For many in the northeastern United States, the Dominican Republic was somewhat of a secret destination. Many know of the destination, yet its popularity was never on par with other island destinations such as Jamaica, The US Virgin Islands, Barbados and so forth.

Yet, within the past few years, the Dominican Republic (DR) has literally exploded on the scene with multiple vacation destinations throughout the country. A few luxury hotel developers have opened destination resorts bringing some of the most beautiful beach and golf resorts to be developed in the Caribbean.

Vacation home rentals in the DR have been somewhat of a secret. Usually the choice of clients from the United Kingdom and the east coast of the United States, DR villa rentals are known for providing the same luxury amenities and facilities of other Caribbean islands coupled with a sense of privacy and seclusion.

One such option is the Villa Cantamar, one of the most spectacular new luxury vacation villas in the DR. This one-of-a-kind, oceanfront vacation villa is located within the prestigious gated community of SeaTree Estates.

Villa Cantamar is an 11,000+ sq. ft., 4 bedroom/5 bathroom Caribbean villa with an exotic Asian influence. Each one of the four (4) beautifully decorated bedroom suites (sleeps eight) has a king bed and offers unfettered view of the swimming pool and soothing ocean beyond.  Clients have told us “The Villa is truly a private resort.”

The great room is a natural gathering place for guests when not enjoying the open-air dining room designed to accommodate options from an intimate breakfast for 2 to a formal dinner for 10. The gourmands will enjoy the opulent meals provided by the executive chef prepared in the gourmet kitchen. Use the wine refrigerator for the vintages purchased duty-free.

Yet, most guests visit the DR with one motivation, relaxation. Throughout the home are terraces designed to shelter guests from the Caribbean sun allowing for continuous outdoor enjoyment from dawn to dusk. Or, consider laps in the 45’ private pool or for beach enthusiasts, there are several local beaches within minutes of the villa. For golfers, Playa Grande is just a short drive.

Staff is provided to enhance your vacation the most of which is the villa concierge who will meet you upon arrival and be available for assistance with tee-times, messages, dinner reservations etc. On-site the host butler provides guests the ultimate personal service while in residence.

As the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics are upon us, a little known fact outside of Colorado. Beaver Creek was conceived as a purpose-built Olympic venue for the 1976 Games until Denver voters turned them down. Lucky for us skiers and boarders, Beaver Creek was built and is now considered a world-class luxury resort. A true escape from reality once guests cross the gate-house at the entry.

For many guests of the resort, Beaver Creek represents what the winter resort experience should be. An excellent mountain with terrain ranging from mild to challenging including village-to-village skiing. An inviting base area offering a year-round outdoor skating rink, escalators to the mountain, heated walkways, excellent family-oriented dining, multiple spa options and world-class shopping from clothiers to art galleries to my personal favorite, gelato.

While a guest may spend their days on the slopes (or golf course during the summer months), the lodging component and associated services of the guest experience is paramount. Thus, may we present Chateau Le Grande, a 5 bedroom estate within the resort of Beaver Creek.

Chateau Le Grande, like Beaver Creek itself was designed to enhance the vacation experience. Located on a prestigious lane, the home is situated to take advantage of the unparalleled views including the surrounding mountains and lush fairways of the golf course. Built with multiple levels, the 5 bedroom home (sleeps 10 in luxury) was designed with gathering and nesting rooms for all to enjoy.

The main level is dominated by a living room appointed with large and comfortable leather seating and a custom stone wood-burning fireplace (yes, the crackling of a wood fueled fire is available) all encapsulated with vaulted ceilings and massive windows to take advantage of the outdoor scenery. Adjacent is the country kitchen with its custom wood cabinets and professional appliances perfect for the home chef or the caterer. While the breakfast bar is perfect for a casual snack, the dining room which seats 10 is the spot for a relaxed fondue or a formal dinner. The game room invites guests to enjoy an after-dinner spirited game of billiards or slip outside to the private hot tub for a soak under the stars.

The two upper levels of the home offer three (3) bedrooms, including the master suite on the top level and an additional guest bedroom, both with king beds. Guests of the master suite will enjoy the en-suite bath with steam shower and adjacent private office. On the intermediate upper level is an additional bedroom with two (2) queen beds.

Costa Rica has become the playground of the eco-tourist. In addition to offering vacationers one of the most beautiful settings in the world, the country is known for its stewardship of the environment. While some consider luxury and eco-tourism to be an oxymoron, we respectfully disagree by presenting a beachfront luxury villa and guest house in Playa Hermosa.

A point of reference, there are two beaches known as Playa Hermosa. One is located northwest in the Guanacaste area of the country. The beachfront villa we are presenting is located on the west-central coast of Costa Rica, approximately 10 minutes south of Jaco and 15 minutes from Los Suenos, the well-known golf resort and marina of the area.

An introduction to the area: Playa Hermosa is known for offering surfers some of the best and most consistent surf breaks in the world. For surfing, the best season is from April to November when the tide is high. Yet, we suggest checking out Playa Hermosa year-round. For the eco-tourist, a day-trip to the world famous Manuel Antonio National Park is a must. For the adrenaline junkie, we would suggest one of the zip-line tours in the immediate vicinity. For the rest of us, a good book and a bottle of wine while watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean is a daily ritual before dinner in Hermosa or Jaco.

Our Villa La Costa will delight all who visit. Approximately 2 hours west of San Jose (the capital of Costa Rica), the drive is one of the most scenic in the northern hemisphere. Upon entering the gated community of Hermosa Palms, guests meander to Villa La Costa situated on a beautiful 7,000 SF (650 SM) beachfront lot.

Villa La Costa is an eclectic mix of traditional and modern profiled in Costa Rica’s respected Estilos y Casas (Styles & Houses) magazine. The magazine mentioned the unique elements of the home included the tiled roofs, exposed brick domes, natural rock walls, over-sized windows all hallmarks of luxury Costa Rican design, yet incorporating traditional luxury attributes including Italian marble, custom mattresses, chef-grade appliances and modern art all within an open-design for indoor/outdoor living.

Villa La Costa is a mini-estate offering guests the option of rental flexibility. During high-season the full estate is rented as a package, yet during the remainder of the year guests can opt to rent the villa, 2,450 SF (227 SM) with three bedrooms and three and one-half bathrooms and/or the intimate 513 SF (47.6 SM) 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom guest house. (The unoccupied home is locked off when one is rented and not the other)

Perfect for a Couple, Small Family or Group of Friends

What do Cancun, South Padre Island, Florida and Breckenridge have in common? Well, besides the need for SPF 30 sun-block, all are hot spring break destinations. OK, Breckenridge may not have tropical temperatures, but we guarantee as a Spring Break destination, it is hot, Hot, HOT.

Located just 90 minutes from Denver International Airport, Breckenridge has become the poster-child for “the cool ski resort” in the Rocky Mountain West. The 4 mountains of the Breckenridge resort guarantee unlimited skiing and snowboarding no matter your ability. From gentle glade trails to half-pipes and moguls the size of a Smart Car, it can be found in Breckenridge. As we approach President’s Weekend, this is the unofficial start of Spring Break with warmer, sunnier days intermixed with major snow dumps insuring powder days on the slopes. Take note, March is the snowiest month in Breckenridge.

Days on the slopes usually end with traditional après-ski in the hot tub with the warm waters massaging the muscles after a challenging day and prior to heading out to indulge in the nightlife Breckenridge is famous for. The historic mining town has been transformed into a world-class destination with a diversity of shops, restaurants, galleries and other “non-mountain” pursuits. Dining can be fast-food or the luxury of a chef’s tasting menu, all within walking distance. Non-skiers, take a ½ day and visit a spa or enjoy morning coffee with a walking tour of the historic town. For shoppers, the Silverthorne Factory Outlets are just a few minutes north.

We understand many vacation rentals are oriented towards larger families and groups. Thus, it is rare when we can offer a one-bedroom flat as a vacation rental in Breckenridge meeting the deluxe standards The Society is known for.

In real estate, the three “L’s” are Location, Location and Location and this vacation has all three. Seriously, our flat is literally just steps from historic Main Street as well as the Quicksilver High-Speed Lift with immediate access to the slopes.

The flat, built within the last decade offers what we consider “Ski Chalet Light”. Within its 785 SF, the flat is furnished with an emphasis on deluxe comfortable luxury. Enjoy the gas fireplace while watching the large flat screen (with a few DVD’s and popcorn, the most comfortable theater in town). The bedroom has a King Bed, a rarity in many mountain flats and its own flat screen. The living room sofa converts to a deluxe queen bed. In the kitchen and bathroom, there has been liberal use of custom granite and tile to exemplify the luxury appointments of the flat.

***Attractive rates available for President’s Week/Valentine’s Day Holiday and Spring ski season***

DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE.  PLEASE INQUIRE.  CONTACT JENNI HAINES AT JENNI.HAINES@SKICASANOVA.COM OR 435-659-8825 TO BOOK THIS STUNNING PROPERTY FOR PRESIDENT’S WEEKEND.

MORE PROPERTY INFORMATION AVAILABLE HERE: http://www.skicasanova.com

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).

Beyond the signature clock-tower in Vail Village there are many neighborhoods within the 10 square miles of the town limits. One of our favorite neighborhoods is East Vail. Located just east of the Vail Golf Club, East Vail is considered by many purists to be the most beautiful neighborhood in Vail.

The neighborhood is truly an alpine enclave just 4 miles from Vail Village. Dominated by residential development, the only commercial establishment is a small grocery/spirits store. Otherwise, the neighborhood is known for its residential orientation and lack of traffic and congestion.

As one descends on East Vail, no matter the season, one knows they have entered a truly special neighborhood. The mature evergreen trees, the many waterfalls, steep chutes and overall alpine ambiance advise guests “they have arrived”. During the winter months, the evergreens are frosted in white from late October until April. During the other months of the year, waterfalls surround the neighborhood as do hiking trails and bike paths.

Within this most special neighborhood is a lovely 4 bedroom home which sleeps 12 in luxury and comfort. The home, surrounded by tall pines, evergreens and aspens welcomes guests no matter the season. Even though just a few miles from the heart of Vail Village (access by car or free in-town shuttle), guests have commented “we felt a million miles away from the crowds and congestion of Vail Village”.

The sunken living room is the heart of the home as guests enjoy the sounds of a crackling wood burning fireplace, a rarity in the mountains. Others may wish to escape to the private outdoor hot tub surrounded by trees to enjoy the star-lit nights. The children love the loft as their private play area. For the chef, the gourmet kitchen invites creativity, the large deck, al-fresco dining during the warmer months.

The master bedroom rivals many luxury suites, its king bed guaranteeing a restful sleep. The en-suite bathroom with dual-vanity sinks, granite accents and steam shower will be most welcoming after a day on the slopes or on the bike path. The additional 3 bedrooms, all well appointed have skylights to enjoy the mountain nights. The vaulted ceilings, a signature design of the alpine environment.

No matter the season, our East Vail home will delight, impress, provide luxury accommodations and welcome you back every year. East Vail, the most relaxed neighborhood in Vail, Colorado.

As we shiver in the northern hemisphere, our neighbors south of the equator in the southern hemisphere are enjoying a beautiful summer. While many retreat to Florida, The Caribbean and Latin America, may we suggest you consider Trancoso, Bahia, Brazil, a historic beach village in this most beautiful country. It was the landing point of the Portuguese explorer, Pedro Alvares Cabral in Brazil, on April 21, 1500) in this most beautiful country. Located on Brazil’s northeast coast fronting the southern Atlantic Ocean, Novo Casa is a beach home which will impress and exceed all expectations. The home, designed by Robert and Cortney Novogratz of Sixx Design is the quintessential southern hemisphere beach house, literally blending the interiors and exteriors to provide guests with a true year-round escape.

Upon arriving at the airport, Novo Casa’s guests will be greeted by the concierge and driver (one of three full-time time Portuguese and English speaking staff). Novo Casa is situated on a hill overlooking the waves of the Southern Atlantic Ocean, and is just a short walk (approximately .25 km) from the beach

The spacious wooden house is open and breezy, with four private suites that are connected to the main living area by the shared deck that leads to the pool, the outdoor bar and the outdoor pool table. Novo Casa comfortably sleeps up to 12 people and features amenities such as flat-screen TV, DVD player, high speed wireless internet, music, books and games, a private infinity pool overlooking the ocean, both an indoor and outdoor bar, a pool- table, 2 sets of golf clubs, and air conditioning.

We suggest starting your morning off with a cup of world-renowned Brazilian coffee on the deck overlooking the infinity pool and the Atlantic Ocean. then head down the dirt path and over the foot bridge to the beach. Once on the beach, you have the option of lounging on a secluded beach or strolling farther down the beach to sip caipraihanas and dine at nearby Estrella de Agua Inn.

Golfers will enjoy playing Terra Vista, the most enchanting and challenging golf course in South America, which overlooks the colorful cliffs of Trancoso. In the afternoon head into town (Trancoso is the perfect mix of hippy chic and cosmopolitan beach town) to the Quadrado (town square) which is surrounded by great restaurants, perfect for dinner, antique shops and for the history buffs, the second oldest church in Brazil. Of course, many guests stay at the home and have meals prepared by the staff, If you’d rather you can stay at home and have fresh meals prepared to your liking by the staff at Novo Casa.