Latest news with #Getaway
New Paper
4 days ago
- New Paper
Four hotels where you can enjoy a mini getaway with your beloved pet
Short getaways at pet-friendly hotels here are increasingly popular with pet owners who feel guilty about leaving their animal companions behind when they travel overseas. There is also a broader lifestyle shift with Dink (dual income, no kids) couples who dote on their fur kids, according to Ms Dawn Teo, chief operating officer at Amara Holdings. Amara Sanctuary Sentosa, which is run by Amara Holdings, is one of several hotels in Singapore that have welcomed guests and their dogs since launching its Pampered Paws package in 2019. Cats are not forgotten and a Pampered Meows package was started in 2020, which has seen growing take-up rates over the years, says Ms Teo. Pet-friendly stays at the 140-room resort accounted for close to 100 room nights in December 2024, she adds. Moreover, more than 80 per cent of its Pampered Paws guests chose to stay in the more spacious and private villas and courtyard suites, with prices from $1,000 a night. While prices for pet-friendly packages are usually more expensive than the usual hotel rates, they come with extras - such as pet amenities - and offer larger rooms with more space for the four-legged ones to run around. At InterContinental Singapore, its Pet Getaway Stay package, launched in 2021, is currently the best-performing room package, says Mr Andreas Kraemer, the hotel's general manager. The package includes an afternoon tea set for pets. According to Mr Adel Aramouni, Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong's general manager, the property receives an average of five to six bookings a week for its Pet Getaway room package. He adds that 95 per cent of such stays fall on Fridays and Saturdays, reflecting the growing trend of short weekend staycations among pet owners. Those searching for places to chill with their canine or feline buddies on weekends can check out these getaways. Amara Sanctuary Sentosa Amara Sanctuary Sentosa Pampered Paws staycation. PHOTO: AMARA SANCTUARY SENTOSA The Pampered Paws staycation package (from $680 a night) offers two adults and one dog of any size to stay in the courtyard suite, verandah studio, verandah suite, or one- or two-bedroom villa. Each dog gets a breakfast set from three options, all made from premium human-grade ingredients curated by local artisan pet kitchen and bakery Wholesome Paws. The Bark Breakfast includes spinach and tomato frittata, English sausage, paw scone and banana pancakes, while the Ohayo Breakfast features a Japanese-inspired spread of tamagoyaki, saba shioyaki, salmon shiozake, pork and pumpkin onigiri, and miso soup. There is also the Pawsh Breakfast that includes spinach and tomato frittata, beef and broccoli casserole and a salmon pawffle. Throw in a Family Pupnic Set, from $145, and catch the sunset at Palawan Beach, a five-minute stroll from the resort. Pawrents get a club sandwich and truffle fries, a choice of pizza, chicken or pork satay, fruit, snacks and two beverages. Dogs can munch on a watermelon bone broth pupsicle, salmon quiche, chicken kebab and other gourmet treats. For feline owners, the Pampered Meows package (from $486 a night) offers a stay in the deluxe room that overlooks a garden with multi-functional spaces for cats to engage in active play or bird-watching. Each cat gets a meal made from premium ingredients and a complimentary Furkid Welcome Amenity Box from Kohepets, Singapore's largest online pet store, that includes dry and wet cat food, three cans of wet cat food, liquid and air-dried cat treats, cat wet wipes and a cat toy. At the end of the stay, cat owners get to take home a free Vetreska scratch box. To provide comfort to the cats during their stay in a new environment, guests are encouraged to take along cat litter or items that carry the scent of home. Info: Go to and InterContinental Singapore Pet owners and their dogs can choose to stay at InterContinental Singapore's classic heritage wing room or heritage suite. PHOTO: INTERCONTINENTAL SINGAPORE Heritage hotel InterContinental Singapore is celebrating the nation's 60th birthday with a Pet Getaway Stay package (from $550), a one-night stay for two adults and one dog, from July 21 to Dec 31. Pet owners and their dogs can choose to stay in the classic heritage wing room or heritage suite, which comes with an outdoor porch. While pawrents relax in Peranakan-designed rooms reminiscent of shophouse living, pooches get a special dog house that owners can take home after the staycation. Each canine guest also gets welcome amenities, including towels, a water bottle, poo bags, wee pads and play toys. A curated afternoon tea set for the pets and an exclusive in-room pet-friendly dining menu are also included in the package. Hotel guests get an in-room breakfast for two, with a choice of up to two breakfast sets from the in-room dining menu. Info: Go to Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong Guests, humans and dogs alike can dine al fresco at the various dining establishments at Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong. PHOTO: HOTEL INDIGO SINGAPORE KATONG Located in the Peranakan-rich neighbourhood of Katong, Hotel Indigo offers a Pet Getaway Annual Pass ($1,100), which includes three one-night stays. Guests - both humans and dogs - can dine al fresco at the hotel's various dining establishments, such as Hotel Indigo Garden, which serves modern Asian cuisine. Pet owners can also take their fur kids to Rooftop 88, where they can soak in city views and chill by the infinity pool while sipping on locally inspired cocktails. Amenities like a food bowl, plush bed, air purifier and dog water fountain are provided for each doggy guest. Treats from home-grown dog food-maker BarknBake are also available. Each pet staycation room allows one dog up to 10kg. Info: Go to Holiday Inn Express & Suites Singapore Novena Holiday Inn Express & Suites Singapore Novena's SG60 Pet Getaway Suite Escape package is available from Aug 1 to 31. PHOTO: HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES SINGAPORE NOVENA A relatively new entry to pet staycations, the chic property started its pet-friendly stays in May 2024 and has welcomed dogs, cats and even rabbits as guests. The SG60 Pet Getaway Suite Escape (from $286 a night), available from Aug 1 to 31, offers a free room upgrade when a booking is made for two persons and one pet. Breakfast and parking are complimentary and guests also receive $30 worth of food and beverage dining credits to use during the stay. Additionally, there is a Pawty Time! Birthday Bash package (from $539 a night), where pet owners can throw a celebration for their four-legged pals with a room stay at the hotel. Treats, party decor and pupcake birthday pamper pack photo opportunities are included in the package. Info: Go to
Sky News AU
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
'I don't get it': Eternally youthful Getaway host Catriona Rowntree, 53, reveals her major problem with Paris
Catriona Rowntree has taken aim at one of Paris's most enduring quirks- its notoriously small hotel lifts. The Getaway host, who's spent nearly three decades travelling the globe for the long-running Nine Network series, voiced her frustration on Instagram while in the French capital. "Another European lift. I don't get it?" the 53-year-old mother of two said in a video shared to her Instagram stories on Tuesday. "How does anyone fit a suitcase and human in here. Does that make me crazy?" The veteran TV host isn't new to the lift dilemma, either. Just days earlier, Rowntree shared a reel titled "dumb things I've done in Paris" which included a video of her sending her suitcase up the lift on its own because there wasn't enough room for her to fit alongside it. "My suitcase barely fits in the lift," she said. "Have to send it on its own. Shameless overpacker!" She followed the post with a photo of her large red hardshell suitcase crammed inside a tiny lift with the caption: "Learn from my mistakes!" Her relatable gripe struck a chord with fans. "Been there!! Stay strong," one follower commented. Another added: "Oh oui!!!! I've done the exact same thing and somehow I don't learn!" Rowntree, who has been in France filming new Getaway segments since mid-June, has also shared other moments from her Parisian adventure, including a star sighting. "So, I'm just enjoying the Parisian view when this happens…," she captioned a clip filmed while dining at Le Sevre Raspail, as French film icon Isabelle Huppert casually walked past. "French cinematic royalty strolls by. IYKYK (If you know you know)." On Monday night, she also posted a dreamy video of a hot air balloon floating above Paris around 10:30pm, referencing a decision by French President Emmanuel Macron to keep the 2024 Olympic Cauldron-inspired balloon on display until 2028. "Prepare to be shocked, sometimes a politician does actually listen to the locals and responds accordingly!" she wrote. "When @emmanuelmacron saw how much people loved the Olympic Cauldron/ballon, he said 'non, don't pack it away!' (Or words to that effect) and it will continue the positive spirit of the games, staying until 2028, re-engineered to increase its staying power and an absolute win for tourism!" She later added: "I really shoulda made this reel longer, but I hope you get the point…it's gorgeous!" Born in Sydney, Rowntree began her media career in radio in 1991 as a newsreader and lifestyle presenter, including a stint on Triple J. She later joined the Nine Network as a researcher on the children's show Wonder World!, becoming a reporter in 1993 and host the following year. In 1996, she scored her dream job on Getaway, where she has remained a staple on the series ever since. While her career is defined by international travel, Rowntree enjoys downtime at home on a farm in rural Victoria with her husband, farmer James Pettit, and their two sons, Andrew and Charles.
USA Today
20-06-2025
- USA Today
7 spectacular stateside tiny house rentals that are big on character
Tiny homes at Two Capes Lookout are small in size but big on views – Photo courtesy of Karolina Pora / Two Capes Lookout My first experience staying in a tiny house rental for vacation was in 2017, at one of the outposts of Postcard Cabins, formerly known as Getaway. As we drove up to the site at Mount Adams, Washington, I had no idea what to expect. Would the space be comfortable enough for my husband and me? How would we cook and where would we eat? Was there storage for our luggage? By the end of our weekend, I was smitten with the idea of finding more tiny homes for rent. Tiny house rentals offer a minimalist blueprint, which maximizes space and functionality in a compact setting. Because the focus is on simple living, they're typically eco-conscious with the intention of reducing their impact on the environment. They're also more cost-effective and affordable compared to larger vacation home rentals. Oftentimes, tiny house rentals are set in rural environments where visitors can enjoy being surrounded by nature. The idea is to spend the majority of your time outside; you're apt to find outdoor enhancements, such as hammocks, patios, and fire pits. Advertisement Most tiny homes for rent include a sleeping area, bathroom, and kitchenette. They also often have smartly designed storage for your weekender bags and other belongings. Whimstay, a booking platform, is an excellent resource for finding tiny homes for rent. You can choose from a mirror tiny home in Texas or an A-frame cabin with a hot tub in Idaho, and many more. Here are seven of our favorite micro getaway cabins. Tenzen Springs + Cabins, Stevenson, Washington Tenzen is a spectacular option for tiny house rentals in Washington – Photo courtesy of Kimberly Stevenson Photography Tenzen Springs + Cabins spans 100 pastoral acres, situated atop geothermal hot springs. The property merges traditional Japanese onsen, or hot springs, with Scandinavian spa culture. Each cabin measures a total of 850 square feet, including both indoor and outdoor space. Guests get access to a private geothermal soaking tub and an indoor steam sauna shower. A large outdoor deck is the perfect setting for spending some quiet time immersed in nature. Additional cabin amenities include a kitchenette, a sitting area, and luxe spa robes. You may even see a herd of elk, grazing in the meadow in the mornings. Advertisement Ofland Escalante, Escalante, Utah Ofland Escalante's tiny homes for rent have floor-to-ceiling views of the natural surroundings – Photo courtesy of Kim + Nash Finley Ofland Escalante, located within the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, means "of the land." Spread across 22 acres, the boutique property has 32 accommodations ranging from micro cabins to vintage Airstreams and campsites. The cabins feature floor-to-ceiling glass walls, surrounding you with spectacular views of the landscape. Deluxe cabins have private bathrooms in addition to outdoor showers and a cozy sitting area. The retro resort also features a pool and hot tub, as well as movie nights at its drive-in movie theater. Another plus: Bryce Canyon National Park is only 45 minutes away by car. Two Capes Lookout, Cloverdale, Oregon Mirror cabins offer panoramic views at Two Capes Lookout – Photo courtesy of Karolina Pora / Two Capes Lookout Two Capes Lookout features 15 geodesic domes and four mirror cabins across 58 acres. Straddling Cape Kiwanda and Cape Lookout, it offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Surrounded by a Sitka spruce forest, the tiny homes for rent showcase reflective floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides, offering panoramic views. They also boast heated floors, a luxurious bathroom, and an outdoor patio, where you can sip coffee in the mornings as you watch the sunrise. The geodesic domes are nicely spaced out, each furnished with a comfortable bed, desk, and workspace. Guests staying in the domes have access to a communal bathhouse. The beach is a short 10-minute walk away, and numerous hiking trails are within driving distance. Advertisement Postcard Cabins, multiple locations Postcard Cabins offers tiny house rentals across the U.S. – Photo courtesy of Postcard Cabins Postcard Cabins has 29 locations across the U.S., all within a two-hour drive of major cities. It's a great way for city-dwellers to escape the hustle and bustle for some time out in nature. The well-designed tiny homes for rent feature a comfy sleeping nook, bathroom, and small kitchenette. And great news: You won't have to sacrifice creature comforts, such as air-conditioning and heat. The outdoor area features a picnic table and a fire pit. Bunk cabins include an additional sleeping area and are ideal for families traveling with children. Saltwater Farm, Friday Harbor, Washington Saltwater Farm's tiny house rentals are surrounded by nature – Photo courtesy of Bradley Radlab Nestled on 162 acres on San Juan Island, each tiny home for rent on Saltwater Farm was hand-built, using a majority of wood salvaged from trees on the property. Owners Andrew and Merriss Waters focus on sustainability and eco-conscious initiatives, such as incorporating solar power and implementing water conservation measures on their property. Solar panels power the event barn and the inn, while water comes from the island's groundwater reservoir. I highly recommend booking Stag's Leap cabin, which is pet-friendly and features a private cedar hot tub on the back deck. Advertisement Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins, Asheville, North Carolina Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins offers comfortable A-frame tiny house rentals – Photo courtesy of Colby Rabon Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins is named for the French Broad River that runs alongside the campground. It's one of the few rivers in the world that flows from south to north, which is considered the 'wrong way." Set in an urban environment in Asheville, the 16 tiny A-frame cabins come with mini fridges and microwaves. Deluxe cabins have large decks and spacious sitting areas. The River Lodge serves as a gathering space for relaxation, and it also houses Canteen, a grab-and-go market. Lopez Farm Cottages, Lopez Island, Washington Lopez Farm Cottages offers cozy accommodations – Photo courtesy of Lopez Farm Cottages
Forbes
19-06-2025
- Forbes
Inside Look: Postcard Cabins Eastern Catskills Review
With 29 outposts across the U.S., outdoor hospitality brand Postcard Cabins offers custom-built cabins all within a two-hour drive of a major city. Formerly known as Getaway, the brand launched in 2015 with the goal of providing busy city dwellers easy access to the beauty and tranquility of nature. As a millennial professional who has called New York City home for the past seven years, I was naturally drawn to this concept and excited to experience one of the cabins myself. After hearing of Postcard Cabins' recent acquisition by Marriott, I decided to check out the Eastern Catskills outpost for a weekend escape. Read my full review below. Exterior of Postcard Cabins Eastern Catskills. Upon my arrival in the Catskills, I was greeted by a gravelly main road leading into a quiet enclave of miniature cabins, all surrounded by private woodlands consisting of spruce, oak and pine trees. Signs with the names of each cabin (named after family members of the Postcard Cabins team; mine was Dawn) are posted on the trees or signs lining this main road, and smaller driveways branch out from it and lead to the secluded cabins. The cabins were quite close together (I could see the cabin across from me on the main road, for instance), but there was enough foliage around each cabin to provide a feeling of solitude. Amenities at Postcard Cabins Eastern Catskills. The Postcard Cabins team was great at texting me several hours before check-in time (3 p.m.) with instructions and a code to the door lock, as well as a PDF of a map of the neighborhood. When I reached my cabin, I was pleasantly surprised by the outdoor setup, which featured a picnic table, a hammock, a fire pit with wood and firestarter bundles, as well as a chef's station to prepare meals (or s'mores, which was what I did). The foliage around this setup was thick enough that I couldn't see the neighboring cabins on my side of the main road, and these woods were filled with the pleasant sounds of various birds. By the time I got to the cabin, it was already 8 p.m., so it was quite dark; luckily, there were outdoor string lights already turned on, which gave the outdoor area a warm, welcoming glow. I stayed in a Cabin Standard, an entry-level category, which felt cozy at just 150 square feet. Upon walking in, I was able to immediately assess almost every amenity available: There was an electric lantern already charging via USB by the door, a basic set of cookware, dishes, cutlery, cooking tools, glassware (including heat-safe mugs), kitchen towels and a tea kettle. There were also provisions like coffee, tea and a s'mores kit on offer for an additional fee, but I brought groceries I needed for the weekend along with me. During the weekend of my stay, there happened to be a public health notice on the tap water at this outpost, which the Postcard Cabins team warned me about; luckily, there was a full gallon of clean spring water available, which lasted me the entire two nights of my stay. Sleeping area at Postcard Cabins Eastern Catskills. It was quite a stressful Friday for me with work and travel, including carrying a weekend stay's worth of clothes and groceries on my back, so I was pleased to find freshly made ben linens and a bathroom fully stocked with towels, toilet paper, shampoo, body wash and conditioner. WiFi information, a 24-hour support phone number, check-in and check-out times, neighborhood information, and details on how to operate the string lights were all readily available, setting my mind at ease. There was also a lockbox for my cellphone if I wanted to disconnect for the weekend. Despite the small space, the cabin's layout and design were thoughtful enough that it didn't feel cramped at all. A wall-to-wall bedside window that reached up to the ceiling provided the feeling of camping while still enjoying the comforts of air conditioning, a queen-sized bed, an internet connection and protection from the elements. There was also quite a bit of storage space under the kitchen prep area, as well as a mini fridge, a magnetic knife block on the wall and a small sink with a drying rack, all contributing to saved space. One of the steps next to the bed also functions as a seat for the dining table (in addition to the other movable chair). Kitchen prep area at Postcard Cabins Eastern Catskills. The actual kitchen prep area itself, which includes the induction stovetop, prep space and sink, felt quite cramped, so I wouldn't recommend cooking any elaborate meals here. There's also not a lot of room to chop and set aside ingredients or to wash a big pile of dishes (drying them would involve setting the drying rack on top of the sink). The provisions and gallon of spring water on the other side of the stovetop also took up quite a bit of counter space. Still, this wasn't a dealbreaker for me as I did not cook anything intricate (I settled for a simple meal of pasta accompanied by red wine, which I enjoyed under the glow of the outdoor string lights). I didn't bring a car, so my plan was to enjoy a weekend of solitude, journaling and meditation in the quiet of nature. However, having a car does provide the easiest access to the area's best nature experiences—and even local culture if you want to mix it up. Hiking trails abound in the area, but the biggest draw is the 260-foot Kaaterskill Falls, which happens to be New York's highest cascading waterfall and is only 2.5 miles from the cabins. Other nearby hiking trails include the Overlook Mountain Trail and the North-South Lake, both about 4 miles away. You might be lucky enough to spot Golden eagles, bald eagles or hawks on your hike. There's also the Tousey Winery and the Last Chance Cheese Tavern in the area if you want to dine out. Postcard Cabins Eastern Catskills is a 2.5-hour drive from New York City, but you can also get there via Amtrak from Penn Station to Hudson; from the station, you can take a taxi or an Uber/Lyft to get to the cabins, which takes about 20 minutes. Guests can also take a Greyhound bus from New York City to the Catskill Park and Ride and take a cab to the Outpost, which is about a seven-minute journey.
Irish Daily Mirror
31-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Mullins splashes out huge sum on horse that only finished third on debut
Willie Mullins has splashed out €150,000 on a horse described as a "beautiful model" at the Tattersalls Ireland May Point-to-Point and Horses-in-Training Sale. The search to find the next equine superstar never ends for Team Mullins and they went deep in their pockets on Thursday. Mullins paid €150,000 for a horse called Bentraghhill, who was an eye-catching third in a point-to-point race at Fairyhouse last month. The four-year-old son of Getaway was trained on his debut by Cormac Abernethy and owned by Wilson Dennison, who previously owned Grade 1 winners Bellshill, Shaneshill and Yorkshill. Harold Kirk, Mullins' trusted bloodstock agent, told the Racing Post: 'He's a gorgeous horse and we've bought so many Grade 1 winners from Wilson Dennison, at least eight or nine individual Grade 1 horses. "We also had Getabird by Getaway, who was a Grade 1 horse too. 'He ran fantastically well for a big horse on his first start, he was only beaten three lengths and he has a lot of filing out to do. He has a good pedigree and is a beautiful model. He will go to grass now. He needs time as he's a big horse.' The sale was also notable for the sales of some of the prominent owner Robcour's enviable string. Grade 3-winning half-brothers French Dynamite and Indiana Jones, both trained by Mouse Morris, were purchased by Eric McNamara for €40,000 and by Bobby O'Ryan for €22,000, respectively. Robcour also sold Grade 2 winner Aspire Tower to Jimmy Fyffe for €44,000.
