The survey gathered responses from a sample of the 3,000 brokers, the real estate website firm said in a statement.

“The message from property brokers is clear – these are the three locations to watch this year in terms of investment,” said Renan Bourdeau, managing director of propertyfinder.ae.

“Feedback from the surveyed property agents suggested there are clear reasons for the increase in demand in these locations with improved infrastructure and facilities explaining the rental increase in the areas, and the fact that mortgage interest rates are down to a much lower level explaining the increase in buyers,” he added.

Respondents were in agreement that Dubai Marina offered the most complete lifestyle in Dubai, with mall, marina and beach all on residents’ doorstep – plus, investors know that buying property here.

Nicholas Robinson, director of property sales and leasing UAE at Fine Country, said: “Jumeirah Lake Towers’ recent rise to fame can be attributed to the fact that there has been a massive improvement in the quality of infrastructure and because there are lots of new retails outlets, but the rental prices are still quite low.

“And Downtown Dubai’s ability to offer city living at its finest keeps on improving and the range of eateries and retail outlets opening in the last 12 months has added massively to its image,” he added.

On Tuesday, CB Richard Ellis said Dubai’s residential market for villas in prime locations was likely to remain strong during 2012 after seeing a three percent rise in Q1.

It said that the residential sector would see area-specific strengthening of rents, sales and occupancy rates as pipeline supply in developed locations becomes increasingly scarce.

The market for established villa locations such as Emirates Living, Arabian Ranches and Palm Jumeirah will remain strong during 2012 with limited new inventory expected, CBRE added in a new report.

However, new supply will enter from emerging areas such as Jumeirah Park, Al Furjan and Jumeirah Golf Estates, which will result in an expanding villa inventory over the next 12 to 15 months.

Article source: http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/32295/f/452773/p/1/s/3ab2800/l/0L0Sarabianbusiness0N0Cdubai0Ebrokers0Ereveal0Etop0Eproperty0Ehotspots0E458340A0Bhtml/story01.htm

New York, New York (PRWEB) May 19, 2012

Tia Mia is a vacation house located in Gaucin, Spain. It is available for rent throughout the year and provides an exceptionally comfortable experience for vacationing in Spain (or vacation in Europe). The highlight of this holiday rental is the stunning view from the roof terrace. The house has been recently restored in 2012 and provides all the modern amenities but retains the charm of an old house.

This vacation rental has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a kitchen and a living room. Up to 4 people can stay in this spacious and comfortable village house. It is well equipped and even has a romantic fireplace. The house has a local, English house manager to welcome all visitors and help to orient vacationers to the local area. The manager is also available in the case of emergencies.

There are many activities available in the surrounding areas to make your vacation in Spain even more enjoyable. These include horseback riding, birdwatching, walking tours, visiting the beach, golfing and more. Visit http://www.bobzio.com for more info and photos.

Bobzio.com is a co-op of vacation rental owners, home exchanges and area services. Bobzio.com announces free lifetime listings for owners of vacation rentals. A comparable website with thousands of listings will charge up to a $1000 for such perks and listing benefits as bobzio.com offers for no cost.

Each owner will get unlimited photos, video upload, interactive reservation calender, Google map and email contact form. Bobzio.com is only several months old but is growing fast. More users are discovering the advantages of searching for rentals based on activities such as golf, theme parks, scuba diving and any activity imaginable including surfing.

http://www.Bobzio.com being a co-op is owned by the members. The ownership role will be determined when the first 20,000 have joined. There will not be a better time to get in on an opportunity like this that could save up to $1000 each year in subscription costs. The website also offers training on techniques to increase internet marketing exposure for individual listings and tips to get photos and videos to show up in some of the major internet search engines. Jump on board. The sooner the better. To see an example of a free listing visit http://www.bobzio.com/view_property_details.php?title=Cape-San-Blas-Vacation-Rental-Bayrock-2-on-http://www.Bobzio.com–6080-Cape-San-Blas-Rd,-Port-St-Joe,-Florida-pro_id=25

Bayrock a Cape San Blas Vacation Rental has a special going on now under Special Offers. Book a week in May for $1100. This is a $400 discount. Visit bobzio.com to see all the details and video under the Special Offer section.

Bobzio.com has created several strategic partnerships to assist with marketing and management of Vacation Retnals. One is DirectPlacement.co for help with Search Engine Placement (SEP). Visit DirectPlacement.co and ask about search engine placement ( SEP ) for the bobzio.com vacation property listing or home exchange. Adam, the owner, is very knowledgeable about SEP and personable in his approach. There are no long term commitments or contracts to try DirectPlacement.co services.

The second strategic partnership is with Alan Lane, owner of DepositGuard.com. DepositGuard.com makes it possible for the individual owner to accept credit card payments and bank transfer checks. The fees are minimal and paid by the renter. The renter gains the security of an escrow agent safeguarding their rental deposits. A second option is using Dwolla.com. They offer accounts that do electronic payments using the internet and Cell Phones. There service costs 25 cents a transaction. Both DepositGuard.com and Dwolla.com will be common names in the future but now they are getting started just like Bobzio.com.

Here is a link to a YouTube video showing how easy it is to start a listing: http://youtu.be/qOwKNH0c7Gg

Michael Bobzien
bobzio.com
1-850-588-9691
Email Information

Article source: http://news.yahoo.com/villa-vacation-rentals-listings-gaucin-spain-now-bobzio-040028247.html

It said that the residential sector would see area-specific strengthening of rents, sales and occupancy rates as pipeline supply in developed locations becomes increasingly scarce.

The market for established villa locations such as Emirates Living, Arabian Ranches and Palm Jumeirah will remain strong during 2012 with limited new inventory expected, CBRE added in a new report.

However, new supply will enter from emerging areas such as Jumeirah Park, Al Furjan and Jumeirah Golf Estates, which will result in an expanding villa inventory over the next 12 to 15 months.

The outlook for the villas market follows strong performance during the first quarter of the year during which it experienced positive rental rate growth for the first time since 2008/2009.

Average lease rates increased by three percent quarter-on-quarter although rates remained down by around one percent year-on-year, the CBRE study said.

The highest increase in lease rates took place in the two bedroom sector at five percent, followed by five and six bedroom units which both increased by around three percent.

As per data provided by Dubai Land Department, residential unit transactions during the first quarter of 2012 totalled AED3.1bn, a nine percent increase compared to the previous quarter

Developments such as Emirates Living and the Palm Jumeirah have shown positive growth over the last three quarters.

Overall lease rates in Emirates Living have increased by six percent year-on-year, CBRE added.

For apartments, the highest increase in Q1 was for one bedroom units, which grew by two percent while three bedroom units grew by one percent.

Within the emirate’s freehold areas, the highest increase in lease rates took place in the Greens at seven percent, followed by Downtown Dubai where rates grew by six percent.

CBRE also said Dubai’s commercial property market is likely to remain flat in 2012 as new supply keeps rents below 2005 levels.

Around 171,500 sq m of new office space entered the market during the quarter, of which 76 percent is held on a strata title basis.

“The significant increase in stock, together with uncertainties regarding the management of strata title properties, is causing very low absorption rates for these types of properties,” the report said.

“Dubai’s CBD is expected to see further improvement in occupancy levels due to limited new stock, the availability of fitted office space, increasingly competitive lease rates and landlord incentives,” it added.

“Secondary and tertiary locations will again struggle in terms of occupancy and lease rates as supply is comfortably exceeding demand in these areas.”

Article source: http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/32295/f/452773/p/1/s/1d187463/l/0L0Sarabianbusiness0N0Cdubai0Evilla0Erents0Epost0Efirst0Erise0Esince0E20A0A80E0A90E4579460Bhtml/story01.htm

OLD BETHPAGE, NY (PRWEB) May 18, 2012

Dozens of World War II enthusiasts will be on hand in Old Bethpage this weekend to reenact battle scenes in similar fashion to Civil War re-enactments that have taken place for decades. This weekend’s encampment will take place at the Old Bethpage Restoration Village, a 209-acre facility that features houses and other structures meant to resemble a 19th century rural Long Island village. Visitors heading to the Old Bethpage area to view the reenactments are booking private Long Island vacation home and condo rentals through New York Vacation Rentals, avoiding high priced hotels and enjoying the perks that go along with staying in a private vacation home.

The re-enactors will muster on an open field that resembles a military parade ground, a short distance from the village. These so-called living historians will focus on recalling some of the sacrifices soldiers and sailors made while fighting in World War II.

More and more travelers are looking for hotel-free options when it comes to travel accommodations, and increasing numbers of travelers are enjoying the perks of staying in a Long Island vacation rental home, whether they’re staying for one night, a weekend, or a week.

Families planning a spring or summer wedding in Old Bethpage, nearby Mantauk, or the Hamptons are booking vacation home rentals on Long Island, and friends flying in for the occasion are doing the same. Friends and family members can stay under one roof in a private Long Island estate home, condo, or villa near the wedding venue. These private vacation rentals often sleep up to 20 people, and provide some of the perks that can be real luxuries on vacation, such as a full kitchen, multiple baths and bedrooms for added privacy, and fully equipped laundry rooms.

Booking a vacation rental home in or near Old Bethpage for a night, a weekend, or a week makes sense to many travelers, especially families with children. It helps to have the comforts of home available when traveling, to cook special meals and relax together in privacy.

“People have been enjoying private vacation rental properties in Montauk and all across New York State for years because of the convenience and savings,” says Liz Ernst of New York Vacation Rentals. “Our job is to help travelers find a great place to stay by connecting them with the property owners directly.

“Three, four, or more people can save money and stay comfortably together in a New York vacation rental home, and save money in the process. Plus, who wouldn’t prefer to stay in a homey environment with more privacy than a hotel can offer?”

Savvy travelers on a budget will comparison shop for the best deal on a vacation home rental in Old Bethpage, the Hamptons, or anywhere on Long Island, whether they’re staying just one night, one weekend, or a whole week, according to Ernst. Important factors in determining the best lodgings for your family and traveling companions include price, location, and number of people the property accommodates.

New York Vacation Rentals can help travelers narrow their search down to those properties meeting their specific criteria. For more information on Long Island vacation rentals, visit the NYVacation.com website.

About New York Vacation Rentals:

NYvacationRentals.com is among the fastest-growing web destinations for travelers seeking rental properties anywhere in New York State. This collaborative site matches property owners with vacationers looking for the perfect rental property. The site now features improved search options and educational tools for renters and property owners.

The mission of New York Vacation Rentals is to connect travelers from all over the world with property owners in New York by providing detailed listings of properties, and a safe and efficient way of communicating right on the website. Powerful search tools allow renters to narrow down listings in order to find the vacation rental of their dreams. Prospective renters can research, compare and book cabins, villas, houses, ski chalets, condos and other great vacation properties anywhere in New York.

For more information, visit the NYvacationrentals.com website.

###

Liz Ernst
Vacation Rental Organization
954-990-5539 1004
Email Information

Article source: http://news.yahoo.com/visitors-traveling-long-island-weekend-wwii-enactors-restored-101020948.html

Timmy Reyes taking flight to his next vacation rental on Surfbreak Rentals

Surfbreak is excited to let owners who rent out rooms to list for free in exchange for them donating to local charities! It’s good for the community and everyone benefits- Timmy Reyes, Professional Surfer, Oneill Team rider and Surfbreak Spokesman.

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) May 17, 2012

Whether the origin of the term “couch surfing” had anything to do with traveling surfers is a mystery, but surfers have been crashing at each other’s pads since they first started spanning the globe in search of new breaks and foreign adventures. So it’s only natural that Surfbreak Rentals, a new website dedicated to connecting traveling surfers with great beach rentals, carries on this long standing tradition by launching their “Stay With a Surfer” feature.

How it Works

•     A room in a house or apartment near a surf break can now be listed for FREE on surfbreakrentals.com.
•     You do not HAVE to be a surfer to list a room, but it is recommended that you have some local knowledge about the surfing conditions in your area.
•     All of the arrangements and details are up to the host and traveler to work out between themselves. Surfbreak Rentals only asks that hosts make a small donation to a local non-profit each time they rent out a room.

Stay at the Surfbreak Rentals House in Nicaragua this Summer

To celebrate the launch of the Stay With a Surfer campaign, the Surfbreak Rentals crew has rented a beachfront villa at a prime surf break in Nicaragua for the month of August and is opening up the house to guests. There will be acclaimed surf videographers and professional surfers, such as Timmy Reyes on hand to help guests take their surfing skills to the next level. There are 4 week-long sessions, priced at only $1475 per guest for room and board. More info is available at Surfbreakrentals.com/travel

About Surfbreak Rentals

Surfbreak Rentals was founded by a group of Northern California surfers with a passion for traveling and technology. After years of struggling to find great places to stay near their favorite destination surf breaks, they finally decided to do something about it by creating surfbreakrentals.com. The entire site design and navigation is based on more than 1,600 global surf breaks, which makes it the first vacation rental site that allows users to search for accommodations based on specific beaches and surf breaks. Travelers can also ask travel related questions, such as what places would make the perfect surf trip given a certain budget or time of year.

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Article source: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/5/prweb9511746.htm

BOULDER, Colorado (PRWEB) May 16, 2012

Boulder will be celebrating summer Memorial Day weekend with the 25th annual Boulder Creek Festival, the unofficial kickoff to summer in this Rocky Mountain town. Widely considered Boulder County’s favorite event, the Festival includes three days of celebrations, featuring a variety of events, activities, food and entertainment straight out of the Boulder community. Families and groups of friends will be heading to Boulder for the Memorial Day weekend, and many are booking Boulder area vacation rental homes and condos through Colorado Vacation Rentals to kick off summertime.

Among the happenings that will keep Boulder hopping are nine separate event areas with 500 vendors showcasing everything from community arts and crafts to health alternatives and technology, while five performance stages feature a spectrum of music and dance. The Festival also features carnival rides, food and beverage vendors, and the signature event: a rubber duck race down the creek.

Friends and families are choosing to book a vacation rental condo or cottage in Boulder at a much lower cost than they would have paid for a hotel room. John Romano of Colorado Vacation Rentals says that the number of travelers discovering the benefits of Colorado vacation rentals is on the rise, thanks to their affordability, privacy, and home style amenities including kitchen and laundry rooms.

Visitors can rent a vacation condo or house in Boulder or nearby Denver or Evergreen and enjoy the beautiful Colorado Front Range area in early summer.

Colorado Vacation Rentals is making it easier and more affordable for travelers to enjoy events like these in Boulder and all across Colorado, and the quality of Colorado vacation rental properties is tremendous.

“People are taking advantage of Denver and Boulder vacation rental properties for short visits for years because of the convenience and savings,” Romano says. “Colorado Vacation Rentals simply makes it easier for vacationers to connect with homeowners who want to rent their properties out to private parties.

“Families and groups of friends can stay together comfortably in a vacation rental home or condo in Boulder, and have some extra cash to spend while they’re here. Plus, it’s a pleasure to spend a vacation in an environment with more privacy than a hotel can offer.”

Comparison shopping for vacation rentals in the Rocky Mountain area is fun and easy to do. New vacation home rental listings are added daily, with plenty of availabilities throughout spring and summer.

Smart travelers with an eye on their budget can comparison shop for the best deal on a Colorado vacation rental villa or condo, even if they’re only staying the night, according to Romano.

“Our job is to make sure travelers and property owners connect, making it much easier for travelers to find the right place to stay, something that will suit their needs and budget.”

About Colorado Vacation Rentals:

ColoradoVacationRentals.com is among the fastest-growing web destinations for travelers seeking rental properties anywhere in Colorado. This collaborative site matches property owners with vacationers looking for the perfect rental property. The site now features improved search options and educational tools for renters and property owners.

The mission of Colorado Vacation Rentals is to connect travelers from all over the world with property owners in Colorado by providing detailed listings of properties, and a safe and efficient way of communicating right on the website. Powerful search tools allow renters to narrow down listings in order to find the vacation rental of their dreams. Prospective renters can research, compare and book cabins, villas, houses, ski chalets, condos and other great vacation properties anywhere in Colorado.

For More information, visit the ColoradoVacationRentals.com website.

###

John Romano
Vacation Rental Organization
954-990-5539 1004
Email Information

Article source: http://news.yahoo.com/visitors-heading-boulder-creek-festival-memorial-day-weekend-100233730.html

Houston, TX (PRWEB) May 15, 2012

Cabo Viejo is simply the best new vacation destination in Cabo San Lucas. Located inside the world famous community of Pedregal, Cabo Viejo is an ultra luxurious 5 star boutique hotel destination. Perched atop a sea side mountain, the views of the Sea of Cortez are breath taking. The unique and unmatched location affords gorgeous sea and mountain views with instant access to all that old town Cabo has to offer.

A full service condo hotel, Cabo Viejo’s staff in highly trained and incredibly accommodating. Any and all personal needs are handled by the friendly bilingual staff available 24/7. Security is also a priority at Cabo Viejo, the entire complex is gated and employs a full time security staff for your piece of mind, safety and relaxation.

The massive Condo Villas are unrivaled in size and affordability (2500-3500 sq. ft.) Pocket sliding glass doors open the entire living room to the amazing terrace (1000+ sq. ft.) With jaw dropping Sea of Cortez, marina and mountain views. The gourmet kitchens are 100% stocked with everything. GE appliances stainless steel fridge, wine bar, all bordered with granite marble and tamborine stone. Every villa has a huge furnished private terrace with private plunge pool/ hot tub. The only ones of their kind in all of Cabo. Combined with world class design, high-end interior furnishings and carpentry everything is designed in tasteful and authentic decor. These condo villas are 5 star resort quality at a 2 star cost.

Bobzio.com is a co-op of vacation rental owners, home exchanges and area services. Bobzio.com announces free lifetime listings for owners of vacation rentals. A comparable website with thousands of listings will charge up to a $1000 for such perks and listing benefits as bobzio.com offers for no cost.

Each owner will get unlimited photos, video upload, interactive reservation calender, Google map and email contact form. Bobzio.com is only several months old but is growing fast. More users are discovering the advantages of searching for rentals based on activities such as golf, theme parks, scuba diving and any activity imaginable including surfing.

http://www.Bobzio.com, being a co-op, is owned by the members. The ownership role will be determined when the first 20,000 have joined. There will not be a better time to get in on an opportunity like this that could save up to $1000 each year in subscription costs. The website also offers training on techniques to increase internet marketing exposure for individual listings and tips to get photos and videos to show up in some of the major internet search engines. Jump on board. The sooner the better. To see an example of a free listing visit http://www.bobzio.com/view_property_details.php?title=Cape-San-Blas-Vacation-Rental-Bayrock-2-on-http://www.Bobzio.com–6080-Cape-San-Blas-Rd,-Port-St-Joe,-Florida-pro_id=25

Bayrock a Cape San Blas Vacation Rental has a special going on now under Special Offers. Book a week in May for $1100. This is a $400 discount. Visit bobzio.com to see all the details and video under the Special Offer section.

Bobzio.com has created several strategic partnerships to assist with marketing and management of Vacation Retnals. One is DirectPlacement.co for help with Search Engine Placement (SEP). Visit DirectPlacement.co and ask about search engine placement ( SEP ) for the bobzio.com vacation property listing or home exchange. Adam, the owner, is very knowledgeable about SEP and personable in his approach. There are no long term commitments or contracts to try DirectPlacement.co services.

The second strategic partnership is with Alan Lane, owner of DepositGuard.com. DepositGuard.com makes it possible for the individual owner to accept credit card payments and bank transfer checks. The fees are minimal and paid by the renter. The renter gains the security of an escrow agent safeguarding their rental deposits. A second option is using Dwolla.com. They offer accounts that do electronic payments using the internet and Cell Phones. There service costs 25 cents a transaction. Both DepositGuard.com and Dwolla.com will be common names in the future but now they are getting started just like Bobzio.com.

Here is a link to a YouTube video showing how easy it is to start a listing: http://youtu.be/qOwKNH0c7Gg

Michael Bobzien
bobzio.com
1-850-588-9691
Email Information

Article source: http://news.yahoo.com/cabo-viejo-luxury-vacation-rentals-now-available-bobzio-070419640.html

The 20,000-square-foot Nandana is on five private acres of Bahamian beachfront and has a 120-foot-long infinity pool that anchors five luxurious suites.

See more opulent villas at Departures.com

The 17,000-square-foot, six-bedroom mountain lodge has views over the terrain of Aspen’s Red Mountain from nearly every window.

Almost every room at Chalet Hike overlooks the jagged peak of the Matterhorn.

Each of the silk-upholstered, shoji-screened bedrooms at Shogun looks over a central pond.

The 1,500-acre Pezula estate is set along the Garden Route between a three-mile-long stretch of coastline and the Sinclair Nature Reserve.

See four more opulent villas at Departures.com

1

2

3

4

5

(Departures.com) — What kind of holiday rental home costs $10,000 a day? Perhaps one set on a private Caribbean beach, with a personal fleet of boats?

An Alpine chalet, with postcard-perfect views of the Matterhorn from every window? Or maybe a personal spa, with a lap pool, hiking trails, a state-of-the-art gym — and an on-call personal trainer to make sure you use them?

The answer: yes, yes and yes. For today’s new generation of well-heeled travelers — who are increasingly eschewing hotels for private rental villas — the bar for luxe hideaways has reached dizzying heights.

Departures.com: See more over-the-top villas

For a certain breed of jet-setter, home theaters, Ducasse-worthy kitchens and private bars stocked with top-shelf liquor are all de rigueur; what they’re after are award-winning chefs ready to whip up personalized dinner-party menus or on-demand yachts with captains who know the best deep-sea fishing spots.

Somewhat ironically, this surge in over-the-topness could be considered a by-product of harder economic times. “Before the global financial crisis there was a glut of high-end construction,” explains Brian Sharples, founder of HomeAway, a network of villa rental websites representing 650,000 properties with prices ranging from a few hundred dollars up to $392,000 a week. “Many owners of luxury properties who were over-leveraged have now turned to rentals as a way to defray ownership costs.”

The result is a super competitive market where added extras like sports cars and ski equipment are as common as evening turndown treats in hotels.

While many of the world’s most opulent villas lure guests with an array of cool toys (and we do mean cool — how does recording studio equipment once used by John Lennon sound?), others deal in what may be the most coveted holiday-home currency: privacy.

Departures.com: Top yoga retreats

Is it any wonder that rock stars and royals duck the paparazzi by hiding out on islands like St. Barth and Mustique (particularly when there are homes like Shogun — set alone on a cloistered estate and reminiscent of a Japanese imperial palace, koi pond included)?

Of course, for those seeking true sanctuary, the right vacation villa is only part of the equation; the right staff is also key. (After all, a Viking stove isn’t much use if you’re a terrible cook; and 17,000 square feet seems like a lot, when you have to vacuum it yourself.)

That’s why many top-tier villas come with phalanxes of personnel and also offer private transport — via luxury car, boat or helicopter — to zip guests anyplace they desire. But, really, when your home away from home is as outrageously opulent as these villas, why go anywhere else?

Nandana, Grand Bahama Island

Sequestered behind ornately carved wooden doors (rescued from a 250-year-old Javanese temple), the 20,000-square-foot Nandana evokes a Balinese teak palace — with a few exceptions.

One is its location, on five private acres of Bahamian beachfront on Grand Bahama’s Pine Cay; another is the 120-foot-long infinity pool that anchors five luxurious suites, including one styled like an air-conditioned safari tent.

Departures.com: World’s top walking cities

Yet another is the fleet of go-go gadgets that comes with the property, including four top-of-the-line Yamaha FX WaveRunners (capable of reaching 70 mph), two golf carts, two Suzuki all terrain vehicles, a customized Land Rover Defender and a deep-sea fishing yacht with a captain.

The only downside: You might have to bring your own Learjet for the private airfield. nandanavilla.com

Elisa, Aspen, Colorado

This 17,000-square-foot, six-bedroom mountain lodge has views over the wild snowshoe terrain of Aspen’s Red Mountain from nearly every window.

There’s an entry room with soaring vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, stone walls and a huge welcoming hearth; outside, there’s a 60-foot-long infinity pool, hot tub and a colonnaded stone porch with its own massive fireplace — perfect for evening toddies or marshmallow roasts.

Departures.com: A global guide to vacation villas

Ski lift passes and in-house ski and boot fittings are provided. If there’s a vintage you can’t find in your pre-stocked wine cellar, engage the services of Elisa’s personal butler. villazzo.com

Chalet Hike, Zermatt, Switzerland

This five-bedroom ski chalet has possibly the most iconic mountain views in the world; almost every room overlooks the jagged peak of the Matterhorn. Inside, the house has been customized to provide the ultimate in pre-and après-ski comfort.

There’s the state-of-the-art Brazilian stone and Italian marble kitchen, outfitted with Gaggenau and Miele appliances; a walk-in wine cellar; a sprawling leather De Sede sectional, big enough to sleep three or four extra guests; both bio-fire and natural-log fireplaces; a full gym; boot warmers and a drying room for top-of-the-line ski equipment; and ice-climbing gear, in case you fancy tackling Europe’s most iconic peak.

Best of all, though, is the quartz and crystal-tiled steam room, which purportedly helps speed healing after a challenging day on the slopes. premiumswitzerland.com

Shogun, Mustique

On an island already famous for its over-the-top exclusivity (Mick Jagger has a holiday home here, and Prince William and Kate Middleton came to celebrate her 30th birthday), the Japanese ryokan-style Shogun, which is 9,000 square feet, stands alone for its outlandish opulence.

The house, built on five bucolic cliff-side acres on the western saddle of the island in 1980 — and newly renovated this year — is a showcase for Japanese art and antiques, and sports two swimming pools, a private putting green, three vehicles (one Suzuki jeep and two open “mules”) and a game-fishing powerboat.

Each of the nine silk-upholstered, shoji-screened bedrooms is named for a Japanese flower; most look over a 1,000-square-foot central pond, stocked with a small fortune’s worth of koi. mustique-island.com

Pezula Private Castle, Knysna, South Africa

A 40-minute ride in a private helicopter brings guests from Cape Town to the 1,500-acre Pezula estate, set along the Garden Route between a three-mile-long stretch of coastline and the Sinclair Nature Reserve.

As well as a luxury resort, the property is home to Pezula Private Castle, an elite hideaway set into a cliff overlooking pristine Noetzie Beach. The Castle — aptly named, with stone towers that resemble something out of medieval England — contains five suites scattered among three separate buildings.

The main castle has two living rooms with wood-burning fireplaces, a bar stocked with South African wines, a full gymnasium, an infinity pool, a ten-seat dining table (with private chef) and magnificent views over white sand and the Indian Ocean. pezula.com

Departures.com: See more over-the-top villas

© 2010 American Express Publishing Corporation. All rights reserved.

Article source: http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/14/travel/worlds-most-opulent-villas/index.html?eref=rss_mostpopular

The 20,000-square-foot Nandana is on five private acres of Bahamian beachfront and has a 120-foot-long infinity pool that anchors five luxurious suites.

See more opulent villas at Departures.com

The 17,000-square-foot, six-bedroom mountain lodge has views over the terrain of Aspen’s Red Mountain from nearly every window.

Almost every room at Chalet Hike overlooks the jagged peak of the Matterhorn.

Each of the silk-upholstered, shoji-screened bedrooms at Shogun looks over a central pond.

The 1,500-acre Pezula estate is set along the Garden Route between a three-mile-long stretch of coastline and the Sinclair Nature Reserve.

See four more opulent villas at Departures.com

1

2

3

4

5

(Departures.com) — What kind of holiday rental home costs $10,000 a day? Perhaps one set on a private Caribbean beach, with a personal fleet of boats?

An Alpine chalet, with postcard-perfect views of the Matterhorn from every window? Or maybe a personal spa, with a lap pool, hiking trails, a state-of-the-art gym — and an on-call personal trainer to make sure you use them?

The answer: yes, yes and yes. For today’s new generation of well-heeled travelers — who are increasingly eschewing hotels for private rental villas — the bar for luxe hideaways has reached dizzying heights.

Departures.com: See more over-the-top villas

For a certain breed of jet-setter, home theaters, Ducasse-worthy kitchens and private bars stocked with top-shelf liquor are all de rigueur; what they’re after are award-winning chefs ready to whip up personalized dinner-party menus or on-demand yachts with captains who know the best deep-sea fishing spots.

Somewhat ironically, this surge in over-the-topness could be considered a by-product of harder economic times. “Before the global financial crisis there was a glut of high-end construction,” explains Brian Sharples, founder of HomeAway, a network of villa rental websites representing 650,000 properties with prices ranging from a few hundred dollars up to $392,000 a week. “Many owners of luxury properties who were over-leveraged have now turned to rentals as a way to defray ownership costs.”

The result is a super competitive market where added extras like sports cars and ski equipment are as common as evening turndown treats in hotels.

While many of the world’s most opulent villas lure guests with an array of cool toys (and we do mean cool — how does recording studio equipment once used by John Lennon sound?), others deal in what may be the most coveted holiday-home currency: privacy.

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Is it any wonder that rock stars and royals duck the paparazzi by hiding out on islands like St. Barth and Mustique (particularly when there are homes like Shogun — set alone on a cloistered estate and reminiscent of a Japanese imperial palace, koi pond included)?

Of course, for those seeking true sanctuary, the right vacation villa is only part of the equation; the right staff is also key. (After all, a Viking stove isn’t much use if you’re a terrible cook; and 17,000 square feet seems like a lot, when you have to vacuum it yourself.)

That’s why many top-tier villas come with phalanxes of personnel and also offer private transport — via luxury car, boat or helicopter — to zip guests anyplace they desire. But, really, when your home away from home is as outrageously opulent as these villas, why go anywhere else?

Nandana, Grand Bahama Island

Sequestered behind ornately carved wooden doors (rescued from a 250-year-old Javanese temple), the 20,000-square-foot Nandana evokes a Balinese teak palace — with a few exceptions.

One is its location, on five private acres of Bahamian beachfront on Grand Bahama’s Pine Cay; another is the 120-foot-long infinity pool that anchors five luxurious suites, including one styled like an air-conditioned safari tent.

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Yet another is the fleet of go-go gadgets that comes with the property, including four top-of-the-line Yamaha FX WaveRunners (capable of reaching 70 mph), two golf carts, two Suzuki all terrain vehicles, a customized Land Rover Defender and a deep-sea fishing yacht with a captain.

The only downside: You might have to bring your own Learjet for the private airfield. nandanavilla.com

Elisa, Aspen, Colorado

This 17,000-square-foot, six-bedroom mountain lodge has views over the wild snowshoe terrain of Aspen’s Red Mountain from nearly every window.

There’s an entry room with soaring vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, stone walls and a huge welcoming hearth; outside, there’s a 60-foot-long infinity pool, hot tub and a colonnaded stone porch with its own massive fireplace — perfect for evening toddies or marshmallow roasts.

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Ski lift passes and in-house ski and boot fittings are provided. If there’s a vintage you can’t find in your pre-stocked wine cellar, engage the services of Elisa’s personal butler. villazzo.com

Chalet Hike, Zermatt, Switzerland

This five-bedroom ski chalet has possibly the most iconic mountain views in the world; almost every room overlooks the jagged peak of the Matterhorn. Inside, the house has been customized to provide the ultimate in pre-and après-ski comfort.

There’s the state-of-the-art Brazilian stone and Italian marble kitchen, outfitted with Gaggenau and Miele appliances; a walk-in wine cellar; a sprawling leather De Sede sectional, big enough to sleep three or four extra guests; both bio-fire and natural-log fireplaces; a full gym; boot warmers and a drying room for top-of-the-line ski equipment; and ice-climbing gear, in case you fancy tackling Europe’s most iconic peak.

Best of all, though, is the quartz and crystal-tiled steam room, which purportedly helps speed healing after a challenging day on the slopes. premiumswitzerland.com

Shogun, Mustique

On an island already famous for its over-the-top exclusivity (Mick Jagger has a holiday home here, and Prince William and Kate Middleton came to celebrate her 30th birthday), the Japanese ryokan-style Shogun, which is 9,000 square feet, stands alone for its outlandish opulence.

The house, built on five bucolic cliff-side acres on the western saddle of the island in 1980 — and newly renovated this year — is a showcase for Japanese art and antiques, and sports two swimming pools, a private putting green, three vehicles (one Suzuki jeep and two open “mules”) and a game-fishing powerboat.

Each of the nine silk-upholstered, shoji-screened bedrooms is named for a Japanese flower; most look over a 1,000-square-foot central pond, stocked with a small fortune’s worth of koi. mustique-island.com

Pezula Private Castle, Knysna, South Africa

A 40-minute ride in a private helicopter brings guests from Cape Town to the 1,500-acre Pezula estate, set along the Garden Route between a three-mile-long stretch of coastline and the Sinclair Nature Reserve.

As well as a luxury resort, the property is home to Pezula Private Castle, an elite hideaway set into a cliff overlooking pristine Noetzie Beach. The Castle — aptly named, with stone towers that resemble something out of medieval England — contains five suites scattered among three separate buildings.

The main castle has two living rooms with wood-burning fireplaces, a bar stocked with South African wines, a full gymnasium, an infinity pool, a ten-seat dining table (with private chef) and magnificent views over white sand and the Indian Ocean. pezula.com

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© 2010 American Express Publishing Corporation. All rights reserved.

Article source: http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/14/travel/worlds-most-opulent-villas/index.html?eref=rss_travel

HOLLYWOOD, Florida (PRWEB) May 14, 2012

Just in time to kick off Hollywood’s summer entertainment series, the Hollywood Hardrock Café has announced a lineup of talent that is already attracting visitors from across the country, including Melissa Etheridge, Kenny Loggins and Comedian Kathy Griffin. As music and comedy fans head to Hollywood to take in their favorite artists, many are booking vacation rental condos and cottages in Hollywood through Fort Lauderdale Vacation Rentals instead of expensive hotel rooms.

A site for travelers to find privately owned vacation condos, and homes in Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, and all across Florida, FtLauderdaleVacationRentals.com helps visitors connect with private vacation property owners and rent directly from them. A growing trend in hotel-free lodging, vacation rental properties provide affordable accommodations for families and groups of friends looking for vacation beach homes, condos, or lofts rent at a much greater value than renting a hotel room, especially in Florida’s high tourist season.

Through Ft.Lauderdalevacationrentals.com, travelers can rent a Hollywood condo or cottage for a perfect weekend getaway, at prices significantly lower than those of area hotels. In addition to the cost savings, the added benefits to staying in a private vacation rental home are the kitchen, laundry, and other amenities that go with staying in a private home.

“We’ve found that visitors from the U.S. and Europe are logging on to FtLauderdaleVacationRentals.com to search for an affordable alternative to a hotel, but they’re finding so much more” said John Romano, founder of Fort Lauderdale Vacation Rentals.

“Travelers coming to Hollywood for spring vacation and to see any of these phenomenal shows scheduled for the Hardrock are also coming to enjoy the beautiful beaches and attractions that Fort Lauderdale offers,” Romano said. “They appreciate the value of private vacation home in Hollywood or Fort Lauderdale, with all the comforts of home.

“Visitors can’t get over the value they get with vacation rental condo or villa instead of a hotel, especially when they discover how much they’re saving over a hotel,” he said.

About Ft. Lauderdale Vacation Rentals:

FtLauderdaleVacationRentals.com is the world’s first portal dedicated only to vacation rentals in Fort Lauderdale. Established in 2006 and acquired by Vacation Rental Organization, LLC in 2010, Ft Lauderdale Vacation Rental’s mission is to provide a selection of vacation rentals in Fort Lauderdale and to connect travelers with property owners in the most efficient way possible.

Fort Lauderdale Vacation Rentals’ system allows potential renters to select from an extensive collection of properties, based on location, size, price, and by a variety of features and property types. Prospective renters can research, compare and select cabins, villas, houses, estate homes, mansions, condos and other vacation properties in Ft. Lauderdale.

FtLauderdaleVacationRentals.com is not a broker; it offers a set of management tools combined with an economical conduit between travelers seeking the space, value and amenities of vacation rentals and homeowners looking to rent out their vacation properties. For more information, visit the Ft. Lauderdale Vacation Rentals website at FtLauderdaleVacationRentals.com.

John Romano
Vacation Rental Organization
954-990-5539 1004
Email Information

Article source: http://news.yahoo.com/hollywood-seminole-hard-rock-caf-headliners-may-june-100238942.html