Captiva Island is a unique setting off the west coast of Florida. Located adjacent to the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Captiva has been the destination of choice for those who desire a laid-back Florida of the early 20th century sans traffic, congestion and chain restaurants. A destination which truly defines relaxed. This semi-tropical paradise is where the famous 20th century artist Robert Rauschenberg set up his studio and painted during the later years of his career enjoying the unique light and the diversity of year-round scenery.

Sandhurst Estate gained notoriety as the centerpiece of MTV’s Summer Beach House (2004), yet the owners have since rectified the situation as the estate has also been featured on HGTV’s Vacation Living Show as the Ultimate Dream Vacation Home and in Martha Stewart Living Magazine’s Leaf Print Fabrics article.

Sandhurst Estate captures the luxury of yesteryear while embracing the modern era. The bayfront Estate on Roosevelt Channel (the Gold Coast of Captiva Island) is Colonial West Indies style reminiscent of the colonial homes of the Caribbean.  When guests first enter the grounds, the estate is often mistaken for a resort. The multi-level estate with its pink/salmon hue and white trim recalls the mansions of Palm Beach. As was tradition of the mansions of the era, public rooms are expansive and private chambers denoted by name and each individually furnished.

The eight (8) bedrooms sleep 20 in supreme luxury; the biggest dilemma for guests is to choose which chamber would be most to their tastes. Each bedroom is individually designed including furnishings and accessories from Sanderson, Ralph Lauren, Ken Done, Brunschwig & Fils, and Sandhurst embroidered Frette & Peacock Alley Bathrobes.

THE MASTER RETREAT:  Is known for its custom queen bed and access to a private veranda and beautiful views. Guests will embrace the exquisite granite tile, Baldwin brass fixtures, the jetted tub and when enjoying morning coffee on the verandah, signature Sandhurst snuggly robes.

THE PINEAPPLE SUITE: The symbol of hospitality worldwide offers its guests a 4-poster queen bed and a one-of-a-kind water view from the 20’ x 20’ verandah. The en suite bathroom was set with European tile and offers a handicap-accessible shower and toilet.

THE BIG BAMBOO RETREAT: Is aptly named due to the unique and one-of-a-kind hand-crafted Indonesian bamboo 4-poster queen bed, en suite bathroom and a private veranda and water views.

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.

The State of Utah is known worldwide for its fluffy powder snow and diversity of resorts from the rustic Alta and challenging Snowbird to the family-oriented Solitude Resort and the always popular Park City Mountain Resort. Utah offers the winter sports enthusiasts a plethora of options. Yet, one resort without fail stands out. Rated #1 by Ski Magazine readers, this is a resort where nightlife is truly non-existent, a resort where snowboarders are verboten. A resort where deluxe service and the epitome of luxury are not buzz words, they are the mantra. This is Deer Valley.

Just 40 minutes northeast of Salt Lake City, Deer Valley is an exclusive mountain resort attracting VIP clients from around the world. Deer Valley is the resort for those seeking a skiing experience with luxury and service usually associated with the finest beach resorts and urban 5-star hoteliers. Deer Valley sets the bar for other resorts to aspire to; to date, none have.

Deer Valley offers unique, true ski-in/out opportunities.  Deer Crest, a neighborhood within the Deer Valley Resort, currently boasts over 50 of Deer Valley’s most impressive homes. Ranging from 6,000 to 15,000 square feet, these one-of-a-kind custom properties feature extraordinary architecture, detail, finishes and are thoughtfully constructed to take advantage of Deer Crests views, ski access and open space. Chalet owners build their dream homes in keeping with Deer Valley’s renowned mountain design and style. Literally mid-mountain, Deer Crest is a luxury location attainable by the very few. This is where you will find Casa Nova, a one-of-a-kind ski-in/out estate within the enclave of Deer Crest.

Casa Nova, named the Ultimate Villa Vacation by Robb Report (the only one in ski country), is the ultimate chateau vacation rental in Deer Valley.  This luxury estate offers true ski-in ski-out access to Deer Valley Resort and is located just minutes from downtown Park City. The13,000 square foot /1,207 square meter home boasts 7 bedrooms of which 4 are true master suites. To call Casa Nova a ski chalet is selling it short as the estate is literally a self-contained resort with sleeping options for up to 25 adults and children. With 11 bathrooms, no one will be waiting by the door.

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.

When we gather around the table during the Thanksgiving Holiday, we forget our forefathers and the pilgrims were probably dressed in bulky clothing, stoking the fire to stay warm and lighting candles against the limited daylight hours of the northeast. They would have been much happier at our DC Ranch, the premier golfing community in North Scottsdale, Arizona.

We’d like to suggest DC Ranch for your Thanksgiving holidays. This stunning four (4) bedroom estate captures the essence of the American southwest. Designed for vacations, this home in the beautiful Sonora desert provides guests the ultimate escape welcoming those in search of rest, relaxation and rejuvenation.

One of the many attributes of Arizona is that outdoor living is viable year round. The large patio spaces invite guests to relax and enjoy. The bar-b-que island is the envy of Bobby Flay fans and of course, if you desire a private pit-master for the grill, we can arrange that.  The pebble-tec pool and adjacent spa will be part of you daily ritual when visiting DC Ranch.

Yet, we would be neglectful if we did not mention the beautiful and expansive interiors. Designed for maximum comfort and luxury, the home sleeps 8 guests in serene peacefulness. The vaulted ceilings evoke the openness of the southwest landscape. Three of the bedrooms, all with media have en-suite baths and are outfitted with Anichini linens and towels. The fourth bedroom presently configured as an office (including wireless, fax and printer/copier) can be converted to a bedroom with a pullout queen sleeper. For the chef of the party, the gourmet kitchen designed with liberal use of travertine marble on the floors, granite countertops,  cherrywood cabinetry and the finest appliance suite from Sub-Zero, Wolf and Dacor are sure to impress.

If you are braving the onset of winter chill in the northeast, the humidity of the southeast, the cold winds of the Midwest, the snow of the Rockies or the fog of the northwest, we suggest starting a new tradition, Thanksgiving in Arizona at our DC Ranch Retreat.

Thanksgiving Nightly Rate: $900 (Discounted from $1,500)

Inquire on DC Ranch today, and we’ll also get you the 5th Night free!

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.

Many famous houses in Florida boast of their provenance or their heritage. We guarantee The Sandhurst Estate, a private compound on almost two acres has a unique provenance one does not encounter often. The compound was featured as 2004 MTV’s Summer Beach House with Usher, as the Ultimate Dream Vacation Home on HGTV’s Vacation Living Show and in Martha Stewart’s Living Magazine. Sandhurst Estate is the perfect option for a relaxing vacation home, family reunion, corporate (discreet) retreat, special event or destination wedding.

The waterfront estate captures the architecture of Florida and the Caribbean in its Colonial West Indies style with 8 bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms accommodating 20 guests in opulent yet laid-back comfort and style. On the estate grounds, guests enjoy the oversized heated pool with poolside bar and keg cooer, a tennis court, and boat dock (kayaks included). Of course, for the beach experience, just use the private access to one of the finest beaches on the Gulf of Mexico.  Additional island pastimes include golf, boating, kayaking, snorkeling, nature walks, shelling, biking, parasailing and fishing.

While we may suggest employing the services of the private chef, you are just a short distance from the village of Captiva. This secluded unspoiled tropical village offers guests gourmet restaurants, outdoor cafes, boutiques and art galleries (the late artist Robert Rauschenberg kept a home and studio on the island).

Leave the madras and Lilly Pulitzer attire in Palm Beach, when visiting Captiva Island its all about relaxation, rejuvenation and restoration, all within luxury surroundings found few places on this earth.

At TheSociety.com we are proud to partner with the finest property/estate management firms worldwide. Lifestyle Villas of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico is one of our partners in the area offering our clients the finest luxury vacation home rentals and what we consider the most professional and accommodating concierge staff in all of Mexico.

Not all honeymoon couples desire to share their post nuptial bliss in a crowded resort property, some desire the privacy and seclusion of a vacation rental coupled with concierge services to insure a memorable honeymoon. May we suggest a luxury flat at One Medano Beach, Los Cabos’ newest luxury condominium tower.

While the interior appointments will keep honeymooners happy with marble floors, granite countertops, sliding pocket doors, private terraces, central air conditioning and fine custom wood cabinetry, if they venture outside, they will not be disappointed.

Grounds amenities include pool, hot tub, outdoor grills, and showers (to rinse off sand from the beach). Just beyond the entry, a short stroll to the beach provides guests with the finest swimming option along the Cabo coastline. For the shopper, the Puerto Paraiso Mall offers the finest in luxury retail and dining. BTW: we suggest Casa Rafael’s for fine Mexican dining. For deep-sea fishing and diving excursions, the marina is one block away.

In addition to a true luxury selection of vacation home rentals, Lifestyle Villas is world-renowned for their “Lifestyle Services Portfolio”. Offering services beyond the most experienced resort concierge, the Lifestyle Services Team is literally your one call for all your desires when visiting Los Cabos from Butler to Private Chef, event/wedding planning to private security to custom floral arrangements, the Lifestyle Services team of Lifestyle Villas will impress and exceed even the most demanding expectations.

Telluride is a quaint resort located in southwestern Colorado. A charming mountain town within a box canyon i.e. one way in and out. This charming 8 square block town boasts the finest dining per capita in the Rocky Mountain West. Above the quaint town is Mountain Village accessible via gondola or by road, best known for great skiing and boarding. Do not be surprised if you are on the lift with Oprah or Tom, Katie and Suri.

For those of you who missed the winter of 2009, we had some of the finest conditions in recent memory. Don’t believe it, check out the following video:

Now, where to stay this season? May we suggest Castellina Townhomes offered by Elevation Vacations, a new ski-in/out townhome located in the core of Mountain Village. This lovely 4,500 SF (418 SM) 4 bedroom, 5.5 bathroom sleeps 8 in true luxury. After a day on the slopes, slip into the bubbling hot tub before dinner. Ride the gondola to town for dinner at 221 South Oak or just stay in and have a private chef do the cooking.

BTW: for those looking for a challenge be sure to check out the opening of Gold Hill Chutes 2-5. This long coveted terrain comes on the heels of Gold Hill Chutes 6-10 opening in 2007-08, and Chute 1 opening in 2008-09. Chutes 2-5 offer wide-open, above tree-line couloirs (aka a mountain gully) and chutes dropping 1,600 vertical feet. The resort added two WWII era howitzers last season to facilitate avalanche control (blasting) of this terrain, which will open as conditions allow.