An opportunity recently came to our attention; an award winning home in East Hampton is available for the Thanksgiving and Christmas/ New Year’s holidays. While the area is known as a summer getaway for New Yorkers, insiders know the holiday season is truly magical on the East-End of Long Island.

The summer car traffic in East Hampton is replaced by window shoppers on foot. The shops and restaurants are decorated in the finest holiday fashion yet there is a serene calmness as locals and weekenders enjoy the crisp ocean breezes and the flat winter light which brought so many artists to the East End. Days are spent strolling along the quaint streets.

During the evening hours, dinner in town or maybe a supper at home and relaxing by the wood-burning fireplace. Be your own Barefoot Contessa and try some of Ina Garten’s recipes where they were created and conceived.  Need some “big-city excitement, hop on an LIRR Train or Hampton Jitney and spend the day in Manhattan (see NYC blog)

May we suggest Whale Rock House as your holiday getaway in the Hamptons. With three bedrooms on one level, all generations of the family are welcome. The expansive living room with fireplace will be the gathering place for family and friends.

For the chef, the gourmet kitchen will entice even the most jaded cook to consider roasting a turkey or glazing the ham for the holidays. Cooks, head into East Hampton for some local produce while the rest of the family plays touch-football in the yard. Before dinner, maybe a sunset walk on the beach.

We at The Society are proud to present options from one of our premier partners in Italy. Bravo Holiday Rentals offers some of the most exclusive vacation home rentals in Italy, from charming farmhouses in the Tuscan countryside to seaside villas in Sorrento and Positano. The following are very attractive opportunities for travel to the Land of Eternal Beauty, Italy for Summer 2009. Please note discounted rates are based on rates from www.bravohr.com site.

Are you considering traveling next month i.e. June 2009? these villas and vacations rentals are available with most attractive rates including two options available for bookings of 7 nights yet only pay for 5 nights through June 2009.

Villa Poggetto, just 7 miles from Siena, is a typical Tuscan farmhouse, situated on a hilltop at the end of an lane of beautiful cypress trees. The house has recently been carefully restored to include every modern comfort while maintaining the characteristics and personality of the beloved Tuscan countryside.The house features seven bedrooms, five bathrooms and a private pool. The beautiful grounds are most inviting for dinner al fresco with the sun setting beyond the hills.

Il Roseto located on a private framing estate is perfect for those who wish to embrace their inner “barefoot contessa” or Giada De Laurentiis. A wonderful garden for relaxing and dining alfresco and a stunning view of the Tuscan hills can be enjoyed from the pool and basic shopping can be done in a nearby village, just a short walk from the farmhouse, the true Italian la Dolce Vita.

LaSassaia: A luxury 6 bedroom estate with pool in the heart of Tuscany near the quaint village of Sovicille just 8 miles from Siena. Options are endless concerning lodging configurations as the home offers the main villa, an independent wing and a guest home. Please note the available weeks below offering 30% off rack rates:

• June 20 – 27 – $5,950
• July 11 – 18 – $4,813