Many resort towns what we all consider iconic hotels and resorts. These are the properties which set the standard for their peers to attain while continually improving the guest experience. In Deer Valley it’s the www.steinlodge.com, in Vail, The Sonnenalp, in Aspen, The Little Nell. In Telluride, it is The Peaks Resort, the defining symbol of Mountain Village, the mid-mountain base area known for its opulence and extravagance yet comforting with true rocky mountain sensibilities.

For those who may be unfamiliar with The Peaks Resort or The Peaks as it is known locally is Telluride’s premier full service resort. The hotel offers its discriminating guests 149 hotel rooms including 32 suites and 14-penthouse flats plus 34 truly unique 3, 4 and 5 bedroom mountainside cabins known as the See Forever collection due to their privacy and views.

We are proud to present the Penthouse Flats and The See Forever units

Each of the 14 penthouses is individually decorated encompassing the finest furnishings providing a mountain chic interior which is comfortable and inviting. In addition, to views and vistas which cannot be replicated anywhere, the penthouses are truly luxury personified.

Guests residing in one of the penthouses will be spoiled with down comforters, lavishly stocked refreshment centers, and oversized bathrooms with separate shower and bathtub. In addition, all penthouses feature all common hotel amenities plus plush terrycloth robes/ slippers, individual heating controls, multiple closets, clothes press, laundry basket, coffeemaker furnished with the finest gourmet coffees and teas.

For those who desire the privacy of a vacation home rental coupled with the amenities of a luxury full service resort and spa, The Peaks See Forever Luxury Rentals are for you.

Located adjacent to the resort, the spacious units feature one-of-a-kind custom décor along with full-size kitchens, in-floor radiant heating and wi-fi internet connectivity. All of the one- to five-bedroom units offer amazing views of the nearby San Juan Mountains and are ideal for families, groups of friends or those in search of additional space and privacy to relax and be at ease.

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.

***Attractive rates available for President’s Week/Valentine’s Day Holiday and Spring ski season***

DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE.  PLEASE INQUIRE.  CONTACT JENNI HAINES AT JENNI.HAINES@SKICASANOVA.COM OR 435-659-8825 TO BOOK THIS STUNNING PROPERTY FOR PRESIDENT’S WEEKEND.

MORE PROPERTY INFORMATION AVAILABLE HERE: http://www.skicasanova.com

As February is in our sights, we skiers embrace the changing of the season. Yes, it is still winter, however, on the local scene, it is a change. The crowds from Sundance have jetted back to Los Angeles and New York. The Pacific storms battering California have blessed Utah with abundant light powder, seemingly snowing daily. Our personal favorite, the days have been getting longer waking up to sun over the peaks and relaxing in the hot tub with the sun setting beyond the Great Salt Lake.

President’s Weekend is one of the best times of the winter season to come out to Deer Valley. The snow is abundant, the temperatures cold enough to insure powder from the heavens and an added bonus, Valentine’s Day falls on the Sunday of the Holiday Weekend.

We suggest President’s Week at the Casa Nova residence, one of the finest mountain homes in Deer Valley. Located in the prestigious mid-mountain enclave of Deer Crest, Casa Nova is a one-of-a-kind ski-in/out estate providing the pinnacle of luxury accommodations within the confines of Deer Valley.

The 13,000 SF estate provides 7 bedrooms and 10+ bathrooms. While the estate is oriented towards 14 guests, groups of up to 25 adults and children have called Casa Nova home when visiting Deer Valley.

Amenities within the 4 levels of the home include the Grand Room with its grand piano and dance floor. The Screen Room with THX sound and 345 movies on demand, rivaling most Blockbuster outlets. Forget delivery pizza before the movies; use the kitchen’s custom wood-burning pizza oven for an authentic Neapolitan crust. After a day of skiing, consider “The Spa at Casa Nova” where guests enjoy the exercise room or the massage room. Both the steam room and sauna seat six in comfort. The hot tub seats 9, just do not argue over the audio feed.

Casa Nova truly represents the pinnacle of luxury vacation rentals in the Deer Valley Resort. Don’t just take our word for it; Casa Nova was named the Ultimate Villa Vacation by Robb Report (the only one in ski country).

As February is in our sights, we skiers embrace the changing of the season. Yes, it is still winter, however, on the local scene, it is a change. The crowds from Sundance have jetted back to Los Angeles and New York. The Pacific storms battering California have blessed Utah with abundant light powder, seemingly snowing daily. Our personal favorite, the days have been getting longer waking up to sun over the peaks and relaxing in the hot tub with the sun setting beyond the Great Salt Lake.

President’s Weekend is one of the best times of the winter season to come out to Deer Valley. The snow is abundant, the temperatures cold enough to insure powder from the heavens and an added bonus, Valentine’s Day falls on the Sunday of the Holiday Weekend.

We suggest President’s Week at the Casa Nova residence, one of the finest mountain homes in Deer Valley. Located in the prestigious mid-mountain enclave of Deer Crest, Casa Nova is a one-of-a-kind ski-in/out estate providing the pinnacle of luxury accommodations within the confines of Deer Valley.

The 13,000 SF estate provides 7 bedrooms and 10+ bathrooms. While the estate is oriented towards 14 guests, groups of up to 25 adults and children have called Casa Nova home when visiting Deer Valley.

Amenities within the 4 levels of the home include the Grand Room with its grand piano and dance floor. The Screen Room with THX sound and 345 movies on demand, rivaling most Blockbuster outlets. Forget delivery pizza before the movies; use the kitchen’s custom wood-burning pizza oven for an authentic Neapolitan crust. After a day of skiing, consider “The Spa at Casa Nova” where guests enjoy the exercise room or the massage room. Both the steam room and sauna seat six in comfort. The hot tub seats 9, just do not argue over the audio feed.

Casa Nova truly represents the pinnacle of luxury vacation rentals in the Deer Valley Resort. Don’t just take our word for it; Casa Nova was named the Ultimate Villa Vacation by Robb Report (the only one in ski country).

Casa Nova is available for President’s Week. For more detailed information about Casa Nova, please click through to “The List” and our Casa Nova posting.

Costa Rica is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world contributing to its tourism popularity. Within minutes, visitors can travel from stunning beaches to dense tropical rainforests. Dining can range from the shack on the beach serving the “fresh catch of the morning” to glorious gourmet dining by candlelight overlooking yachts in the cove.

A personal favorite resort area of Costa Rica is the Los Suenos gated community just minutes north of the laid-back community of Jaco Beach. Los Suenos offers guests the best of Costa Rica from beautiful grounds and beach to resort amenities including a challenging par-72, 18-hole eco-golf course designed by Ted Robinson Junior golf course, a marina, a collection of upscale shops, tennis courts, workout facilities, marina,  six restaurants and the ultimate amenity, the personalized signature service of MeadBrown.

We recommend the lovely Casa Pacifica, a brand new villa in Los Suenos Resort and Marina. The home’s many features include five master suites (4 with king beds, one with two double beds), all with 50″ flat screen televisions and private en suite bathrooms, panoramic view of Herradura Bay, private pool and Jacuzzi, open and spacious living room and a gathering room with custom pool table, bar, 50″ flat screen TV and games tables. For the chef the kitchen is equipped with Sub-Zero refrigerator, Wolf appliances, beer and wine cooler.

As if the sweets at Dolce Vita are not enough to entice a visit, the managers of Casa Pacifica recently informed us the rate for Casa Pacifica has been reduced to $1,600/night from $2,500/night through February. A beautiful vacation rental villa with private amenities at an attractive rate, maybe not a Christmas Miracle but close!

Breckenridge is one of the most popular ski resorts during the Christmas holidays. The charming Victorian town takes on an air of Christmas past with the smell of wood burning fireplaces punctuates the snowfall in the air. The Victorian windows and their lace curtains glow in the dusk as the sun sets to the west. As the four base areas quiet down from the day on the slopes, Main Street comes alive.

Due to a last-minute cancellation, we at The Society have a one bedroom (sleeps 4) luxury condo in the heart of Breckenridge available for Christmas Week Rental. The flat, just steps from the lifts and Main Street was recently constructed with a design theme of luxury including liberal uses of granite and tile. The living room is most inviting with a large flat-panel television equipped with DVD and a gas fireplace. The bedroom, a luxury sanctuary offers guests a King Bed with a hand-hewn headboard in keeping with the historic Breckenridge theme.

The condo is located on South Main Street, an easy walk to the QuickSilver Lift as well as Main Street’s commercial core to the north. Of course, after a day on the slopes your quads may enjoy the complementary shuttle.

Before dinner, consider laps in the on-site pool or some après-ski in the hot tubs. Not enough time on the slopes, hit the fitness center to top off your workout. Business calling? Complementary wireless is available in the common areas. Staying in tonight? Enjoy the on-site bar/lounge and restaurant. You have all the amenities of Main Street Station at your doorstep.

As the Christmas Week and New Year’s Booking cancelled, the owner has offered an excellent opportunity. Original rate during the Christmas/New Years holiday period was$639/night.  This luxury one bedroom condo is now offered at $450/night for Christmas, New Years and the first week in January. With 4 persons; just under $115/night. Coupled with an Epic Pass or Summit Pass, a true bargain and if we may advise “A Christmas Miracle”.

All less then two hours from Denver.

Located in the exclusive community of Cabo Colorado near Palmilla, this 3-story villa with 6,500 SF offers guests 4 bedroom suites all facing the Sea of Cortez with an additional bedroom perfect for an “au pair”.  The villa, which sleeps 9 in luxury is one of the most stunning in Cabo with an interior filled with custom furnishings and artwork. Each bedroom is literally a master suite on par with the finest hotel suites. The private and secluded grounds are what bring clients back year after year including the gorgeous pool, outside living room with fire pit and of course the gas grill. Yes, you to can boast to your friends you barbequed on Christmas Eve or enjoyed fireworks over the Pacific Ocean.

Inquire about a Christmas stay at Casa Bella here: http://thesociety.com/vacation+rental/23948

South of Cancun and Playa Del Carmen is a coastline considered the jewel of the Mayan Riviera. Just as sophisticated visitors to the Cote D’ Azur enjoy Antibes as their secret refuge; Soliman Bay is the western hemisphere’s equivalent along the Caribbean coastline of Mexico.

Guests enter the grounds of Villa Yardena after passing through a gated entry ensuring one’s privacy and exclusivity; a luxury rapidly disappearing from the world’s most desirable vacation destinations. The privacy and seclusion of Villa Yardena is one of its many attractions. Proposed and designed as a private resort for the elite few, this Mexican estate will without doubt impress.

When guests visit Villa Yardena, words from first impressions include elegant, spacious, private, expansive, beautiful and breathtaking. We understand the interior impresses with a main house offering five (5) bedroom suites clustered around a living room dominated by custom Mexican furnishing and artwork all sheltered by ceilings reaching 30 feet into the tropical landscape. The bedrooms impress with space and volume as the architect desired to express “luminosity” associated with the natural setting. The guest suites incorporate ceiling fans suspended from over-height ceilings (14’ height) coupled with custom furnishings. Bathrooms liberally use indigenous stone and tiles keeping them cool and comfortable even during the hottest days of the summer. Each bedroom offers Satellite video feeds and a DVD player. In addition, the four (4) guest homes on the estate, each with a bedroom and private bathroom provide opportunities for all guest configurations. The full estate will sleep 26 in unsurpassed luxury.

Beyond the luxury of the main estate and guest houses is private open-space which is the envy of the resorts to the north. For those who desire to swim laps,  the 20’ x 45” pool will be most inviting. For those who prefer natural salt water, the 80’ feet of private white sand beach will beckon throughout the day and early evening.

Evenings at Villa Yardena are truly magical. Upon arrival, guests enjoy a complementary dinner as well as breakfast the following morning, an excellent opportunity to enjoy the chef’s diverse culinary talents. While guests may enjoy dinner indoors the first night, we suggest dining al fresco poolside and let the chef work his magic at the outdoor kitchen.

Located within the lush tropical region of Costa Rica’s south Pacific an area National Geographic Magazine called “the most biologically intense place on earth”,  this waterfront vacation residence exemplifies exclusivity and luxury while adhering to the realities of keeping the environment “Green”. The luxury lifestyle has never been so environmentally conscious.

Situated among a diverse tropical setting Casa Ramon offers guests a truly Costa Rican environment, the warm waters of the Pacific below, the lush foliage of a mountain rainforest above. You will not see another home in sight. The only audible sounds will be the native birds in the morning, the cooing of monkeys at dusk and throughout the day and evening, the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean along the beach.

Casa Ramon is a five (5) bedroom, seven (7) bathroom estate designed in unison with its unique diverse environment utilizing ecologically sensitive tropical architecture coupled with rustic and modern finishes including bamboo, coral stones, volcanic and river stones, tropical hardwoods and recycled glass.

At Casa Ramon, not one detail has been overlooked. Each of the five (5) bedrooms offers guests a king-size bed with en-suite bath equipped with L’Occitane organic personal bathing accessories. Each bedroom is artistic in design respecting the native culture and beautifully illuminated per architect specifications. For those who desire the comforts of the 21st century each suite provides thermostat controlled air conditioning and hidden plasma televisions.

In Costa Rica, the climate facilitates outdoor living year-round. Guests enjoy a private pool and spa within the courtyard rivaling the finest resorts, all for your private and personal use. Upon request, the personal concierge can facilitate a masseuse, yoga instructor and beauty consultant to enhance your on-site spa experience.

Dining is one of the many pleasures at Casa Ramon. While the gourmet kitchen will impress the professional chef, the outdoor grills within the miradores (look-outs) will delight as well. Your first evening at Casa Ramon will be enhanced with a local-flavored dinner compliments of the local husband and wife chef team of Roberto and Saida.

In a world where luxury has become homogenized, Casa Ramon stand out as an opportunity to experience luxury and exclusivity refined for the select few for the 21st century and beyond.

INSIGHTS FOR THE SOPHISTICATED TRAVELER: