March 8th, 2010 by Joseph
At The Society we request our property and estate managers to advise concerning “deals and steals” which we provide to our readership and blog. Please review and consider taking advantage of these “deals and steals” while available:

Deer Valley, UT: Consistently rated #1 by readers of Ski Magazine, Deer Valley is a skiers paradise (yes skiers, sorry no snowboarders permitted on the slopes). One of the premier vacation rental opportunities is now available for specific dates for the ultimate spring skiing experience which is characterized by sun-kissed days,starry nights and abundant spring snow. Ski Casa Nova is a ski-in/out estate without rival. The 13,000 SF estate sleeps up to 25 guests. The following rates and dates are on a space available basis:
March 13-20, 2010 (7 nights) Std. Rate $71,400 Special Rate $42,840 (40% off)
March 20-26, 2010 (6 nights) Std. Rate $38,000 Special Rate $24,429 (25% off)
Contact: Jenni Haines | Estate Manager and Concierge
P: 800.978.5002 | Jenni.Haines@SkiCasaNova.com

Deer Valley, UT: For those who may consider Casa Nova slightly large for their vacation, we have a beautiful 4 bedroom vacation rental in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Deer Valley. Those who may be familiar with Silver Lake know the location is premier with a quaint village setting located mid-mountain, a true ski-in/out village setting reminiscent of the Alps. Lookout 6559 is a premier luxury 4 bedroom town home which sleeps10 in opulence and luxury, which is what Deer Valley is all about. For bookings through the remainder of the season, 25% off on a space available basis.
Contact: Jaci Buckingham | Sales & Marketing Manager
P: 435.649.6175 | T: 800.348.6759 Jaci@ParkCityLodging.com
Mayan Riviera, Mexico: While we may be basking in the snow here in the Colorado Rockies and getting in those final runs of the season, Mexico becomes the location of choice when the snow melts. Many of us wait a few months until late spring and summer to travel to Mexico when the weather is glorious and the crowds non-existent.

March 1st, 2010 by Joseph
A few weeks back, we profiled a vacation residence recently added to the inventory of The Society. The home, Chateau Le Grande generated comments including the request for additional background information concerning Beaver Creek and other vacation rental opportunities within the enclave beyond the guard house.
Even though Beaver Creek as a resort has been in existence for almost a generation, the area continues to evolve based on the demands and desires of the luxury vacationer, usually with family in tow. While many resorts have evolved over the generations, Beaver Creek was literally designed and constructed to make the resort experience, winter and summer a most enjoyable one.
Spring Break is one of the most popular vacation times for Beaver Creek. In general most guests gravitate towards the “Town Plaza”. The Plaza is a large expanse dominated by a year-round skating rink. The open-plaza design is ringed by shops, restaurants, galleries and above the 1st levels, vacation flats. The vast majority of dining options can be accessed via the plaza, with others located within some of the lodges.
From the plaza, guests can use the escalator to access the base of the slopes for skiing and other mountain pursuits. Tip: Remember the escalators; at the end of the day, as families descend from the base area, Vail Resorts provides freshly baked cookies by the escalators, true après-ski family style.
Keeping in the family theme of the resort, activities are oriented to adults and children. Consider a horse-drawn sleigh ride dinner to the on-mountain Beano’s Cabin or take in a performance at The Vilar Center. Enjoy pizza at Blue Moose and then do some skating on the rink, or sit by one of the open firepits with a gelato and hot cocoa.
As mentioned a few weeks back, Chateau Le Grande is just one of a select collection of vacation rentals associated with The Society in Beaver Creek. For those who wish for a ski-in/out location yet just steps to the plaza, we suggest our Ski Safari with 4 bedrooms which sleeps 10. Others who may be in search of additional space and a sense of privacy and exclusivity, our Private Getaway, a luxury home on Holden Road with 5+ bedrooms sleeping 14 guests is perfect. While not ski-in/out, just minutes from the slopes via Beaver Creek’s Dial-a-Ride Service. In neighboring Bachelor Gulch, where privacy and exclusivity are paramount, a truly spectacular ski-in house can be provided on Daybreak Ridge, the pinnacle of mountain luxury. Truly isolated yet ski-in and just minutes from the Bachelor Gulch base area. Finally, those who desire expansive space within a condominium building, our 6 bedroom luxury penthouse at the ski-in/out Horizon Pass development is truly over the top, literally. At the end of the day, we suggest indulging in the hot cider and cookies après –ski at The Ritz-Carlton.
December 15th, 2009 by Joseph
The owners of this Tuscan Villa in the East Scottsdale area have truly incorporated the elements of Greek Mythology into the design of this four bedroom luxury estate within the community of Fountain Hills. Guests of this magnificent estate will enjoy the luxury of three spacious bedrooms and four bathrooms in addition to an adjacent casita that offers yet another full living space with bath and bedroom providing flexibility not usually associated with vacation villas.
Inside guests will enjoy the luxury living spaces including the all Viking-equipped kitchen where Wolfgang Puck would feel right at home. For the movie buffs, the 12-seat home theater is your personal screening room, buttered popcorn of course is available. And for the “hustler” of the party, the billiards room will impress. The ultimate amenity of the estate is the outdoor pool. Located at the lower level at the edge of the patio lies a snake-like strip of stone stretching the length of the patio ablaze with a warming and illuminating fire. Accompanied by two fiery sentinels standing watch over the infinity edge of the pool, fire controlled by man, meets the Fire in the Sky provided by Mother Nature. Monthly rate from $15,000.
December 15th, 2009 by Joseph
One of the beauties of the southwest during the winter months is lifestyle which can be indoors or out. The DC Ranch is the perfect vacation rental for those who wish to enjoy the winter season in Arizona. While the 4 bedroom interior (sleeps 8 in luxury) will comfort and delight, the private outdoor space is the crown jewel of this desert estate. Blurring the lines between interior and exterior, the patios which surround the home are as inviting as the luxury interior. For the chef, the barbeque island satisfies the instinct to cook on an open-flame under the star-lit night. For the water enthusiasts, the pebble-tec pool and adjacent spa insure hydration protection from the dry desert climate. Will the DC Ranch be your winter retreat? Monthly rate from $13,000.
December 9th, 2009 by Joseph
When a reporter asked Jesse James “Why do you rob banks?” his answer in all its simplistic elegance was “Because that is where the money is.” When we at The Society have been asked “Why did The Society create The Global Bundle?”…
Our answer is more complex based on years of demographic research, statistical analysis, data mining, unique visitor data, response rates and cost-effectiveness for our clients participating in The Global Bundle. OK, the simplistic:
“Because this is where the pre-qualified eyeballs are looking and booking.”
We know our vacation home owners and property/estate managers are successful entrepreneurs and marketers in search of cost-effective marketing opportunities to promote their vacation rentals to a pre-qualified and pre-screened clientele.
While The Global Bundle may seem intimidating at first; we have heard the comments i.e.
- So many portals, is it truly effective?
- Do I have to load data to each portal?
- How can I keep track?
The reality is, we at The Society have made the process as simple as possible allowing our clients to 1) attract qualified eyeballs to their inventory 2) track inquiries and portals used and 3) load data once and let our IT technicians handle the rest.
While The Global Bundle has been designed and facilitated for marketing to an highly educated and affluent clientele including storied names such as The Robb Report, WSJ Online, The DuPont Registry, Luxury Real Estate and others, we have designed the Bundle to cross-market to multiple demographic groups thus enhancing booking opportunities.
One client in particular had an interesting situation. He owns a vacation rental in a community where seasonal rentals are the norm i.e. summer. For a seasonal rental, this owner received multiple inquiries from The DuPont Registry, known for its affluent readership coupled with a younger demographic i.e. average age of 37.
Yet, in the off-season the home generated minimal interest. We suggested pitching the home on the weekly rental market i.e. Sat. to Sat. via Craigslist markets within a 3-hour drive distance. Our hunch was correct as “aspirationals” who may not have the disposable income for a seasonal rental could afford an “off-season” week and live the lifestyle once only envied. In addition, one “weekly” rental client is considering a “seasonal rental” as relayed by the client “I was able to try the house for a week; I enjoyed the home, the location and the on-site amenities. I plan to book the home for the 2010 summer”.
October 23rd, 2009 by Joseph
-Harnessing the power of a multi-faceted sales and marketing program to assist upscale resort clients wishing to target the affluent demographic concerning rental, sales and management opportunities-
DENVER, CO -October 22, 2009 - The Society and La Sarenne Luxury Properties today announced the debut of their newest online marketing opportunity, The Diamond Affinity Program, a turnkey luxury resort marketing and sales platform.
“The Diamond Affinity Program has been designed and executed to overcome a major void in how resorts market and sell their products.” said Bruce Cuthbertson, partner with La Sarenne Luxury Properties, a California-based resort development firm adding, “The present economic malaise has impacted many resorts which have relied on antiquated sales and marketing tactics to achieve their goals. The Diamond Affinity program is a whole new sales and marketing platform designed for today, tomorrow and the future. We did not replace the tools in the toolbox, we designed a whole new container, inside and out.”
The Diamond Affinity Program is an all-in-one resort sales and marketing package. Using a multi-pronged approach, The Diamond Affinity Program harnesses the power of:
• Online Marketing: targeting the affluent and luxury lifestyle audience.
• CRM Tracking: including initial contact to close concierge assistance.
• VIP Events: in select markets to provide prospective clients in-person introductions.
• Public Relations: focused on the lifestyle, consumer and business marketplace.
“No other entity in the industry has brought together the expansive marketing relationships, leveraged media purchases and targeted demographics combined to deliver not only large quantities of highly qualified prospects but exceeding close-rates above the industry standard,” said Michael McFadden, co-founder of The Society, a Colorado-based marketing firm representing hospitality and vacation oriented companies. McFadden added, “The economy has dictated the call for new ways to market luxury resorts and the Diamond Affinity program beckons that call.”
The Society and La Sarenne came together to leverage their resources to create the Diamond Affinity Program. “It just made sense to create this program jointly, taking advantage of our complimentary services to best serve the resort client desiring to turn lookers into bookers and visitors into owners.” said Cuthbertson.
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Contact: Bruce Cuthbertson
La Sarenne Luxury Properties, LLC
1-877-336-3942
Bruce@LaSarenne.com
Contact: Michael McFadden
The Society
1-866-789-8222 X1
Mike@TheSociety.com
October 22nd, 2009 by Joseph
According to a recent article in the Travel section of The New York Times, those looking for bargain travel deals between now and the holidays should act soon. The article states travel from business centers including New York and Chicago is increasing leading to higher airline ticket costs. While bargains continue, prices seem to have bottomed-out and are now on the up-swing as the holidays approach and the economy continues to strengthen.
Winter destinations including Florida, the Caribbean, Arizona, Mexico and Hawaii are embracing increased booking volumes for the upcoming holiday season. However, if you are willing to travel before the high season, opportunities are still available at wallet friendly rates.
October 20th, 2009 by Mark
The 25th Annual Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA) Conference is later this week at the OmniShoreham Hotel in Washington D.C. For those of you attending as either exhibitors or non-exibitors, we look forward to seeing you. Visit The Society’s booth to get up to speed on the initiatives we’ve put forth for vacation rental managers looking to increase exposure, inquiries and bookings from a qualified, luxury clientele.
It is not too late to register. Online registration is available until tomorrow, 10/21/09.
The conference runs from 10/24 - 10/28.
Visit VRMA’s event page for more details and to sign up.
See you in D.C.!
October 20th, 2009 by Joseph
October 12th, 2009 by Joseph
While most ski and mountain resorts market themselves as “perfect for all visitors”, those of us in the travel community know the unique attributes of each resort area. Subsequently we are able to advise which resorts are most appropriate for which traveler. At The Society, we recently received the following question:
My wife and I plan to take our adult children and our grandchildren for a skiing vacation. A few of the adults do not ski or snowboard. We would like the grandchildren to be affiliated with a family-oriented ski-school. We all enjoy fine food and service but realize with young children, this may not be possible. We would love ski-in/out yet walking distance to a commercial area with shops, restaurants, spa and so forth. Any suggestions?
We called the client, asked a few more questions and suggested Beaver Creek, Colorado and specifically two homes, our “Ski Safari” with 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms (sleeps 10) and “Beaver Creek Shangri-La”, with 5 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms (sleeps 14). Both houses offer the opulence associated with a luxury ski-chalet, yet are also comfortable and inviting to all who reside in the homes. Mountain chic is the most apt description for these two unique vacation residences, which we consider among the finest in the Vail Valley.
Beaver Creek the resort is the perfect destination for the multi-generational family vacation. The base area is by many resort standards, quite small, yet is so family friendly with an outdoor skating rink, many shops, restaurants, gelato, spas and our favorite heated walkways and escalators to the lifts. Mornings may begin with a Starbucks coffee and taking the kids to ski school. When descending the last run of the day, warm cookies waiting at the base area.
With an excellent selection of dining options, one will never be bored during vacation. From the casual fare at The Dusty Boot to the fine dining at Splendido to subs and pizza at Blue Moose, Beaver Creek offers a variety of family-friendly restaurants. We would also suggest a night at Beano’s Cabin. For the children, consider the 5:30PM seating with the horse-drawn sleigh from the stables to the on-mountain restaurant.
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