Hidden Pond resort in Maine.Adam Policky
The latest openings and events from around the world.
Kennebunkport: Not your family cabin
One glimpse of Hidden Pond will take you to a sophisticated side of this traditional Maine village. With 14 cottages dotting more than 24 hectares of isolated woodland, the chic boutique resort is kicking off the summer season by introducing 20 new bungalows to its collection. They are homes-away-from home with down duvets, Frette linens, floor-to-ceiling fireplaces and Bose sound systems. A new spa offers massages and facials from therapy rooms set in the treetops, and a gourmet restaurant serves farm to fork dishes crafted by James Beard Award-winning chef Ken Oringer. A special opening rate of $399 (U.S.) a night is on offer from the end of May through June 23. hiddenpondmaine.com
London: Kitsch for a Queen
Commemorative Kate and William tea cups may be the hottest Royal wedding trinket, but they aren't the most racy. The Royal We, an installation at Guts for Garters (a new gallery/concept store in Camden), has taken a novel approach to monarchy mementos. Carrie Reichardt's anarchy chinaware (plates depicting a burning image of the Houses of Parliament) and spray can designs (one with a cartoonish Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales, with the message "I am an anarchist"). More conventional finds, some of which even the Queen may approve of, include Victorian-era furniture and vintage clothing by royal dressmaker Norman Hartnell. All the items on display are also for sale. The Royal We runs until April 24. gutsforgarters.com
San Francisco: Book club at the Mandarin Oriental
The Mandarin Oriental San Francisco is determined to detach its guests from e-readers and iPads and bring vacation reading back to basics. Check into the plush hotel from now until the end of the year and you'll be given a complimentary novel and automatic initiation into MO Reads, an online book club. Book selections change bimonthly and include such juicy titles as Last Night at Chateau Marmont by Lauren Weisberger and Pink Princess Party Cookbook by Barbara Beery. If you're short on reading time and shun book clubs, attend an author event instead. At today's inaugural MO Reads Tea, author Howard Gordon (best known as the executive producer of 24) reads from his first novel Gideon's War. mandarinoriental.com/sanfrancisco
Chicago: Sustainable seafood shack
Two of Chicago's top chefs are taking a turn from beef to sustainable seafood. Fish Bar, the latest collaboration between Michael Kornick (founder of DMK Burger Bar) and David Morton (of Morton's fame), serves only wild or responsibly farmed seafood. From the nautical décor to the catch of the day menu (fried rock shrimp, codfish on a bun, Maine lobster rolls and tater tots are specialties), the feeling is New Orleans oyster bar meets New England crab shack. With only 30 seats and a maximum group size of 4, you're more likely to grab a quick bite than linger over multiple courses. fishbarchicago.com
Special to The Globe and Mail