Handel’s

Gearing up for its 171st consecutive year, the Handel and Haydn Society (H+H) will once again be presenting “Messiah,” a beloved Boston holiday tradition taking place at Symphony Hall. Dedicated to following historically informed traditions of Baroque and classical music, Artistic Director Jonathan Cohen is adding something new this year, introducing CitySing to share the joy of performing this much-loved music for the holidays. Conceived by Cohen to celebrate and showcase the vitality of the city’s singing community, the inaugural CitySing features 30 members of choral ensembles from around Boston who will share the stage with 25 high school-age singers from the H+H Youth Choruses Chamber Choir, featured soloists, and the professional H+H Orchestra and Chorus. Fun facts: In 1818, H+H gave the first complete performance of “Messiah” in America with a chorus of around 200 singers; the upcoming Dec. 1 date will be H+H’s 450th performance of the complete work. Shows will likely sell out, so snag your seats sooner rather than later. Dates: Nov. 29 and 30; Dec. 1. Tickets: regular from $58; students (18-30) $15; child (ages 17 and under) $15. https://handelandhaydn.org/
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The carbon-neutral Hotel Belmar, a family-owned luxury lodge situated in Costa Rica’s Monteverde cloud forest. Hotel Belmar
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THERE:
CLOUD FOREST ECO-RENOVATIONS
Those looking for a relaxing and eco-conscious getaway this winter will want to check out the carbon-neutral Hotel Belmar, a family-owned luxury lodge in Costa Rica’s Monteverde cloud forest highlands. Recent renovations and enhancements to most of the property’s 26 rooms aim to balance contemporary design — with clean lines and a palette of subdued colors — with the hotel’s forest surroundings, inviting visitors to bask in natural light and enjoy the sounds of the forest. Materials chosen were selected for their low environmental impact, including sustainable wood, low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints, and organic velvet and natural fabrics that contribute to a healthier indoor environment. Championing best practices in sustainability, the hotel fosters connections to nature and holistic wellness with enriching experiences such as thematic forest immersions, garden-surrounded yoga, and cultural programs.
Hungry? Restaurant Celajes offers farm-to-table gastronomy for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with locally sourced ingredients as well as freshly picked fruits and vegetables from its carbon-neutral farm. Vegan and gluten-friendly options are available. Cerveceria Belmar, a beer garden and tap room, serves cocktails, wine, and craft beers made on-site with cloud forest spring water. A juice bar and tea room round out the healthy offerings. Rates in peak season from $431/night; low season from $261. Phone via WhatsApp: +506-8953-6084, www.hotelbelmar.net/
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NECEE REGIS
Necee Regis can be reached at neceeregis@gmail.com.