As February is in our sights, we skiers embrace the changing of the season. Yes, it is still winter, however, on the local scene, it is a change. The crowds from Sundance have jetted back to Los Angeles and New York. The Pacific storms battering California have blessed Utah with abundant light powder, seemingly snowing daily. Our personal favorite, the days have been getting longer waking up to sun over the peaks and relaxing in the hot tub with the sun setting beyond the Great Salt Lake.

President’s Weekend is one of the best times of the winter season to come out to Deer Valley. The snow is abundant, the temperatures cold enough to insure powder from the heavens and an added bonus, Valentine’s Day falls on the Sunday of the Holiday Weekend.

We suggest President’s Week at the Casa Nova residence, one of the finest mountain homes in Deer Valley. Located in the prestigious mid-mountain enclave of Deer Crest, Casa Nova is a one-of-a-kind ski-in/out estate providing the pinnacle of luxury accommodations within the confines of Deer Valley.

The 13,000 SF estate provides 7 bedrooms and 10+ bathrooms. While the estate is oriented towards 14 guests, groups of up to 25 adults and children have called Casa Nova home when visiting Deer Valley.

Amenities within the 4 levels of the home include the Grand Room with its grand piano and dance floor. The Screen Room with THX sound and 345 movies on demand, rivaling most Blockbuster outlets. Forget delivery pizza before the movies; use the kitchen’s custom wood-burning pizza oven for an authentic Neapolitan crust. After a day of skiing, consider “The Spa at Casa Nova” where guests enjoy the exercise room or the massage room. Both the steam room and sauna seat six in comfort. The hot tub seats 9, just do not argue over the audio feed.

Casa Nova truly represents the pinnacle of luxury vacation rentals in the Deer Valley Resort. Don’t just take our word for it; Casa Nova was named the Ultimate Villa Vacation by Robb Report (the only one in ski country).

Casa Nova is available for President’s Week. For more detailed information about Casa Nova, please click through to “The List” and our Casa Nova posting.

Colorado has a reputation worldwide of providing visitors (and residents) the ultimate vacation opportunities from the mountains to the plains. While named resorts such as Vail, Aspen and Telluride are profiled in the popular press, as residents of Colorado, we know a few “hidden gems” which offer spectacular beauty, 4 seasons of recreational amenities and best of all, no crowds.

One such area is the San Luis Valley in southwestern Colorado. Considered remote which is much of the charm, the San Luis Valley represents a Colorado of years past when you did NOT have a lift line at the local ski resort or have to wait for your tee-time on the golf course. An area where the Native American crafts are actually constructed on-site, where two-lane roads dominate and an interstate highway is not the defining geographic feature of the landscape.

Situated at the west-end of the San Luis Valley we are pleased to present The Rio Grande Club providing the ultimate guest and lifestyle experience within the picturesque San Luis Valley.

Ranked in the top 15 golf and fly fishing destinations in the world, The Rio Grande Club features a 25,000 square foot clubhouse, truly the gathering spot of the club featuring a spacious dining room with impressive mountain vista views, a comfortable and cozy lounge, conference and banquet rooms, business center, pro shop, and a spa/fitness facility with cardiovascular stations, circuit training and free weights. There is also a workout room with a wide variety of programs including yoga, aerobics and Tae Bo among other activities. The clubhouse is the perfect location for destination meetings, events, and weddings.

Beyond the clubhouse, The Rio Grande Club’s amenities allow you to choose how active your vacation is. For relaxation (and maybe do a few laps) the outdoor patio includes a swimming pool with sitting area, spacious hot tub and an outside lounging area. Outside food service is also available for the pool area.

For the tennis player, The Rio Grande Club offers two tennis courts. In addition, private lessons and challenge courts are available all season.

For the fishing enthusiasts, the Club has private access to a one mile stretch of gold medal water. This portion of the river is periodically stocked to enhance the fishing experience.

Located in Pennsylvania, Bucks County attracts urban dwellers from metropolitan New York and Philadelphia who desire an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Within 2 hours of New York City and Philadelphia, the Bucks County lifestyle is a throwback to the past. Winding roads, farmhouses, charming towns, small businesses all within a landscape of rolling hills dotted with farms, horse properties and18th and 19th century homes.

Some of our favorite activities in Bucks County include:

The Covered Bridges: With 12 covered bridges, these quaint structures remain a testament of the simplicity of years past. An era of walking and horse-drawn carriages. We suggest beginning your tour at the Memorial Building in Washington Crossing State Park on the Delaware River (yes, where Washington crossed the Delaware River and changed the tide of the American Revolution).

Mansions on the Delaware: For a look into the McMansions of the past, check out the Mansions on the Delaware, beautiful stately homes which will delight all. The Glen Foerd with its intricate stained glass and art-gallery is a personal favorite.

Arts & Culture: The 10+ towns in Bucks County are each unique. From the artists colony of New Hope with its 200+ art galleries, antique shops and boutiques to Quakertown where the restored 1902 Reading Railroad passenger station attracts train enthusiasts to Doylestown, a favorite for Civil War buffs who enjoy the programming of the Bucks County Civil War Roundtable.

For the Children: There are many opportunities for the children from active to educational. A personal favorite, The Crayola Factory at Two Rivers Landing. Yes, many of us of a certain age were thrilled when we received the 64 box with built-in sharpener. Well, bring your kids to the Crayola Factory, while times have changed and many children now draw on a computer, the crayon is still a hit no matter what your age.

For Lodging: Bucks County Luxury Farmhouse, a 5 bedroom (sleeps 10) vacation rental situated on 65 rolling acres for those who desire serenity, privacy and the vacation opportunities only available in Bucks County.

Down a winding country driveway, this stone country house is a fabulous combination of New York chic and Bucks County charm. The estate sits on 65 private acres of rolling lawns, country gardens and woods with walking trails enveloped in mature trees throughout summer with canopies of leaves leading to a spectacular showcase of fall foliage.

Two couples residing in Calgary, Canada desire a tropical vacation residence, their search takes them to Belize. The clients view three residences and choose one for their purchase. While the clients wanted a two-bedroom unit, one of the options was a one-bedroom flat at Las Terrazas. The clients were so impressed with the beachfront location, the luxury interiors and the many resort amenities including pool, dining, concierge and water sports, they chose to purchase the one bedroom flat. You can view a 3 minute version of the show at the following link which showcases Las Terrazas: Belize Escape

For those of us who watch the show and wish we could trade places with the buyers, your opportunity has arrived. Our partners at Las Terrazas are offering:

The UnBELIZEable Winter Special

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 well known by dive enthusiasts visiting ”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 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 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 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.