Hide away in Bucks County for the weekend or week and enjoy peace and quiet at an unbeatable price!  Only an 80 minute drive from New York City and a 60 minute drive from Philadelphia, this luxury farmhouse, located in Tinicum Township, is perfect for a weekend of privacy at a 20% discount for the month of May.  Sitting on 65 acres of land this estate is very private, but close to walking trails and not too far from New Hope and Doylestown, Pennsylvania, and the New Jersey Delaware River communities.  The three-story house has five bedrooms and 2 1/2 bathrooms ideal for accommodating family vacations.

If you and 15 of your closest friends and family are in search of the ultimate Los Cabos vacation rental, Villa Las Palmas is the choice for you. Recently profiled in our “The List” newsletter, Villa Las Palmas is not just a villa rental, it is a beginning-to-end experience from touch-down (the estate manager E3Escapes provides chauffeured car service from either the San Jose International Airport or from their private hangar at the local Cabo San Lucas Executive Airport) to wheels up. The incomparable Villa Las Palmas is perched on the cliffs of the exclusive gated community of Pedregal, situated to be paparazzi resistant.  The luxurious mansion provides 13,000 square feet of absolute ultra luxury, with a dedicated staff of 6 to serve guests’ every wish. Villa Las Palmas has four (4) private master suites and two (2) private casitas, each with bathrooms, providing comfortable sleeping for 16 guests. All have water views of the Sea of Cortez. 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. For those who wish to dine on the “fresh catch of the day”, guests have use of a private 60 foot Hatteras Sport Fishing Yacht staffed with Captain and crew.  There is luxury, then there is Villa Las Palmas.

Inquire on Villa Las Palmas for Christmas here: http://thesociety.com/vacation+rental/24009

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:

As the fall season envelopes the United States, the seasonal and vacation migration to the southwest begins. The summer heat of the area has now given way to warm dry days and evenings offering a seasonal chill. For the California desert, high-season is from November through April. Days can be as active or relaxing as one desires. While golf is the dominant sport in the area, tennis is regaining popularity and for the more adventurous, hiking, mountain biking and other physical pursuits are available daily.

As the sun sets beyond the western horizon, the night just begins. Well known chefs from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas make their seasonal shift to the California desert. Dining ranges from the sublime to In and Out Burgers. However, we may suggest before dinner take in an art gallery opening or enjoy one of the many theater options.

While there are many vacation rentals in the California desert, few can offer the many amenities of Casa Santa Rosa, your private resort. This beautiful Spanish style 4 bedroom estate will impress immediately. Within its 3,300 SF of interior space, the home sleeps 8-12 guests in luxury and comfort. The living areas are designed for entertaining and relaxing. Be sure to watch the newest DVD’s (from the in-home collection) on the 50” flat-screen. For the aspiring chef (or your won personal cook), the gourmet kitchen will impress even the most sophisticated gourmand. When it is time to retire to bed, the bedrooms will impress, the bathrooms will delight including jetted tubs built for two

The outdoor areas extend the luxury from indoors providing privacy and seclusion from neighbors. He professionally landscaped walled open-space offers lush palm trees and vibrant flowers enhancing your private desert playground. The pool and spa feature a luxurious tanning shelf and water features all shielded from prying eyes. After your midnight swim, consider a night-cap on the Sky Deck as the lights of the valley floor disappear against the Santa Rosa Mountains. High season rates begin at $575/night or under $150/night per couple based on 4 couples sharing the home.

While it is still too early to see definitive trends concerning wintertime destinations, we are seeing trends in booking patterns, specifically “Family Vacations”, “Reunions” and “Get-togethers”. While never out of favor, we have seen an uptick in inquiries concerning vacations for the above groupings. The vacation home rental is the perfect option for these vacationers offering enhanced value for the vacation dollar. (Ski-in/out at Telluride at left)

Feel free to contact any of us at The Society concerning destinations and options for your travel desires.

Did you know the spend for the cruise industry was the same as the spend on vacation home rentals. By 2010, the spend on vacation home rentals will exceed the cruise ship industry on an annual basis.

While a $99 rate may seem attractive, when comparing “apples to apples” the vacation home rental is usually the true value proposition when considering the following:

Many are intrigued with the $99/night rooms being offered by many hotels and resorts. Trust us, we at The Society have noticed the advertisements and we are intrigued as well. We know $99/night is a bargain for many to have access to a small hotel room, double occupancy with an over-priced mini-bar.

• Multiple Rooms: A three (3) bedroom vacation rental will sleep 6-8 persons in expansive comfort usually including 2-4 bathrooms. In hotel terms, this would translate to 3-4 rooms.

• Living Room/Dining Room/Game-Entertainment Rooms: Hey, we love hotel and resort public spaces, especially having to get fully dressed to enjoy a cup of coffee or an evening night cap. Even better, dressing for breakfast or waiting in-line for the privilege to dine at the on-site restaurant. Sometimes dining al fresco in your polo shirt and shorts in your private deck is a vacation in itself.

• Kitchen Facilities: Even a small kitchen provides access to groceries and snacks anytime. Breakfast in the morning, afternoon snacks, popcorn for the home theater? All available from your private kitchen? No room service, no gratuities, it all adds to cost-savings.

• Private Space: From the private hot tub to the lounge chairs on the beach, it is your space. No sharing or reserving chairs by the pool. No opening and closing hours on the amenities, they are yours to use as you wish.

• Concierge Service: While hotels may have a concierge on staff, the vast majority of our management partners provide concierge services based on years of experience and relationship building. Grocery delivery, private guides, dinner reservations, concert tickets, spa services, your wishes will be facilitated.

So, is the $99/rate still the value proposition? You decide and call us if you have any questions. Travel Agents, please note, we are here to assist you and your clients as well.

Due to the economic downturn, many in the popular press are suggesting travelers consider a “Staycation” i.e. a vacation at or close to home to save money this summer. We suggest you use the “Staycation” trend to your advantage.

The reality is, travelers may not be considering a getaway to Europe or Africa or the Far East this summer, however, they will still vacation, yet they will be looking for options and attractive pricing closer to their home. The following are a few marketing tips from The Society:

2-3 Hours Drive Market (200 miles): Within 2-3 hours drive-time of your vacation home rental is an audience which may consider multiple visits this summer. For example, for our partners in Summit and Eagle counties of Colorado (within 2-3 hours of Denver) we are suggesting offering packages of “multiple weekends” at a discounted rate. Let clients book holiday weekends or random weekends on a space available basis at an attractive rate. Provide additional discounts for pre-payment. It’s the weekend summer home without the expense.

3-7 Hours Drive Time (500 miles): This market may consider one to two excursions, usually holiday weekends to your destination. This is a perfect opportunity to pitch the holiday weekend at an attractive rate. Offer early check-in and late check-out to allow the guests the maximum summer getaway for their budget.

7+ Hours Drive Time (500+ miles): Many of our clients visiting the mountains of Colorado drive from Texas and the Midwest. This market is usually 7-12 hours drive time. The vacation may desire to have their own car and views driving the family as more cost-effective versus flying and renting a car. This is the perfect market to consider promoting “Saturday to Saturday” getaways or extended holiday weekends into one week or longer. We suggest promotions such as book 5 nights, receive 2 nights free.

The reality is, a “Staycation” while sounding attractive in the press is not going to be popular when the children are whining “I’m bored”. Be attentive, proactive and use this trend to your advantage.