“Are Luxury Hotels Recession Proof?” In an article by Market Metrix posted by HospitalityNet, Jonathan Barsky and Lenny Lash provide evidence that suggests Luxury Hotels are not falling victim to price sensitivity during the economic downturn. This news bodes well for luxury vacation rentals and the luxury travel market in general, as it appears, “Affluent buyers aren’t particularly affected by rising interest rates and mortgage related problems. So luxury hotel (and vacation rental) guests have the ability to absorb the cost increases rather easily.” See some insightful excerpts below, and read the full story here.

Price Sensitivity by Hotel Segment

“Luxury hotels typically cater to a distinct kind of guest, often wealthy individuals to whom price is less of a factor in selecting a hotel.”

“At least part of the price strength of luxury hotels can be explained by the size of this segment - there are not many luxury hotels and the number of guests able to afford luxury accommodations has risen dramatically in the past few years. This positive relationship will continue as long as the number of new luxury properties does not grow faster than the number of persons willing to pay their premium prices.”

“International tourists, taking advantage of a weakening US dollar, are looking to the US as a prime vacation spot and are spending more money, often upgrading to higher-end, luxury accommodations.”

“A lack of price sensitivity should not be viewed as a green light to raise luxury hotel prices. Excessive pricing in this fragile economy can create ill will and tarnish a brand.”

With warm weather upon us, our thoughts have turned to summer vacations, hitting the links and enjoying the outdoors with friends and family. There’s something to be said about lounging on the deck or patio with good friends, a great view and a cold beverage of your choosing. A great deck makes all the difference whether you seek a private refuge to relax or are looking to entertain the masses.

The Society recently unveiled its Top Decks found on www.thesociety.com. The decks combine luxury conveniences with the world’s most spectacular views. From the press release Kathy Peterson, a celebrity design and lifestyle expert, gives her nod of approval, “These lavish decks featured on TheSociety.com embody the attributes necessary for the best outdoor living experience.”

So go ahead and plan that summer vacation to include some of the best ocean, mountain and desert views available.

Disney/Orlando may be the ultimate “family destination,” but in a destination where luxury rentals are hard to come by, families can still enjoy luxury accommodations with the addition of several new gold-level luxury rentals to The Society.  USA Vacation Homes has listed numerous properties that are near to all of the attractions and include the amenities to guarantee a comfortable and satisfying stay.

Many of the homes and communities (including this beautiful 5 bdrm home in Kissimmee) include plenty of entertainment for the children including pool tables, foosball tables, flat screen TV’s, tennis and volleyball courts, mini-golf, arcade, fitness center, and internet.  Others are right on the golf course.  Extra services include preferred ticket sales to theme parks and grocery provisioning.  Take a look at these new rentals if you’re on your way to a magical Disney vacation.

Last week, The Society’s co-founders were honored by their alma mater.  The University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School recognized the two alumni for their entrepreneurial efforts and the “launching of a revolutionary new vacation rental website.”

“Scott Berkley and Mike McFadden graduated from Saïd Business School’s one-year MBA programme in October 2006 and have been building TheSociety.com since that time.”

Read the full story on Saïd’s website here.

Santa Barbara Luxury Rentals is the premier provider of luxury vacation rentals in Santa Barbara, and as The Society’s newest property manager member, they have listed 12 tremendous rentals that offer beautiful furnishings, first-rate services, spacious living accommodations, and close proximity to all of Santa Barbara’s best attractions.

Take Vista Riviera for example. SB Luxury Rentals says it best…

“Vista Riviera is a spectacular 5 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom Santa Barbara vacation home that is perfect for extended families and groups who wish to enjoy their time together. This two-story, 3600 square foot home offers two master suites and three guest bedrooms, ensuring plenty of space for everyone. Ideally located in the beautiful Santa Barbara Riviera, this home offers a peaceful recluse from the city while maintaining all of its conveniences, located just ten minutes from the beach and five minutes from downtown Santa Barbara. Guests can enjoy views of the ocean and city from the patio, swim in the pool, soak in the hot tub, relax in the sauna, or read a book on the lawn. The Vista Riviera Santa Barbara vacation home offers something for every mood.”

Occasionally, The Society brings in industry experts to report on the latest in trends and tips to keep you “in the know” when it comes to luxury travel. This blog post marks the first of many insightful submissions brought to us by Marjorie Rothstein, our resident luxury lifestyles consultant and spa trends expert.

Her work has been featured in Malibu Magazine, Celeb Life/Celeb Staff and  online with La2Day.com, Chictoday.com and Justluxe.com. We are proud to bring her luxury expertise to you. Get your imagination in gear and enjoy, as she will guide you on a path to “Living the 5-Star Life.”

Secret Hideaway: Haven-Cal-a-Vie
by Marjorie Rothstein

What do Paula Abdul, Kirstie Alley, Tim Daley, Sharon Gless, Angelica Huston, Julia Roberts, Uma Thurman, Kathleen Turner and Claire Danes have in common? If you’ve guessed that they’re all celebs, that’s true. But what makes this bunch even more unique is that they all love to escape to a secret hideaway in the hills of Vista, Ca. What is this place? It’s a haven for the very rich and famous, or anyone who wants to be pampered beyond words.

This is so exclusive, only 25 guests can be there at the same time. It is so private, you cannot even find the place without explicit directions. You can’t enter this hilltop sanctuary without an invitation and there is no access except an electric gate. What is the name of this place that looks like an authentic village in Provence, with real antiques and original artifacts? It’s called Cal a Vie and it is located on Spa Havens Way.

For leisure enthusiasts desiring a vacation that includes golf, tennis, horseback riding, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, scuba diving, boogie boarding and relaxation under the sun, the Kohala Coast of Big Island, HI is the place to be. Abbey Vacation Rentals, one of The Society’s member property managers has 57 fine condos to offer guests seeking an adventurous and exotic retreat.

Most of the homes reside in Waikoloa Beach, where the soft beaches and sea breezes are the perfect escape from the everyday. The 2 and 3 bedroom townhomes and penthouses offered on The Society feature gourmet kitchens and private lanai’s, private grills and wetbars, pool and gym, discounted golf and shuttles to endless activities. This beautiful condo “Halii Kai” is the perfect example of luxury living near to all of the activities. It is part of the newest resort in Waikoloa and it is oceanfront with golf course views.

Any time of year is a good time of year to visit the Big Island, and these properties are waiting to provide the luxurious experience you need.

British Columbia makes for a wonderful, outdoorsy retreat, and The Society has the luxury rentals available to put you right in the middle of all of the activities. High Country Properties has provided 7 great rentals in Panorama Mountain Village. This village is packed with entertainment including restaurants, pubs, night club, fine dining, daycare facility, day lodge, retail, school of skiing & snowboarding, X-C ski trail, heli-skiing, horse drawn sleigh rides, snowmobiling, shops, liquor store, convenience store, outdoor hot tubs, sauna, outdoor swimming pool with children’s wading pool, stables, tennis, volleyball, bike rentals, climbing wall, euro bungy, mini-golf & more!

We also have a home in Chilliwack, British Columbia that offers services to cater to your every need. With in-house spa treatments, a private chef by request, special honeymoon packages, and views of the signature tee of an executive par four golf course, majestic mountains, the forest and a virtually satellite view of the city of Chilliwack and the Fraser Valley, Ranch Park Lodge has it all.

Please check out these accommodations if you’re planning a trip to Canada. You will not be disappointed.