At The Society we are always getting requests concerning summer beach destinations. One of our favorites is the Outer Banks of North Carolina, a chain of barrier islands midway on the Atlantic Seaboard, 90 miles south of Norfolk, Virginia and 321 miles north of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Surrounded by 900 square miles of water, the Outer Banks have the third largest estuary system in the world, wildlife refuges, maritime forests, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and the highest sand dunes on the East Coast at Jockey’s Ridge State Park.

Yet beyond the statistics is the true beauty of the area. Beach homes perched on supports bored into the dunes providing endless views of the Atlantic Ocean. Quaint town centers with lanes filled with Ma and Pa retailers and restaurants. Many comment that the Outer Banks is the beach vacation of yesteryear when life was truly simpler. Just load up the kids in the Vista Cruiser and head east.

Ties have changed as the former beach shacks are now mini-estates. Cross-ventilation is now added by central air-conditioning. A good paperback book for the beach has been replaced by The Kindle and The Ipod. Yet, the laid-back atmosphere of the Outer Banks remains. Multi-generations of family playing on the beach building sand-castles by day and enjoy the fresh catch at night. The long lazy days of summer give way to late dusk when the grills are fired up as the sun sets behind the dunes. This is the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

May we suggest:

O’cean Easy: A 6 bedroom, 5.5 bathroom Pine Island estate which sleeps 22 and has a private lighted walkway to the beach and views to match having been built on one of the highest dunes.

Celestial Seasuns: A 6 bedroom, 6 bathroom oceanfront home which sleeps 16 and if the beach is not inviting enough, guests can enjoy the 40 x 15 Gunite Private Pool with 10 Person Attached In-Ground Hot Tub

Chateau E’lan: A 10 bedroom, 9.5 bathroom oceanfront estate designed in the style of the opulent villas of the Cote d’ Azur sleeping 22 in the pinnacle of luxury with all the amenities of Pine Island.

The selection process is complete and the bubble properties have been selected.  Now you can participate in crowning the Luxury Vacation Rental Champion.  Check out the bracket below.  Your votes will narrow down the top 64 vacation rentals.  Don’t waste any time - Round 1 has started!  Vote now for your favorite properties. Feel free to share with your friends, family, and colleagues!

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Stay tuned over the next four weeks to find out which property will be The Luxury Vacation Rental Champion.

At The Society we request our property and estate managers to advise concerning “deals and steals” which we provide to our readership and blog. Please review and consider taking advantage of these “deals and steals” while available:

Deer Valley, UT: Consistently rated #1 by readers of Ski Magazine, Deer Valley is a skiers paradise (yes skiers, sorry no snowboarders permitted on the slopes).  One of the premier vacation rental opportunities is now available for specific dates for the ultimate spring skiing experience which is characterized by sun-kissed days,starry nights and abundant spring snow. Ski Casa Nova is a ski-in/out estate without rival.  The 13,000 SF estate sleeps up to 25 guests. The following rates and dates are on a space available basis:

March 13-20, 2010 (7 nights) Std. Rate  $71,400  Special Rate $42,840 (40% off)
March 20-26, 2010 (6 nights) Std. Rate $38,000  Special Rate $24,429 (25% off)

Contact: Jenni Haines | Estate Manager and Concierge
P: 800.978.5002 | Jenni.Haines@SkiCasaNova.com

Deer Valley, UT: For those who may consider Casa Nova slightly large for their vacation, we have a beautiful 4 bedroom vacation rental in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Deer Valley. Those who may be familiar with Silver Lake know the location is premier with a quaint village setting located mid-mountain, a true ski-in/out village setting reminiscent of the Alps. Lookout 6559 is a premier luxury 4 bedroom town home which sleeps10 in opulence and luxury, which is what Deer Valley is all about. For bookings through the remainder of the season, 25% off on a space available basis.

Contact: Jaci Buckingham | Sales & Marketing Manager
P: 435.649.6175 | T: 800.348.6759 Jaci@ParkCityLodging.com

Mayan Riviera, Mexico: While we may be basking in the snow here in the Colorado Rockies and getting in those final runs of the season, Mexico becomes the location of choice when the snow melts. Many of us wait a few months until late spring and summer to travel to Mexico when the weather is glorious and the crowds non-existent.