Captiva Island is a unique setting off the west coast of Florida. Located adjacent to the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Captiva has been the destination of choice for those who desire a laid-back Florida of the early 20th century sans traffic, congestion and chain restaurants. A destination which truly defines relaxed. This semi-tropical paradise is where the famous 20th century artist Robert Rauschenberg set up his studio and painted during the later years of his career enjoying the unique light and the diversity of year-round scenery.

Sandhurst Estate gained notoriety as the centerpiece of MTV’s Summer Beach House (2004), yet the owners have since rectified the situation as the estate has also been featured on HGTV’s Vacation Living Show as the Ultimate Dream Vacation Home and in Martha Stewart Living Magazine’s Leaf Print Fabrics article.

Sandhurst Estate captures the luxury of yesteryear while embracing the modern era. The bayfront Estate on Roosevelt Channel (the Gold Coast of Captiva Island) is Colonial West Indies style reminiscent of the colonial homes of the Caribbean.  When guests first enter the grounds, the estate is often mistaken for a resort. The multi-level estate with its pink/salmon hue and white trim recalls the mansions of Palm Beach. As was tradition of the mansions of the era, public rooms are expansive and private chambers denoted by name and each individually furnished.

The eight (8) bedrooms sleep 20 in supreme luxury; the biggest dilemma for guests is to choose which chamber would be most to their tastes. Each bedroom is individually designed including furnishings and accessories from Sanderson, Ralph Lauren, Ken Done, Brunschwig & Fils, and Sandhurst embroidered Frette & Peacock Alley Bathrobes.

THE MASTER RETREAT:  Is known for its custom queen bed and access to a private veranda and beautiful views. Guests will embrace the exquisite granite tile, Baldwin brass fixtures, the jetted tub and when enjoying morning coffee on the verandah, signature Sandhurst snuggly robes.

THE PINEAPPLE SUITE: The symbol of hospitality worldwide offers its guests a 4-poster queen bed and a one-of-a-kind water view from the 20’ x 20’ verandah. The en suite bathroom was set with European tile and offers a handicap-accessible shower and toilet.

THE BIG BAMBOO RETREAT: Is aptly named due to the unique and one-of-a-kind hand-crafted Indonesian bamboo 4-poster queen bed, en suite bathroom and a private veranda and water views.

This winter’s  ample early season snow has been a blessing for the ski resorts of southwestern Colorado including Telluride, an exclusive mountain resort enclave located in southwestern, Colorado.

Telluride does not try to be everything to everyone. For the visitor to Telluride, in many respects skiing and boarding is nostalgic; few if any lift-lines, no parking structures filled to the brim with rental SUV’s, terrain options from gentle cruisers to challenging chutes reminiscent of vintage Warren Miller films.

While purists may suggest visitors stay in the Town of Telluride, a historic mining town of eight square blocks, we respectfully disagree and suggest Alpen Ridge, a one-of-a-kind ski-in/out estate providing guests the ultimate in the “Three L’s”: Location, Luxury and Lifestyle. Located in Mountain Village , Alpen Ridge offers  true ski-in/out access yet privacy and seclusion not usually associated with on-mountain ski chalets.

As skiers and boarders glide along the Bridges ski run, Alpen Ridge is their envy. The expansive slope-side decks of the home provide an impromptu introduction to the treasures ensconced on this premier location of mature evergreen and aspen trees.

Remodeled “to the studs” in 2007, Alpen Ridge is a chalet which truly provides the pinnacle of luxury in a vacation residence rental from design and amenities to location and exclusivity offering guests 6 bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms sleeping 16 in splendid luxury of 7,600 square feet/703 square meters.

The great room, one of the most mentioned rooms features a vaulted hand-hewed log ceiling, a custom corner stone fireplace using native rock with windows above to capture the mountain peaks above the flames, a full service wet bar and massive windows framing some of the most dramatic views available in Telluride. The furnishings, a mix of hand-stitched leathers and premium fabrics co-exist with stone tables and hand-finished wood floors providing warmth, comfort and style.

For the gourmand of the party (or for the available private chef) the gourmet kitchen offers signature appliances from Gaggenau and Sub-Zero and all the necessary small appliances and utensils providing the tools for the grab-and-go breakfast to the formal dinner party. The stone countertops and bistro-height breakfast bar allows for snacking and great conversation. The adjacent dining room with seating for 10+ is dominated by large picture windows cut into the log-wall exterior, perfect for the mid-day brunch between runs or for the holiday meal with family and friends.

Mexico is truly one of the most diverse vacation destinations in the world. From high-rise mega-hotels to destination resorts to quaint fishing villages, the diversity of vacation experiences is vast. For many, the west coast of Mexico continues to retain the attraction of Mexico of years past including untouched gold sand beaches, fishing villages where the “fresh catch” is just minutes from the ocean and recently some of the most opulent and in-demand vacation residences and resorts unrivaled in the western hemisphere. May we present Punta Mita.

Just 45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta, Punta Mita is an exclusive resort blending the unparallel beauty of the Mexican Pacific Coast with its palm-studded jungles sweeping into the deep blue of the ocean with the luxury, services and amenities of The Four Seasons.

Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita is located within a 1,500-acre/607-hectare nature reserve on the northern tip of Bahía de Banderas – one of the world’s largest natural bays. The shoreline of the community is fringed by over 9 miles/14.5 kilometers of pristine white sand and rugged lava rock formations. Rising in the majestic background are the jungle peaks of the famous and often photographed Sierra Madre Mountains.

The Punta Mita Four Seasons Villa is offered to the discerning client who desires the finest in luxury and amenities along Mexico’s Pacific Coast. The hacienda style of the villa embraces the Mexican Riviera lifestyle paying respect to the 345 days of sunshine and the adjacent Pacific Ocean. With average summer and winter temperatures of 85F/29C and 75F/25C respectively, outdoor living is a prerequisite. For the geography buff, Punta Mita and Hawaii share the same latitude.

The luxury villa provides 4 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms on an oceanfront lot providing expansive views from every room. Sleeping 8 in luxury, all the bedrooms were designed to be master suites with no detail overlooked including bathrooms which have been described as “luxury sanctuaries” by past guests.

The gathering rooms inside the home have been designed to embrace the informal Mexican lifestyle coupled with custom designed and fabricated furnishings. The formal (as formal is in Mexico) living room is one of the gathering areas of the home. The Yucatan marble floors keep the home cool year round and merge seamlessly with the outdoors. The furnishings offer a comfortable retreat yet most guests open the sliding doors merging the indoor and outdoor living areas. The state-of-the-art audio and video system continues the merged indoor/outdoor lifestyle.

The State of Utah is known worldwide for its fluffy powder snow and diversity of resorts from the rustic Alta and challenging Snowbird to the family-oriented Solitude Resort and the always popular Park City Mountain Resort. Utah offers the winter sports enthusiasts a plethora of options. Yet, one resort without fail stands out. Rated #1 by Ski Magazine readers, this is a resort where nightlife is truly non-existent, a resort where snowboarders are verboten. A resort where deluxe service and the epitome of luxury are not buzz words, they are the mantra. This is Deer Valley.

Just 40 minutes northeast of Salt Lake City, Deer Valley is an exclusive mountain resort attracting VIP clients from around the world. Deer Valley is the resort for those seeking a skiing experience with luxury and service usually associated with the finest beach resorts and urban 5-star hoteliers. Deer Valley sets the bar for other resorts to aspire to; to date, none have.

Deer Valley offers unique, true ski-in/out opportunities.  Deer Crest, a neighborhood within the Deer Valley Resort, currently boasts over 50 of Deer Valley’s most impressive homes. Ranging from 6,000 to 15,000 square feet, these one-of-a-kind custom properties feature extraordinary architecture, detail, finishes and are thoughtfully constructed to take advantage of Deer Crests views, ski access and open space. Chalet owners build their dream homes in keeping with Deer Valley’s renowned mountain design and style. Literally mid-mountain, Deer Crest is a luxury location attainable by the very few. This is where you will find Casa Nova, a one-of-a-kind ski-in/out estate within the enclave of Deer Crest.

Casa Nova, named the Ultimate Villa Vacation by Robb Report (the only one in ski country), is the ultimate chateau vacation rental in Deer Valley.  This luxury estate offers true ski-in ski-out access to Deer Valley Resort and is located just minutes from downtown Park City. The13,000 square foot /1,207 square meter home boasts 7 bedrooms of which 4 are true master suites. To call Casa Nova a ski chalet is selling it short as the estate is literally a self-contained resort with sleeping options for up to 25 adults and children. With 11 bathrooms, no one will be waiting by the door.

We hear the same comment about once a week “We are looking for an unspoiled getaway. We want the Caribbean and Mexico as it was before the high-rises and all-inclusive resorts dotted the landscape. We want the unique yet with all the luxuries intact.” We suggest a few opportunities “south of the border….of Mexico”.

As the chill sets in and we prepare for Christmas, our neighbors in Central America are offering many opportunities to escape the snow and cold. From a resort in Belize accessible by boat to an estate in Panama to a flat in Costa Rica, we have options from the Caribbean to the Pacific available through the winter season. Even if you missed the booking window for Christmas, it’s going to be a long winter (which by the way officially began on Monday, Dec. 21st) so do not delay because as we enter the ice-box up north, in Central America, it’s just heating up.

For those in the know, Belize is a beautiful destination just a few hours from many gateway cities in the United States. While not a staple of the popular press, Belize has been a jewel in Central America usually associated on the diving scene with “The Blue Hole”. Yet there is so much more to Belize. It is a dynamic destination where vacationers can be as active or as relaxed as they desire.

One of our favorite resorts is Las Terrazas located on the beautiful Ambergris Caye, truly one of the most beautiful locations in this lovely country. One of the many attributes of Las Terrazas is the hybrid opportunity of a vacation residence rental within a full-service luxury resort setting. Guests of Las Terrazas may enjoy flats ranging from one to three bedrooms equipped with central a/c, 42” plasma televisions with cable/DVD player, surround sound, Ipod docking stations, high-speed internet, fully-equipped kitchens and washer/dryer.

While the accommodations are some of the finest in Belize, we would be remiss not to mention the beautiful resort setting including the largest private beachfront on the island, a PADI 5-Star dive facility on-site, 70” infinity lap pool, pool-side bar and a personal favorite, The “O Restaurant” serving delectable edibles sure to impress the most demanding gourmand.

Our friends at Las Terrazas Resort - where “natural paradise meets the ultimate island escape” and the only member of Preferred Hotel Group in Belize are promoting a special available on stays of four (4) nights or more between Jan 3 - March 31, 2010, a truly glorious time in Belize and an excellent occasion to escape the winter blues up north.

UnBELIZEable Winter Special
$189 per person per night based on double occupancy
Upgrades for three or more people available

UnBELIZEable offer includes:
• Magnificent one bedroom / two bath fully furnished town home
• Breakfast and Dinner daily in O Restaurant
• Half day snorkeling trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley
• Discover SCUBA class
• Free use of Kayaks and Hobie Cats
• Local round trip transfers from the town of San Pedro to the resort
• Dockside welcome beverage upon arrival

Rate not inclusive of 9% gov’t tax and 10% service charge. Offer valid on new reservations only. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Offer based upon availability at time of booking. Offer subject to change without notice. Rates listed above are valid any day of the week.  4 night minimum applies.   Offer only valid on stays Jan 3 - March 31, 2010.  Other restrictions may apply. Please mention The Society.

For many in the United States, Panama is probably best known for its famous Panama Canal and secondarily, Panama Hats. Yet this somewhat undiscovered paradise is perfect for the vacation guest who reminisces about the Caribbean and Mexico of yesteryear. A time when beaches were places of solitude, the “catch of the day” was literally the catch of the hour, where dining could range from “proper dress” to t-shirt and shorts all within walking distance of each other.

The Society is proud to offer an oceanfront Villa located at the Las Olas Villas at Playa La Barqueta. This 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom custom villa provides guests with the ultimate oceanfront experience, a base for a vacation which can be as exciting or as sedentary as one desires.

When one enters the gated community and arrives at Villa the entry is stately and impressive from the stucco exterior and tile roof to the beautiful double door entry. Once inside the home continues to impress. The main living and entertaining areas are expansive and comfortable with native stone floors, typical in tropical environments and ceiling fans supplementing the central a/c circulating the air for maximum comfort.

The bedrooms will sleep 8 in comfort and luxury, all providing unobstructed ocean views. The private first floor master suite features a king-size bed, a sitting area and direct access to the rear pool deck. There are “his and hers” walk-in closets. The master bath has 2 sinks, a large jetted soaking tub and walk in shower built for 2. Ocean views dominate from all the windows.

The second floor junior master suite has a king-size bed and an attached full bath with a walk-in shower, ocean view included. The third and fourth bedrooms feature a queen- sized bed and a walkout to a second floor covered balcony with a table for 4, perfect for morning coffee and a cocktail in privacy.

At the home, guests can enjoy the expansive pool and patio areas with dedicated sections for sun-bathing and shade. While the gourmet kitchen inside will impress, the outdoor gas grill and al fresco dining will be a favorite morning, noon and night. Of course, with private access to the black coral sand beach, we suggest slipping away and enjoying the ocean waters and then relaxing on your private hammock, no need to reserve beach chairs at your private luxury beachfront villa.

Costa Rica is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world contributing to its tourism popularity. Within minutes, visitors can travel from stunning beaches to dense tropical rainforests. Dining can range from the shack on the beach serving the “fresh catch of the morning” to glorious gourmet dining by candlelight overlooking yachts in the cove.

A personal favorite resort area of Costa Rica is the Los Suenos gated community just minutes north of the laid-back community of Jaco Beach. Los Suenos offers guests the best of Costa Rica from beautiful grounds and beach to resort amenities including a challenging par-72, 18-hole eco-golf course designed by Ted Robinson Junior golf course, a marina, a collection of upscale shops, tennis courts, workout facilities, marina,  six restaurants and the ultimate amenity, the personalized signature service of MeadBrown.

We recommend the lovely Casa Pacifica, a brand new villa in Los Suenos Resort and Marina. The home’s many features include five master suites (4 with king beds, one with two double beds), all with 50″ flat screen televisions and private en suite bathrooms, panoramic view of Herradura Bay, private pool and Jacuzzi, open and spacious living room and a gathering room with custom pool table, bar, 50″ flat screen TV and games tables. For the chef the kitchen is equipped with Sub-Zero refrigerator, Wolf appliances, beer and wine cooler.

As if the sweets at Dolce Vita are not enough to entice a visit, the managers of Casa Pacifica recently informed us the rate for Casa Pacifica has been reduced to $1,600/night from $2,500/night through February. A beautiful vacation rental villa with private amenities at an attractive rate, maybe not a Christmas Miracle but close!

For the snow lover, we have a rare opportunity due to a last-minute cancellation to enjoy the luxury of the Paradise Meadow Lodge located in beautiful and always in-demand Breckenridge, Colorado. This 5,000 SF Five (5) bedroom luxury home (sleeps 14) is an exceptional opportunity for families and friends traveling together. Nestled in a forested location surrounded by towering pine trees (as the home backs to national forest), the home is the epitome of a Rocky Mountain Ski Chalet.

The spectacular custom log design will impress both inside and out. The great room with its vaulted ceilings, dining room with floor to ceiling windows, the open-kitchen with slab granite, the massive stone fireplace, surround sound, den/game room with billiards table, poker table and 5 luxuriously appointed bedrooms all with televisions will exceed all expectations. Outside the many decks, gas grill and private outdoor hot tub will invite guests to experience the Rockies close-up. Due to the location of the home, 4WD is suggested during the winter months. The free in-town Breckenridge shuttle will bring guests to the end of the driveway.

Paradise Meadow Lodge is now available December 22 – December 28

For the sun lover, we have an opportunity for you in beautiful La Jolla, California, just north of San Diego. For those in the know, La Jolla is one of the most desired enclaves between Los Angeles and San Diego. Spectacular beaches, charming village shops and laid-back vibe all come together to make a most memorable vacation experience.

Yet, a vacation can only be as good as its lodging and our newest vacation villa acquisition in La Jolla is most special community and our Sweeping Views home will impress even the most well traveled client.

With an enviable location perched in the hills of La Jolla, guests of this 3 story, 4,000 square foot private home will be astounded not only by the 180 degree views but by the comforts and fine luxuries of this property. With 5 bedrooms and 5.5. bathrooms, the home which sleeps 14 was recently remodeled and is brand new to be offered as a vacation rental, this home offers the best in privacy, space and fine furnishings.

Guests of this lovely mansion are just 4 minutes away from La Jolla’s best beach, La Jolla Shores, ideal for beach lovers who wish to relax or adventure seekers looking to catch a wave. The home is also located just minutes away from the famous dining, shopping and museums of La Jolla Village.

As most of the United States hunkers down for the winter months of January, February and March, Arizona is just heating up. While the snowbirds have already encamped, you still have time to reserve a special vacation villa rental in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area.

With unique events coming up in the Scottsdale area such as the college football Fiesta Bowl (TCU vs. Boise State), the famous Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction, and major league baseball’s Cactus League Spring Training, there is plenty of entertainment drawing travelers from across the country to the desert.

Click on the links above for more information on the events and vacation rentals available this winter and spring.