Colorado has a reputation worldwide of providing visitors (and residents) the ultimate vacation opportunities from the mountains to the plains. While named resorts such as Vail, Aspen and Telluride are profiled in the popular press, as residents of Colorado, we know a few “hidden gems” which offer spectacular beauty, 4 seasons of recreational amenities and best of all, no crowds.

One such area is the San Luis Valley in southwestern Colorado. Considered remote which is much of the charm, the San Luis Valley represents a Colorado of years past when you did NOT have a lift line at the local ski resort or have to wait for your tee-time on the golf course. An area where the Native American crafts are actually constructed on-site, where two-lane roads dominate and an interstate highway is not the defining geographic feature of the landscape.

Situated at the west-end of the San Luis Valley we are pleased to present The Rio Grande Club providing the ultimate guest and lifestyle experience within the picturesque San Luis Valley.

Ranked in the top 15 golf and fly fishing destinations in the world, The Rio Grande Club features a 25,000 square foot clubhouse, truly the gathering spot of the club featuring a spacious dining room with impressive mountain vista views, a comfortable and cozy lounge, conference and banquet rooms, business center, pro shop, and a spa/fitness facility with cardiovascular stations, circuit training and free weights. There is also a workout room with a wide variety of programs including yoga, aerobics and Tae Bo among other activities. The clubhouse is the perfect location for destination meetings, events, and weddings.

Beyond the clubhouse, The Rio Grande Club’s amenities allow you to choose how active your vacation is. For relaxation (and maybe do a few laps) the outdoor patio includes a swimming pool with sitting area, spacious hot tub and an outside lounging area. Outside food service is also available for the pool area.

For the tennis player, The Rio Grande Club offers two tennis courts. In addition, private lessons and challenge courts are available all season.

For the fishing enthusiasts, the Club has private access to a one mile stretch of gold medal water. This portion of the river is periodically stocked to enhance the fishing experience.

Captiva Island is a unique setting off the west coast of Florida. Located adjacent to the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Captiva has been the destination of choice for those who desire a laid-back Florida of the early 20th century sans traffic, congestion and chain restaurants. A destination which truly defines relaxed. This semi-tropical paradise is where the famous 20th century artist Robert Rauschenberg set up his studio and painted during the later years of his career enjoying the unique light and the diversity of year-round scenery.

Sandhurst Estate gained notoriety as the centerpiece of MTV’s Summer Beach House (2004), yet the owners have since rectified the situation as the estate has also been featured on HGTV’s Vacation Living Show as the Ultimate Dream Vacation Home and in Martha Stewart Living Magazine’s Leaf Print Fabrics article.

Sandhurst Estate captures the luxury of yesteryear while embracing the modern era. The bayfront Estate on Roosevelt Channel (the Gold Coast of Captiva Island) is Colonial West Indies style reminiscent of the colonial homes of the Caribbean.  When guests first enter the grounds, the estate is often mistaken for a resort. The multi-level estate with its pink/salmon hue and white trim recalls the mansions of Palm Beach. As was tradition of the mansions of the era, public rooms are expansive and private chambers denoted by name and each individually furnished.

The eight (8) bedrooms sleep 20 in supreme luxury; the biggest dilemma for guests is to choose which chamber would be most to their tastes. Each bedroom is individually designed including furnishings and accessories from Sanderson, Ralph Lauren, Ken Done, Brunschwig & Fils, and Sandhurst embroidered Frette & Peacock Alley Bathrobes.

THE MASTER RETREAT:  Is known for its custom queen bed and access to a private veranda and beautiful views. Guests will embrace the exquisite granite tile, Baldwin brass fixtures, the jetted tub and when enjoying morning coffee on the verandah, signature Sandhurst snuggly robes.

THE PINEAPPLE SUITE: The symbol of hospitality worldwide offers its guests a 4-poster queen bed and a one-of-a-kind water view from the 20’ x 20’ verandah. The en suite bathroom was set with European tile and offers a handicap-accessible shower and toilet.

THE BIG BAMBOO RETREAT: Is aptly named due to the unique and one-of-a-kind hand-crafted Indonesian bamboo 4-poster queen bed, en suite bathroom and a private veranda and water views.

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

If you have not heard of the San Juan Mountains of Colorado we forgive you. For many of us, it’s a secret destination we do not necessarily wish to share with outsiders. This area of Colorado is truly unspoiled. No major Interstate highways bisecting the spectacular vistas, just two-lane blacktop. Snow capped peaks and hillsides retain their trees and foliage, not a McMansion in site. On the valley floor, ranches dominate the landscape to the horizon.

Within this enchanted area of Colorado we are proud to offer Keyah Grande, an exclusive retreat and the perfect rental compound for weddings, family reunions, corporate retreats, family getaways, or romantic escapes all nestled in the heart of Colorado’s San Juan Mountains.

Keyah Grande encompasses more than 4,000 acres of superb terrain and facilities for an enviable array of seasonal outdoor activities including trap and sporting clay courses, elk hunting, horseback riding, snowmobiling, ATV trails and fishing. A backdrop of natural beauty surrounds the luxuriously intimate Guest House, yet the interior elegance is strictly man-made. From the 300 year old hand-carved Spanish doors to the unmistakable 21st century Dale Chihuly “End of Day” glass sculpture, it is immediately clear that this place is one-of-a-kind and not to be missed.

The ‘private home’ ambiance of the Guest House invites visitors to relax and enjoy. Unwind on the magnificent flying deck with a glass of vintage bubbly or share steaming hot chocolate around the African-inspired fire pit. Gathering areas include the Lounge, with pool and game tables, wide-screen plasma TV, and video games; a Great Room with an oversized fireplace and baby grand piano; two exquisitely appointed dining areas for formal or intimate seating; a high-tech, low-key conference room; and a simply elegant spa that offers restorative treatments inspired by the waters, forests, and mountains that surround the property.

Within the Guest House there are eight (8) individually designed, oversized suites that ensure an extraordinary personalized experience. The liberal use of art and antiques from diverse international regions, and an eclectic décor fuse with modern amenities to create a refreshingly exuberant atmosphere. Subtle golden hues accent the South Pacific Suite while the America Suite is boldly red, white and blue. Each room is expanded by panoramic views and creature comforts such as whirlpool tub, satellite TV and radio, and WiFi service.

As we’ve said many times before, luxury vacation rentals are the perfect accommodations for larger groups looking for exceptional amenities and service coupled with the benefits of privacy and comfort.  The larger the group, the larger the value, and at The Society, we have a collection of some of the finest rental estates that are ideal for the largest of groups.

With these rentals available there is no reason to split up your group.  What is the point of renting multiple hotel rooms or condos when you can house the whole gang right in one place.

Take a look at some of these larger “compounds”.  They can sleep 25+ people and include the lavish comforts and exclusivity for even the most discerning of travelers.

Castlewood: Telluride, CO
10 bedrooms, 10.5 bathrooms.  Sleeps 35.
Castlewood is a storybook castle in a fairy-tale setting. Whether you choose the winter wonderland option or the bucolic summertime, the fabulous accommodations and dreamlike settings are sure to live on in your memories, and will certainly call you back. Again and again!



Bluesea Compound: Cabo San Lucas, MX
14 bedrooms, 13 bathrooms.  Sleeps 28.
The Bluesea Compound offer a collection of stunning beachfront properties designed for those with discriminating taste and an appreciation for beauty. These exclusive villas are situated on one of the least populated and most pristine white sandy beaches in Los Cabos.



Luxurious 10 Suite Villa: Florence, Italy
18 bedrooms, 18 bathrooms.  Sleeps 36.
This exquisite villa has recently been restored and luxuriously redecorated with an eclectic collection of antiques and objet d’art. It is nestled in the legendary winemaking “Chianti Classico” region. The estate reigns over 750 acres of vineyard, olive grove, Tuscan forest and reaches back over 500 years into Italian history.



Villa Rosa: Santa Rosa, FL
9 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms.  Sleeps 29.
Truly one of Santa Rosa’s most private, mature, and beautifully landscaped yards is located here at The Villa Rosa House. In addition to its lush beauty, the private courtyard was created from 3 home lots to ensure ample space for large groups.



Chateau ‘Ile de France: Versailles, France
17 bedrooms.  Sleeps 34.
Specially convenient for receptions, conferences, meetings, seminars, weddings, movie shootings and other family events, this fantastic 17th century castle and party-wing is an elegant and exceptionally well-equipped home complete with a pool, tennis court, lakes and ponds, cascade fountain, stables and a green house.



Contact The Society today with your request.