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INSIDERThe people who make your resort experience special share their own memorable vacations, travel tips and upcoming getaways.
Where is your hometown and what's the best thing about it?
I come from a city in the eastern part of France called Nancy (about a two-hour drive from Paris). It is the hometown of the Art Nouveau architectural movement from the early 1900s. There is also a gorgeous square considered the most beautiful in France. It’s called “Place Stanislas.”
Stephane Clasquin
Food & Beverage Director, Weekapaug Inn
Tell us about your role at Weekapaug Inn.
Since September 2021, I’ve served as Director of Food and Beverage, working directly with Executive Chef Andrew Brooks and his team as well as the entire dining room team.
Given your job in luxury hospitality, how do you choose where to vacation?
As I often engage with guests, I write down the name of a suggested destination and the best time of year to visit.
Must-have travel item?
My phone, to take pictures everywhere I go. Plus, everything is in it: Google maps, Google for information about the sites, and the translator app is helpful, too.
Describe a favorite vacation.
Last summer, I did a great road trip in Italy with a fabulous car. Italian, of course. Red of course.
What’s your travel-related guilty pleasure?
I enjoy good food, so I might extend my stay just to try a recommended restaurant.
Where are your top travel spots for food and wine?
I left France when I was young, so I go there regularly. The variety offered in different parts of France with wines, cheese and regional dishes is fantastic. You can enjoy great wines in Bordeaux, fresh seafood in Brittany and amazing cheeses with culinary specialties in every single city.
What’s your favorite Relais & Châteaux property?
Château d’Artigny—just south of Paris. I was there three years ago and had a fabulous time!
Where are you headed on your next trip?
Probably to Corsica, an island in the South of France.
Name your go-to song lists for a long trip.
1. Soundtrack of the movie The Beach, which was shot in Thailand close to Phuket. I listened to the soundtrack while walking that beach. Wow, I still have goosebumps! 2. Michael Jackson—any of his music. I met him at L’Orangerie, the restaurant I managed for many years in Los Angeles. I was able to talk with him one-on-one, so I cherish this memory. 3. Calogero: a contemporary French singer who writes beautiful melodies with awesome lyrics.
Finish this sentence: A sensational travel experience always includes…
The discovery of a new place, different culture (history, food, wine) and memorable sites.
Left:
An example of Art Nouveau architecture, which began in Nancy, France, Clasquin's hometown.
Below:
Clasquin driving a Ferrari around Lake Como, Italy.
Right:
Château d’Artigny is a favorite resort.
Below:
France is Clasquin's top destination for excellent wine and cheese.
Shannan Plew
Manager, Watch Hill Inn
Tell us about your role at Watch Hill Inn.
As the Manager of Watch Hill Inn, I oversee the daily operations of the Inn, as well as its associates, and most importantly, our guests. My biggest responsibility is to ensure our guests are having a wonderful experience and creating unforgettable memories!
How do you choose your vacation destinations?
Younger Shannan would have said anywhere with a beach! Nowadays, with children in tow, we choose places with fun activities, convenient dining and family accommodations.
What’s your favorite Relais & Châteaux property?
Favorite I have stayed at: Weekapaug Inn. However, my bucket list Relais & Châteaux property is Lake Placid Lodge in the Adirondacks, New York.
Do you have any special music for long trips?
I love music. My go-to playlist right now is majority '90’s to 2000’s hip-hop and pop.
Finish this sentence: A sensational travel experience always includes…
Family!
What are your best tips for packing wisely?
I have overpacked, under- packed, and thrown everything in a bag at the last minute. This has taught me to pack early and sensibly— but when in doubt, pack the bathing suit! Better to have it and not use it, than need it and not have it!
Name the must-haves in your carry-on bag.
Phone, AirPods and the “in case they lose my luggage” outfit. I lost my luggage once, and it took three days to get it. Never will I ever land without a back-up outfit.
What's the best thing about living in Stonington, CT?
I love the borough and all the history, the simplicity, restaurants, views, shops, waterfront and museums. I could go on and on!
Describe a favorite vacation.
Scotland. I got to travel through Glasgow up to the highland of Loch Lomond, stopping in Edinburgh and Sterling, touring castles along the way. It was incredible.
What’s your travel-related guilty pleasure?
Fish and chips! The best I've had are at Waxy O’Connor’s in Glasgow, Scotland. Also, I never leave a place without purchasing a souvenir magnet.
Where are you headed on your next trip?
France. We promised our children we’d take them anywhere they want when they graduate high school. Our two oldest picked France. We’re planning a 10-day trip from Paris to Normandy.
Name the top places on your travel bucket list.
Norway. I want to witness the Aurora Borealis firsthand. I also want to visit the western side of Ireland, traveling shoreline to mountain side.
Left: Magnets are a must-have souvenir.
Below: Plew
lives in nearby Stonington, CT.
Above:
Fish and chips are a guilty pleasure while on vacation.
Left:
Norway is one of the countries on Plew's travel bucket list.
Plew at Edinburgh Castle
Above:
Exploring Portofino, Italy, and the coast is a dream vacation.
Right:
McAteer sailing on her boat, Divided Sky, near Newport.
Above:
For relaxation, Key West is a top getaway.
Right:
A laptop is always in McAteer's carry-on.
Left:
McAteer is reading Aesthetic Intelligence, about how services and products stimulate all five senses to create delight.
Dr. Kristina McAteer
Tell us about your role at The Preserve's new MedSpa…
I am thrilled to partner with Paul Mihailides on this premier destination in Ocean House Collection. Oceanside Medical at the OH! Spa is the marriage of two lifestyle brands that allow our guests to prioritize relaxation with the unique style of wellness medicine. As medical director, I have the opportunity to offer the latest in wellness and aesthetic medicine along with a personalized approach to help patients understand the miracle of their bodies and become their best selves.
What is your philosophy on health and wellness?
I believe in balance, moderation and self-care. It is supremely important to take time to reconnect with the body and spirit.
Finish this sentence: A sensational travel experience always includes…
The opportunity to indulge in a strong workout, followed by a day at the spa.
What are your top three vacation essentials?
1) An excellent book. I am currently reading Aesthetic Intelligence by Pauline Brown. 2) My laptop. Unfortunately, even a little relaxation comes with a need to be connected. 3) ZO Skin Heath Daily Power Defense. It is a powerful moisturizing antioxidant serum designed to improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles and to promote overall skin health.
Favorite getaways to relax and to be active?
For relaxation, my husband and I enjoy the eclectic vibe of Key West and the wonderful restaurants and opportunities to play in the ocean. Our go-to destination to cut loose and engage in our favorite past-time, competitive sailboat racing, is Palma de Majorca. The Mediterranean is blessed with picturesque vistas, warm sea breezes and some of the world's most competitive racing.
What’s your travel-related guilty pleasure?
To travel sans children. I value my time with my family above all, but a chance for an intimate getaway with my husband is essential to keep our peace of mind due to our demanding professions.
Where’s your hometown and the best thing thing about it?
My hometown lies in the Catskills mountains of New York. Walton is a quaint blue-collar town of 3,000 residents where the outdoors is a way of life. I grew up hunting and fly fishing with my family. When I wasn’t indulging in the outdoors, I was learning to fly from the many small country airstrips that dot the rural New York landscape.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve seen on a trip?
Diving in the West Caicos Marine National Park off the coast of Turks and Caicos. The underwater scenery was breathtaking, but what struck me was the proximity to the continental shelf. The depths of the dives are usually in the 60-foot range, but to see the drop-offs into the thousands of feet is unforgettable.
Name the one place that tops your travel bucket list.
My dream would be to explore the Italian coastline under sail with a destination in the little town of Portofino on the Italian Riviera.
