We have written about Sandhurst Estate prior, one of the most fabulous vacation rentals available in south Florida. Few vacation rentals can sleep 20 in comfort. Sandhurst is more than a vacation rental; it is a private two acre resort retreat for the discerning few who appreciate the luxury and amenities associated with a private estate property.

The estate manager for the Sandhurst Estate is offering a 15th Anniversary promotion:

Make a reservation at Sandhurst by December 31, 2009 for travel in 2010 at a weekly rental rate of $10,975.00 (plus taxes and cleaning)*

The Sandhurst Estate is the perfect vacation rental/venue for

Weddings
Family Reunions
Corporate Gatherings
Private Parties
Birthday/Anniversary Celebrations
Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
Tennis Camps
Fishing Groups
Charity Functions
Cooking Classes
Religious and Spiritual Retreats
Golf Outings

Guests will enjoy:
Lush tropical grounds on almost 2 acres
Bayfront with boat dock and Kayak. Lifejackets for children.
Private, gated Gulf of Mexico beach access - beach chairs included.
Oversized heated pool with beach towels and pool toys.
Private tennis court - bring your own racquet or use theirs!
State-of-the-art gourmet kitchen featuring Viking Stainless Steel appliances.
6 burner gas commercial stove, 2 warming drawers
3 U-Line beverage refrigerators, U-Line Wine Captain, U-Line Ice maker,
Dual Bosch dishwashers
Outdoor stainless DCS grill
1 Poolside bar with keg cooler, 1 upstairs bar, 1 pavilion service bar
Concierge Services - staff available upon request (additional cost)

* Rate applies to non-holiday weeks only and excludes: New Years, President’s Week, Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th Week, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas. Holiday weekly rates are:

$16,500 Christmas/New Years/President’s/Easter Week
$14,000 Thanksgiving Week
$12,750 July 4 week

We at The Society have enjoyed a boom in business for the French Rivera this past summer. From the white sand beaches of Cannes to the rocky waterfront on Nice to the opulence which can only be found in Monaco. However, as winter will soon dominate the northern hemisphere, the French Rivera, is just not the beach destination for the season, may we suggest the Rivera Maya.

This stretch of beautiful beaches begins in Cancun and travels south encompassing quaint towns, beautiful landscapes, historical sites (the Mayan ruins are a must-see) and some of the most inviting tropical waters of the Western Hemisphere.

One of our partners in the region, Akumal Villas has been the “go-to” vacation home rental company for many years for those in the know. While their inventory of flats, beachfront homes and estates is legendary, it is their client services which has fostered a repeat client base year after year, the folks at Akumal-Villas are some of the finest in the business.

From grocery deliver to where to kayak to assistance concerning a “destination wedding”, the staff at Akumal-Villas will cater to and exceed the expectations of even the most demanding clients. Yet, the basis for any exceptional vacation is the lodging.

May we suggest considering the Casa Yardena: If you would like to rent a villa that is truly elegant, deliciously secluded and incredibly spacious, you won’t find any place better than Casa Yardena. Imagine 80 feet of private sandy beach on the Caribbean, thirty foot ceilings in the living room and fourteen foot ceilings in the five air-conditioned bedrooms plus 4 guesthouses all with large, private bathrooms. Add to this a huge 20′x45′ swimming pool and palapas (those inviting grass umbrellas) on the beach with hammocks and what have you got? Villa Yardena!

While vacationing at a luxury residence is an attraction to many, we can guarantee, you will not be bored. While some may wish to just lie in the hammocks at Villa Yardena and drink margaritas others may desire some recreation with their vacation. For dining, two great restaurants are located within a mile. If you want more variety, a private chef can prepare a fabulous Mexican meals for guests in the villa. Or it’s just a short drive to Tulum, Akumal and Puerto Aventuras for a multitude of restaurants, shops, dive shops, etc. Visit the fresh water lagoon, called Xel-Ha, for outrageous snorkeling or Xcaret, a fabulous Mayan eco park with underground rivers, butterfly pavilion, beach, swimming with the dolphins, scuba and snorkeling, and more!.

While fears concerning the H1N1 flu outbreak were unfounded, travelers avoided Mexico and revised destination options including Hawaii and The Caribbean. Their choice is your opportunity to enjoy Mexico  sans crowds with bargain airfares and luxury lodging offered at most attractive pricing.

Flights: A little known fact, air tickets can be booked 333 days in advance. I am still seeing very low fares for travel to Mexico available for the December holidays, MLK Birthday weekend in January, President’s Weekend in February and Spring Vacation in March.

Lodging: Our partners in Mexico have been most proactive in lowering rates and providing incentives for high-season bookings. Some are offering straight discounts off of rates while others implore you to extend your vacation by providing free nights.

No matter your destination from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean, Mexico is a beautiful country with history, culture and some of the finest beaches in the world. Do not miss this opportunity to enjoy a spectacular vacation at most attractive rates.

Above:  Providing 80 feet of private sandy beach on the Mayan Riviera. Add to this a huge 20′x45′ swimming pool and palapas on the beach with hammocks and what have you got? Villa Yardena!  Villa Yardena is located on Soliman Bay on the Caribbean just 75 miles south of the Cancun airport. It has aquamarine water, white sand beaches and two great restaurants located within a mile. Just a short drive to Tulum, Akumal and Puerto Aventuras. For the family, visit Xel-Ha, for outrageous snorkeling or Xcaret, a fabulous Mayan eco park with underground rivers, butterfly pavilion, beach, swimming with the dolphins, snuba and snorkeling, and more! The Mayan ruins of Tulum are 10-minutes south, and Aktun Chen (which means “cave with an underground river inside” in Maya) is only 10-minutes north. If you like to dance, you can head to Hacienda Dona Isabel for a fun evening in the nightclub. We could go on and on about all to see and do in the area, but you might decide to just lie in the hammocks at Villa Yardena and drink margaritas!