Wrap yourself in true winter luxury by arranging to join Interlude for a Currier and Ives Holiday. Your four day escorted vacation is a treasure trove of time honored tradition and excellent experiences just waiting for you! If you did nothing more than stayed at the The Essex Inn, this trip would be a winner. If location is everything, then you are firmly situated in the midst of everything!! The Essex is a destination in itself, offering a full-service Spa and Fitness Center, cooking classes at Cook Academy, and the award-winning Butler’s Restaurant, all of which are perfectly complemented by the character and inviting warmth of the area’s only AAA Four-Diamond resort. It’s someplace you’ll always talk about and remember.
Shall we talk Spa? I did a little research on their website to help you decide on your Spa experience.
Q: Are there any restrictions on who can use the Spa?
A: All Resort guests enjoy complimentary use of the fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, and oversize hot tub. Use of the Spa facilities, including the sauna, steam room, and relaxation lounge, is complimentary to guests on the day of their scheduled treatment ($100 minimum), and to non-scheduled Resort guests for a $20 fee.
Q: When should I arrive for my appointment?
A: To enjoy our Recipe for Relaxation, we invite you to arrive for your Spa appointment no later than a half-hour before the scheduled start. The extra time will allow you to enhance the effectiveness by first unwinding in our steam rooms, saunas, and relaxation lounges. Please also allow enough time for a shower; the beneficial oils used in our treatments are best absorbed through clean skin.
Q: How should I prepare for my Spa appointment?
A: For your safety and wellbeing we highly discourage alcohol consumption prior to Spa treatments. Men should avoid shaving before certain treatments. Please drink plenty of water (at least two glasses of water per each hour of treatment or exercise) to help your body process the effects of your treatment or exercise session. Inquire of our knowledgeable staff when you make your appointment as to further suggestions.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Our signature plush robes, slippers, and personal lockers are provided for all Spa guests. Most of our guests prefer to fully undress for treatments, as our staff is professionally trained in proper draping, designed to ensure modesty and comfort throughout the service. However, if you would be more comfortable, you may wear undergarments for your treatment. To ensure safety, proper clothing and closed-toe fitness shoes are required in the fitness center.
Treat yourself while there to a whole new experience in sumptuousness, but remember to make your appointments as soon as possible so there are no conflicts with the itinerary that Interlude has planned for you.
If you love spending time in the kitchen, or if you’ve always wanted to be more comfortable cooking, you may also want to try Cook Academy at the Essex. On December 6th, the day you arrive, there are two scheduled classes: Make like a Bear takes place from 6 pm to 8 pm and the cost is $110++. In this class you will fill up with great foods before the long cold winter- just like bears do! The favorites include: Vermont Cheddar Ale Soup. Cabernet Braised Short Ribs with Gremolata Polenta and Nina’s Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Maple Walnut Cream & Brandied Apples. Seating is limited so again make your plans early. Snowed In Farm House Dinner uses locally raised meats and fall harvested vegetables all from gorgeous Vermont! You’ll be making Beet and Blue Cheese Salad with baby arugula. Bacon wrapped Pork chops with braised Red Cabbage and Spaetzle. Chocolate Maple Bourbon Pie with House Made Ice Cream completes the menu. This class also takes place on Monday, December 6th from 7 pm to 9 pm. The cost is $110++.
Cook Academy is a low-pressure, fun way to learn cooking techniques. The best part is you get to enjoy the delicious meal that you create, and are even provided with copies of the recipes for you to enjoy at home. At the helm of each cooking class is Chef Kerri Bouffard. Chef Bouffard graduated from New England Culinary Institute before becoming tournant chef at the Hilton Resort in Key West, Florida. From there, she moved to New York to be sous chef at the famed Brasserie in midtown Manhattan. Longing to return to her native Vermont, Chef Bouffard joined the staff at The Essex Resort to combine her lifelong passions of teaching and cooking.
However, if you choose to spend your time relaxing on your first night, Interlude has planned a lovely meal at Butler’s Restaurant. Butler’s Restaurant & Tavern proudly features farm-to-table options with a focus on local ingredients. The menu hosts a bold reinterpretation of American contemporary cuisine, coupled with the best of tavern fare. There is a great wine list and an extensive list of Vermont microbrews and specialty cocktails as well. The desserts are amazing! Just to get your taste buds salivating I’ve copied the dessert menu!
Desserts
Coffee Crème Brulée
Almond biscotti
Key Lime Tart
Coconut-lime sorbet, cassis coulis
Peanut Butter Cup
Peanut butter and chocolate mousses,
Caramel & chocolate sauce
Blueberry Cris
Buttermilk sherbet, candied ginger
Ice Cream Sandwich Trio
Reisling, salted caramel, and
mint chocolate chip ice creams
Petit Four Sampler
Chef’s Laura’s selection of chocolates & petit fours
All Desserts 6.95
Ice Cream and Sorbet of the day 3.95
served in vanilla-sugar phyllo cup
Magnificent Montreal
Add all this luxury to the many tour features and amazing sites and you are simply obligated to have a terrific time. Your tour of Vermont will be exhilarating (and a little fattening too); Montreal is a pristine and cultural jewel and architectural beauty. Toss in duty free shopping, some unique Christmas craft gifts, and a rich variety of customs exhibited in a fantastic display of Christmas trees and you’ve got yourself wrapped up in a winter wonderland of enrichment and delight. Once you peruse the attached itinerary you won’t be able to wait for December!
Currier and Ives Holiday (click here for itinerary)
December 6-9, 2010 (4 days, 3 nights)
- Escorted vacation (0% fuss, 100% vacation!)
- Tour for active adults (share a great experience!)
- Includes home pickup and return (for clients in Marion and adjacent counties)
Eadie
– Interlude blog team
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Tags: christmas tour, Vermont, Montreal, Spa, Cooking lesson, Shopping
