We just returned from a visit to our partners in Akumal, Mexico, Akumal-Villas where we had a most enjoyable visit with the owners and staff who provide our most valued clients of The Society a true VIP experience in this most unspoiled, laid-back area of the Yucatan Penninsula.

Upon entering Villa de Los Suenos from the driveway, you are truly surprised. While the rear of the home has a modernist design, entering the home the immediate view is of the water (and you may miss the beautful interiors becuase your eyes are drawn to the most impressive waterview). All sightlines in the home orient guests to the expansive waterfront as the home is built on a three-sided point with expansive views in every direction.

The first level of the home is quite expansive. The entry foyer provides a formal introduction and a ½ bath for guests. Directly ahead is a step-down to the dining room which offered expansive seating for 6. Adjacent is a large kitchen with ample counter space, all appliances guests may need and a picture window onto the rear patio.

Many who use vacation home rentals enjoy the opportunity to cook while on their vacation. We enjoyed the kitchen and breakfast bar as we were able to enjoy many meals in the home and cook in unison due to the large open design of the kitchen.

The living room with two sliding doors and multiple windows was thoughtfully designed for cross-ventilation. Even though there was an air-conditioner, we never used it opting for the ceiling fans. A desktop stereo with Ipod dock was situated between the living room and dining room with a selection of CD’s to enjoy. Of note, there is a television and DVD player. We did enjoy the selection of DVD’s provided by the owners and on a few rainy nights enjoyed watching a movie.

The master bedroom is expansive with a king bed, two built-in seating areas and an en-suite bathroom including a seperate stall shower, toilet and custom sunken-in tub with a viewing pass-through to the bedroom. In addition there is a dressing room adjacent to the bathroom.

Both the living room and master bedroom have sliding doors to the rear yard. The patio area is beautiful with a wet-bar/grill, lounge chairs, shaded areas and a beautiful in-ground pool adjacent to the lagoon/ocean. For those who wish to swim in the lagoon, there is an outdoor shower to rinse off.

At The Society we are always getting requests concerning summer beach destinations. One of our favorites is the Outer Banks of North Carolina, a chain of barrier islands midway on the Atlantic Seaboard, 90 miles south of Norfolk, Virginia and 321 miles north of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Surrounded by 900 square miles of water, the Outer Banks have the third largest estuary system in the world, wildlife refuges, maritime forests, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and the highest sand dunes on the East Coast at Jockey’s Ridge State Park.

Yet beyond the statistics is the true beauty of the area. Beach homes perched on supports bored into the dunes providing endless views of the Atlantic Ocean. Quaint town centers with lanes filled with Ma and Pa retailers and restaurants. Many comment that the Outer Banks is the beach vacation of yesteryear when life was truly simpler. Just load up the kids in the Vista Cruiser and head east.

Ties have changed as the former beach shacks are now mini-estates. Cross-ventilation is now added by central air-conditioning. A good paperback book for the beach has been replaced by The Kindle and The Ipod. Yet, the laid-back atmosphere of the Outer Banks remains. Multi-generations of family playing on the beach building sand-castles by day and enjoy the fresh catch at night. The long lazy days of summer give way to late dusk when the grills are fired up as the sun sets behind the dunes. This is the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

May we suggest:

O’cean Easy: A 6 bedroom, 5.5 bathroom Pine Island estate which sleeps 22 and has a private lighted walkway to the beach and views to match having been built on one of the highest dunes.

Celestial Seasuns: A 6 bedroom, 6 bathroom oceanfront home which sleeps 16 and if the beach is not inviting enough, guests can enjoy the 40 x 15 Gunite Private Pool with 10 Person Attached In-Ground Hot Tub

Chateau E’lan: A 10 bedroom, 9.5 bathroom oceanfront estate designed in the style of the opulent villas of the Cote d’ Azur sleeping 22 in the pinnacle of luxury with all the amenities of Pine Island.

For many in the northeastern United States, the Dominican Republic was somewhat of a secret destination. Many know of the destination, yet its popularity was never on par with other island destinations such as Jamaica, The US Virgin Islands, Barbados and so forth.

Yet, within the past few years, the Dominican Republic (DR) has literally exploded on the scene with multiple vacation destinations throughout the country. A few luxury hotel developers have opened destination resorts bringing some of the most beautiful beach and golf resorts to be developed in the Caribbean.

Vacation home rentals in the DR have been somewhat of a secret. Usually the choice of clients from the United Kingdom and the east coast of the United States, DR villa rentals are known for providing the same luxury amenities and facilities of other Caribbean islands coupled with a sense of privacy and seclusion.

One such option is the Villa Cantamar, one of the most spectacular new luxury vacation villas in the DR. This one-of-a-kind, oceanfront vacation villa is located within the prestigious gated community of SeaTree Estates.

Villa Cantamar is an 11,000+ sq. ft., 4 bedroom/5 bathroom Caribbean villa with an exotic Asian influence. Each one of the four (4) beautifully decorated bedroom suites (sleeps eight) has a king bed and offers unfettered view of the swimming pool and soothing ocean beyond.  Clients have told us “The Villa is truly a private resort.”

The great room is a natural gathering place for guests when not enjoying the open-air dining room designed to accommodate options from an intimate breakfast for 2 to a formal dinner for 10. The gourmands will enjoy the opulent meals provided by the executive chef prepared in the gourmet kitchen. Use the wine refrigerator for the vintages purchased duty-free.

Yet, most guests visit the DR with one motivation, relaxation. Throughout the home are terraces designed to shelter guests from the Caribbean sun allowing for continuous outdoor enjoyment from dawn to dusk. Or, consider laps in the 45’ private pool or for beach enthusiasts, there are several local beaches within minutes of the villa. For golfers, Playa Grande is just a short drive.

Staff is provided to enhance your vacation the most of which is the villa concierge who will meet you upon arrival and be available for assistance with tee-times, messages, dinner reservations etc. On-site the host butler provides guests the ultimate personal service while in residence.

For many in the United States, Panama is probably best known for its famous Panama Canal and secondarily, Panama Hats. Yet this somewhat undiscovered paradise is perfect for the vacation guest who reminisces about the Caribbean and Mexico of yesteryear. A time when beaches were places of solitude, the “catch of the day” was literally the catch of the hour, where dining could range from “proper dress” to t-shirt and shorts all within walking distance of each other.

The Society is proud to offer an oceanfront Villa located at the Las Olas Villas at Playa La Barqueta. This 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom custom villa provides guests with the ultimate oceanfront experience, a base for a vacation which can be as exciting or as sedentary as one desires.

When one enters the gated community and arrives at Villa the entry is stately and impressive from the stucco exterior and tile roof to the beautiful double door entry. Once inside the home continues to impress. The main living and entertaining areas are expansive and comfortable with native stone floors, typical in tropical environments and ceiling fans supplementing the central a/c circulating the air for maximum comfort.

The bedrooms will sleep 8 in comfort and luxury, all providing unobstructed ocean views. The private first floor master suite features a king-size bed, a sitting area and direct access to the rear pool deck. There are “his and hers” walk-in closets. The master bath has 2 sinks, a large jetted soaking tub and walk in shower built for 2. Ocean views dominate from all the windows.

The second floor junior master suite has a king-size bed and an attached full bath with a walk-in shower, ocean view included. The third and fourth bedrooms feature a queen- sized bed and a walkout to a second floor covered balcony with a table for 4, perfect for morning coffee and a cocktail in privacy.

At the home, guests can enjoy the expansive pool and patio areas with dedicated sections for sun-bathing and shade. While the gourmet kitchen inside will impress, the outdoor gas grill and al fresco dining will be a favorite morning, noon and night. Of course, with private access to the black coral sand beach, we suggest slipping away and enjoying the ocean waters and then relaxing on your private hammock, no need to reserve beach chairs at your private luxury beachfront villa.

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!

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

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!

As we prepare for the fall and winter season (yes, Halloween decorations are already on store shelves), may we suggest taking spring break a little early this year? Our neighbors in the Southern Hemisphere are shedding their winter attire for spring fashion. While the skiing and boarding in Chile will continue for a few more months, a getaway to Brazil would be a fabulous opportunity for an early spring break.

This former Portuguese colony is the largest country in South America and offers a diverse landscape from cosmopolitan cities to rain forest explorations to some of the most beautiful beaches (and beach goers) on earth.

For those looking for urban sophistication Sao Paulo is not to be missed. A major metropolis, Sao Paulo is a feast for all the senses. For beach enthusiasts, Rio de Janeiro is the temple of beach culture. We recommend a visit to Ipanema and maybe meeting “The Girl”, an inspiration for the world-wide hit song of the 1960’s. As an architectural enthusiast, I would be remiss if I did not mention a visit to Brasilia a showcase of the design talent of Oscar Niemeyer. The architect’s own home on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro is most impressive, similar to the Case Study Homes of Los Angeles.

The Society.com is proud to offer clients a diverse selection of homes in this most beautiful country. If you live in the world of pop-culture you will recognize our Villa Brazil 2, from MTV’s the Real World-Road Rules. If you are in search of the “Girl from Ipanema”, consider a luxury 5,800 SF 3-bedroom penthouse with private pool just a one-minute walk to Ipanema Beach. Pack the sunscreen, the Portuguese phrase book and a hearty appetite; we’ll see you in Brazil.

We recently received a note from a client who is planning a trip to Italy during the fall season (an absolutely glorious time to visit). The following are excerpts from the letter concerning one of our Italian villa/estate rental partners:

Responsive: “BravoHR responded within one hour of our e-mail request providing villa options within all the parameters we requested including location and budget. In addition, the managing agent provided additional options mentioning a larger more luxuriously appointed villa, which due to a cancellation would be available in our budget, we booked it immediately.”

Concierge Services: “Even though we have traveled to Italy in the past, the company was most helpful concerning grocery delivery (which we opted for due to our later afternoon arrival on a Saturday). In addition, the managing agent assisted with local car rental, touring options and a wedding coordinator as we plan to “renew our vows” next year.”

Insider Tips: “While we assumed we knew Tuscany, the managing agent provided us with a list of festivals and events happening during our visit. In addition, a “cooking class” was arranged with a local chef, something we have never experienced and we are looking forward to.”

Value: “We have always known the value associated with villa rental even during this period of slashing of hotel rates. The larger villa allows us to invite friends to travel with us, share the cost and allows our budget to be stretched to the maximum, outlet stores; here we come (which the estate manager has already provided options, a map and hours of operation).”

While we at TheSociety.com know the vast majority of our property/estate managers will provide service “above and beyond” what is considered adequate, we appreciate the letters of thanks concerning exceptional service. In this day and age of automated bookings, Internet research and downgrading of services by hotels, it is refreshing to know our partners continue to exceed our high expectations one client at a time,

We hope the client viewed last week’s newsletter concerning events and activities in Italy during the fall season which can be accessed at: http://thesociety.com/blog/2009/08/we-suggest-italy-for-fall/

In last week’s edition of this newsletter we profiled our Las Vegas Mini Castle one of the most palatial, unique and in-demand vacation home rentals in the Las Vegas area. The unique gated compound offering guests up to 31,000 SF of living space with 36 guest bedrooms (sleeps 60) and 44 bathrooms is sure to impress. We anticipate increased demand during the Fall, Winter and Spring Convention Season from those searching for an upgrade from the “hotel scene” including private pool, hot tub, expansive outdoor entertaining options and true luxury interiors rivaling the finest hotel offerings.

Yet, we know Las Vegas is not all business and gaming. While many have heard of the art galleries at The Bellagio, the shopping arcade at The Wynn and so forth, we have uncovered a unique opportunity to experience the heyday of Las Vegas.

Located approximately one mile north of Fremont Street is The Neon Museum and their “collection” known as the Boneyard. The Boneyard is a treasure trove of vintage Las Vegas (from the 1940’s to the present) documented via the many signs salvaged from the wrecking ball.

The collection of signs is literally a history lesson concerning Las Vegas marketing and glitz which continues to this day. The tour guides from The Neon Museum take small groups though the Boneyard highlighting the many famous signs and adding historical facts.  The admission is $15.00 per person and is well-worth the cost. The Neon Museum is working on the development of a permanent reception building and restoration of some of the signs. One sign which has been restored (Hacienda Horse and Rider) can be seen at the intersection of Fremont Street and Las Vegas Boulevard. Plans call for restored signs to line Las Vegas Boulevard from downtown to The Neon Museum. Restored signs will also be at the site of the museum.

Reservations are a must for the tours and should be reserved in advance. The Neon Museum can be reached at 702.387 NEON (6366). The office is open Tuesday – Friday, 11AM to 5PM.