Newport from the water

American history and Gilded Age opulence define America’s picturesque city by the sea. by Paul Rubio

Newport. It’s a name that conjures up images of sparkling seascapes, historic lighthouses, Gilded Age opulence, regattas, and high society. From centuries-old mansions dotting the coastline to storied coastal forts and narrow streets brimming with history, Newport is a stunningly beautiful place that never fails to impress.

Originally founded as a colony for religious freedom in the 17th century and evolving into America’s society capital by the 20th century, Newport tenderly embraces its rich past. Throughout the centuries, this city by the sea has held claim to several historic firsts: America’s first synagogue, circa 1763 (Touro Synagogue); lending library, circa 1747 (Redwood Library and Athenaeum); and tavern, circa 1673 (The White Horse Tavern), all of which remain in operation. Newport was also site of the first U.S. Open tennis match in 1895, an achievement detailed in the city’s International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum.

By the late 19th century, fortunes from the Industrial Revolution were mounting, and a newfound American elite endeavored to find a summer social playground. Enter Newport, with its picturesque coastlines, idyllic summer weather, and proximity to major economic centers. The likes of the Astors and Vanderbilts were soon entertaining the rest of the Who’s Who of American high society in colossal summer “cottages,” now part of the famous Newport Mansions portfolio.

Across Newport, the peak of America’s Gilded Age opulence has been frozen in time, thanks largely to the Preservation Society of Newport County (newportmansions.org). The society owns and operates 14 historic oceanside mansions, none more spectacular than The Breakers. The pinnacle of early-20th-century wealth, The Breakers headlines Bellevue Avenue’s Historic District and reigns as Newport’s most-visited attraction. The five-story, 65,000-square-foot, 70-room mansion formerly owned by the Vanderbilt family dazzles with its epic Great Hall, sculpted iron gates, Italian Renaissance influences, and lavish interiors. Also on this well-heeled avenue, the extraordinary Elms mansion offers a home and grounds tour completely unlike its neighbors. Inspired by the raging popularity of the television series “Downton Abbey,” the new “Servant Life Tour” at The Elms explores the back lots of this fabled estate and the behind-the-scenes drama of Elms’ servants.

Behind the collection of mega mansions lies Newport’s Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile walking trail nestled alongside the ocean. Walk south and reach remote swaths of craggy coastline; head north to see surfers hanging 10 on Easton’s Beach (even in the dead of winter).

Much like it has since the early 20th century, modern-day Newport erupts in full bloom during the summer. Socialites young and old vie for space with jet setters at the city’s myriad boat

New England Clambake at Castle Inn.

races, luxury hotels, legendary restaurants, and other iconic attractions. They arrive in droves for Newport’s annual outdoor festivities, like the Newport Jazz Festival, the Newport International Boat Show, the Newport Folk Festival, the Sunset Music Festival, and the Newport Regatta. Private beach and golf clubs welcome back their returning members, while non-members head to Gooseberry Beach for a bit of fun in the sun.

Boat enthusiasts, aspiring photographers, and those in the know spend summer evenings at Castle Inn, a century-old mansion turned Relais & Châteaux hotel on its own 40-acre peninsula. From its sprawling Adirondack chair-dotted lawn to its fine dining restaurant, Castle Inn brings to life the quintessential postcard-perfect image of New England. It also provides a front-row seat to the best sunset in Newport. Order Champagne or the signature oyster martini from your alfresco lounger, or elevate the experience over a multi-course meal. Award-winning chef Karsten Hart dishes out experiential gastronomy with locally inspired dishes, like pan-Seared Georges Bank scallops with crispy blood orange slices, pistachio dust, and Maltaise sauce and pan-seared Georges Bank lemon sole, accompanied by Maine lobster, potato gnocchi, and tempura artichokes.

The Newport experience isn’t complete until you’ve indulged in an overnight stay at one of the town’s gloriously restored mansions. The Golden Age is alive and well at the aforementioned Castle Inn and the wildly popular Chanler Inn at Cliff Walk. Moreover, the former Vanderbilt Hall from 1909 has been completely restored and reinvented as the luxurious Vanderbilt Grace. Ample acreage and design foresight have translated to a wide array of amenities uncommon to Newport’s other boutique mansion hotels—think oversized rooms, a dining atrium, a sumptuous spa, a subterranean indoor pool, an outdoor pool surrounded by manicured gardens, and a rooftop bar where patrons can enjoy sunset cocktails and Wednesday movie nights come summertime.

The Vanderbilt Grace experience begins at check-in with a glass of bubbly served in bespoke flutes. From there, it’s a stroll through the hotel’s majestic common spaces—past fireplaces, grand staircases, exquisite vases, and period furnishings—to one of its 33 rooms and suites, which marry modernity with tradition for a look of understated elegance. In the 700-square-foot VIP Suites, for example, a brick-hewn fireplace and classic portrait art stand opposite a bedroom framed by plentiful windows and white walls and decorated with design-savvy furnishings and accents like lanterns and salmon-tinted linens. Whether visiting for the first or the fifth time, history-steeped Vanderbilt Grace charms visitors with a peek inside this city’s grand past.

The Chanler Inn at Cliff Walk - Newport’s elegant mansion by the sea keeps history in style.

Exterior shot of The Chanler Inn at Cliff Walk

A celebration of Gilded Age glamour, The Chanler Inn at Cliff Walk offers guests the true experience of Newport mansion life. Twenty unique rooms and suites represent various periods of European and American history through design. The imperial English Tudor room, for example, would serve Henry VIII proud with its dark, masculine, and ornate décor. Likewise, the Louis XVI room captures the essence of 18th-century regal opulence, bedazzled with gold trim, blue-and-mustard furnishings, and old-fashioned clocks. Regardless of décor, all 20 of Chanler’s bespoke sanctuaries embody a common theme of romance.

The boutique hotel was originally constructed in 1873 as the summer home of John Winthrop Chanler and Margaret Astor Ward. Nowadays, the Chanler is also connected to the 3.5-mile Cliff Walk path, granting immediate access to Newport’s other famed mansions and nearby Easton’s Beach.

Upon arriving in their rooms or suites, guests are greeted with a box of gourmet cookies, perfect to help digest the “wow factor” of the interiors. After a day spent roaming around Newport, the Chanler’s Spiced Pear restaurant delivers gastronomic greatness from its showroom-style open kitchen with specialties such as butter-poached Maine lobster with truffled leeks, candied beets, and sunchoke purée, as well as Rohan duck breast in blood orange jus.

The service is always top-notch at the Chanler Inn at Cliff Walk, and the front desk staff bears a wealth of knowledge of Newport and its surroundings. The complimentary on-call luxury SUV shuttle moves guests around within three miles of the hotel, putting nearly all of Newport in the palm of their hand.

Planning your next Newport trip? Make time for these must-see spots while you’re in town.

Items For Your Newport Itinerary

Viking Trolley This entertaining, 90-minute scenic trolley tour ventures through downtown Newport and along mansion-clad Ocean Drive. The trip is chock full of history lessons and random facts. For example, did you know the New York Yacht Club is housed in Newport, or that Moonrise Kingdom was filmed in Newport?

St. Mary’s Church The oldest Catholic parish in Rhode Island was established on April 8, 1828 and became a major tourist attraction following the wedding ceremony there of Jacqueline Lee Bouvier and John Fitzgerald Kennedy on September 12, 1953.

Fort Adams The largest coastal fort in the United States stands across Newport Harbor in Fort Adams State Park and hosts several local festivals, such as the Newport Jazz Festival. 

Gourmet Row Peruse “Gourmet Row” on Bellevue Avenue between Catherine Street and Kay Street with shops like Newport Wine Cellar, Le Petit Gourmet, and La Maison de COCO.

The Moorings is a mustn’t-miss sport fr fresh seafood.

One Bellevue Restaurant Live like aristocracy with a high tea extravaganza at the Hotel Viking. Enjoy tea, Kir Royals, and a decadent three-tiered tray of tea sandwiches, cakes, and the best scones you’ve ever tasted. The English never had it so good!

Diego’s Head to Bowen’s Wharf for New England’s superlative Mexican food. Try the famous Crispy Baja Calamari with Diego’s secret spicy seasoning.

The Mooring Feed your most sumptuous seafood fantasies at this institution on Newport’s historic waterfront. Start with a bowl of the award-winning native scallop chowder. Then, feast on the Bag of Doughnuts (lobster, crab, and shrimp fritters with chipotle-maple aioli) and Guinness-battered fish ‘n’ chips with homemade tartar sauce.

Muse by Jonathan Cartwright Dress to the nines for a superb evening at this fine dining restaurant helmed by renowned New England chef Jonathan Cartwright. While Cartwright impresses with all his dishes, the lobster masterpieces are most memorable. Indulge in the deconstructed “Lobster Bisque” with crispy lobster wontons and Cognac crème fraiche, the Butter Poached Smoked Lobster over a bed of sweet corn purée and paprika butter sauce, or the “Open Ravioli of Poached Lobster.”

Muse, a fine dining sport renowned for its lobster offerings.

Spiced Pear The handsome bar of the Chanler Inn’s acclaimed restaurant specializes in fine wines and pear-inspired libations. Kick off the evening with a “Spiced Pear Martini” (pear vodka, amaretto, pear nectar, cinnamon, and lemon juice), an “Incredible Pear” (pear vodka, Hpnotiq, Grand Marnier, pear nectar, and pineapple juice), or more than a dozen other cocktails.

The White Horse Tavern Newport first-timers should most definitely grab a pint at the oldest tavern in America, circa 1673.

Fluke Wine, Bar & Kitchen Enjoy an aperitif or a nightcap at Fluke Wine, Bar & Kitchen, renowned for its seasonal craft cocktails and artisan wines.

The Details

Closest domestic airport T.F. Green Airport (PVD), 26 miles away. Closest international airport Boston Logan International Airport  (BOS), 74 miles away. Total area 11.4 square miles (7.7 square miles land; 3.7 square miles water) County Newport County Population 24,672 residents. Median household income $59,388. Number of households 10,616.Median property value $429,000. Public parks Brenton Point State Park, Fort Adams State Park. Former famous residents Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, William KissamVanderbilt. Claims to fame Newport Regatta, Newport Mansions, America’s Society Capital. Social Media Facebook facebook.com/NewportRhodeIsland; Twitter twitter.com/DscvrNewport; Pinterest pinterest.com/discovernewport; “Stem to Stern Blog” gonewport.com.

Relax, unwind, and tee it up on Anguilla’s only golf course. by Brian McCallen

CuisinArt’s grounds

Anguilla is a tiny, eel-shaped island ringed by 33 blindingly white beaches, boasting a quiet cachet and sophistication that sets it apart from other Caribbean getaways. You’ll find no casinos, nightclubs, cruise ships, chain hotels, or duty-free shopping on this British overseas territory. What you will find nestled in a curve of Rendezvous Bay and its nearly two-mile stretch of powdery white sand is CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa and its low-rise, Greek-inspired whitewashed structures. Reopened last December following major renovations to its pools, restaurants, and 93 guest rooms, the oceanfront resort, built in 1999 by the owner of the CuisinArt kitchenware company, is a relaxing, family-friendly retreat that attracts both Americans and Europeans.

From the main house and its reflecting pool, winding pathways lead past colorful bougainvillea and swaying palms to the tented Café Mediterraneo, where breakfast and lunch are served. Upstairs from Venus Spa is newly opened Tokyo Bay, Anguilla’s first authentic Japanese restaurant. As befits its culinary heritage, CuisinArt takes its wining (there’s a 3,600-bottle cellar) and dining seriously. Chefs use fresh herbs and vegetables propagated at its 18,000-square-foot hydroponic farm to produce exceptional sauces, salads, and side dishes.

The resort added to its allure in 2011, when it acquired an abandoned $50 million golf facility adjacent to its property. After spending millions to revive the facility, the Greg Norman-designed course today presents a splendid test of golf woven through sea grape, thatched palm, and white cedar, with saltwater lagoons and mangrove thickets flanking many of the holes. Oriented to the sparkling sea and the mountainous coast of nearby St. Maarten, this majestic layout is one of the prettiest courses in the islands. With its perilous hazards and breezy conditions, the course is firm in its demands, but generous bail-out areas accommodate players of lesser attainment. An impressive white clubhouse behind the 18th green houses Italia, a new restaurant headed by a chef from Parma, Italy. (The tiramisu is out of this world.)

Like a great beauty who hasn’t let flattery go to her head, CuisinArt is content to let its natural attributes and expanded amenities engage guests like no other property in this corner of the Caribbean.

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The Agenda

Hydroponic Farm Tour - Join Dr. David Resh for a fascinating tour of the resort’s hydroponic farm, where tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, and other fresh vegetables are grown in a soil-less environment within a large greenhouse. Superior in taste, quality, and appearance, these vine-ripened veggies are the key to the resort’s culinary excellence.

Bankie Banx Dune Preserve - Propped up on pilings a short walk from the resort is a multi-level beach bar and club built from shipwrecked boats and salvaged driftwood. Banx, a native Anguillan and reggae music pioneer, usually performs on weekends. Duneshine, a fermented ginger cocktail, is the potent house drink.

Special-Interest Bays & Beaches - Consider Crocus Bay for snorkeling, Savannah Bay for body surfing, Maunday’s Bay for beachcombing, Captain’s Bay for seclusion, and Shoal Bay West for sunsets. Or, simply relax at Rendezvous Bay, where beach attendants pass around soothing sorbet to guests in mid-afternoon.

Easter Island

Exploring the world’s most remote inhabited island. By Paul Rubio

Think of Easter Island and visions of its iconic multi-ton statues immediately come to mind. The conundrums surrounding Easter Island, the world’s most remote inhabited island—smack in the middle of the Pacific Ocean thousands of miles from any other landmass—have perplexed society for nearly three centuries. The 63.2-square-mile craggy island, also known as Rapa Nui, was “discovered” by European explorers on Easter Sunday in 1722, teeming with larger-than-life (they weigh two to 14 tons and measure 15 feet high) chess-like sculptures called moai. The back story of the moai has kept archaeologists, anthropologists, and historians immersed in trying to unravel the mysteries of Rapa Nui life circa 300 to 1200 AD.

Nearly 90 percent of Easter Island’s 4,000 inhabitants live in Hanga Roa, the principal town, near Mataveri International Airport. While Hanga Roa houses a few cute boutique shops, hostel-type accommodations, diving centers, and some local restaurants appealing to the backpacking crowd, luxury travelers often take full advantage of the gourmet all-inclusive offerings of Explora Rapa Nui, 20 minutes outside of Hanga Roa. (All meals and excursions are part of the Explora Rapa Nui package.)

An arial view of Explora Rapa Nui, which is built largely from volcanic rock.

Explora offers more than two dozen outings, including half-day tours by foot, boat, or bike. Hikes range from easy to rigorous, passing along the perimeters of the island’s extinct volcanoes and delving into mysterious caves, which played instrumental roles in protecting islanders during times of civil war. Bike paths dot the island, granting endless hours of serenity in what feels like Earth’s final frontier. Small boats stand at the ready for circumventing the island and snorkeling near its outer motus.

To be sure, the moai headline most tours and constitute the backbone of the Explora experience. One of the most exciting tours is that to Rano Raraku, the stone quarry, which served as the birthplace of those 10- to 270-ton works of genius; this is where the statues were carved before being transported to the far reaches of the island. Nowadays, hundreds of statues peer out from the ground, representing a moment frozen in time when the moai quarry was abandoned.

The photo safari reaches new heights on the tour to Ahu Tongariki, where 15 moai stand along the island’s southeast shoreline. Other tours include those to important locations in Easter Island’s more recent history, including Rano Kau crater, the sight of Easter Island’s famous Birdman competition and worship grounds of the 19th century.

Getting There - LAN Airlines flies daily from Santiago International Airport (SCL) to Easter Island’s Mataveri Int’l Airport (IPC).

Easter Island’s coastline

The Essentials

Where to stay - Explora Rapa Nui facilitates three- to eight-night expeditions through Easter Island and provides a chic, luxurious base for exploration. The lodge exemplifies green construction, as it is principally built from volcanic rock and local woods. It exudes both modernism and minimalism, with oversized panoramic windows, stylish day beds, and a design-driven swimming pool and spa area.

Where to eat - In between and after twice-daily excursions at Explora Rapa Nui, you’ll return to the lodge’s restaurant, where you’ll feast on ocean-to-table dishes, as well as homemade gnocchi, rack of lamb, and fine Chilean wines. Days begin with sensational breakfast spreads with over two dozen plates, including housemade breads, croissants, exotic jams, and superb omelets.

What to do - Don’t expect your typical beachside fun-in-the-sun vacation on Easter Island; it has but two very small white sand beaches. The real attraction is discovering this sparsely populated island at your own pace and spending time up close and personal with the island’s myriad moai. Explora’s roster of excursions allows guests to explore every nook and cranny of the island, depending on the length of stay.

Sailing at sunset in Siesta Key

Frequently recognized as one of  America’s best beaches, Siesta Key is a stellar, year-round tropical paradise bursting with fun in the sun for all ages. by Paul Rubio

Along the Sunshine State’s central Gulf Coast, Siesta Key beach showcases the finest and purest sand in the world—99.01 percent pure quartz, to be exact. The greatest asset of the 2.3-square-mile Siesta Key island, Siesta Key beach teems with a parade of sand sculpture artists, bohemians, globetrotters, fishermen, and the full gamut of modern and traditional families basking in unadulterated palm-fringed, sun-drenched, quartz-infused bliss. After several years of placing in the Top 10 list of “America’s Best Beaches,” as rated by Dr. Stephen Leatherman, a.k.a. “Dr. Beach,” and the Travel Channel, Siesta Key, the jewel of Sarasota County, finally took home the crown in 2011 and hasn’t looked back since.

While the actual title of No. 1 beach may still feel fresh, real estate investors have long recognized the power and prestige of Siesta Key. In fact, the median property value of homes anchored in Siesta’s pillows of sugarloaf sands runs over $600,000. Siesta Key’s most prized homes take shape as extravagant beachfront estates and beautiful condominiums on the island’s western shores, as well as luxury bayside homes on the island’s east.

The general vibe of Siesta Key recalls that of Key West, translating to sentiments of community, commitment to hospitality, and a come-as-you-are mentality. Don’t expect to wear your latest haute couture for dinners out; most eateries have more alfresco than interior space, and flip-flops are welcomed. The sun shines almost every day of the year, lending to Siesta’s carefree spirit. However, it’s nearby St. Petersburg that features in the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest period of continuous sunshine—768 consecutive days.

Siesta Key’s famously white and powdery beaches

Siesta Key revolves around 24/7 beach bliss, where days consist of long ambles, building sand castles, sunbathing, snorkeling, beach volleyball, and long lunches of fresh fish and seafood. Beach activity quiets by late afternoon, when time stands still to frame what is arguably the most picturesque sunset in the country. Come nightfall, those not heading over to Sarasota often make their way to Siesta Key Village to patronize the large collection of laid-back beach bars and restaurants.

To avoid the crowd, head beyond the village to quieter bayside restaurants like award-winning Ophelia’s on the Bay, which has celebrated 25 years on Siesta Key. Ophelia’s is typical of Siesta Key in that establishments on the island are far more “tried and true” than “fly by night”; hence, most have been island establishments for decades. Each locale has its regulars, but that doesn’t mean Siesta Key has no room for newbies. In fact, the island has already welcomed five new restaurants in 2013.

Given Siesta Key’s small size, most island visitors and locals mix time between Siesta Key proper and adjacent Sarasota and other keys, like Lido Key and Longboat Key. It takes two minutes to cross the bridge to Sarasota proper for cultural endeavors like opera, theatre, and museums, as well as world-class dining and nightlife. Sometimes, the hour or so drive to St. Petersburg and Tampa beckons to further increase the diversity of cultural offerings.

Luxury travelers longing to stay on Siesta Key proper gravitate toward the island’s most coveted address, Hyatt Siesta Key Beach, A Hyatt Residence Club (to learn more on what there is to do at Hyatt Siesta Key, click here). Alternatively, they stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota and play on Siesta Key and at the Ritz’s Beach Club.

North of tiny Siesta Key and separated by a small body of water, tinier Lido Key houses the fabulous Beach Club of The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. Gulf Coast visitors who like a healthy balance of beachfront beauty and big-city sophistication revel in The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota’s world of perpetual indulgence, world-class dining, seclusion, and exclusivity.

The principal building of The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota sits on 11 acres in the heart of downtown Sarasota, a stone’s throw from the city’s dining and entertainment scene, and a short bridge away from Siesta Key. The lobby boasts old-world elegance, now synonymous with the Ritz-Carlton brand. All 266 rooms feature private balconies and views of Sarasota Bay and are decorated in earthy hues of rust and green. An immaculate club level, a sensuous spa, and a design-driven swimming pool augment a superb experience of escapism and pampering.

Across the bay on the downy sands of Lido Key, the Ritz-Carlton Members Beach Club provides guests a picture-perfect private beach (on par with Siesta Key beach), a beachfront heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi, a children’s pool, exceptional eats at the Beach Club Grill, and excellent pool and beach cocktail and food service. A complimentary shuttle transports passengers to and from the hotel and the Beach Club. In addition, guests at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota have access to the award-winning par-72 Tom Fazio-designed 18-hole championship course of the 315-acre Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, located 13 miles from the hotel.

Hyatt Siesta Key Beach - The two-year-old residence club has put Siesta Key on the map for the luxury traveler.

Hyatt Siesta Key Beach

Even before its coronation as “America’s Best Beach 2011,” Siesta Key Beach was abuzz with the arrival of its most grandiose residence club to date, the 44-unit Hyatt Siesta Key Beach. Nestled on a private swath of pure quartz beach, this sunrise-tinted, low-rise complex houses 44 design-savvy two-bedroom/two-bathroom condominiums. Throughout the 2,395-square-foot premium residences, natural light channels through floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors. From the living room to the bedroom, colorful accessories and handcrafted mahogany furnishings mix with Italian porcelain. Full gourmet kitchens feature Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances and restaurant-quality Nespresso machines. In the master bedrooms, expansive bathrooms feel more like spa suites, with jetted massage tubs and separate enclaves lined with multiple showerheads. With oversized dens and expansive second bedrooms and bathrooms, the units comfortably fit six—perfect for group getaways, couples’ retreats, or family vacations. And because the Hyatt Siesta Key Beach is in fact a residence club and not a hotel or resort, ownership opportunities are available.

Guests and residents of the Hyatt Siesta Key Beach enjoy Hyatt’s complimentary resort-style amenities, like pillow-top beach loungers; a fitness center with on-call personal trainers and house bikes for zipping through nearby nature trails; non-motorized water sports; and daily continental breakfast. Nevertheless, it’s on the condos’ outdoor terraces where guests spend most of their time, especially around sunset. With unobstructed western views of the Gulf of Mexico, the spectacle of sky and sea engulfing the sun plays out like a living work of art.

Ophelia’s on the Bay The seafood-centric, American-Asian fusion restaurant on Siesta Key’s bayside has earned an “extraordinary” rating by Zagat for 10 years in a row. opheliasonthebay.net.

Eat Here Siesta Key An outpost of the wildly popular Eat Here restaurant in downtown Sarasota, this Siesta Key newbie is already locally famous for its Gulf Coast seafood stew, Seattle-style grilled cheese, and killer cocktails, like the pineapple-and-pomegranate martini.

Siesta Key Village From getting a fix of live music at Siesta Key Oyster Bar (locals call it “SKOB”) to dining and dancing to DJ-driven tunes at Daiquiri Deck raw bar, Siesta Key Village and its 40 restaurants, bars, boutiques, and stores cater to the island’s tourist-centric population and remain busy seven nights a week.

Sarasota Opera House

Sunday Drum Circle On Sundays, Siesta Key’s jaw-dropping sunset is just the beginning of the weekly “Drum Circle,” a sort of flash mob of regionally epic proportions. In what’s now become a weekly tradition, the artsy, eclectic, and sometime downright weird congregate among the family folk on Siesta Key Beach for hours of drum-pounding music, dancing, and booty shaking.

Sarasota Opera House The greatest opera house in the Southeast is a haven for culture vultures and supports homegrown talent through its pioneering American Classics series, showcasing productions by American composers. The Opera House’s winter season ended in late March and included productions of Turandot, King For a Day, and Of Mice and Men. The fall season lineup is available at sarasotaopera.org.

Savor Sarasota Sarasota County’s answer to Restaurant Week, Siesta Key’s and Sarasota’s top restaurants go “on sale” during “Savor Sarasota,” lasting 14 days from June 1 through June 14. Diners delight in prix fixe three-course lunches for $15 and prix fixe three-course dinners for $25 at three dozen of the county’s top restaurants.

Jack Dusty at Ritz-Carlton

Jack Dusty Featuring coastal cuisine and craft cocktails, Jack Dusty is Sarasota County’s hottest new restaurant. Located in The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, Dusty is a seafood restaurant, lounge, and marketplace with a menu that features local caviar of Mote Marine Sturgeon, Blackened Grouper Étouffée, and Sarasota Cioppino, a sea-to-table extravaganza of gulf shrimp, bay scallops, clams, mussels, and grouper in an orange peel-and-tomato broth. Artisanal cocktails are equally excellent.

Salvador Dalí Museum Though an hour from Siesta Key, museum buffs and art lovers should make the trek to the Salvador Dalí museum in St. Petersburg, arguably the best museum in the Southeast United States. The museum showcases Dalí’s largest and most comprehensive collection in the world. Be inspired and fascinated by the artist most noted for surrealism.

The Details

Closest domestic airports Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), eight miles away. Closest international airport Tampa International Airport (TPA), 70 miles away. Total area 3.5 square miles (2.3 square miles land; 1.2 square miles water). County Sarasota County. Population 6,565 residents. Median household income $73,316. Number of households 3,330. Median property value $605,800. Public parks Bay Island Park, Siesta Beach, and Turtle Beach. Name game Originally named Sarasota Key but changed to Siesta Key in the 1920s. Former famous residents American architect Mary Rockwell Hook, one of the first women in architecture. Claims to fame No. 1 Beach in America; world’s finest, whitest sand (99.01 percent quartz). Famous nearby neighbors Lido Key, Longboat Key, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Tampa, and Clearwater Beach. Follow Siesta Key on Facebook facebook.com/VisitSarasota. Follow Siesta Key on Twitter twitter.com/VisitSarasota. Follow Siesta Key on YouTube youtube.com/visitsarasota. For more information on Siesta Key, visit visitsarasota.org and discovernaturalsarasota.com.

Hoi An shop

A stylish beach resort near Danang in central Vietnam offers the chance to chill out and immerse yourself in an ancient culture. By Andrew Conway

As the sun rises over the South China Sea, heralding another perfect day at The Nam Hai on Vietnam’s spectacular Central Coast, there’s a difficult decision to be made: Should you roll effortlessly from breakfast to the pool, a spa treatment, lunch, the tennis court, the beach, out for cocktails, and then dinner, or head out to explore some of the most fascinating sights in Southeast Asia? Thankfully, there’s no need to choose between chilling out or charging around in central Vietnam, because The Nam Hai, widely considered the finest beach resort in the country, offers the best of both worlds.

One day’s adventure might lead visitors to the wonderful old trading port of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999 and a labyrinth of beautifully preserved merchant homes, temples, and museums alongside bustling shops, restaurants, and market stalls.

Another day offers the chance to explore the 1,500-year-old temple complex of My Son, lost to the wider world for centuries until re-discovered by French archaeologists in 1898. Then there’s the intriguing Marble Mountains, a cluster of five marble-and-limestone hills that played a key role in the Vietnam War.

Located 20 miles south of Danang and nestled on 90 acres of palm-fringed land on Ha My Beach, this stylish resort not only encourages guests to relax in the spa, on the beach, or by one of three seductive pools, but also to immerse themselves in the region’s cultural riches.

Each of the 60 one-bedroom villas and 40 pool villa residences offers a sumptuous retreat and a design aesthetic rooted in Vietnamese history and architecture with split-level living and sleeping areas; a raised platform with room for a king-size bed, desk, and sunken bath; and a private outdoor shower garden.

Tear yourself away for a few hours each day and you’ll be rewarded with memorable sights and sounds of a much-less-traveled region of Vietnam that’s far from the teeming streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. thenamhai.com

The Nam Hi Spa

The Essentials: Danang, Vietnam

Where to stay Danang is bustling with new hotel, resort, and golf developments, but by far the best place to stay is The Nam Hai, 20 miles south of the city. This exceptional beachfront resort offers 60 one-bedroom villas and 40 pool villa residences, including a stunning five-bedroom pool villa—a 7,000-square-foot compound with vast living and dining areas, five sleeping villas, private butler service, and direct access to the white sand beach. thenamhai.com

Where to eat The Nam Hai’s Vietnamese-fusion dining experience is outstanding, incorporating the freshest produce from local markets and the resort’s own organic garden. The best tables are on the outdoor terrace of The Restaurant and poolside at The Beach Restaurant. If you want to be more adventurous, nearby Hoi An has several good restaurants; order a banh mi (a delicious baguette filled with grilled meats, vegetables, and chilis) at Phuong, next to the central market. visithoian.com

What to do At the top of your list should be a visit to the beautifully preserved former trading port of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Vietnam’s cultural treasures. Other must-sees are the ancient temples of My Son, 30 miles from Hoi An, and the intriguing Marble Mountains (five miles from Danang), a stronghold of Viet Cong rebels during the Vietnam War. The Nam Hai can also arrange trips to the nearby Cham Islands. vietnamtourism.com

Enjoying perfect weather on the Coronado Coast

Coronado, one of San Diego’s most elite addresses, offers a relaxed atmosphere with exciting arts and culture and an abundance of outdoor activities. By Melissa Gillespie

Situated across San Diego Bay just a few miles from downtown San Diego, CA, Coronado boasts a unique combination of quaint small-town friendliness and sophisticated luxury. Many of the homes and businesses were built in the 1900s, and the mix of Victorian and modern-day architecture gives the island a unique personality. Measuring in at just 13.5 square miles, Coronado is a small but enchanting city. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean, Glorietta Bay, and San Diego Bay, this seaside gem is linked to the Southern California coastline and the city of San Diego by the expansive San Diego-Coronado Bridge.

The breathtaking San Diego-Coronado Bridge became an area landmark the moment it opened in August 1969 during San Diego’s bicentennial. Then-California governor Ronald Reagan became the first person to drive across the span. The distinctive, soaring bridge made Coronado widely accessible by vehicle traffic for the first time in the city’s history. Over two miles long and five lanes wide, the bridge has a clearance of approximately 200 feet that allows massive merchant and military ships to pass easily beneath it.

Coronado’s careful approach to planned development lends stability to the quality of both the residential and business communities. Quiet tree-lined streets and friendly parks are found throughout the city. Coronado tourism is robust, with over two million visitors a year coming to soak up the warm southern California sun and enjoy its small-town charm.

Known for picturesque coastline views and expansive stretches of white sand, Coronado is home to world-renowned beaches. Occupying the area between the iconic Hotel del Coronado and Naval Air Station North Island, Coronado Beach is a 1.5-mile long aquatic wonderland. Just north of Coronado Beach is North Beach, a favorite site for surfing in the morning and bonfires in the evenings. The northernmost section is known as Dog Beach, where four-legged visitors are permitted off leash. Then there’s Silver Strand State Beach, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay along the isthmus that connects Coronado southward to Imperial Beach, making it a popular spot for swimming, biking, and camping.

Catering to travelers who seek one-of-a-kind properties, seaside escapes, and decadent dining, Coronado’s resorts and boutique hotels make for the perfect vacation destination. Famous for its peaked red roof and Victorian charm, the Hotel del Coronado is an iconic landmark and a tradition for locals and visitors alike. Located directly across from the Hotel del Coronado, the Glorietta Bay Inn was built around the historic mansion of John Spreckels, one of the island’s original investors and developers. The mansion has been carefully restored to reflect the house as it looked in the 1920s. In addition to 11 spacious rooms in the main house, this impressive boutique hotel features 89 rooms in the adjacent contemporary wing, an expansive music room, and spectacular bay views.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a wide range of activities on Coronado, from surfing to enchanting waterfront golfing. Options include driving across the beautiful San Diego-Coronado Bridge, taking a ferry or water taxi across San Diego Bay, and driving along the seven-mile long Silver Strand peninsula. The Bayshore Bikeway, a scenic bike path along the shores of San Diego Bay, provides cyclists, inline skaters, and walkers an invigorating route that spans 11 miles from the Coronado Ferry Landing, stretching down along the eastern shore of the peninsula, and then continuing parallel to Silver Strand State Beach south toward Imperial Beach.

However, perhaps the best way to experience charming Coronado is by foot or bicycle along the relatively flat, mile-long downtown stretch of the town’s main street, Orange Avenue. Featuring cafés, parks, numerous galleries, and a small-town feel, this popular street spans the midsection of Coronado from Centennial Park along the San Diego Bay to Ocean Boulevard along the Pacific.

On and off Orange Avenue, Coronado offers a mouthwatering array of dining options. From elegant dining at Mistral at Loews Coronado Bay Resort to Sunday brunch at The Del to a more casual bayside experience at Current in the Coronado Island Marriott Resort, the menus at these popular epicurean delights please a variety of palates. Another option is to venture outside of the popular resorts to enjoy a romantic evening at the quaint French eatery Chez Loma or an exquisite meal in a more casual environment at Tartine Bistro.

For those who think quaintess can’t equate to luxury, they have not been to Coronado. The small community embraces a relaxed atmosphere and pairs it perfectly with first-class accommodations, exciting arts and culture, and abundant outdoor recreational activities.  The “Crown City” offers an enchanting island lifestyle for the lucky few who call it home, as well as a home-away-from-home experience for the millions who visit.

Hotel del Coronado – The iconic Hotel del Coronado is a favorite resort destination for local residents, celebrities, and everyone in between.

Hotel del Coronado

As a National Historic Landmark, the Hotel del Coronado has more than 120 years of stories to tell. It was the vision of Elisha Babcock and Hampton Story, two investors from the Midwest, that came to fruition in 1888. The resort is a living legend, visited by celebrities, dignitaries, and 11 U.S. presidents.

Today, a new era of luxury has taken shape alongside the historical beauty. Steps from the iconic hotel is the Beach Village at The Del, which is available for whole ownership/limited-term use to a lucky few. Beach Village is comprised of just 35 two- and three-bedroom condominiums, each with its own private balcony overlooking the Pacific. The Beach Village ups the ante on luxury at The Del, offering private beachfront cottages, pools, and personalized amenities.

Whether visiting for the weekend or an extended period as a cottage owner, The Del offers abundant shopping and dining options, in addition to the stellar views. At Shops at The Del, there is an exquisite variety of boutiques featuring upscale women’s and men’s apparel, fine jewelry, and bath and spa products.

The property’s signature beachfront restaurant, 1500 OCEAN, delivers a farm-to-table culinary approach. 1500 OCEAN’s Chef de Cuisine Robert Hohmann uses California coastal ingredients to create dishes infused with the contemporary Mediterranean flavors of Italy, France, and Morocco. For a fabulous brunch, nothing beats the scrumptious spread at the Hotel del Coronado’s Crown Room on Sundays – also a top-rated local favorite. hoteldel.com —M.G.

Visiting Coronado soon? We have the items for your Coronado itinerary.

Coronado Promenade Concert in full swing.

Lamb’s Players Theatre Over the last 20 years, this non-profit, artist-directed company has produced more than 45 world premieres and 40 regional premieres. Enjoy a five-play season February through November, plus special holiday productions featured each December, at the 350-seat venue in the historic Spreckels Building on Orange Avenue. Lambsplayers.org.

The Coronado Playhouse Opened in 1946, Coronado Playhouse is the longest-running community theatre company in the San Diego area. Housed in a 100-seat cabaret-style theatre overlooking Glorietta Bay, the Playhouse presents a year-round season of classic and modern productions, plus free Shakespeare plays at the end of the summer. coronadoplayhouse.com.

Coronado Promenade Concerts Coronado’s mild summer temperatures make for enjoyable outdoor concert performances. Pack a picnic for this free, family-friendly event, held every Sunday evening in the summer in Spreckels Park. Coronadoconcert.com.

Coronado Ferry Landing Located on the San Diego Bay side of Coronado, Coronado Ferry Landing features waterfront dining and one-of-a-kind shops, as well as wonderful views of the San Diego-Coronado Bridge and downtown San Diego’s skyline. coronadoferrylandingshops.com.

Skating by the Sea at Hotel del Coronado

Tidelands Park Encompassing 22 acres, the park is the largest green space on the shores of San Diego Bay and boasts children’s play equipment, ball fields, picnic tables, and free public parking. The park is perfect for a day out with the family.

Skating by the Sea at Hotel del Coronado The Del dazzles during the winter holidays with the only surfside skating rink in the United States. hoteldel.com.

Mistral at Loews Coronado Bay Resort Situated between the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay, Mistral offers breathtaking views, as well as world flavors. Dishes might include veal cheeks with orange blossom and butternut squash or Jidori chicken with shiitake mushrooms and potato gnocchi. dineatmistral.com.

Coronado Brewing Company For more casual dining, the Coronado Brewing Company features classic pub fare plus award-winning craft beers. coronadobrewingcompany.com.

Glorietta Bay Marina and Loews’ Crown Isle Marina Coronado boasts two full-service marinas. Located on San Diego Bay across from Silver Strand State Beach, Glorietta Bay Marina and Loews’ Crown Isle Marina both offer paddleboat, sailboat, and jet ski rentals, as well as deep-sea fishing excursions. portofsandiego.org.

Coronado Surfing Academy Coronado City Beach faces due south with gentle swells that make it perfect for surfers of all skill levels. Silver Strand State Beach also offers a gently sloping break and forgiving surf, great for beginning surfers. Expert instructors at the Coronado Surfing Academy ensure you’ll have fun while hanging 10. coronadosurfing.com 

The Details

Date of incorporation: 1886. Area: 13.5 square miles. Population: 17,885 residents, 11,344 group quarters. Average household income: $57,758. Number of households: 7,676. Median property value: $536,000. Beach area (in miles): 28. Public parks: 18. Hotel rooms: 1,789. Annual visitors: 2 million. Notable names: Coronado is also known as “The Crown City,” named after the Islas Coronados about 15 miles off shore. It is also nicknamed “The Emerald City” because L. Frank Baum, the author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, found inspiration on Coronado. He penned the subsequent Oz books while wintering on the island. Famed aviator Charles Lindbergh was honored at The Hotel Del in 1927 after his successful trans-Atlantic flight. Kate Morgan never wants to leave The Del; legend has it her ghost still calls the hotel home. John D. Spreckels was a sugar baron who helped develop Coronado. His former estate is now the Glorietta Bay Inn. Military roots: Spreckels sold North Island to the U.S. government in 1917. In 1997, Naval Base Coronado was created, encompassing more than 57,000 acres and making it the largest command in the southwest region of the United States.

Hualalai Resort

On the Big Island, Hualalai Resort combines classic, local flair with the elegance of a luxury residential resort. by David Eisen

The Gold Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii gets its sobriquet from the lavish luxury resorts and getaways that dot the craggy landscape. One such is Hualalai Resort on the North Kohala Coast.

Homes and villas here—all typified by the local Hawaiian architecture style of kauhale—have views of the Jack Nicklaus-designed championship golf course and Pacific Ocean. Residents of Hualalai Resort share in the services and amenities provided at the adjacent Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, including use of its restaurants, beachfront cabanas, and four swimming pools. There is also the private 18-hole Ke’olu Golf Course, a Tom Weiskopf design open to Hualalai Club members only, and the newly renovated spa and fitness center, offering full spa facilities and treatments in an indoor/outdoor environment. The club also has an 82-foot lap pool, basketball and tennis courts, a rock climbing wall, and a 2,200-square-foot gym.

Another welcomed service: the residential concierge, which can handle everything from arranging housekeeping and grocery shopping to booking tee times, island tours, and dinner reservations.

It’s these services and amenities that make Hualalai Resort such an appealing investment opportunity. Another reason? Try the weather, says Rob Kildow, director of sales for Hualalai Realty. “Buyers know that, regardless of time of year or other commitments they have elsewhere, the weather will always be great here,” he says. “Buyers are looking for a sure bet, a safe harbor, and Hualalai Resort has demonstrated [that].” Kildow also points out the sense of ohana, or community, that is a constant thread through the resort and contributes to a very fulfilling lifestyle.

In total, there are 14 neighborhoods here, and Kildow says 23 properties are currently listed. The three-bedroom/three-bathroom villas average 2,500 square feet of enclosed space, plus lanais that offer additional outdoor living space. Homes at Hualalai start at $4.8 million; villas from $1.5 million.

Hualalai’s continued success reflects buyers’ confidence in the significant investments made, which include an extensive $40 million resort-wide enhancement. That, too, is why many from the mainland are making Huallai their second home.

“The resort has always looked attractive for buyers of second homes, and now is no different,” Kildow says. “During the downturn, our prices held up better than [most], as we had very few sellers. The net result of that decision was that the pricing of our sold homes over the last three years has been from $286 to $500 per square foot more than our competition.”

Hualalai also made the decision to pare down its inventory this year by 35 percent, which has had a significant influence on pricing. “As inventory levels continue to shrink,” Kildow says, “prices will continue to rise.”