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.

Beyond the signature clock-tower in Vail Village there are many neighborhoods within the 10 square miles of the town limits. One of our favorite neighborhoods is East Vail. Located just east of the Vail Golf Club, East Vail is considered by many purists to be the most beautiful neighborhood in Vail.

The neighborhood is truly an alpine enclave just 4 miles from Vail Village. Dominated by residential development, the only commercial establishment is a small grocery/spirits store. Otherwise, the neighborhood is known for its residential orientation and lack of traffic and congestion.

As one descends on East Vail, no matter the season, one knows they have entered a truly special neighborhood. The mature evergreen trees, the many waterfalls, steep chutes and overall alpine ambiance advise guests “they have arrived”. During the winter months, the evergreens are frosted in white from late October until April. During the other months of the year, waterfalls surround the neighborhood as do hiking trails and bike paths.

Within this most special neighborhood is a lovely 4 bedroom home which sleeps 12 in luxury and comfort. The home, surrounded by tall pines, evergreens and aspens welcomes guests no matter the season. Even though just a few miles from the heart of Vail Village (access by car or free in-town shuttle), guests have commented “we felt a million miles away from the crowds and congestion of Vail Village”.

The sunken living room is the heart of the home as guests enjoy the sounds of a crackling wood burning fireplace, a rarity in the mountains. Others may wish to escape to the private outdoor hot tub surrounded by trees to enjoy the star-lit nights. The children love the loft as their private play area. For the chef, the gourmet kitchen invites creativity, the large deck, al-fresco dining during the warmer months.

The master bedroom rivals many luxury suites, its king bed guaranteeing a restful sleep. The en-suite bathroom with dual-vanity sinks, granite accents and steam shower will be most welcoming after a day on the slopes or on the bike path. The additional 3 bedrooms, all well appointed have skylights to enjoy the mountain nights. The vaulted ceilings, a signature design of the alpine environment.

No matter the season, our East Vail home will delight, impress, provide luxury accommodations and welcome you back every year. East Vail, the most relaxed neighborhood in Vail, Colorado.

Once the symbol of discounting during most of 2009, even Las Vegas has staged a comeback. Beyond the negative publicity concerning foreclosures and empty developments, the Strip continues to thrive, the finest restaurants now offer deals via prix-fixe options and the shows still go on. Hotel prices have bottomed-out and are beginning to rebound. Las Vegas actually was removed from Hotwire’s Top-10 list of North American cities with the deepest hotel price cuts.

While rooms can be had at The Wynn for $139/night, we suggest a vacation rental where you and your guests can enjoy premier luxury and privacy not found at the large hotels. Instead of the screaming children and crowded poolside dining options, enjoy your own pool and hot tub, all clothing optional. Be sure to check out our Mini-Castle collection, a group of 4 gated estates just minutes from The Strip. With the sheer opulence, luxury amenities and unequaled privacy offered by our Mini-Castle estate, hotels on the Strip may become a distant memory.

We travel to the Caribbean twice a year (for December holidays and Spring Break). No matter the island chosen or the resort, we always see others from our children’s school, its like the PTA meeting was relocated with better weather. We were skeptical concerning a vacation home rental, we are now converts.

Barbados

First, we enjoyed a private villa. There were no neighbors in sight. Our accommodations were spacious and beyond our expectations. That first night, the pre-arrival meal was a special treat considering our flight from NYC was delayed due to weather. The private hot tub soothed all our stresses away the first night.

However, it was the first morning that I knew we were converts to the vacation home rental option. I was up early and grabbed towels and magazines. My husband asked me where I was gong? My response “ I need to reserve lounge chairs on the beach”. He gently reminded me we were on a private beach, no need to reserve chairs before breakfast. What a world of difference. Thank you for providing our family with the ultimate vacation experience.

Elizabeth R. New York, NY