Boston is brimming with holiday cheer, and that means one thing: It’s time to figure out what to get that special person on your list who has everything. Finding the ultimate holiday gift doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, we’ve made it a little easier on you with our list of the top five must-have items only available in Boston.
Cooking classes with Jody Adams at Rialto
Jody Adams, executive chef of Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star restaurant Rialto, leads various themed-cooking instruction and demonstrations alongside chef de cuisine Brian Rae to a room of about 30 people. Guests receive a packet of recipes, and are treated to a multi-course lunch and some one-on-one time with Adams after the demonstration. Upcoming classes cover topics such as braising (January 12), a romantic dinner for two (February 9), dinner party 101 (March 16) and homemade pastas (April 27).
Dinners in The Wine Cellar at Mooo
Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Mooo restaurant at the Four-Star XV Beacon puts on a few special invite-only wine dinners per year. Get on the list now and give your favorite oenophile an IOU to the next wine dinner, which will take place in spring 2014. The five-course meals feature a specific winery and carefully crafted menus to pair perfectly with each glass poured. For the ultimate treat, cozy up post-meal in front of the fireplace in your guest room. For more information on how to snag a spot on the dinner list, email Mooo directly.
Holiday pampering at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Boston
The not-so-standard treatments on the menu at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Boston always aim to please. But this year, Boston’s only Five-Star spa is offering a special frankincense massage ritual service. Enjoy a warm foot treatment and full-body massage using the spa’s De-Stress Mind body oil (made of chamomile, frankincense and petitgrain oils) and finish off with a scalp rub. Plus, you’ll get your very own frankincense essential oil to take home. The treatment is available until December 31
Blantyre’s New Year’s Celebration
Make your New Year’s celebration an affair to remember. Treat your special someone to the festivities at Five-Star Blantyre — a three-day extravaganza that falls over the New Year’s holiday. Day one on December 30 involves a three-course dinner with wine chosen by the hotel’s sommelier, followed by a black-tie bash (with a seven-course dinner, Sultans of Swing band, caviar, canapés, champagne, dancing) on the night of December 31 and rounded out by a New Year’s Day brunch plus a horse and sleigh ride. It’s the ultimate way to ring in 2014.
Local finds at Fairmont Copley Plaza
The Fairmont Store at Fairmont Copley Plaza is one of our favorite hotel gift shops. Look past the sundries and typical hotel fare and you’ll discover local treasures such as fine jewelry cases, designer handbags (eco-chic brand Couture Planet), FernCreek toffee (made in western Massachusetts), fired glass cufflinks from local artist Ingrid Pichler and candles from Fifth & Madison (made on Boston’s North Shore). With a variety like this, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for — at any price point — when you stop in.
Photos Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Mooo and Blantyre
