“This land is so beautiful, it must the borderland of God (D’aborde Dieu),” said Marquis de Lafayette after landing his ship on a magnificent beach side in South Carolina now known as DeBordieu.

Located in Georgetown County, DeBordieu is one of the oldest beach communities on the east coast and used to be one of the largest rice producing areas in the south during the colonial times.  Not only is DeBordieu known for its rich history, but its indescribable beauty.

Here at The Society we are excited to present our new vacation rental properties in the area.  Whether you are traveling to DeBordieu to attend the Annual Wooden Boat Show or seeking a relaxing vacation on a South Carolina beach, check out these new luxury vacation rental options.


148 Inlet Gateway: This 4 bedroom vacation rental offers a quaint feeling of home with its private boat dock and swimming pool.  Once night strikes, the indoor amenities are just as luxurious as the outdoor ones.  Enjoy a gourmet kitchen, living room, and screened deck as the dark hours pass.  If you need to entertain more than a family of four, 148 Inlet Gateway can accommodate 10, providing a king-sized bed, 2 queens, and 2 double/twin bunks.


178 Sand Castle:  Offering a great penthouse suite on the 3rd floor equipped with a sitting area, kitchenette, and private deck, this vacation rental is perfect for a multi-family vacation.  The other levels of the house contain an enormous kitchen area with a wet bar and an open dining room and living room perfect for social gatherings.  There are 5 bedrooms total and 5.5 baths, with a total capacity of 12 people.  This is only a small taste of the amenities this home provides.


183 Island Dreams:  Offering a view of the beach from nearly every room, this home is truly serene. One of the best aspects is the master bedroom suite, with a wet bar refrigerator, sun room and master bath with whirlpool for a memorable luxury experience.


191 Fairway Breeze: Just minutes from the beach this beautiful home overlooks a pond and is right on the golf course.  After a day of play, enjoy the evening hours on a wide wrap-around porch or around an outdoor fireplace.  This home can accommodate 10 guests in 5 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms.

Many resort towns what we all consider iconic hotels and resorts. These are the properties which set the standard for their peers to attain while continually improving the guest experience. In Deer Valley it’s the www.steinlodge.com, in Vail, The Sonnenalp, in Aspen, The Little Nell. In Telluride, it is The Peaks Resort, the defining symbol of Mountain Village, the mid-mountain base area known for its opulence and extravagance yet comforting with true rocky mountain sensibilities.

For those who may be unfamiliar with The Peaks Resort or The Peaks as it is known locally is Telluride’s premier full service resort. The hotel offers its discriminating guests 149 hotel rooms including 32 suites and 14-penthouse flats plus 34 truly unique 3, 4 and 5 bedroom mountainside cabins known as the See Forever collection due to their privacy and views.

We are proud to present the Penthouse Flats and The See Forever units

Each of the 14 penthouses is individually decorated encompassing the finest furnishings providing a mountain chic interior which is comfortable and inviting. In addition, to views and vistas which cannot be replicated anywhere, the penthouses are truly luxury personified.

Guests residing in one of the penthouses will be spoiled with down comforters, lavishly stocked refreshment centers, and oversized bathrooms with separate shower and bathtub. In addition, all penthouses feature all common hotel amenities plus plush terrycloth robes/ slippers, individual heating controls, multiple closets, clothes press, laundry basket, coffeemaker furnished with the finest gourmet coffees and teas.

For those who desire the privacy of a vacation home rental coupled with the amenities of a luxury full service resort and spa, The Peaks See Forever Luxury Rentals are for you.

Located adjacent to the resort, the spacious units feature one-of-a-kind custom décor along with full-size kitchens, in-floor radiant heating and wi-fi internet connectivity. All of the one- to five-bedroom units offer amazing views of the nearby San Juan Mountains and are ideal for families, groups of friends or those in search of additional space and privacy to relax and be at ease.

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.

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 the vast expanse of the United States is shivering under the mistletoe, you still have the option of spending Christmas Week in Cabo San Lucas. We admit, the Christmas lights on the palm trees may be unique. However, we guarantee, the warm sand of the beach, the waves of the Pacific, the buckets of Corona, the fresh “catch of the day”. You have the visual in your mind and we have the choices of vacation residences for you to consider, all available during Christmas Week (as of distribution).

Cabo for Christmas:

• Casa Bella - 23% off, Just $1,500/night
• Casa Stamm - 21% off, Just $950/night
• Villa Las Palmas -$3,600/night

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:

Arizona, always popular during the snow season up north, this is also a destination which was affected by the barrage of bad public relations concerning convention and business travel. Our partners in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area are offering unprecedented values concerning their vacation rentals. Book now to secure the best rates and availability, when the snow starts to fly up north, the phones will begin to ring and the attractive rates will be a distant memory. Consider Bramasole in Paradise Valley, one of the finest vacation home rentals in the area, sure to impress and exceed all your expectations.

While we have all witnessed Paris Hilton at Sundance in her “snow-bunny” attire, the reality is Sundance is a firm festival for the general public. Robert Redford never envisioned Sundance to be an elitist event; it was and is an opportunity for new films to be shown, critiqued and for a few lucky directors and producers, akin to hitting the lottery.

The Sundance Film Festival will be held January 21-31, 2010 in Park City, Utah.  As a veteran of Sundance, my experience has been that while the VIP screenings happen during the evening, some of the best opportunities for film viewing are in the late afternoon.  While the VIPs are screening movies at 7:00PM, visitors like me gather with friends at restaurants on Main Street and discuss the films we viewed and compare the runs we enjoyed that day at Park City and Deer Valley.

While Park City and neighboring Deer Valley have many lodging options, if I may share a secret, the best lodging location, in my opinion is Park Avenue, just steps from the base area yet world’s away from the congestion and behemoth condos.

At The Society we are proud to be able to present a new vacation rental residence on Park Avenue with 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths which sleeps 14-16 in comfort and luxury. This new residence while retaining the rustic charm of the mining town on its exterior is a marvel of the newest luxuries and amenities inside.

The Park Avenue Residence is just 250 steps from the lift. Yet, it is also an easy walk to town including the grocery store, Starbucks, Cold Stone Ice Cream and Main Street. While the location may impress, the interior will surely revise your outdated opinion of the vacation ski home.

The 4,200 SF home is ideal for families and friends traveling together. With 5 bedrooms, privacy and luxury will be enjoyed by all. The two distinct and separate living areas will pacify those who wish to travel together but also desire some “alone time”.

For the chef of the party, the $250,000 gourmet kitchen will surely impress (even the take-out pizza looks great on the slab granite). The game room with red-felt regulation pool table and wet-bar will appeal to those wanting to “stay in tonight”. Whoever calls dibs on the master bedroom will enjoy the romantic private fireplace. For the kids, the bunk room will be their getaway and for the adults, a sanctuary for the children. Te outdoor hot tub is most welcome after a day on the slopes or for a dip before bedtime.

While most ski and mountain resorts market themselves as “perfect for all visitors”, those of us in the travel community know the unique attributes of each resort area. Subsequently we are able to advise which resorts are most appropriate for which traveler. At The Society, we recently received the following question:

My wife and I plan to take our adult children and our grandchildren for a skiing vacation. A few of the adults do not ski or snowboard. We would like the grandchildren to be affiliated with a family-oriented ski-school. We all enjoy fine food and service but realize with young children, this may not be possible. We would love ski-in/out yet walking distance to a commercial area with shops, restaurants, spa and so forth. Any suggestions?

We called the client, asked a few more questions and suggested Beaver Creek, Colorado and specifically two homes, our “Ski Safari” with 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms (sleeps 10) and “Beaver Creek Shangri-La”, with 5 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms (sleeps 14). Both houses offer the opulence associated with a luxury ski-chalet, yet are also comfortable and inviting to all who reside in the homes. Mountain chic is the most apt description for these two unique vacation residences, which we consider among the finest in the Vail Valley.

Beaver Creek the resort is the perfect destination for the multi-generational family vacation. The base area is by many resort standards, quite small, yet is so family friendly with an outdoor skating rink, many shops, restaurants, gelato, spas and our favorite heated walkways and escalators to the lifts. Mornings may begin with a Starbucks coffee and taking the kids to ski school. When descending the last run of the day, warm cookies waiting at the base area.

With an excellent selection of dining options, one will never be bored during vacation. From the casual fare at The Dusty Boot to the fine dining at Splendido to subs and pizza at Blue Moose, Beaver Creek offers a variety of family-friendly restaurants. We would also suggest a night at Beano’s Cabin. For the children, consider the 5:30PM seating with the horse-drawn sleigh from the stables to the on-mountain restaurant.

OK, it may be short-notice as the booking window ends this coming Friday; however one of our partners in Breckenridge, Paragon Lodging is offering a promotion which should not be missed.

Paragon’s EXTRA EARLY BIRD SPECIAL!
Now save an EXTRA 15% if you book the following homes by September 30th! That’s 20% OFF winter stays at:

• Morningstar House: 3 Bedrooms/3.5 Bathrooms/ Sleeps 10-12
• Northwoods Lodge: 5 Bedrooms/5.5 Bathrooms/ Sleeps 16
• Bella Manor: 5 Bedrooms/5.5 Bathrooms/ Sleeps 10

Enjoy these luxury Breckenridge ski homes this winter! All reservations must be booked by September 30th, 2009! A 5-night minimum stay is required. Offer good for new reservations only. Not valid with any other discounts or properties. Not valid during holidays and blackout dates.

Contact Paragon Lodging directly at 1-888-306-1505 and please mention The Society.