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.

One of the many advantages of a vacation rental during the December holidays is the opportunity to make your lodging “personal and memorable”. From the Rocky Mountain West to the beaches of Mexico, Florida and the Caribbean, celebrating the holidays infused with generations of tradition (or make some new ones) in your vacation residence can provide memories to last a lifetime. We interviewed a few of our partners who offered some ideas:

Ski Holiday: A mountain vacation in the mountains during December guarantees a “White Christmas”. Our mountain managers suggest the following:

Holiday Décor: Request a Christmas Tree. The tree can be delivered and decorated prior to arrival. To keep the family traditions, consider shipping a small selection of ornaments to the management company prior to your trip. When you arrive, you and your family can place the “finishing touches” on the tree. Few destinations during the holidays rival our Ski Safari Chalet in Beaver Creek, CO. Families will enjoy the spacious 4 bedrooms which sleeps 10 in luxury. Even though true ski-in/out, we suggest apres-ski in the village with a hot cocoa and gelato just a short walk from the chalet.

Gifts: Consider having your gifts shipped to your vacation home rental. Imagine opening gifts by the fireplace watching the falling snow and the twinkling lights of the town. Or, if you desire a forested setting with evergreen trees covered in snow, consider our 3 bedroom condo in West Vail which accommodates 14, just minutes from the slopes yet set within a beautiful valley of mature aspens and evergreen trees, the finest mountain setting for the holidays and beyond.When its time to return home, have the larger gifts shipped.

Skis/Boards: Anyone on your gift list receiving new skis, boots or boards? If yes, ask the managing agent which retailer they prefer and order the equipment to be delivered to the vacation residence. Concerning boots, be sure to use a reputable retailer with a boot-fitting specialist. Bows and gift-wrapping are optional.

Christmas Dinner: The finest restaurants will be booked for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and the weekend that follows. If you do not wish to cook, consider a private caterer or chef. Full formal meals can be delivered and re-heated or prepared on-site and professionally served, the choice is yours. Having a holiday party, have TheSociety.com assist you in securing a Butler for your event.

While Hurricane Bill made the news recently including its track to the north between Bermuda and the eastern coast of the United States, one should know the southern Caribbean is great in the late summer and fall; no crowds and low rates. Hurricanes, which strengthen from warm water temperatures usually develop north of this latitude thereby sparing these southern-most islands.

Thus, we suggest Barbados, the eastern most island in the Caribbean. Barbados enjoys warm, sunny weather all year round with average daily highs of 75–85 F. Prevailing northeast tradewinds blow steadily and keep conditions comfortable, and the dry season lasts from January to June. Though the hurricane season from June to October brings tropical rainstorms, they usually come in quick showers and are quickly followed by sunny skies.

Did you know TheSociety.com offers clients access to 300+ vacation rental residences on the Island of Barbados. Thus, if we cannot satisfy your wish-list, no one can.

As the fractional ownership market continues to expand, we at The Society thought you, our clients may be interested in the Top Ten for this week according to the Luxury Fractional Guide. What does the list mean for you, read between the lines and access based on popularity and demand and the fact that owners of fractional’s are entering the rental marketplace to generate income.

Once known as “time-shares” with one of two fixed weeks of use, the new generation of fractional’s offer their owners inherent flexibility concerning use and many more nights of ownership. It is not uncommon to see fractional’s in 1/8th, 1/4th, and 1/3rd shares, most notably with super-luxury properties. (links are included for in-depth review):

#1 - The Bermuda House (Emerald Isle, NC)
#2 - Gulf Winds (Hernando Beach, FL)
#3 - Villa Bonair (La Jolla, CA)
#4 - Beach Club at Siesta Key* (Siesta Key, FL)
#5 - Crane Residence Club (Barbados)
#6 - Poet’s Cove Resort (Pender Island, BC, Canada)
#7 - Woodhaven Country Club Condo (Palm Desert, CA)
#8 - Santa Barbara Beach Club (Santa Barbara, CA)
#9 - Serenity Cove (Soda Springs/Lake Tahoe, CA)
#10 - Waikoloa Beach Resort Villa (Waikoloa, HI)