LAP OF VACATION RENTAL LuxuRY
From urban getaways to glamping and beach-side living, luxury vacation rentals in the U.S. can take many forms.
They’re typically spacious and equipped with all the amenities (and often more) than you’d find at home, including gourmet kitchens, hot tubs and pools. A few worth checking out south of the border:
TWO VIEWS, MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.
Located in a private gated community on the south end of Garden City Beach — the quiet side of Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island — this completely renovated five-bedroom home (Two Views) has everything you’d want: Jacuzzi tub, fireplace, a wrap-around covered porch, enclosed outside showers, magnificent views and water on each side. Make dinner on your charcoal grill or head down to the Gulf Stream Café for great food and sunset views. Don’t miss the Murrells Inlet marsh walk, lively entertainment and some of the world’s best seafood nearby.
REUNION RESORT, KISSIMMEE, FLA.
Travellers have plenty of choices when it comes to rentals in Kissimmee, the “Vacation Home capital of the world,” located just minutes from Orlando International Airport. Reunion Resort, nine kilometres from Walt Disney World, has an impressive collection of affordable luxury vacation home rentals, including threeto 12-bedroom homes featuring spacious living and dining areas, gourmet kitchens, patios, balconies. Some boast smart-home technology, theatre and game rooms, and even putting greens and bowling alleys.
FORREST LODGE, MT. HOOD TERRITORY, ORE.
If vacationing with extended family or a group of friends who want to be close to nature, there’s the Forrest Lodge, set amidst a towering stand of old-growth trees on 1.2 hectares of land with groomed trails. This A-frame, all-seasons home, with room for 10 people, features an all-wood interior and massive, round beveled-glass windows with scenic views, plus sauna, hot tub, hand-built stone chimney fireplace and huge kitchen.
HÔTEL PLAZA ATHÉNÉE, NEW YORK CITY
If the Big Apple is your destination you’ll find a few luxury rentals and suites located within fine hotels on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Lady Diana and Elizabeth Taylor are among those who have stayed at this discreet residential-style hotel featuring 143 rooms and suites, some with indoor glass atriums and outdoor terraces. Located near Madison Avenue, Central Park and Fifth Avenue’s Museum Mile.
AKA BEVERLY HILLS, CALIF.
Discerning travellers will likely find what they need at this exclusive property located in the Golden Triangle with walking access to world-famous Rodeo Drive.
Choose from 88 one and two-bedroom suites, lofts and townhomes with private balconies and fully equipped kitchens, complimentary transportation service and residents-only garden courtyard.
YELLOWSTONE COLLECTIVE RETREAT, MONTANA
The comforts of five-star accommodation in the wilds of nature are what you’ll find at this retreat at Moonlight Basin, near Big Sky, Montana. Your tent is outfitted with beautiful curated furnishings, and after breakfast, served daily by the retreats’ executive chef, there’s hiking and biking opportunities within what’s described as “one of only two intact natural ecosystems in North America.” Get out the s’mores!
THE VILLAS, GALVESTON ISLAND, TEXAS
Five luxury 74-square-metre villas in a quiet residential setting are the newest addition to the iconic San Luis Resort. Every villa suite has an exclusive entrance and features a king-sized bedroom, three TVs, private veranda with a hot tub, separate pool area and personal butler service. Guests have the option of upgrading their travel arrangements to arrive via luxury helicopter or limousine!
Retreat at Rancho Canyon, Taos, N.M.
The three-bedroom Pueblo-style house with mountain views is just eight kilometres from Taos, and next to Carson National Forest, with hiking trails mere steps away from the property. Hand-crafted furniture, leather chairs, gas fireplace and pine cabinets inside, and barbecue grill and campfire ring, plus a new secluded meditation hut for quiet contemplation outside.
CASA INCOGNITO, LAS VEGAS, NEV.
This recently renovated semicustom, boutique house on a treelined street is ideally situated just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. At 288 square metres, the two-story stucco and stone dwelling is spacious and has an outdoor garden, patio for barbecuing with friends, and a Jacuzzi spa.