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Hawaii, No Passport Required

March 18th, 2010 by Joseph

A few times a month we receive a call or an e-mail from clients and travel agents requesting tropical vacation opportunities without the perceived hassles of customs, immigration, and passports. Our usual response, have you considered Hawaii?

For many travelers, Hawaii is one of the few destinations within the United States to offer a tropical vacation experience (our other suggestion is Key West). Hawaii is a diverse destination including cosmopolitan Honolulu, the laid-back vibe of Kauai, the diversity of Maui, the natural wonders of The Big Island including rainforests and deserts on one island (a United States alternative to Costa Rica) and of course, the luxury or no passport required for travel or currency exchange.

For those who appreciate the ease of flying into Honolulu on Oahu yet wish to avoid the hustle and bustle of the city, check out Ko Olina’s Beach Villas.  Just 30 minutes from the heart of Honolulu, this luxury vacation rental offers a spectacular two bedroom beach villa with all the amenities of a 5-star resort. This unit sits 200 feet from the water’s edge on a peaceful ocean lagoon. As a first-level unit, guests have the use of a grassy front lawn and a private entrance/exit to the beach for easy access.

The luxury villas, designed by Philpotts & Associates and kitchens by Chef Roy Yamaguchi (his restaurants a fixture in Hawaii) impress as do the amenities including a private fitness center, two pools and an owners-only beachfront bar. Within close proximity are additional resort amenities including a fabulous hotel, fine dining, championship golf course and world-class spa. Swim in the four crystal blue lagoons, go for a walk along the beautifully manicured seaside trails, and set sail from the resorts private marina with 330 full service slips. For those who like to hit the links, the 18 hole championship golf course, designed by Ted Robinson, and home to the LPGA Fields Open, offers challenging play and private instruction. Enjoy a fabulous dinner after at the acclaimed Roy’s Restaurant (knowing your kitchen was designed by the master himself).

The Big Island: Also known as Hawaii Island, the Big Island is a popular destination for those who desire luxury and amenities with a sense of privacy and exclusivity. The island itself is a unique destination with a diverse collection of micro-climates comprising of desert, rainforests and active volcanoes.

   

Southbound for Deals

October 22nd, 2009 by Joseph

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.

   

Hawaii vacation home rental opportunities

October 21st, 2009 by Joseph

Hawaii has come through the recession better than mant destinations. Tourism numbers held steady  this past spring as many visitors who had considered Mexico revised their vacation plans and traveled to Hawaii. While prices have dropped and deals are available, the influx of Asian clients due to the loss of value of the US Dollar is propping up the Hawaiian tourism economy. The best deals are flat and estate rentals on the smaller, less popular islands away from the major resort enclaves. We suggest contacting our partners at Ali’i Resorts on Maui.  From now until December 14, 2009, the 3rd night is free on select properties, new bookings only, not valid with other promotions, discounts or offers.

   

One month in Hawaii, Fantasy or Obtainable Reality?

August 3rd, 2009 by Joseph

As a client recently commented “With the children off to college and enough vacation saved up, my wife and I would like to spend one month in Hawaii? Is this do-able?” I provided a resounding “Yes” and offered our Wailea Point #1401, a lovely one level, two bedrooms, three bathrooms oceanfront condominium, completely remodeled with hardwood floors, koa woodwork and furnishings coupled with beautiful views of Molokini. For those who wish to stay “connected”, complimentary wireless internet service is included.

Wailea Point #1401 was the perfect opportunity for our clients. At first we considered a smaller one-bedroom flat, upon discussion, it was a given “family and friends” would be visiting whenever the opportunity presented itself. While a pullout sofa may be an option, the additional bedroom is a nice amenity, even for two traveling together (a well known fact for anyone with a partner who snores). The spacious interior includes a fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, cable television, free local phone service, a private lanai and luxury linens. Weekly maid service is included in all monthly rentals.

Wailea Point is an approximately 30 acre property that boasts world renowned design, meticulously manicured tropical landscape, and expert craftsmanship. Wailea Point is an oceanfront gated community nestled between the two world-class beaches of Wailea Beach and Polo Beach. Guests enjoy central air-conditioning, two swimming pools, 2 whirlpools, a fitness center, barbeques and access to Wailea’s oceanfront walking path and free private parking.

While not all of us have the luxury of a one month vacation, for those who are able to take a month off or wish to “try before buying” into the Hawaiian lifestyle, consider Wailea Point #1401, a wonderful escape on the Island of Maui.

   

What’s happening in Maui, summer/fall 09

July 14th, 2009 by Joseph

While Hawaii’ is a premier destination in itself, the island of Maui offers guests the ultimate Hawaiian experience from adventure and touring to pure rest and relaxation. While the 2nd largest of the Hawaiian island’s, it is also one of the least populated (less than 139,000 residents versus Oahu with over 900,000 residents) allowing guests to this island paradise to enjoy the many charming and quaint towns on the island, all welcoming and each unique.

Known for its spectacular beaches, there are 81 spanning 120 miles of coastline. If you tire of the beaches, head uphill, literally to the Haleakala Crater, roughly the size of Manhattan Island and watch the estimated 3,000 humpback whales which visit each winter enjoying the warm ocean waters. Of course, the many activities will enchant (the waterfalls of Hana) and delight, playing golf on courses visited by PGA professionals.

For the foodie, each day is truly paradise from breakfasts of fresh tropical hand-picked fruits and macadamian-nut pancakes to delights from the surrounding sea. Maybe bar-b-que is to your liking as the local chef prepares succulent pig on a spit combing tradition with an Asian flair.

Yet Maui is not all rest, relaxation and adventure. With the many events year round, visitors will enhance their vacation by partaking in the many opportunities including:

Music: John Legend on Maui, September 10th at the MAAC Castle Theater

Photography: The Maui Photo Festival and Workshop, September 16th – 20th at the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa bringing world-class photographers to one of the most photogenic locations in the world.

Golf (Professional):The Kapalua LPGA Classic an annual event tales place on the Bay Course with the top female golfers will compete for a $1.5 million purse from October 12th to 18th.

In January (4th – 10th), an elite field of champions from the 2009 PGA Tour will compete in the season opener of the SBS Championship at Kapalua Resort’s Plantation Course. Golfers including two-time defending champion Stuart Appleby, Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, David Toms, Jim Furyk and Davis Love III are scheduled to play with the balmy trade winds enveloping them as Bethpage Black, a distant summer memory sits frozen under a coating of snow and ice.

   

Vacation Homes for Charity Mentioned in the Wall Street Journal

June 16th, 2009 by Joseph

Our Vacation Homes for Charity philanthropy has to date raised in excess of $100,000 for charities and non-profits. The program is a win-win for all involved. While revenue generation for charitable causes is always a noble gesture, homeowners and PM’s have commented on the increased awareness and up tick concerning inquiries when their property is featured at a charity event.

In the article “Second Chances: How to Squeeze More Money Out of Vacation Homes”, The Society and Vacation Homes for Charity are prominently mentioned. Anecdotally we have noticed an increased in web traffic over the weekend and into the week after the article was distributed. Be sure to review the article by clicking through on the link above or access via the blog post .

   

Mexico Wants You To Visit, Airfares at Historic Lows:

June 15th, 2009 by Joseph
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!

   

The Society’s Charity Program Featured in the Wall Street Journal

June 10th, 2009 by Mark

wall-street-journal-logoOver the weekend, The Society’s charity program, VacationHomesForCharity.org was featured in the Wall Street Journal in print and online. The article discuses ways for vacation home owners to “squeeze money out of their vacation homes”. One such way, of course, is through donating time at their homes to charity.

Not only does the donation do good for charities, but our program is able to cover cleaning costs and often times deliver incremental income back to the homeowner.

Excerpt:

Some companies offer online services that link vacation-home donors with charities that want to auction vacation time. VacationHomesForCharity.org is one such Web site. Run by The Society of Leisure Enthusiasts, a Denver company that provides marketing support to vacation homeowners and rental companies, the service lists donated vacation-home time free of charge and negotiates with charities to contribute a small portion of rental proceeds toward the owner’s cleaning costs. Property owners can mandate their own rules, such as bans on pets or smoking.

Read the entire article here: “Second Chances: How to Squeeze More Money Out of Vacation Homes”

   

Spring Break Rental Deals - Sun Destinations

March 16th, 2009 by Mark

Spring Break Society Style

Sun or snow, what’s your go?

The Society has numerous rentals still available for last minute, Spring Break bookings. For as little as $40/person/night, you can spend your break in a luxurious and private vacation rental estate or villa. Destinations including Oahu, San Diego, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, Venice Beach, Mayan Riviera, Whistler, Vail, Aspen, and Sun Valley are awaiting your inquiries.

Below are a few of our highlighted discounts in “Sun” destinations.  View rentals in “Snow” destinations.

**Note: Some rentals are not currently listed on The Society, and thus do not include profile links. Please inquire if you are planning a trip, and we will provide additional details upon request.

Ft. Lauderdale Estate: Super Spring Break Rate.

Ft. Lauderdale
6,000 sq ft waterfront estate.
5 bedrooms. 10 person capacity.
Available Weeks of 3/21, 3/28 and 4/4
Retail: $9,500/week.
Special 20% off! Only $109/nt per person.

See More Details. Inquire Now.

Orlando Luxury Must-See: Close to Disney.

Orlando
Award winning, riverfront home.
4 bedrooms. 8 person capacity.
Available Weeks of 3/21, 3/28 and 4/4
Retail: $5,000/week.
Special 20% off! Only $72/nt per person.

See More Details. Inquire Now.

Riviera Maya Retreat: Hard to Beat.

Riviera Maya
Sprawling family home for big groups.
4 bedrooms, Penthouse & Studio. Base rate for 8 ppl.
Available week of 3/28, 100’s more available 3/21-4/4
Retail: $6,500/week.
Special 20% off! Only $93/nt per person.

See More Details. Inquire Now.

Set your San Diego Trip in Motion: Stay Right on the Ocean.

San Diego
Coastal paradise with perfect oceanfront location.
5 bedrooms. 15 person capacity.
Available Weeks of 3/21, 3/28 and 4/4
Retail: $5,070/week.
Special 15% off! Only $41/nt per person.

See More Details. Inquire Now.

Oahu Island Style: Vacation with a Smile.

Maui
Better than beachfront, private beach access.
4 bedrooms. 8 person capacity.
Available Weeks of 3/21, 3/28 and 4/4
Inquire for discounted Spring Break rates

See More Details. Inquire Now.

Venice Beach Rental Priced at a Fraction: Near to All Local Attractions.

Venice Beach
Eco-friendly, minutes to beach, dining & attractions.
3 bedrooms. 7 person capacity.
Available Weeks of 3/21, 3/28 and 4/4
Retail: $3,800/week.
Special 13% off! Only $68/nt per person.

See More Details. Inquire Now.

More Discounts -

San Diego, CA:

Private Beach House on the Sand 1733
http://thesociety.com/vacation+rental/20345
Inquire Here
# it sleeps: 20
Retail Rate: $7098
Special Rate: $6033
Weeks available:
3/21-3/28       Y
3/28-4/4        Y
4/4-4/11        N