We hear the same comment about once a week “We are looking for an unspoiled getaway. We want the Caribbean and Mexico as it was before the high-rises and all-inclusive resorts dotted the landscape. We want the unique yet with all the luxuries intact.” We suggest a few opportunities “south of the border….of Mexico”.

As the chill sets in and we prepare for Christmas, our neighbors in Central America are offering many opportunities to escape the snow and cold. From a resort in Belize accessible by boat to an estate in Panama to a flat in Costa Rica, we have options from the Caribbean to the Pacific available through the winter season. Even if you missed the booking window for Christmas, it’s going to be a long winter (which by the way officially began on Monday, Dec. 21st) so do not delay because as we enter the ice-box up north, in Central America, it’s just heating up.

While Mexican lodging opportunities range from the 1-star dives to opulent waterfront vacation rental villas, airfare has always been a concern. However, with the H1N1 scare of last winter/spring and airlines looking to fill seats, airfare from the United States to Mexico is down 25% from last fall to $392 round trip. Our estate managers in Mexico have been most proactive concerning rates and enhanced opportunities for their deluxe and luxury vacation rentals.

On the Riviera Maya, our partners at Akumal Villas are offering discounts on new villa bookings from 5% to 35% on select villa rentals for 5+ nights (excluding Christmas and New Years).

On the Pacific Ocean, our partners at Lifestyle Villas are offering a 10% discount of Christmas and New Year’s stays if booked prior to October 31st (next week) Offer valid on new reservations only, must be booked through Lifestyle Villas. Discount on nightly rate, stays between Dec 19, 2009 and Jan 2, 2010, 7-night minimum stay required. Mention code: NOEL09

Costa Rica has enjoyed much popularity due to its diversity of vacation opportunities from active to passive and everything in between. A favorite destination of many vacationers is the Pacific Coast at Manuel Antonio. The area is well known for Manuel Antonio National Park, which is the smallest of the nation’s national parks, yet one of the most popular due to the preservation of one of the most beautiful and bio-diverse areas in Costa Rica and the world.

The uniqueness of the area is the combination of lush rain forests, stunning beaches (considered the finest in the country) and living coral reefs (excellent for snorkeling). For eco-tourists, we suggest the trail around Punta Catedral with its spectacular views (and a visit to Cathedral Point which used to be an island now connected via a narrow land bridge). For the beach enthusiasts, Playa Manuel Antonio is not to be missed. It’s a ½ mile white sand crescent with a mix of dense forests and a beautiful cove.

If considering a visit to Manuel Antonio National Park and the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, may we suggest a private luxury villa within the gated community of Tulemar Gardens, a 33 acre development, intimate yet providing the amenities and services of a luxury resort.

Buena Vista Luxury Villas within Tulemar Gardens slopes down to the signature sandy beach with the most gorgeous sunsets year round. Each villa comes with daily maid service and within the Tulemar Gardens community is a restaurant, bar service and a beautiful Cliffside pool.

All the villas (from Jr. Suite to 3 Bedrooms) are fully air-conditioned, have lovely outdoor space and panoramic views of the rain forests and the Pacific Ocean. For families or a group of friends, we suggest the 3 Bedroom Villa, a truly luxury offering from state of the art electronics to a chef’s kitchen to three large bedrooms and beautiful common areas.

Activities in the area include: Park Tours (a must do), sport fishing, river rafting, jet skiing, horseback riding, surfing, mountain biking, 4-wheeling, dolphin watching and spa. Of course, this is an excellent destination for destination weddings and romantic honeymoons.

While the Caribbean and Mexico are perennial favorites for a winter getaway, more of our clients and travel agent partners are asking about Costa Rica. This wonderful Latin American destination boasts some of the most diverse eco-systems in the world. From lush rain forests to white-sand beaches to some of the best surfing in the region.

May we suggest Casa Ramon located in the South Pacific region of Costa Rica for your consideration. The creators of Casa Ramon have put together natural materials in a remarkable way that blends textures and colors to enrich guest’s experience of life providing the Ultimate in Tropical Coastal Living.

Casa Ramon is designed for singles and couples to larger groups traveling together including extended families, corporate retreats, incentive travel, friends and those looking for privacy concerning living quarters yet sharing common amenities including pool/Jacuzzi, outdoor showers and of course a secluded small cove beach just below Casa Ramon, about 3 - 5 minutes by foot.

For those looking for an adventure getaway, Casa Ramon will not disappoint. In addition the multiple nature reserves within close proximity by car, other activities include: Kayaking to Ventanas Caves,Savegre River Rafting Tour, mountain biking, surfing and a personal favorite when visiting Casa Ramon, horseback riding on Dominical Beach at sunset.

With accommodations including the Grand Vista Apartment (2Bd/2Ba). The Deluxe Suite (2Bd/3Ba) and my personal favorite, the Casita Ramon (1Bd/2Ba) with its French Doors opening onto the dining terrace and Infinity Pool, Casa Ramon can accommodate the destination wedding, the romantic couple, the extended family and groups of friends and co-workers. All in a luxury and opulence which respects the Costa Rican ethos of natural preservation and beauty.