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.

This winter’s  ample early season snow has been a blessing for the ski resorts of southwestern Colorado including Telluride, an exclusive mountain resort enclave located in southwestern, Colorado.

Telluride does not try to be everything to everyone. For the visitor to Telluride, in many respects skiing and boarding is nostalgic; few if any lift-lines, no parking structures filled to the brim with rental SUV’s, terrain options from gentle cruisers to challenging chutes reminiscent of vintage Warren Miller films.

While purists may suggest visitors stay in the Town of Telluride, a historic mining town of eight square blocks, we respectfully disagree and suggest Alpen Ridge, a one-of-a-kind ski-in/out estate providing guests the ultimate in the “Three L’s”: Location, Luxury and Lifestyle. Located in Mountain Village , Alpen Ridge offers  true ski-in/out access yet privacy and seclusion not usually associated with on-mountain ski chalets.

As skiers and boarders glide along the Bridges ski run, Alpen Ridge is their envy. The expansive slope-side decks of the home provide an impromptu introduction to the treasures ensconced on this premier location of mature evergreen and aspen trees.

Remodeled “to the studs” in 2007, Alpen Ridge is a chalet which truly provides the pinnacle of luxury in a vacation residence rental from design and amenities to location and exclusivity offering guests 6 bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms sleeping 16 in splendid luxury of 7,600 square feet/703 square meters.

The great room, one of the most mentioned rooms features a vaulted hand-hewed log ceiling, a custom corner stone fireplace using native rock with windows above to capture the mountain peaks above the flames, a full service wet bar and massive windows framing some of the most dramatic views available in Telluride. The furnishings, a mix of hand-stitched leathers and premium fabrics co-exist with stone tables and hand-finished wood floors providing warmth, comfort and style.

For the gourmand of the party (or for the available private chef) the gourmet kitchen offers signature appliances from Gaggenau and Sub-Zero and all the necessary small appliances and utensils providing the tools for the grab-and-go breakfast to the formal dinner party. The stone countertops and bistro-height breakfast bar allows for snacking and great conversation. The adjacent dining room with seating for 10+ is dominated by large picture windows cut into the log-wall exterior, perfect for the mid-day brunch between runs or for the holiday meal with family and friends.

Los Cabos, the waterfront resort town which has become the “see and be seen” destination for Hollywood’s elite and Wall Street’s Masters of the Universe.  For those who feel One & Only is just too mainstream; The Villa Las Palmas, a lavish sanctuary is the Los Cabos destination of choice.

The Villa Las Palmas experience begins when your wheels touch down as the estate manager E3Escapes provides chauffeured car service from either the San Jose International Airport or the 15 minute ride from their private hangar at the local Cabo San Lucas Executive Airport.

Upon arrival at the incomparable Villa Las Palmas perched on the cliffs of the exclusive gated community of Pedregal, this luxurious mansion provides 13,000 square feet of absolute ultra luxury, with a dedicated staff of 6 to serve guests’ every wish. Overlooking the breathtaking Sea of Cortez and the Cabo San Lucas Marina, Villa Las Palmas has four (4) private master suites and two (2) private casitas, each with private bathrooms, providing comfortable sleeping for 16 guests. All have water views of the Sea of Cortez. Built against a hillside the four (4) level expansive vacation villa is decadent yet not ostentatious.

Respecting the warm Mexico climate, marble and travertine grace the floors as well as the counters, where granite also makes its winning statement for both functionality and beauty.  Yet, don’t spend all your time admiring the graces of indoors: step onto the balcony and behold the breathtaking Sea of Cortez with Cabo San Lucas and the marina spread out below.

The Villa offers on-site amenities rivaling most luxury resorts. The game room is where children can release some energy or adults can relive their childhood. The fitness center is fully equipped for those who feel remorse from overindulging in the fabulous food prepared by the on-site chef.

During the day guests may wish to practice their approach shot on the putting green. After dinner, gather in the movie room to screen next month’s hot release.

Day and evening guests may enjoy cocktails in the infinity pool with swim up bar while enjoying the tropical sun or the enchanting night view of the sparkling lights of Los Cabos below. The elevated and very private hot tub built above the pool on its own stone support is perfect for a late night trysts all designed to deter prying eyes.

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 a $99 rate may seem attractive, when comparing “apples to apples” the vacation home rental is usually the true value proposition when considering the following:

Many are intrigued with the $99/night rooms being offered by many hotels and resorts. Trust us, we at The Society have noticed the advertisements and we are intrigued as well. We know $99/night is a bargain for many to have access to a small hotel room, double occupancy with an over-priced mini-bar.

• Multiple Rooms: A three (3) bedroom vacation rental will sleep 6-8 persons in expansive comfort usually including 2-4 bathrooms. In hotel terms, this would translate to 3-4 rooms.

• Living Room/Dining Room/Game-Entertainment Rooms: Hey, we love hotel and resort public spaces, especially having to get fully dressed to enjoy a cup of coffee or an evening night cap. Even better, dressing for breakfast or waiting in-line for the privilege to dine at the on-site restaurant. Sometimes dining al fresco in your polo shirt and shorts in your private deck is a vacation in itself.

• Kitchen Facilities: Even a small kitchen provides access to groceries and snacks anytime. Breakfast in the morning, afternoon snacks, popcorn for the home theater? All available from your private kitchen? No room service, no gratuities, it all adds to cost-savings.

• Private Space: From the private hot tub to the lounge chairs on the beach, it is your space. No sharing or reserving chairs by the pool. No opening and closing hours on the amenities, they are yours to use as you wish.

• Concierge Service: While hotels may have a concierge on staff, the vast majority of our management partners provide concierge services based on years of experience and relationship building. Grocery delivery, private guides, dinner reservations, concert tickets, spa services, your wishes will be facilitated.

So, is the $99/rate still the value proposition? You decide and call us if you have any questions. Travel Agents, please note, we are here to assist you and your clients as well.