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| · June 23, 2003 · |
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· Two Orient-express Hotels Introduce Family Reunion Stylists Multi-Generation Stays Tailored to Families' Unique NeedsImagine this pastoral scene: family scions mingling on a waterfront emerald lawn or lounging in a lovely parlor with children, grand children - even great-grand parents. A perfect family reunion with all members of the family relaxing as details of the festivity are handled by a Family Reunion Stylist. The family needs only to relax and enjoy the service, surroundings, memories and most importantly, each other's company. The Family Reunion Stylist is an experienced and trained planner that specializes in designing family reunions that accommodate the many needs and desires of participants. From sack-race-and-barbeque folks to clans whose tastes run to crystal and caviar, the Family Reunion stylists' work with a designated family member to help identify the perfect reunion profile for each gathering. A bonus for Family Reunions held at Keswick Hall (Charlottesville, VA) or the Inn at Perry Cabin (St. Michaels, MD) is the intimate size of the properties, which ensure families receive the V.I.P. treatment they deserve. In addition, the historic style of the properties provide numerous public lounge areas with plush furnishings and fireplaces that can be used for impromptu gatherings. Among the special offerings available for families visiting either property en masse: Tanta a la Table: Our award-winning chefs welcome the best cook(s) in the family into their kitchen and help them create a group supper featuring beloved family recipes - and helping concoct at least one new, signature dish that reflects the collective personality of the reunion group. All family members take home a recipe for both the standard, and the new creation. Family members who love to cook will be invited to learn new tips and techniques from the chef - and cook up a little love for the others. Family Tree Tea: Gather in a drawing room, or on a patio, to work with local historians and artisans to create a highly personal, take-home family tree. Multi-media art supplies and unique insight into important periods in American (and world) history will put some serious foliage on those generational charts. Tea and finger foods will be provided for this multi-generational exploration. Picture Perfect: Transform a public room into a family gallery where family members review old photo albums, swap stories and plot plans for the future. Special acid-free papers, adhesives and other supplies are provided to help keep memories firmly in place in old family albums. Tuck-ins and Take-homes: Let our stylist find the perfect turn-down gift or memento of the occasion and take care of all the ordering and placement. Examples range from tree seedlings that each member plants back at home to commemorate this special gathering, to a Kisses and Sweet Dreams assortment of confections, cookies and warm milk. Meanwhile, both properties offer special opportunities for all ages. At Keswick Hall, the Family Reunion Stylist can arrange a fly fishing tournament, rounds of world-class golf, court times for tennis buffs, and guided tours of celebrated local vineyards. At the Inn at Perry Cabin, special activities generally focus on the Chesapeake Bay. Families are encouraged to grab a fishing pole and bait to spend a languid time on the docks, commandeer the inn's bicycles for a group trip to town or partake in a crabbing clinic. At both properties, family reunions receive numerous benefits:
Every reunion that includes 10 or more rooms receives a complimentary family portrait, taken by a professional photographer (Original film is delivered to the reunion organizer, and all participants receive a digital copy). The Inn at Perry Cabin is an elegant circa 1816 property located on 25 breathtaking acres. Overlooking the Miles River, a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay, the hotel is a short stroll from the history-steeped town of St. Michaels, Maryland and an easy 1-hour drive from either Baltimore or Washington, DC. The resort offers 81 guest rooms, each individually decorated and furnished with American and English antiques; they feature stately beds, opulent baths and resplendent amenities. The restaurant, decorated in a nautical style, overlooks the waterfront, and boasts the award-winning cuisine of Executive Chef Mark Salter. The serene landscape of water and sky is complimented by intricate and exquisite grounds, which include brick lanes and arches, white columns, lavish gardens, pathways, and a horizon edge outdoor pool. For reservations or further information call 410-745-2200 or 800-722-2949, or visit www.perrycabin.com. A prime example of Italianate architecture, the golden hued Keswick Hall is set amid an Eden-like setting of both formal and informal gardens on Keswick Estate. With 600-acres of lush Virginia countryside, the 48-room Keswick Hall and Keswick Club feature a private 18-hole Arnold Palmer signature golf course, three pools, six tennis courts, a fitness center complete with spa, a fine dining and club house restaurant. Originally built as a private home in 1912, Keswick Hall provides a country estate experience, with cozy public spaces, plush furnishings, and wood burning fireplaces throughout. Individually decorated guest rooms feature collections of French and English antiques, with butler style service as an accompaniment. The dining room at Keswick Hall, under the direction of Chef Bruce MacLeod provides one of the finest dining experiences in the area along with an extensive wine list. Additional amenities include a private helipad and hot air balloon expeditions of the estate and area vineyards. Accolades for Keswick Hall include Conde Nast Traveler's "Gold List - The World's Best Places to Stay", Travel + Leisure's "Top Hotel Reader's Choice Awards," and Andrew Harper's "Top 20 US Resort Hideaways". For more information visit www.keswick.com or 1-800-274-5391. Media Contact: Audra Poole Orient-Express Hotels 407-599-9935 apoole@orientx.net |
| Produced by Judi Janofsky, Rich Steck and the Golf Press Association |