Blog Posts by Oyster

With the venue, caterer, florist, photographer, bridal party gifts, rehearsal dinner, hair and makeup, etc, etc, etc, even a wedding on a budget can end up costing a pretty penny. [Ed. note: Sorry to any bride-to-bes whom we may have just given major anxiety. But honey, that list was just the tip of the iceberg.] So often a super-luxe honeymoon to top it all off is out of the question. But hey, everyone deserves a honeymoon. After all the planning, prepping, and smiling for guests whom you definitely didn't invite ("Oh, so your my mom's neighbor's daughter's friend? I see!"), a romantic getaway will be just what you need to kick off your wedded bliss. That's why we at Oyster have found five fabulous beachy honeymoon spots that'll be kind to your new joint bank account. (Or separate! hey, we're all about independence here) And just because they're budget-friendly, it doesn't mean these spots sacrifice style. They're also some of the most quaint, peaceful, and romantic hotels around. So

It's getting down to crunch time (literally) - Memorial Day Weekend hovers in the very near-future and soon you'll be showing off your bikini, whether you're ready to or not. So at least on your long-weekend holiday, you can kill two birds with one stone by finding a destination where you can work it and work out. Whether you'd prefer to take a quick jaunt to the Hamptons or escape for a longer break to St. Martin, whether you enjoy a hike in the rain forest or hanging ten, we have amazing destinations and activities for you to get fit.

The Destination: The Hamptons

Bicycles at C/O The Maidstone -- East Hampton

Why: A retreat for city dwellers, the Hamptons is a great spot to get back in shape. Sure, it offers fabulous restaurants that may be tempting but it is also home to outposts of Soul Cycle and Exhale. If everyone who's anyone heads to the Hamptons in the summer, everyone who's anyone has caught the Soul Cycle and Exhale bug. While Soul Cycle is a trendy, pump-you-up spin class, Exhale offers pilates-like core fusion

Today we're starting to feel the summer heat - it's gorgeous here in New York at Oyster HQ. And although we can't just jet to Hawaii this weekend (trust me, we wish we could), we figured we'd steal some of our favorite hotels' signature Hawaiian touches. From enticing food spreads with seasonal specialties to decor ideas we'd steal at this very moment, we found five inspirational ideas to incorporate into your home's summer look.

IDEA TO STEAL: Tiki Torches
INSPIRED BY: The Luau at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa

HyattRegencyMauiResortSpa_TikiTorches

Don't try this at home, people.

The Sheraton Maui Resort has all the bells and whistles one would expect from a spacious Hawaiian hotel - jam-packed with amenities, a beautiful strip of beach, and the best on-site snorkeling on the island. But our favorite activity here is the Drums of the Pacific Luau, which guests love - especially when the dancers play with fire. While we don't recommend tossing any flames around, we do find tiki torches to be a fun way to light up a summer BBQ. They're easy to find - try your local drug store - and not too pricey either.

It happens every year - suddenly it's May and you have no idea what to do for Mother's Day. Again. Brunch is handy and easy, and you know she will appreciate you spending some time with her. But how about you surprise her with something different this year? Whether she's outdoorsy, artsy or just downright stressed out, we've got you covered. Check out our top picks for Mother's Day and make her feel special! You're welcome in advance.

If Mom is outdoorsy…

PLAN: Play a round of golf (and let her win)
STAY: The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa - Sonoma County, CA

Sonoma Golf Club at The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa; Sonoma County, CA

Sonoma Golf Club at The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa; Sonoma County, CA

Housed in a Spanish mission-style building, the upscale Fairmont Sonoma is perfect for some pampering and golf days. It boasts an 18-hole championship golf course, a top-notch spa complete with its own thermal mineral spring, and a Michelin-starred restaurant. Round up the day with the free daily wine tastings, and then head to one of the hotel's homey rooms for some rest.

When the weather gets warm, the daydreaming begins. Lush hideaways. Hidden cottages. Your own secret garden come to life.

These fantasies can very easily become a reality, with an outdoor space and a little elbow grease. We've seen a lot of beautiful gardens on our travels, and so we took what we learned to come up these 10 helpful gardening tips.

From sculptures to arbors to lighting, learn about the additions that can transform an ordinary garden into a memorable haven.

We've showed you some of the world's most incredible hotel views - rooms looking onto the ocean, sweeping mountain vistas, and busy city streets. But even the most posh hotels can have a few drawbacks, like being assigned to an interior-facing hotel room. While it may mean quieter nights, it'll definitely take away from that serene setting outside your window. So we decided to warn you about the top ten rooms to avoid next time you plan a trip.

Revelers at the Paris Las Vegas may be able to get their hangovers cured by bus.

1. FACT OR FAKEOUT? An anesthesiologist is now offering cures for hangovers aboard a bus that cruises the Strip in Las Vegas on weekends.

2. FACT OF FAKEOUT? The W New York's Whiskey Blue Bar is now offering cocktail-flavored meatless burgers.

3. FACT OR FAKEOUT? The Algonquin is New York's oldest continually operating hotel.

4. FACT OR FAKEOUT? Hilton Hotels has joined in celebrating gay pride season by offering free Wi-Fi to LGBT guests.

5. FACT OR FAKEOUT? Lindsay Lohan has been banned from The Standard Hollywood for doing drugs in the hotel's nightclub.

The Answers:

1. FACT! The doctor on wheels has planned stops at Paris Las Vegas, the Bellagio and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas among other landmarks.

2. FAKEOUT! It's actually the other way round- The Whiskey Blue Bar has added Bacon and Eggs cocktails to the menu. Gross?

3. FACT! The Algonquin opened in 1902 and has been operating since. However, it is now

The Living Room in the Macy Two Bedroom at the White Elephant Hotel Residences
















The wait is over: The White Elephant Hotel Residences are open for the summer season! Located in Nantucket, the former whaling town attracts numerous visitors throughout the spring and summer with its hundreds of miles of sandy shores and top-notch dining - with fresh seafood being the specialty, of course. For families and groups visiting Nantucket, the big, luxurious one- to three-bedroom units at the White Elephant Residences are a great choice. Unlike vacation home rentals, these units - outfitted in attractive, nautical decor - come with the perks of a hotel stay, such as daily housekeeping, a seasonal outdoor pool, and a well-equipped fitness center. There's not much in terms of a communal feel, like you might find at an inn or smaller hotel, but that's part of the allure for some who seek a private, secluded vibe. As to be expected, however, privacy and luxury don't come cheap on this island. Check out more photos now!


Master Bedroom in the Macy Two Bedroom at the White Elephant















Exterior of the White Elephant















Grounds at the White Elephant