, you won’t get too much resistance when you pack up to go chase a little white ball for a few hours.

You won’t be missed.

New Peter Island wants to help make a new you

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Peter Island Resort & Spa is celebrating a new look with a fresh deal. The largest private island resort in the British Virgin Islands has refurbished its 32 ocean-facing rooms and 20 beachfront junior suites and wants to show off the new look. Hey, if you just got a makeover, wouldn’t you? So, the property is offering up the “New Us, New You” package, which runs through October 31, 2009.

Remember, this is Peter Island, so you’re going to have to put out some cash, but you’ll get plenty for it. For $2,780 (or $4,020 for a junior suite), you’ll get five nights and only pay for four. On top of that, the resort is throwing in three meals a day and access to resort activities, including windsurfing, kayaking and the like. The best part – in my mind, at least – is the 75-minute Ayurvedic Abhyanga massage. The private yoga class for two doesn’t do much for me, but if you’re into yoga, I imagine you’d like it.

While you’re in the 10,000-sqft spa, check out some of the other treatments, as well. There are 13 types of facial available, with everything from collagen to caviar to botanical extracts.

If you need a reason to go relax on a private island that keeps even its own guests to a minimum, this is probably it.