In The Society’s backyard of Vail (OK, about 90 miles west of our office), The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa is running an interesting special to generate ski season business.
“Book your holiday getaway during the month of July and receive more than 50 percent off standard ski season pricing on our studio suites and spacious 1, 2, and 3 bedroom condominiums.” For additional information, “www.enjoychristmasinjuly.com”.
In addition, the promotion advises:
“Book now and take advantage of a spacious studio suite starting at $149 over the dates of 11/20 – 12/25, 2009”.
Spread out with a generous living room and fully stocked kitchen in our expansive two bedroom condominiums, starting at $329”
The moral of the example above is to 1) try to reverse the trend towards last-minute bookings, 2) increase interest for the up-coming ski season, 3) book early for discounts which may not be available in the future and 4) upgrade to a larger unit. Have you considered working with The Society concerning a similar promotion(s) targeting our database and/or the affluent audience associated with our Global Bundle?
For many of us in the vacation/hospitality industry, we have cornered ourselves into the “last-minute” discount vacation. It will take many months if not years to reverse this trend. We look forward to the day when we can say “I am sorry, we sold out months ago for those dates.”
Many of you may not have noticed a press-release sent out by Starwood indicating a sale concerning the majority of their inventory at 50% if booked within certain dates through October. You can read the summation at Examiner.com as follows: Starwood Cuts Rates
It is well known in the industry that Starwood Hotels and Resorts are highly leveraged. Thus, the “sale” opportunity is to secure bookings and raise cash during the present and future quarter. Is it desperation? Maybe, however if the end result is heads in beds and cash in coffers, Starwood will have generated cash from the ultimate perishable commodity. Just some “food for thought” concerning future bookings.
Whistler, the outpost of great skiing and boarding in British Columbia, Canada is preparing for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. While the resort area is well known for its winter sports pursuits, foodie’s in the know appreciate Whistler for its outstanding culinary opportunities.
One of our partners in Whistler is Whistler Tasting Tours. The owners, Skai and Joe provides visitors to Whistler and unforgettable experience to explore the best Whistler restaurants in one enjoyable evening on a Whistler Tasting Tour. Each restaurant on the tour serves a delicious culinary creation paired with a tasty local British Columbia produced wines. It’s a dining experience guests will not soon forget!
Of course, dining alone does not make a vacation. Be sure to check out vacation home rental options available through The Society at: Whistler Vacation Home Rental Opportunities
I always advise clients to make multiple copies of their passport (the identification page including picture) prior to travel. I advise leave one to two copies at home with a family member or friend who you can easily contact and take two copies with you when you travel. Why?
1) Lost, Stolen, Misplaced: Let’s assume you loose, misplace or have your passport stolen. If you have copies while you are traveling you can go to an American embassy or consulate and have a replacement passport issued. The copy including picture and number will assist in the process. If your family or friend at home has copies, they can be faxed/scanned to you or a new passport can be issued in the United States.
2) At Hotels: It is not uncommon for a hotel to request to hold your passport overnight. This is for a security check. While it is unlikely the hotel will misplace your passport, having copies in your possession is just smart, just in case of a mishap.
3) Carrying Copies: When traveling I always suggest keeping your passport in an in-room safe or similar. Do NOT carry your passport i.e. pickpocket, dropped out and so forth. A copy should suffice for most common identification needs. Please note, some currency exchange operators will require your physical passport
We at The Society have enjoyed a boom in business for the French Rivera this past summer. From the white sand beaches of Cannes to the rocky waterfront on Nice to the opulence which can only be found in Monaco. However, as winter will soon dominate the northern hemisphere, the French Rivera, is just not the beach destination for the season, may we suggest the Rivera Maya.
This stretch of beautiful beaches begins in Cancun and travels south encompassing quaint towns, beautiful landscapes, historical sites (the Mayan ruins are a must-see) and some of the most inviting tropical waters of the Western Hemisphere.
One of our partners in the region, Akumal Villas has been the “go-to” vacation home rental company for many years for those in the know. While their inventory of flats, beachfront homes and estates is legendary, it is their client services which has fostered a repeat client base year after year, the folks at Akumal-Villas are some of the finest in the business.
From grocery deliver to where to kayak to assistance concerning a “destination wedding”, the staff at Akumal-Villas will cater to and exceed the expectations of even the most demanding clients. Yet, the basis for any exceptional vacation is the lodging.
May we suggest considering the Casa Yardena: If you would like to rent a villa that is truly elegant, deliciously secluded and incredibly spacious, you won’t find any place better than Casa Yardena. Imagine 80 feet of private sandy beach on the Caribbean, thirty foot ceilings in the living room and fourteen foot ceilings in the five air-conditioned bedrooms plus 4 guesthouses all with large, private bathrooms. Add to this a huge 20′x45′ swimming pool and palapas (those inviting grass umbrellas) on the beach with hammocks and what have you got? Villa Yardena!
While vacationing at a luxury residence is an attraction to many, we can guarantee, you will not be bored. While some may wish to just lie in the hammocks at Villa Yardena and drink margaritas others may desire some recreation with their vacation. For dining, two great restaurants are located within a mile. If you want more variety, a private chef can prepare a fabulous Mexican meals for guests in the villa. Or it’s just a short drive to Tulum, Akumal and Puerto Aventuras for a multitude of restaurants, shops, dive shops, etc. Visit the fresh water lagoon, called Xel-Ha, for outrageous snorkeling or Xcaret, a fabulous Mayan eco park with underground rivers, butterfly pavilion, beach, swimming with the dolphins, scuba and snorkeling, and more!.
While the Caribbean and Mexico are perennial favorites for a winter getaway, more of our clients and travel agent partners are asking about Costa Rica. This wonderful Latin American destination boasts some of the most diverse eco-systems in the world. From lush rain forests to white-sand beaches to some of the best surfing in the region.
May we suggest Casa Ramon located in the South Pacific region of Costa Rica for your consideration. The creators of Casa Ramon have put together natural materials in a remarkable way that blends textures and colors to enrich guest’s experience of life providing the Ultimate in Tropical Coastal Living.
Casa Ramon is designed for singles and couples to larger groups traveling together including extended families, corporate retreats, incentive travel, friends and those looking for privacy concerning living quarters yet sharing common amenities including pool/Jacuzzi, outdoor showers and of course a secluded small cove beach just below Casa Ramon, about 3 - 5 minutes by foot.
For those looking for an adventure getaway, Casa Ramon will not disappoint. In addition the multiple nature reserves within close proximity by car, other activities include: Kayaking to Ventanas Caves,Savegre River Rafting Tour, mountain biking, surfing and a personal favorite when visiting Casa Ramon, horseback riding on Dominical Beach at sunset.
With accommodations including the Grand Vista Apartment (2Bd/2Ba). The Deluxe Suite (2Bd/3Ba) and my personal favorite, the Casita Ramon (1Bd/2Ba) with its French Doors opening onto the dining terrace and Infinity Pool, Casa Ramon can accommodate the destination wedding, the romantic couple, the extended family and groups of friends and co-workers. All in a luxury and opulence which respects the Costa Rican ethos of natural preservation and beauty.
Fall in the Colorado High Country is one of the most beautiful seasons of the year. As locals, we know the first dusting of snow will appear on mountain peaks by Labor Day weekend. Yet, before the slopes open, attractions from the fall foliage, golf against snow-capped peaks and late-season fly-fishing are just some of the attractions available for the fall visitor to Colorado.
While all the mountain communities are inviting during the fall season, one of our favorites is Summit County, located just 90 minutes west of Denver. For those unfamiliar with Summit County, the area is home to multiple resorts including Keystone, Breckenridge and Copper Mountain as well as charming towns including Frisco, and Dillon (with its beautiful marina, boats available for hourly rental).
September and October are active months in Summit County beyond the preparation for ski season which traditionally begins in November unless abundant early snowfall is received (which is possible due to the El Nino patter for winter 2009/2010). Some of our favorite events include:
September 2: 21st Annual Taste of Keystone: Bring a hearty appetite and prepare your taste buds for the best culinary event of the summer! The Taste of Keystone is a perfect way to experience Keystone’s finest cuisine, while supporting Summit County’s Mountain Mentors, all in one day! Here’s an opportunity to sample a wide variety of cuisine from Keystone’s best restaurants including: Alpenglow Stube, Ski Tip Lodge, Keystone Ranch, and The Bighorn Steakhouse. Top it all off with the finest sweet treats from acclaimed pastry chef Ned Archibald.
September 14-19: 24th Annual Breckenridge Festival of Film, this world -renowned festival features premier films, documentaries, independents, children’s features, a screenwriter’s competition and international celebrities.
September 15: Dillon Marina Lobsterfest: We may be a land-locked state, however, we still know our Lobster.
September 16: Frisco Oktoberfest: The celebration takes place on Main Street, with various venders tempting you with food and drink. There will be lots of music and dancing – of course German style! Come and celebrate German heritage with Oompah music and beer and sausage.
September 22-24: Annual Ski Swap: An event anticipated by locals and visitor alike. Be sure to check out the many bargains and prepare for the 2009/10 winter season. The Rossignol XXX Bandit’s were the bargain of the season in 2008.
September 15 & 22: The Dillon Farmers Market, fresh produce and home-baked goodies.
Aspen has a plethora of events coming up in August. Take a look below. If you need any help finding a vacation rental or resort home check out our luxury rentals in Aspen.
While we always suggest hedging your bets, you will have hit the jackpot with one of our Las Vegas mini-castles. OK, we know The Palms has the Hugh Hefner Sky Villa and an on-site Playboy Club. However, with one of our mini-castle’s you can have your own “mansion”versus a suite and still enjoy all Las Vegas has to offer. The bunnies are optional.
Want to live large, well in Las Vegas, super-sizing is beyond compare. We have a grouping of estate properties, literally an Exquisite Luxury Resort totaling over 31,000 SF including 36 Guest Suites and 44 Bathrooms.
The Private gated community of four Custom homes is conveniently located ½ mile off the South end of Las Vegas Blvd. and offers the Comfort and Luxury beyond what you have only imagined!!! Our Las Vegas Mini-Castles are among the few privately owned properties in Vegas available with the quality and integrity comparable to resort penthouses and suites.
The four mini-estates range boast bedroom counts ranging from 7 to 10+, the estates range in size from 7,000 to 9,000 SF, all offering amenities rivaling the finest estates in the area. From the custom pools to the fully equipped game rooms to spa bathrooms, you may not even make it to the Strip, we completely understand. Living large is the best revenge.
Telluride is a quaint resort located in southwestern Colorado. A charming mountain town within a box canyon i.e. one way in and out. This charming 8 square block town boasts the finest dining per capita in the Rocky Mountain West. Above the quaint town is Mountain Village accessible via gondola or by road, best known for great skiing and boarding. Do not be surprised if you are on the lift with Oprah or Tom, Katie and Suri.
For those of you who missed the winter of 2009, we had some of the finest conditions in recent memory. Don’t believe it, check out the following video:
Now, where to stay this season? May we suggest Castellina Townhomes offered by Elevation Vacations, a new ski-in/out townhome located in the core of Mountain Village. This lovely 4,500 SF (418 SM) 4 bedroom, 5.5 bathroom sleeps 8 in true luxury. After a day on the slopes, slip into the bubbling hot tub before dinner. Ride the gondola to town for dinner at 221 South Oak or just stay in and have a private chef do the cooking.
BTW: for those looking for a challenge be sure to check out the opening of Gold Hill Chutes 2-5. This long coveted terrain comes on the heels of Gold Hill Chutes 6-10 opening in 2007-08, and Chute 1 opening in 2008-09. Chutes 2-5 offer wide-open, above tree-line couloirs (aka a mountain gully) and chutes dropping 1,600 vertical feet. The resort added two WWII era howitzers last season to facilitate avalanche control (blasting) of this terrain, which will open as conditions allow.
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I always advise clients to make multiple copies of their passport (the identification page including picture) prior to travel. I advise leave one to two copies at home with a family member or friend who you can easily contact and take two copies with you when you travel. Why?
