Holiday Vacation Rentals Archives - Page 2 of 2

Christmas in Vail, Colorado: Slopes, Santa, and Sophistication

The Christmas countdown has officially begun in Vail, Colorado, one of North America’s most festive holiday destinations. In May, Vail, Colorado, was accurately named “America’s best Christmas Town” by The Pioneer Woman. Frequent visitors often describe the ski town as a real-life Hallmark destination, with its natural beauty, rustic charm, friendly locals, and seemingly countless holiday-themed festivities. And the perfect place to spend Christmas in Vail, Colorado, is inside Elite Destination Homes’ luxurious Ski Home, a four-bedroom masterpiece that’s minutes from all of the snow-packed action and heartwarming Christmas gatherings. Ski-son’s Greetings! There’s no better way to usher in the jolliest season of the year than a full day on the slopes at the third largest ski area in the U.S. With over 5,000 acres of fresh powder at your disposal, you’ll never want to leave the mountain. Vail Mountain features three distinct sections: Blue Sky Basin, the “Front Side,” and the “Back Bowls.” The area receives approximately 350 inches of fresh snow each year, which lends itself to all 195 trails. With 31 lifts, you’ll never have to worry about finding a desired hill. However, “getting lost” on Vail Mountain is a fun way to spice up your holiday-themed [...]

Fall-Seasoned Smoky Mountain Getaways: Nantahala Lake

During autumn’s peak, Western North Carolina bursts into a colorful meld of vibrant hues, including marigold, amber, kelly, and crimson. Self-proclaimed “leaf peepers” cannot resist the urge to frolic into the Nantahala National Forest in search of sheer tranquility. Amateur photographers, outdoor enthusiasts, and seasoned “autumnophiles” alike embark on Smoky Mountain getaways as summer subtly fades from summer to fall. Jaw-dropping waterfalls, steep singletrack, and rushing rapids lie hidden deep within North Carolina’s Smokies, home to Forge Lake Lodge, a dazzling, 10,000-square-foot palace along the edge of Nantahala Lake. Adventurous Smoky Mountain Getaways Nantahala Lake rests in the heart of the Appalachians, along the southern rim of the Smoky Mountains. Much like New England, Upstate New York, and parts of the Pacific Northwest, most autumnal Smoky Mountain getaways revolve around those vivid, flamboyant leaves that transform from deep green to a colorful palette that would make Bob Ross blush. There are dozens of ways to commemorate a mid-fall expedition through Western North Carolina’s sprawling, densely-thicketed mountains. Remember to arrive with a leaf peeper’s toolbelt, including a pair of binoculars, a professional camera, a trusty GPS, years of outdoor intuition, and a healthy thirst for adventure. Below, we’ve compiled a fall [...]

Experience the Many Colors of Fall in Vail, Colorado

You might not realize it yet, but Vail, Colorado, is so much more than “just” a world-class alpine skiing destination. During summer’s radiance and autumn’s peak, thrillseekers and nature enthusiasts flock to this idyllic village located at the foothills of the White River National Forest’s sprawling mountain range. Common mid-day excursions include hiking, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Adventure awaits around every corner. And, luckily for prospective visitors, the luxurious, four-bedroom Vail Ski Home is only a short jaunt from a seemingly endless array of audacious explorations. Experiencing fall in Vail, Colorado, is a must, particularly for those with a penchant for vibrant foliage, exemplary temperatures, and crowd-less adventurers. 10 Ways to Relish Fall in Vail, Colorado We’re fully aware that summer and winter are “peak” tourist seasons here in the White River National Forest. But please don’t overlook the visual and venturesome splendor of autumn, with its vivid meld of marigold, kelly green, and amber, often accented by snow-capped mountains at the tail end of the season. Visually, fall in Vail, Colorado, is stupendously stunning—photographers, hikers, geocachers, and fly fishers cannot resist an afternoon amid tens of thousands of bright, lemon-colored birches. With so many things to [...]

Discover Mountain Luxury in Teton Village, Wyoming

Hidden near Wyoming’s rushing Snake River at the foothills of glorious Grand Teton National Park lies an idyllic four-season destination: Teton Village, home to one of the world’s most prestigious ski mountains. The region offers so much more than “just” fresh powder, rugged mountains, and 130-plus world-class ski trails. Nature enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, and casual adventurers alike will discover that Teton Village is sublimely positioned at the Grand Teton’s front door, where hiking, horseback riding, fly fishing, and mountain biking excursions naturally transpire. There’s never been a more suitable time to research, book, and plan a secluded, undeniably stirring escape to the United States’ least-populated state. And there’s no better place to start and finish each day of outdoor recreation, fine dining, and utter relaxation than at Garnet Lodge, Teton Village’s crown jewel. Teton Village’s Finest Vacation Home: Garnet Lodge Elite Destination Homes has lavish vacation rentals all across the globe, and this sophisticated Grand Teton lodge remains the crème de la crème among ski homes near Jackson Hole’s genuinely head-turning Rendezvous Mountain. Most skiers and snowboarders find their mouths agape when they first spot this world-renowned mountain. But the truth is that Garnet Lodge itself is equally spellbinding, with its [...]

Off the Beaten Path in America: Luxury Vacation Home Rentals

As summer swiftly approaches, millions of Americans are itching to use their well-deserved PTO via a faraway escape to a slightly-isolated yet undeniably gorgeous destination, such as Colorado’s White River National Forest or New Mexico’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains. There’s never been a more enticing time than right now to escape the city’s clutch en route to a mountainous region or desert landscape. Whether you’re looking for a substantial vacation home to host that upcoming family reunion, off-site board meeting, or monumental anniversary party, the good folks here at Elite Destination Homes are here to help. We boast an eclectic selection of luxury vacation home rentals throughout the U.S. (and beyond), many of which rest well off the beaten path. Luxury Vacation Home Rentals: 4 Unique Destinations The need for a secluded outland getaway has never been greater. Thus, large families, corporate leadership, small organizations, and even bachelorettes (or bachelors) are beginning to think outside the box for their upcoming gathering. As you might imagine, sizable luxury vacation home rentals remain at a premium. Thankfully, the team at Elite Destination Homes is always available to match your large group with a unique locale that suits your size, style, and budget [...]

Safe Travel in the USA: Life after COVID-19

As we swiftly approach Easter, Earth Day, and Memorial Day, it’s growing increasingly difficult to see the light at the end of the coronavirus tunnel. However, as English theologian Thomas Fuller so eloquently put it, “It is always darkest just before the day dawneth.” COVID-19 will, eventually, be a thing of the past. Life will return to normalcy. And people will begin to travel again. That being said, it’s natural to assume that travelers will be a little gun-shy once the curve has been effectively flattened. In anticipation of this fact, the friendly folks here at Elite Destination Homes have compiled a brief, post-coronavirus guide for those looking for safe travel in the USA in a few months. Enjoy! And don’t be afraid to reach out to our caring team of travel experts at 651-389-3843 with any questions about our ongoing efforts to combat COVID-19. Safe Travel in the USA: Ways to Feel Safe Post-Coronavirus For many of us, it’s hard to imagine how our daily lives (and upcoming vacations) are going to look like once the dust settles. Safe travel in the USA will no longer be taken for granted; that much is for certain. Some travelers will be [...]

An Underwater Provo Delight: Turks and Caicos Diving

Turks and Caicos, particularly the isle of Providenciales, is celebrated for its pristine beaches, deep-sea fishing, Caribbean cuisine, and rum bars. Throughout the year, travelers (mainly couples and small families) escape to this Caribbean paradise to unwind, relax, and bask in island sophistication. But it’s also hard to deny the allure of the Atlantic Ocean’s turquoise, crystalline waters, especially when its soft waves are within arm’s reach of Elite Destination Homes’ sleek Turks and Caicos villas. And one of the many ways to explore the Atlantic’s warm aqua is via an underwater dive. Turks and Caicos diving has skyrocketed in popularity over the past two decades, luckily for the curious general public. Turks and Caicos Diving Tours Most top-rated Turks and Caicos diving companies explore the thriving, colorful reefs that line the islands of Providenciales (“Provo”) and Grand Turk. However, Providenciales is a thousand times more accessible than teeny Grand Turk. Regardless, Provo’s reefs, especially those near Grace Bay and Northwest Point, are among the prettiest in the Caribbean. And, believe it or not, most Turks and Caicos scuba teams prefer hosting beginners over seasoned divers—primarily because there’s nothing more heartwarming than observing an awestruck diver who has never swum [...]

Nantahala Waterfalls, a Comprehensive Guide

The Nantahala National Forest is a vast, dense outdoor playground for zealous adventurers and casual travelers alike. Hidden amongst the vibrant, emerald green forestry are jaw-dropping lakes, untouched creeks, and curious wildlife. Lake Nantahala remains the forest’s most beautiful landmark, with its jagged mountains, mirror-like water, and luxuriant lake homes. In fact, Forge Lake Lodge, one of the most desirable Western North Carolina vacation rentals, has become a massive draw for large families and groups searching for an idyllic combination of sophistication and adventure. The lodge itself has canoes, on-site hiking trails, and exquisite patios. However, a trip to Western North Carolina is incomplete without visiting a handful of the prettiest Nantahala waterfalls. The 5 Best Nantahala Waterfalls It’s nearly impossible to be objective when listing the best Nantahala waterfalls as everyone’s eye is different. That being said, we think that this comprehensive list provides a unique mixture of visual treats, backcountry adventures, and brief overlooks. Short and Sweet: Rufus Morgan Falls Rufus Morgan Falls’ trailhead is approximately 10 miles from Forge Lake Lodge, making it one of the most-frequent Nantahala waterfalls. The trail itself is just one mile long with less than 300 feet of elevation gain, so it’s [...]

A Handy Guide to Finding the Perfect Cabo Beach

Sunbathing is the most common midday activity in Los Cabos among travelers (combined with a bit of swimming and snorkeling, of course). Nothing beats an afternoon spent sprawled out on an idyllic Cabo beach with your toes in the warm sand. Unlike many other overcrowded tropical destinations, many of the best beaches in Cabo San Lucas see very little foot traffic despite featuring dramatic cliffs and unobstructed views of the picturesque Sea of Cortez. And don’t forget that Elite Destination Homes has nearly a dozen luxury rental properties within steps of a dreamlike Cabo beach, including the grand, ocean-view Villa Jacqueline. The 3 Best Cabo San Lucas Beaches As you can probably imagine, narrowing down our favorite swimmable beaches in Cabo San Lucas was quite challenging. Each sandy Cabo beach has an array of enticing attributes, including expansive ocean views, pristine sand, and nearby eateries. But these destinations truly stand out among the rest for three very different reasons: beauty, snorkeling, and location. Playa del Amor (Lovers Beach) Playa del Amor (known to most travelers as “Lovers Beach”) is within walking distance of the heart of the city, so don’t be surprised to bump into a sea of beachgoers during [...]

The 4 Best Holiday Vacation Rentals in the U.S.A.

Yet another holiday season is just around the corner as families turn their attention from autumn’s peak to Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas presents, and New Year’s Eve plans. Last year, one in three people traveled during the holiday season—the most on record. As more and more families plan a well-deserved, long-awaited trip around the holidays, the demand for luxury holiday vacation rentals continuously skyrockets. Luckily for you and your family, Elite Destination Homes has several high-end vacation homes scattered throughout the U.S.A. Over the years, our talented, knowledgeable concierge team has helped countless families plan Christmas holidays, Thanksgiving vacations, and New Year getaways. The trick is to plan ahead, think outside the box, and let our team go to work! 4 Lavish Holiday Vacation Rentals The window to book one of our most-desirable holiday vacation rentals is closing. But don’t fret; because we almost guarantee that one of these marvelous homes will still be available this holiday season. Hopefully, this quick rundown will give you a “taste” of what we can offer here at Elite Destination Homes. Adobe Zen House Location: Taos, New Mexico Bedrooms: 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, sleeps 10 Square footage: 4,600 Starting at: $545 per night Main features: [...]

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