South of Cancun and Playa Del Carmen is a coastline considered the jewel of the Mayan Riviera. Just as sophisticated visitors to the Cote D’ Azur enjoy Antibes as their secret refuge; Soliman Bay is the western hemisphere’s equivalent along the Caribbean coastline of Mexico.

Guests enter the grounds of Villa Yardena after passing through a gated entry ensuring one’s privacy and exclusivity; a luxury rapidly disappearing from the world’s most desirable vacation destinations. The privacy and seclusion of Villa Yardena is one of its many attractions. Proposed and designed as a private resort for the elite few, this Mexican estate will without doubt impress.

When guests visit Villa Yardena, words from first impressions include elegant, spacious, private, expansive, beautiful and breathtaking. We understand the interior impresses with a main house offering five (5) bedroom suites clustered around a living room dominated by custom Mexican furnishing and artwork all sheltered by ceilings reaching 30 feet into the tropical landscape. The bedrooms impress with space and volume as the architect desired to express “luminosity” associated with the natural setting. The guest suites incorporate ceiling fans suspended from over-height ceilings (14’ height) coupled with custom furnishings. Bathrooms liberally use indigenous stone and tiles keeping them cool and comfortable even during the hottest days of the summer. Each bedroom offers Satellite video feeds and a DVD player. In addition, the four (4) guest homes on the estate, each with a bedroom and private bathroom provide opportunities for all guest configurations. The full estate will sleep 26 in unsurpassed luxury.

Beyond the luxury of the main estate and guest houses is private open-space which is the envy of the resorts to the north. For those who desire to swim laps,  the 20’ x 45” pool will be most inviting. For those who prefer natural salt water, the 80’ feet of private white sand beach will beckon throughout the day and early evening.

Evenings at Villa Yardena are truly magical. Upon arrival, guests enjoy a complementary dinner as well as breakfast the following morning, an excellent opportunity to enjoy the chef’s diverse culinary talents. While guests may enjoy dinner indoors the first night, we suggest dining al fresco poolside and let the chef work his magic at the outdoor kitchen.

Hidden in southwestern Colorado, Telluride is an exclusive mountain resort attracting VIP clients who desire privacy and exclusivity, guests who wish not to be photographed on the streets of Aspen or isolated at The Yellowstone Club. Telluride is the resort for those desiring the skiing experience of yesteryear coupled with the finest modern amenities and après-ski activities of the new millennium.

The seclusion and relative isolation of Telluride is a component of its desirability. A historic mining town of eight square blocks wedding by aerial tram to the luxurious resort enclave of Mountain Village. This is where you will find Hood Park Manor, a one-of-a-kind ski-in/out estate perched over the Town of Telluride.

Hood Park Manor, the pinnacle of luxury accommodations in Mountain Village is a nine (9) bedroom,  ten (10)+ bathroom mountain chalet situated on a 1+ acre lot with southern exposures and adjacent to open space insuring privacy and exclusivity so rare in the rarified echelon of luxury ski resorts.

The custom design embraces the history of the wealth and prosperity of Telluride and the Rocky Mountain West when mining was the economic engine. As guests arrive at the estate, as dusk descends, the home’s illumination is breathtaking. Once guests enter; a world of luxury and opulence awaits.

The interior of the home is a blend of custom stone, tile and wood designs all blended together to provide a formal yet warm and inviting atmosphere. The great room with its cathedral ceilings is dominated by a center-axis fireplace. The direct and indirect automated lighting and sound system can be set depending on mood and desire throughout the home.

Each of the nine bedroom suites has been designed to accommodate a diverse audience from extended families to groups of friends to the corporate retreat. With five (5) expansive master bedrooms (some with vaulted ceilings), all with king beds, guests have a variety of choices. The additional four (4) bedrooms include queen and twin beds offering options for all nightfall configurations. En-suite bathrooms complement the custom designed bedrooms.

For formal meals, the dining room design is reminiscent of the finest mansions in Europe with beamed ceilings and a fireplace, a design which enhances the finest meals served by the available private chef and servers. For casual dining, options include the eat-in gourmet kitchen with breakfast bar and fireplace, perfect for a pre-ski smoothie or a gourmet lunch between runs.

Located within the lush tropical region of Costa Rica’s south Pacific an area National Geographic Magazine called “the most biologically intense place on earth”,  this waterfront vacation residence exemplifies exclusivity and luxury while adhering to the realities of keeping the environment “Green”. The luxury lifestyle has never been so environmentally conscious.

Situated among a diverse tropical setting Casa Ramon offers guests a truly Costa Rican environment, the warm waters of the Pacific below, the lush foliage of a mountain rainforest above. You will not see another home in sight. The only audible sounds will be the native birds in the morning, the cooing of monkeys at dusk and throughout the day and evening, the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean along the beach.

Casa Ramon is a five (5) bedroom, seven (7) bathroom estate designed in unison with its unique diverse environment utilizing ecologically sensitive tropical architecture coupled with rustic and modern finishes including bamboo, coral stones, volcanic and river stones, tropical hardwoods and recycled glass.

At Casa Ramon, not one detail has been overlooked. Each of the five (5) bedrooms offers guests a king-size bed with en-suite bath equipped with L’Occitane organic personal bathing accessories. Each bedroom is artistic in design respecting the native culture and beautifully illuminated per architect specifications. For those who desire the comforts of the 21st century each suite provides thermostat controlled air conditioning and hidden plasma televisions.

In Costa Rica, the climate facilitates outdoor living year-round. Guests enjoy a private pool and spa within the courtyard rivaling the finest resorts, all for your private and personal use. Upon request, the personal concierge can facilitate a masseuse, yoga instructor and beauty consultant to enhance your on-site spa experience.

Dining is one of the many pleasures at Casa Ramon. While the gourmet kitchen will impress the professional chef, the outdoor grills within the miradores (look-outs) will delight as well. Your first evening at Casa Ramon will be enhanced with a local-flavored dinner compliments of the local husband and wife chef team of Roberto and Saida.

In a world where luxury has become homogenized, Casa Ramon stand out as an opportunity to experience luxury and exclusivity refined for the select few for the 21st century and beyond.

INSIGHTS FOR THE SOPHISTICATED TRAVELER:

Los Cabos, the waterfront resort town which has become the “see and be seen” destination for Hollywood’s elite and Wall Street’s Masters of the Universe.  For those who feel One & Only is just too mainstream; The Villa Las Palmas, a lavish sanctuary is the Los Cabos destination of choice.

The Villa Las Palmas experience begins when your wheels touch down as the estate manager E3Escapes provides chauffeured car service from either the San Jose International Airport or the 15 minute ride from their private hangar at the local Cabo San Lucas Executive Airport.

Upon arrival at the incomparable Villa Las Palmas perched on the cliffs of the exclusive gated community of Pedregal, this luxurious mansion provides 13,000 square feet of absolute ultra luxury, with a dedicated staff of 6 to serve guests’ every wish. Overlooking the breathtaking Sea of Cortez and the Cabo San Lucas Marina, Villa Las Palmas has four (4) private master suites and two (2) private casitas, each with private bathrooms, providing comfortable sleeping for 16 guests. All have water views of the Sea of Cortez. Built against a hillside the four (4) level expansive vacation villa is decadent yet not ostentatious.

Respecting the warm Mexico climate, marble and travertine grace the floors as well as the counters, where granite also makes its winning statement for both functionality and beauty.  Yet, don’t spend all your time admiring the graces of indoors: step onto the balcony and behold the breathtaking Sea of Cortez with Cabo San Lucas and the marina spread out below.

The Villa offers on-site amenities rivaling most luxury resorts. The game room is where children can release some energy or adults can relive their childhood. The fitness center is fully equipped for those who feel remorse from overindulging in the fabulous food prepared by the on-site chef.

During the day guests may wish to practice their approach shot on the putting green. After dinner, gather in the movie room to screen next month’s hot release.

Day and evening guests may enjoy cocktails in the infinity pool with swim up bar while enjoying the tropical sun or the enchanting night view of the sparkling lights of Los Cabos below. The elevated and very private hot tub built above the pool on its own stone support is perfect for a late night trysts all designed to deter prying eyes.

When we gather around the table during the Thanksgiving Holiday, we forget our forefathers and the pilgrims were probably dressed in bulky clothing, stoking the fire to stay warm and lighting candles against the limited daylight hours of the northeast. They would have been much happier at our DC Ranch, the premier golfing community in North Scottsdale, Arizona.

We’d like to suggest DC Ranch for your Thanksgiving holidays. This stunning four (4) bedroom estate captures the essence of the American southwest. Designed for vacations, this home in the beautiful Sonora desert provides guests the ultimate escape welcoming those in search of rest, relaxation and rejuvenation.

One of the many attributes of Arizona is that outdoor living is viable year round. The large patio spaces invite guests to relax and enjoy. The bar-b-que island is the envy of Bobby Flay fans and of course, if you desire a private pit-master for the grill, we can arrange that.  The pebble-tec pool and adjacent spa will be part of you daily ritual when visiting DC Ranch.

Yet, we would be neglectful if we did not mention the beautiful and expansive interiors. Designed for maximum comfort and luxury, the home sleeps 8 guests in serene peacefulness. The vaulted ceilings evoke the openness of the southwest landscape. Three of the bedrooms, all with media have en-suite baths and are outfitted with Anichini linens and towels. The fourth bedroom presently configured as an office (including wireless, fax and printer/copier) can be converted to a bedroom with a pullout queen sleeper. For the chef of the party, the gourmet kitchen designed with liberal use of travertine marble on the floors, granite countertops,  cherrywood cabinetry and the finest appliance suite from Sub-Zero, Wolf and Dacor are sure to impress.

If you are braving the onset of winter chill in the northeast, the humidity of the southeast, the cold winds of the Midwest, the snow of the Rockies or the fog of the northwest, we suggest starting a new tradition, Thanksgiving in Arizona at our DC Ranch Retreat.

Thanksgiving Nightly Rate: $900 (Discounted from $1,500)

Inquire on DC Ranch today, and we’ll also get you the 5th Night free!

While Beaver Creek set the standard for luxury ski resort accommodations, Village Walk set the bar within the resort itself. Constructed in 2007, the Village Walk enclave became the most sought after lodging option in a community known for its luxury and amenities.

Our Village Walk home on Beaver Creek Mountain is a spacious and luxurious 4 bedroom design featuring direct ski-in/ski-out access from the residence to the “Dally” ski run, the home features high-end finishes and furnishings, a gourmet kitchen with top of the line appliances, granite countertops and custom cabinetry. The home also features vaulted ceilings, a soaring rock fireplace in the great room and state of the art electronics. In addition to the 4 bedrooms (the master suite is located on the upper level for the utmost in privacy, while the other bedrooms are on the ground level); there is also a ski room, an outdoor private hot tub that is accessible from 2 lower level bedrooms and a 2 car garage.

After a day on the slopes, while the home is most inviting and relaxing, the location is premier. An easy walk to the core of Beaver Creek Village for a hot cocoa by the skating rink, dinner at one of the many family-friendly restaurants, a show at The Vilar, the opportunities are endless.

Perfect for families including multi-generational, those with “Nannies”, friends or groups as the homes sleep 8 in luxury and comfort. Even better, the exclusivity of Village Walk during the holidays, the ultimate present.

We have written about Sandhurst Estate prior, one of the most fabulous vacation rentals available in south Florida. Few vacation rentals can sleep 20 in comfort. Sandhurst is more than a vacation rental; it is a private two acre resort retreat for the discerning few who appreciate the luxury and amenities associated with a private estate property.

The estate manager for the Sandhurst Estate is offering a 15th Anniversary promotion:

Make a reservation at Sandhurst by December 31, 2009 for travel in 2010 at a weekly rental rate of $10,975.00 (plus taxes and cleaning)*

The Sandhurst Estate is the perfect vacation rental/venue for

Weddings
Family Reunions
Corporate Gatherings
Private Parties
Birthday/Anniversary Celebrations
Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
Tennis Camps
Fishing Groups
Charity Functions
Cooking Classes
Religious and Spiritual Retreats
Golf Outings

Guests will enjoy:
Lush tropical grounds on almost 2 acres
Bayfront with boat dock and Kayak. Lifejackets for children.
Private, gated Gulf of Mexico beach access - beach chairs included.
Oversized heated pool with beach towels and pool toys.
Private tennis court - bring your own racquet or use theirs!
State-of-the-art gourmet kitchen featuring Viking Stainless Steel appliances.
6 burner gas commercial stove, 2 warming drawers
3 U-Line beverage refrigerators, U-Line Wine Captain, U-Line Ice maker,
Dual Bosch dishwashers
Outdoor stainless DCS grill
1 Poolside bar with keg cooler, 1 upstairs bar, 1 pavilion service bar
Concierge Services - staff available upon request (additional cost)

* Rate applies to non-holiday weeks only and excludes: New Years, President’s Week, Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th Week, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas. Holiday weekly rates are:

$16,500 Christmas/New Years/President’s/Easter Week
$14,000 Thanksgiving Week
$12,750 July 4 week

The holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Year’s is usually a joyous time when family and friends gather to celebrate, reconnect and enjoy each other’s company. However, all journeys begin with transportation, thus we offer a few tips for flying with the family this holiday season:

1. First Flight: Try to take the first flight in the morning, less chance of delay and/or waiting for an inbound aircraft.
2. Nonstop Vs. Direct: When possible, go nonstop. A direct flight may make a stop. If in doubt, call the airlines and ask.
3. Ship Your Luggage/Gifts: Avoid checked baggage fees and luggage carousels, ship ahead of time. Save a few dollars by shipping air to the destination, ground on the way back. Mail Boxes, Etc, UPS Store and others can assist.
4. Pack Some Snacks: Pack a few snacks in your carry-on luggage. Buy beverages post security checkpoint.
5. Check-In 24 Hours Prior: Check in via the Internet 24 hours prior to your scheduled flight departure, less chance of getting “bumped”.
6. Reconfirm Return: Especially for international flights, reconfirm your return flight with the airline 24-48 hours prior.
7. Patience: Airports will be crowded, tempers will flare. Stay calm and cool. Please remember, the airline employee has been yelled at all day, show some sympathy. Even better, bring a box of chocolates or similar, may receive an upgrade.
8. Weather Delay: Before leaving home, if connecting, check options for hotels close to your connecting airport, make a list of a few with phone #’s, just in case.
9. Cell Phone: Keep it charged. If you are delayed and in line to re-book, call the airline from your cell as well, all inquiries and requests go through the same system.
10. Flexibility: If you flight is delayed and/or cancelled, be flexible. Yes, we all have jobs and lives to return to, however, if delayed consider an extra day or two at your destination. As I say, “Have laptop, will travel”.

Happy Travels!

Las Terrazas is a five-star luxury oceanfront resort on the island of Ambergris Caye and is the only member of the Preferred Hotel Group in Belize. The all new O Restaurant offers resort guests and locals an outstanding menu featuring International and Central American cuisine.   Guests will delight in the dining experience that Chef Manuel Dorigoni has created using the freshest ingredients with an array of flavors served in the most desirable of atmospheres.  At O you’ll surround yourself with décor reminiscent of the cool colors of the ocean and the brilliant colors of the summer sky.

Carolyn Stone, Director of Sales for Las Terrazas Resort said “O is an incredible restaurant concept which will suit our guests perfectly.  Under the direction of Chef Manuel our guests can look forward to a truly remarkable dining experience. O will also specialize in celebration dinners for groups, families or couples.”

Las Terrazas Resort is well known as a beautiful place for a wonderful destination wedding and honeymoon.  Group celebration dinners or a private dinner for two can be enjoyed on the beach, roof top of O, pool side or within the restaurant.

The name O is inspired by one of the most astounding dive sites found anywhere on earth; the Blue Hole.  The deep blue colors of the Blue Hole, located off of the Las Terrazas Resort shoreline, were used as inspiration for the interior of the restaurant.

O Restaurant will cater to all your culinary whims, reminding you why you chose Las Terrazas Resort as your special place to escape, indulge and enjoy.

About Las Terrazas Resort

Las Terrazas (www.lasterrazasresort.com), a five-star luxury oceanfront resort and residential development on the island of Ambergris Caye in Belize features 38 magnificent one, two and three bedroom townhomes.  The units include balconies, some with private plunge pools, as well as exquisite furniture handcrafted from Belizean wood, spacious kitchens with granite countertops and Kitchen Aid appliances, large plasma TV’s in each living room and master bedroom, telephones, DVD players, ipod docking stations, surround sound and high speed internet access.  Las Terrazas is located on the largest private beachfront on the island, has a 70’ infinity lap pool, fitness center and the Serenity Spa and Wellness Center.  On-site Concierge is able to assist with an array of island and mainland excursions including dive and snorkel trips with White Sands Dive Shop; a PADI 5-star facility.  Las Terrazas Resort is a member of the Preferred Boutique and the only member of Preferred Hotel Group in Belize.  The resort is also a member of Sustainable Travel International.   For reservations visit their website or call free 1-800-447-1553.

We received such positive feedback concerning The Las Terrazas Resort in Belize, the ownership requested TheSociety.com share the following lodging special, Thanksgiving and Beyond in Paradise with our readership:

• STAY 3 - GET 4th NIGHT FREE!
  RATES STARTING @ $74 PER NIGHT PER PERSON

based on double occupancy
valid for stays up to December 18, 2009

For those who may not be familiar with Las Terrazas and Belize: Visitors enjoy spectacular natural attractions and the excitement of discovering Mother Nature’s Best Kept Secret. Travelers from around the globe are drawn to Belize for the relaxing and the richly rewarding authenticity they seek in a genuine Caribbean getaway.  Nestled between Mexico and Guatemala on the Caribbean coast of Central America, Belize is one of the few remaining unspoiled places on earth. We invite you to stay at Las Terrazas Resort while discovering the magical relaxation of Belize.

Lodging opportunities include one (1), two (2) and three (3) bedroom town homes * central A/C * full size kitchens * 2 flat screen TVs per unit * DVD player & Ipod docking station * O Restaurant serving Central American and International cuisine *  room service * 70′ infinity lap pool * pool side bar *  Serenity Spa and Wellness Center * PADI 5-star dive shop * free high speed internet * use of kayaks & Hobie Cats * bicycle and golf cart rental * on-site concierge to assist with island and mainland activities * largest private beachfront on the island and more …Be sure to ask about Thanksgiving Dinner at O Restaurant