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.

Las Terrazas is a five-star luxury oceanfront resort on the island of Ambergris Caye and is the only member of the Preferred Hotel Group in Belize. The all new O Restaurant offers resort guests and locals an outstanding menu featuring International and Central American cuisine.   Guests will delight in the dining experience that Chef Manuel Dorigoni has created using the freshest ingredients with an array of flavors served in the most desirable of atmospheres.  At O you’ll surround yourself with décor reminiscent of the cool colors of the ocean and the brilliant colors of the summer sky.

Carolyn Stone, Director of Sales for Las Terrazas Resort said “O is an incredible restaurant concept which will suit our guests perfectly.  Under the direction of Chef Manuel our guests can look forward to a truly remarkable dining experience. O will also specialize in celebration dinners for groups, families or couples.”

Las Terrazas Resort is well known as a beautiful place for a wonderful destination wedding and honeymoon.  Group celebration dinners or a private dinner for two can be enjoyed on the beach, roof top of O, pool side or within the restaurant.

The name O is inspired by one of the most astounding dive sites found anywhere on earth; the Blue Hole.  The deep blue colors of the Blue Hole, located off of the Las Terrazas Resort shoreline, were used as inspiration for the interior of the restaurant.

O Restaurant will cater to all your culinary whims, reminding you why you chose Las Terrazas Resort as your special place to escape, indulge and enjoy.

About Las Terrazas Resort

Las Terrazas (www.lasterrazasresort.com), a five-star luxury oceanfront resort and residential development on the island of Ambergris Caye in Belize features 38 magnificent one, two and three bedroom townhomes.  The units include balconies, some with private plunge pools, as well as exquisite furniture handcrafted from Belizean wood, spacious kitchens with granite countertops and Kitchen Aid appliances, large plasma TV’s in each living room and master bedroom, telephones, DVD players, ipod docking stations, surround sound and high speed internet access.  Las Terrazas is located on the largest private beachfront on the island, has a 70’ infinity lap pool, fitness center and the Serenity Spa and Wellness Center.  On-site Concierge is able to assist with an array of island and mainland excursions including dive and snorkel trips with White Sands Dive Shop; a PADI 5-star facility.  Las Terrazas Resort is a member of the Preferred Boutique and the only member of Preferred Hotel Group in Belize.  The resort is also a member of Sustainable Travel International.   For reservations visit their website or call free 1-800-447-1553.

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.

According to a recent article in the Travel section of The New York Times, those looking for bargain travel deals between now and the holidays should act soon. The article states travel from business centers including New York and Chicago is increasing leading to higher airline ticket costs.  While bargains continue, prices seem to have bottomed-out and are now on the up-swing as the holidays approach and the economy continues to strengthen.

Winter destinations including Florida, the Caribbean, Arizona, Mexico and Hawaii are embracing increased booking volumes for the upcoming holiday season. However, if you are willing to travel before the high season, opportunities are still available at wallet friendly rates.

• Mexico Vacation Rental Opportunities
• Florida Vacation Rental Opportunities
• Hawaii Vacation Rental Opportunities
• Arizona Vacation Rental Opportunities
• Las Vegas Vacation Rental Opportunities

If not, you will be soon. With the increased popularity of Latin America, Belize will soon be one of the hot destinations for the next decade. We suggest you consider a visit now and have bragging rights later. For those who may not know, Belize is an easy 2 hour flight from Miami and Houston with other major cities offering non-stop and direct flight service.

While technically positioned in Latin America due south of Cancun and west of The Cayman Islands, Belize has more in common with the sunny Caribbean with 270 miles of Caribbean coastline, a hot, humid climate and a dress code of light and casual.

The beaches are truly legendary offering the finest of the Caribbean Sea without the built-up hotel and resort zones of their neighbor to the North. Travel to Belize is quite easy, just a valid passport and no visas are required for citizens of the United States, the European community — including Great Britain and Ireland, South Africa, Australia, or New Zealand. (Tourists are permitted a maximum 30 day visit).

Belize’s high season for tourism is similar to the Caribbean and runs from late November to late April, a perfect antidote against the winter in North America. The average daytime temperature is 80°F; however, we suggest a light sweater or windbreaker due to possible evening chill between December and February.

A getaway to Belize can be active, passive or both. Many visitors do enjoy the many activities from water sports to river and forest excursions similar to options in Costa Rica. Also, the Mayan history is fascinating. For those in search of true relaxation, Belize beaches are glorious with human-scale development dominated by smaller resorts and private vacation rentals. With a population of only 280,000, open and unspoiled space is plentiful, a true rarity in the Caribbean and Latin America.

At present The Society offers 16 unique vacation rentals in Belize ranging from a one bedroom flat to a 7 bedroom villa on a private island. May we suggest Las Terrazas, a wonderful resort/vacation villa rental. If you are in search of a truly unique vacation away from the crowds and masses, we suggest Belize, a true paradise so close, yet so far.

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 mentioned in the July 7th newsletter, summer airfares have been skyrocketing. With increased demand and decreased capacity, fares were bound to increase. However, the Fall season, beginning after Labor Day, flights seem to be at bargain rates. Fall historically is a slower travel season i.e. kids in school; summer vacation is over, others preparing for the December holidays.

However, if you are able to travel during the Fall season, bargains are to be had. In addition to airfares, many of our property management partners run specials during the post-summer season. Europe is glorious in the Fall. The Southern Hemisphere is entering their spring, a great time to consider crossing the equator. For guests vacationing in the Caribbean, Mexico and Latin America, once crowded beaches become secluded pre-December holiday rush. The Rocky Mountain West is alive with the changing of the Aspens against the backdrop of snow-covered peaks. If not now, when?

In one of the respected hospitality journals I almost skipped an obscure article mentioning hoteliers and resorts in beach destinations are actually reaching full occupancy and many are either sold-out for August to Labor Day or have raised rates based on demand. A couple of ideas from The Society:

1) Availability: Contrary to the above there is still availability if you are willing to be flexible. Of course beach properties within close proximity of major metropolitan areas have witnessed increased demand from their “drive-time” markets. Thus, consider beach destinations beyond the 2-4 hours of a major city or even better, consider a destination beach. The beaches of The Rivera Maya (check out options from Akumal-Villas, please mention The Society) are glorious during the summer as are many options in the Caribbean with rates in-line with their mainland counterparts.

2) Location: While beachfront and within walking distance of the beach is always in demand, consider “biking distance” from the beach. For example, in East Hampton, NY, by crossing Main Street, rates drop, yet you are still within biking distance of the beach. If driving distance, even with attractive pricing, be sure to ask if a) parking is available and b) if a permit or related is needed and provided by the homeowner or management.

3) Post Labor Day: Granted, not a true summer vacation, post Labor Day can be most attractive. For beaches along the Atlantic Seaboard, the water temperatures are actually highest in September and October. Bermuda is glorious during September and October as the crowds depart and the beaches become a private sanctuary.

4) Last-Minute: When searching TheSociety.com, be sure to call the management companies. While the house you desire may be booked, be sure to ask if an alternative may be available. Be flexible, while the 3-bedroom may be booked, consider a 2 or 4 bedroom, you never know the deals which may be available.

While fears concerning the H1N1 flu outbreak were unfounded, travelers avoided Mexico and revised destination options including Hawaii and The Caribbean. Their choice is your opportunity to enjoy Mexico  sans crowds with bargain airfares and luxury lodging offered at most attractive pricing.

Flights: A little known fact, air tickets can be booked 333 days in advance. I am still seeing very low fares for travel to Mexico available for the December holidays, MLK Birthday weekend in January, President’s Weekend in February and Spring Vacation in March.

Lodging: Our partners in Mexico have been most proactive in lowering rates and providing incentives for high-season bookings. Some are offering straight discounts off of rates while others implore you to extend your vacation by providing free nights.

No matter your destination from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean, Mexico is a beautiful country with history, culture and some of the finest beaches in the world. Do not miss this opportunity to enjoy a spectacular vacation at most attractive rates.

Above:  Providing 80 feet of private sandy beach on the Mayan Riviera. Add to this a huge 20′x45′ swimming pool and palapas on the beach with hammocks and what have you got? Villa Yardena!  Villa Yardena is located on Soliman Bay on the Caribbean just 75 miles south of the Cancun airport. It has aquamarine water, white sand beaches and two great restaurants located within a mile. Just a short drive to Tulum, Akumal and Puerto Aventuras. For the family, visit Xel-Ha, for outrageous snorkeling or Xcaret, a fabulous Mayan eco park with underground rivers, butterfly pavilion, beach, swimming with the dolphins, snuba and snorkeling, and more! The Mayan ruins of Tulum are 10-minutes south, and Aktun Chen (which means “cave with an underground river inside” in Maya) is only 10-minutes north. If you like to dance, you can head to Hacienda Dona Isabel for a fun evening in the nightclub. We could go on and on about all to see and do in the area, but you might decide to just lie in the hammocks at Villa Yardena and drink margaritas!

Drive-Time Markets: As gas continues to hover at $2/gallon, many travelers are planning “drive-time” trips, usually 300-600 miles from their home. With two drivers, such trips can be completed in one-long day. Our suggestion, take a map and draw a circle 500 miles from your home, you will be amazed at the unique destinations within that radius.

Europe: With the increasing strength of the Dollar against European currencies, Europe is not as cost-prohibitive as years past. Summer fares to Europe continue to be attractive as airlines desire to fill seats. Consider a Eurail Pass, a great way to get around all of Europe. Want to save a night of lodging costs, consider overnight trains. Paris-Venice is one of the most popular.

Tropics: With limited temperature deviation and excellent low-season rates, warm destinations including The Caribbean, Mexico, Bermuda and Latin America are gaining popularity as a summer destination for those in the northern hemisphere.