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.

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!

Arizona, always popular during the snow season up north, this is also a destination which was affected by the barrage of bad public relations concerning convention and business travel. Our partners in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area are offering unprecedented values concerning their vacation rentals. Book now to secure the best rates and availability, when the snow starts to fly up north, the phones will begin to ring and the attractive rates will be a distant memory. Consider Bramasole in Paradise Valley, one of the finest vacation home rentals in the area, sure to impress and exceed all your expectations.

OK, it may be short-notice as the booking window ends this coming Friday; however one of our partners in Breckenridge, Paragon Lodging is offering a promotion which should not be missed.

Paragon’s EXTRA EARLY BIRD SPECIAL!
Now save an EXTRA 15% if you book the following homes by September 30th! That’s 20% OFF winter stays at:

• Morningstar House: 3 Bedrooms/3.5 Bathrooms/ Sleeps 10-12
• Northwoods Lodge: 5 Bedrooms/5.5 Bathrooms/ Sleeps 16
• Bella Manor: 5 Bedrooms/5.5 Bathrooms/ Sleeps 10

Enjoy these luxury Breckenridge ski homes this winter! All reservations must be booked by September 30th, 2009! A 5-night minimum stay is required. Offer good for new reservations only. Not valid with any other discounts or properties. Not valid during holidays and blackout dates.

Contact Paragon Lodging directly at 1-888-306-1505 and please mention The Society.