The Sea in Cinema: A Brief Overview

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Looking at the picturesque, even cinematic ocean views from The Mansion at Ocean Edge on Cape Cod got us thinking: What are some of the most classic beach scenes in modern cinema?

There are tons to choose from, of course, so we tried to pick a few you may not think of right away … and one you definitely would think of–each and every time you set foot in the ocean.

All images courtesy of imdb.com

Quirky: The Life Aquatic – Wes Anderson’s films are the embodiment of “offbeat,” perhaps none more so than this tale of a washed-up undersea explorer searching for the shark that ate his friend. A forlorn, bearded Bill Murray steals the show as the movie’s protagonist, Steve Zissou.

Inspiring: The Karate Kid – This 1984 classic has lots of memorable moments–Wax on/wax off, “Sweep the leg!” and that ridiculous shower stall Halloween costume–but the image of young Daniel-san practicing and perfecting his crane technique on the beach remains the most iconic.

Romantic: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind – There are lots of easy choices for this spot–From Here to Eternity is an obvious one. But we like Eternal Sunshine for its unique look at love and heartbreak, and memorable scenes set on the sand in wintry Montauk.

Scary: Jaws – OK, so maybe this is obvious, but come on–each one of us probably knows at least one person who no longer swims in the ocean after seeing Jaws. Set in the fictional beach town of Amity, but filmed all over Martha’s Vineyard, this movie still has teeth almost 40 years after it was released.

Let’s Drink to Chocolate!

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After writing about Chocol Ha café in Campeche (it’s right near Casa Don Gustavo!), we had chocolate on the brain. This quaint, colonial café specializes in herb-infused chocolate drinks. But, if you can’t make it down to sunny Mexico to sample these unique libations, try whipping some up at home. Here’s a roundup of some interesting, internationally inspired cocktails with chocolate as the star ingredient.

 

Chocolate Cocktails

Photos courtesy of Creative Culinary, Mozart Distillerie and Recchiuti Confections

Mexican Hot Chocolate with Tequila and Cayenne Pepper: With good melted chocolate, your favorite tequila and a dash of cayenne, this warm cocktail puts an adult spin on the classic spicy Mexican hot chocolate.

Herbal Chocolate: Using Mozart Dry (a unique chocolate spirit from Salzburg), this chocolate cocktail incorporates a fresh twist with sage leaves and peppercorns. What better way to bring a little European spin into your chocolate recipe collection.

Sweet Basil Chocolate Martini: With muddled basil, top-shelf vodka and smooth melted chocolate, this martini will definitely turn some heads at your next cocktail party. Chocolate lovers rejoice!

10 Designer Hotels Always in Fashion

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We adore couture and can’t help but fancy everything fashionable. So, when we realized that Tortuga Bay Hotel at Puntacana Resort & Club was designed by Oscar de la Renta, our hearts skipped a beat. Could there be any better way to take a truly stylish getaway? We think not, and so we gathered 10 of the most chic hotels, each lovingly designed by a fashion icon, from around the world. Go ahead. Try one on. We think they all look fabulous on you.

Photos courtesy of Moschino, St. Regis Hotel, Round Hill, Le Notre Dame and Palazzo Versace

Oscar de la Renta – Tortuga Bay Hotel at Puntacana Resort & Club, Dominican Republic: When you take the beauty and grace of Oscar de la Renta design and add it to 13 beachfront villas, you get a getaway that will never go out of style.

Donatella VersacePalazzo Versace, Queensland, Australia: Glamour is taken to an entirely new level in this waterfront hotel, which was designed by Donatella Versace as a tribute to her late brother.

Giorgio ArmaniArmani Hotel, Dubai: Located within the world’s tallest building—the Burj Khalifa—the Armani Hotel Dubai makes quite a statement with its minimalist modern design. Let’s be honest, would you expect anything less from Giorgio Armani? 

MoschinoMaison Moschino, Milan: Storybook-esque details, such as beds draped in ball gowns and coffee tables made out of coffee cups, come to life in this converted 1840’s Neoclassical railway station, which was designed by Italian fashion house Moschino.

Ralph Lauren - Round Hill Hotel and Villas, Montego Bay, Jamaica: It’s true. Ralph Lauren makes the perfect companion to any vacation thanks to his classic yet comfortable aesthetic—can you say mahogany four-poster beds and white stone floors. And don’t miss the spa which sits in an 18th-century plantation house.

Dior - Suite at the St. Regis New York City: It must be said, “J’adore Dior,” especially when it comes to a glorious suite in a landmark hotel on 5th Avenue (where else?). The 1,700-square-foot suite capture the essence of the designer’s Montaigne headquarters in Paris. Simply imagine Louis XVI-style furniture with white carved-wood framing and gold leaf accents, and you are on your way.

Diane Von Furstenberg – Claridge’s, London: Prints are never out of style according to Diane Von Furstenberg. And the designer doesn’t shy away from tan and white leopard print rugs in 20 rooms and suites at this 1930’s hotel. Et Voila! This Art Deco icon is transformed into a fashion icon.

Christian LacroixLe Notre Dame, Paris: This is Christian Lacroix’s third hotel design collaboration in Paris (too much of a good thing is never enough!). And the hotel, with its eclectic medieval-meets-modern design, is a sight to behold.

Karl LagerfeldSchlosshotel im Grunewald, Berlin: Housed in a palace in an exclusive suburb, Karl Lagerfeld has designed a hotel fit for a king (or queen). And this is one place that fashion will always reign supreme.

Todd OldhamThe Hotel at South Beach, Miami, Florida: As if it were possible, Todd Oldham brings even more vibrant colors to this South Florida hot spot. The classic Art Deco hotel is now oh so cool.

Make a Splash with the Country’s Most Fabulous Ferries!

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Summer’s nearly here and we’re using any excuse to be by the sea. Lucky for us, Boston water taxis offer service to top restaurants and bars along Boston Harbor. Another destination that offers aquatic transportation is Charleston, South Carolina. A stay at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina places guests steps from Patriots Point, where they can then enjoy a scenic, 30-minute Fort Sumter Tours ferry ride to the historic Fort Sumter National Monument. If you’re itching for a warm-weather ferry ride, why not take a cruise in one of these top cities?

Photos courtesy of Budget Travel, Wikimedia Commons and Frank Vetere/Alamy

{From left}

Seattle: Scope out sailboats, the Seattle skyline and the Cascade Range during a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle to scenic Bainbridge Island, where you’ll enjoy 23 miles of walking trails, charming cafés and breathtaking sunsets over Puget Sound.

New Orleans: Hop aboard the Algiers Ferry from Canal Street for a free, 10-minute ride across the Mississippi River. Once you reach the peaceful and residential Algiers Point, spend some time exploring 19th-century homes, cafés and the Jazz Walk of Fame.

San Francisco: Skirt past Alcatraz Island and glimpse the Golden Gate Bridge during a 30-minute ride from the San Francisco Ferry Terminal to scenic Sausalito. There, you can spend some time touring the town’s eclectic art galleries, seafood restaurants and colorful hillside homes.

Great Memorial Day Getaways with the Family (or Without!)

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Guess what?! Memorial Day is just around the corner, meaning the unofficial start of summer is finally, mercifully upon us. Here in Boston we’ve endured another typical New England winter, with January’s snow, slush, and ice giving way to March’s mud, chilly rain, and steel-grey skies.

But–but!–lawns are finally greening up, flowers are blooming, and we’re ready to plan some summer getaways.

To that end, Sniqueaway will be highlighting sales with Memorial Day availability, such as the Stage Neck Inn in York, Maine, and The Inn of Fifth in Naples, FL. Keep an eye out for more Memorial Day offers in the coming days.

Portsmouth, NH; photo courtesy of Shutterstock

 

Here are a few great options for the upcoming long weekend:

Washington, D.C. – To honor the patriotic side of this very patriotic holiday, there’s no better place to go than D.C. Expect a few crowds, sure, but fair weather for exploring the city’s sights.

Cape May, NJ – Beach towns all over the country start their season Memorial Day weekend, and this gem of the Jersey shore is a great spot to ring in another summer.

Santa Cruz, CA – “Summer” is relative here (expect wake up to chilly, foggy mornings) but this seaside surf haven kicks into high gear on Memorial Day–rides on its famous boardwalk are open until 11pm.

Portsmouth, NH – One of our favorite local towns, Portsmouth embodies everything we love about New England: Crisp, salty sea air; historic architecture; eclectic cuisine, and tight-knit community feel.

Austin, TX – Memorial Day is the de facto kick-off for boating season in Austin, making this a perfect chance to hit the water (and grab some of Austin’s famous BBQ, of course).

Seattle, WA – Everyone thinks Seattle has terrible weather, but the reality is that summers are fantastic–think temps in the 70s and less rain than we get here in Boston! Memorial Day, and May in general, is a great time to visit this beautiful, vibrant, and unique Pacific Northwest city.

Chicago, IL – Chicago, like Boston, emerges from its winter doldrums with much fanfare. The city’s beaches officially open, and on Sunday the 26th, Lakshore Drive closes (temporarily) for cyclists to enjoy.

Sanibel Island, FL – May is considered for this quiet Gulf Coast retreat–the snowbirds have gone but summer’s humidity is (usually) still holding off, meaning visitors in May get the best of both worlds.