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

In The Society’s backyard of Vail (OK, about 90 miles west of our office), The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa is running an interesting special to generate ski season business.

“Book your holiday getaway during the month of July and receive more than 50 percent off standard ski season pricing on our studio suites and spacious 1, 2, and 3 bedroom condominiums.” For additional information, “www.enjoychristmasinjuly.com”.

In addition, the promotion advises:

• “Book now and take advantage of a spacious studio suite starting at $149 over the dates of 11/20 – 12/25, 2009”.
• Spread out with a generous living room and fully stocked kitchen in our expansive two bedroom condominiums, starting at $329”

The moral of the example above is to 1) try to reverse the trend towards last-minute bookings, 2) increase interest for the up-coming ski season, 3) book early for discounts which may not be available in the future and 4) upgrade to a larger unit. Have you considered working with The Society concerning a similar promotion(s) targeting our database and/or the affluent audience associated with our Global Bundle?

For many of us in the vacation/hospitality industry, we have cornered ourselves into the “last-minute” discount vacation. It will take many months if not years to reverse this trend. We look forward to the day when we can say “I am sorry, we sold out months ago for those dates.”