A few times a month we receive a call or an e-mail from clients and travel agents requesting tropical vacation opportunities without the perceived hassles of customs, immigration, and passports. Our usual response, have you considered Hawaii?

For many travelers, Hawaii is one of the few destinations within the United States to offer a tropical vacation experience (our other suggestion is Key West). Hawaii is a diverse destination including cosmopolitan Honolulu, the laid-back vibe of Kauai, the diversity of Maui, the natural wonders of The Big Island including rainforests and deserts on one island (a United States alternative to Costa Rica) and of course, the luxury or no passport required for travel or currency exchange.

For those who appreciate the ease of flying into Honolulu on Oahu yet wish to avoid the hustle and bustle of the city, check out Ko Olina’s Beach Villas.  Just 30 minutes from the heart of Honolulu, this luxury vacation rental offers a spectacular two bedroom beach villa with all the amenities of a 5-star resort. This unit sits 200 feet from the water’s edge on a peaceful ocean lagoon. As a first-level unit, guests have the use of a grassy front lawn and a private entrance/exit to the beach for easy access.

The luxury villas, designed by Philpotts & Associates and kitchens by Chef Roy Yamaguchi (his restaurants a fixture in Hawaii) impress as do the amenities including a private fitness center, two pools and an owners-only beachfront bar. Within close proximity are additional resort amenities including a fabulous hotel, fine dining, championship golf course and world-class spa. Swim in the four crystal blue lagoons, go for a walk along the beautifully manicured seaside trails, and set sail from the resorts private marina with 330 full service slips. For those who like to hit the links, the 18 hole championship golf course, designed by Ted Robinson, and home to the LPGA Fields Open, offers challenging play and private instruction. Enjoy a fabulous dinner after at the acclaimed Roy’s Restaurant (knowing your kitchen was designed by the master himself).

The Big Island: Also known as Hawaii Island, the Big Island is a popular destination for those who desire luxury and amenities with a sense of privacy and exclusivity. The island itself is a unique destination with a diverse collection of micro-climates comprising of desert, rainforests and active volcanoes.

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

For many Kiplinger is the bible concerning finance isues for the average investor. While we have been preaching the inherent value of a vacation Home Rental, Kiplinger Personal Finance echoed the sentiment with the following quote

“The recession is making vacation rentals more appealing to travelers because they’re typically less expensive than resort hotels.”

Even before the recession, we at The Society knew the value proposition of the vacation home rental. From more room to roam to privacy not offered by hotels, we receive converts to the rental vacation home option daily. Statistics are proving what we have known, vacation home rental use increases daily and there are no signs of a plateau.

Thus, when contemplating your next vacation, will it be a crowded lounge area by the pool or a private beach? Will you be waiting in a lift line at the base area with others from the hotel or ski from your mountainside chalet? The choice is yours and The Society is here to assist.

Above, a gorgeous 3-bedroom beachfront villa in Belize.