Business Hotels in Amsterdam - Your Comfort, Their Business

Amsterdam's promise of diversity and wealth make it an excellent choice for living, education, and most especially, business. Its ideal location in the European continent makes it a popular tourist and business destination, playing host to various flourishing industries. If you are visiting Amsterdam to wheel and deal, your best lodging option is a business hotel in Amsterdam.

Business hotels in Amsterdam are for the businessman on the move. They provide both leisure and business facilities perfect for conferences, meetings, or any kind of business travel. Most business hotels in Amsterdam are designed to please, with your convenience as their primary aim.

Location, Location, Location
Because time is always of the essence in business, the best business hotels in Amsterdam are tucked in central locations. This provides you with more mobility, and you don't end up wasting too much time getting from one place to another. If you are only staying for a day or two in Amsterdam, a business hotel located near the airport is right for you. Because it is not particularly scenic, you don't get sidetracked into doing other things. Moreover, you don't have to put up with city traffic. Instead, you can fly out in a hurry as soon as you get your work done.

A Little Thing Called the Internet
Possibly the most important facility that business hotels in Amsterdam can offer is high speed Internet access. Modern businesses rely heavily on the World Wide Web, so it is a must that you can access the Internet everywhere you go.

Some business hotels in Amsterdam provide Internet connection in specific locations or hot spots, such as the lobby, coffee shops, and business centers. More and more business hotels in Amsterdam, however, are offering Internet connection in every room, giving business travelers like you the freedom of staying in touch with the office, as well as your home, right from the comforts of your own hotel room.

Similarly, if you are holding meetings or conferences in business hotels in Amsterdam, it is essential that the function room or conference room be equipped with a high speed Internet connection. This gives presenters a chance to demonstrate products and show reports, fostering better understanding for the attendees. High speed Internet connection also allows you to conduct video conferences, interactive training workshops, and business seminars.

The Customer Is Always Right
Being a businessman, you know exactly how important it is to take care of your customers so naturally, you would expect to be treated the same way. You expect no less than the best customer service in business hotels in Amsterdam. Any lapses, no matter how seemingly insignificant, have the potential to compromise sensitive deals and necessary negotiations. Speed, efficiency, convenience, and an added bit of comfort make transactions and deals go smoothly.

The best business hotels in Amsterdam do their part in fulfilling all your needs, even going the extra mile to satisfy. Some business hotels in Amsterdam provide transportation through shuttles, private cars, and taxis. Staff in the best business hotels in Amsterdam would iron your shirt, find a special tie, and even buy a pair of socks for you. They would find your lost luggage and fix your hairdryer, if they haven't provided you one already.

After a hard day's work, even the busiest businessman would want to wind down. Take the time to take advantage of the facilities provided by business hotels in Amsterdam. You can get a relaxing massage at the hotel's spa, take a dip at the pool, or grab a drink at the bar. Oh yes, businessmen everywhere will find it makes perfect business sense to stay at business hotels in Amsterdam.

St Thomas Villas Benefits

There are many ways to travel to St Thomas. A great way to really see the island is to fly there and rent one of the St Thomas Villas. Vacationing in a villa can be a really great experience.

Vacation villas can really be inexpensive for a group of couples. Villas range from $3000-$10000 per week but if you have a group of 8-10 it can be a very reasonable price for a top shelf luxury vacation. Most St Thomas condos have private pools, hot tubs and beautiful furnishings. They also have big gourmet kitchens, computers, wifi, beaches and more.

Villa rental can also be fantastic for families. They give you the room you need as well as the privacy. That's really the big advantage to consider, the privacy. You have your own home for 7 nights. No sharing anything with anyone. That's a great added bonus while on vacation.

You can also go food shopping and cook your own meals. This is a great way to save some money while on vacation. Going to dinner 6 nights in a week can be very expensive. So villa rental gives you the best of both worlds. Cook in when you want and go out to dinner a few nights. This works especially well for breakfast and lunch. Nothing beats a cheeseburger by your own private pool.

A second way to travel to the US Virgin Islands is to fly and stay at a hotel. This is a great option for a couple as the room rates are reasonable and villa rental can be expensive for only a couple. There is a wide variety of hotels in St Thomas, ranging from the very expensive to the very inexpensive. You may want to consider a property on a beach or on a hilltop depending on the style of vacation you'd like to take.

Hotels are nice if you like to meet and be surrounded by other people. It's very nice to make new friends while on vacation. Sometimes those new friendships can last a lifetime. The flip side to that is you may have to put up with a lot of screaming kids while on your relaxing vacation. Are you okay with little Johnny from Minnesota yelling that his sister took is toy?

Most vacation on cruise ships and stop in downtown. It's interesting to see the tourists pour off the cruise ships and rush to the t-shirt stands. They seem to love to buy a lot of "stuff".

St Thomas receives 2-7 cruise ships per day. So at any time there could be 7000-30000 people being offloaded into the total population of 50000. That's a lot to consider when traveling to St Thomas.

There is a lot of traffic in St Thomas. Locals have a hard time driving through downtown because of all the cruise ship passengers. Believe it or not it could potentially take you an hour from going back and forth across the island. That's a long drive for an island 4 miles wide by 10 miles long.

A cruise vacation to St Thomas is a great way to go if you only want to see a few things in St Thomas but you'll certainly miss a lot of other great activities and culture.

Some of the sights to see in St Thomas is Magens Bay. This beach is consistently listed as one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. It's a mile long white sandy beach with lots of great trees for shade. It has one restaurant and bar and a lot of lifeguards. The water is always calm and flat which make it great for swimming. Locals go there every Sunday to celebrate with their friends and family. It is a great beach to visit.

Shopping is terrific on the island. You can get great deals on jewelry and clothing. Plus you won't have to pay any tax. That's great if you're buying an expensive piece of jewelry for sure. The booze on the island is very inexpensive as well. So stock up on your rum.

My favorite way to travel is to research St Thomas Villas and book one that meets my needs. Personally I think that having your own private place is the way to go. You get all the benefits of luxury without having to share it with hundreds of strangers. It's always a relaxing, quiet vacation that you control. Look around for the right house for your needs via the internet. There you can find all the options you want and budgets that you can afford.

Vacationing in a villa can be a really great experience.

Travel smart: Keep your finances safe while on vacation

With summer just around the corner, getting one?s finances in order is just as essential as finding a hotel, booking a flight or packing the sunscreen when it comes to vacation planning.

In order to truly relax on vacation, consumers should safeguard against possible financial problems by taking precautions before they leave home, said Steven Katz, spokesman for Trans Union?s . Most importantly, he said, people should call their credit card companies to notify them of any travel plans."I don?t think a lot of people do it," Katz said. But letting credit card issuers in on your travel itinerary lets them know where you will be making purchases, so they can better detect any fraudulent charges, he said.Since many people feel uncomfortable carrying a lot of cash on vacation, credit cards are a popular alternative, but it is best to bring just a few — only one, if possible — while traveling, Katz said. That lessens the likelihood that cards will be lost or stolen.Similarly, any unnecessary source of identification, such as Social Security cards, should be left behind in a safe place at home, he said."You want to carry as few pieces of personal information as possible," he said.When it comes to essential travel documents, such as driver?s licenses and passports, Katz advises people to make two copies of each. They should carry one copy with them, in case the original document gets lost or stolen, and leave the other behind, either in a safe deposit box at home or with a trusted friend or family member.When traveling, particularly abroad, people should keep a close eye on their credit cards to prevent someone from stealing account information, Katz said."Keep your credit card in your sights as frequently as possible," he said. If they feel uncomfortable giving their card to someone, travelers should instead pay with cash, he said.In the midst of minding their credit cards and enjoying their vacation, many people tend to forget about bills they may have piling up back home."Sometimes they forget about their payment cycle," Katz said, and missing a bill payment can damage consumers? credit scores. To prevent that, people should check their billing cycle before they leave for vacation and, if possible, either arrange for automatic bill payment or switch the payment due date. Both of these things typically can be done online, Katz said.Also, vacationers should have the post office hold all of their mail while they are traveling. Mail that piles up in a home?s mailbox is an easy target for would-be identity thieves, giving them access to personal information, especially if any bills arrive with account numbers on them.Finally, with all of the precautions people take before leaving for vacation, it is equally important that they are financially responsible on their trip. Even the best financial intentions can be undone by overspending on a vacation, Katz said."People do tend to get themselves into some trouble," he said.One way to control spending is to pay with cash or travelers? checks whenever possible to ensure that vacationers are spending money they actually have, he said. Also, setting a budget is key, he said."If you can, know what you are willing to spend on the trip — and don?t exceed it," he said.Cara Baruzzi can be reached at or 789-5748.

Choose a Vacation Using a Detailed Map of Spain

Not sure where to go for vacation? Well, Spain could be the perfect destination if you are looking for fantastic attractions, interesting sights, vibrant entertainment and night life, history, Spanish culture and recreation such as golfing, swimming and hiking, to name a few. The only problem you may face is the selection of great destinations from which to choose. You may have a hard time deciding where to go. Spain has so much to offer in terms of culture, interesting history, great adventure, fun and relaxation. A detailed map of Spain may help you make a decision as far as which part of Spain you want to visit. Regardless of your destination choice, you are sure to have a vacation of a lifetime with a full itinerary. Whether you are traveling alone, as a couple, with a group or as a family, you will find plenty for everyone to do and enjoy making Spain one of the most ideal vacation destinations.

One way to help decide on a destination is to consider what sights you want to see, what recreational activities or hobbies you enjoy and any other preferences such as the beach or the breathtaking scenery of the countryside. For instance, if it is the beach you love, one of Spain's popular coastal cities such as Alicante or Benidorm may be a great choice for you. Benidorm is particularly popular for its vibrant night life. If you want the hustle and bustle of the city and love museums and galleries, Madrid or Barcelona could be the perfect place for you. If you want to more deeply experience the Spanish culture, you may want to focus on one of the many smaller, quaint towns or villas found in both the countryside and along the Mediterranean coastline.

Another great aspect of vacationing in Spain is that you can find some affordable prices on flights and hotel accommodations. You can enjoy your vacation without the worry of overextending your finances and budget. The Internet is a great place to start your search, particularly on the many travel websites available which can offer great deals on hotels, flights and even health insurance. You can compare prices and packages at your convenience and in the comfort of your own home or office, as well as make the reservations. Ease of planning your vacation without hassle and inconvenience is, definitely, a great way to start your vacation even before arriving in Spain.

The Best International Honeymoon Destinations

Numerous things are to be kept in mind while you are planning a wedding. At the reception what should be the menu? At the couple's first dance what song is to be played? The dress bridesmaids will wear? The question that will gather attention to discussion is about the honeymoon destination. After a month long planning and hard work, enjoyment and relaxation is brought by the honeymoon. During this time you enjoy the most because you are with the person you love the most. You can plan the most unforgettable holiday for both you and your wife by selecting the right place.

1. A countless international honeymoon destination is present on the earth. Hawaiian Islands present you with scenery and diversity. Unspoiled beaches, tropical vista and extensive array of cuisine, activities and tourist locations will keep honeymooners at their toes and make them enjoy.

2. Watching a sunset with your new spouse is considered to be the most romantic pastimes in Hawaii. Top golf courses are present for active couples. In one of the most beautiful place on the world you can schedule a tee-time and play a round of golf. Among the endless options includes playing a game of tennis or sit by the pool, spend time in the sauna or attend a Hawaiian luau.

3. Southern coast of Europe are among the other favorite honeymoon destination. Italy comes under this location. Vatican, Baroque fountains and Roman ruins are to be enjoyed. Real Italian food and a gondola ride can be taken down the Tiber River at the night.

4. Tahiti authentic Italian cuisine and gondola ride down the Tiber River is the best location if you are looking for a tropical honeymoon. Palm trees, endless beaches, and a sense of paradise are provided by South Seas in the Polynesian island of Tahiti. In Tahiti you will find plenty to discover.

5. A relaxing, simple tour for the honeymooners on the lookout for a beautiful place to have fun, is situated in the east of British Virgin Islands where lies the small British island of Anguilla. In Anguilla they can also enjoy the nature. Over the crystal clear water they can enjoy the sunset.

Some Of The Best Water Sports Destinations

An ideal vacation for many people will be an ocean shore nearby with sandy beaches and a warm and comfortable climate. A great way to remove yourself from the daily routine and to take that much needed rest is by going on a vacation. Here are some number one hot spots for those who are water sports enthusiasts and enjoy water skiing, surfing, sailing or variety of other water sports.

The tropical island of St. Lucia, which is 27miles long and 14 miles wide, is a dream come true for many sailors and water sports enthusiasts. If you are planning to visit this island then you should set your sails and prepare your body, mind and soul for absolute adventure. For each and every type of explorer the western coastline presents exciting adventures and anchorages. You can easily sail the west coast till Rodney bay and then enjoy the beach on Pigeon Island National Park.

After that you can sail to Soufrière and then visit the Mineral baths, the Botanical Gardens, the volcano and the Diamond Falls. You can then drop the anchor on a magnificent deserted beach at Ansa Cochon. This magnificent deserted beach was made just for snorkeling. You can enjoy the afternoon by continuing your snorkeling at Coral Gardens or enjoy it on a beach at Jalousie Plantation Resort.

The "Soupbowl" at Bathsheba, Barbados has attracted many water sports enthusiasts over the years. Champion players of water sports and many water sports enthusiasts come to the "Soupbowl" to spend their training vacation and to enjoy the warm, friendly atmosphere and the uncrowded waves. Bathsheba is mainly famous for its big thundering barrels and fast walls.

Both the locals and the overseas surfers have enjoyed surfing at the "Soupbowl" at Bathsheba for many years. In November this charming fishing village turns into a hive of activities because it is at this time that the International Surfing Championships takes place as it is at this time that the waves are at their best.

There are also other sites that have good waves for surfing, like, St.Vincent and Lagoon Bay. Although the windward side of the Shipping bay also has good waves for surfing, it is definitely not for the faint hearted. Another good surfing site is on the East coast of Trinidad called the Ministers Bay. The Caribbean Sea doesn't disappoint the enthusiastic surfers who wait from sunrise to sunset on the boards for the break.

Water Ski Magazine has rated the water skiing at the Ski Paradise, Acapulco, in Mexico as the 'finest site for skiing in the world'. Even if you are a beginner or you just want to sharpen your skills, you will have a great time at this resort. This Ski resort is a vital water skiing and fun holidays destination as it includes instructions from famous guest coaches and good accommodation. The Ski Paradise will make any visit to its resort an experience to remember with its vast services and activities. Another amazing factor about the Ski Paradise is that it also caters to the sport fishing, golf and tennis.

Thus, in the end we can say that these are not the only destinations in the world for water sports. It does not matter whether you live on the west coast or the east coast; there are plenty of other great water sports destinations too. All you have to do is find a nice affordable vacation and then enjoy your adventure holidays and your water sports to the fullest.

Central Kenya National Animal Parks-Mt Kenya & Aberdare Park

Kenya Mountain National parks

Mt Kenya national park is more than just the home of Kenya's highest fountain and unique flora and fauna: it is the region's biggest attraction and treks to the summit of pt Lenana (4985) are the highlights of many people's trip to Africa.

While the Aberdare National Park is best known to the outside world as the place princess Elizabeth became queen, those who have been lucky enough to visit will recall I far more for its lush salient rainforest ,Kinangop plateau and abundant wildlife.

Lesser known Meru National Park, with diverse landscapes and wildlife, is one of Kenya's best kept secret.

The tiny national park of Ol Donyo Sabuk straddles its namesake hill and plays home to a lush forest, buffaloes, birds, and primates.

Travelling to Central Kenya mountain vacation spots

Air

Daily Air Kenya (Tel 020-605745; www.airkenya.com) and Safarilink (Tel 020-600777' www.asfarilink.co.ke) services link Nanyuki with Nairobi (Wilson airport), Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Samburu National Park. Air Kenya also has three flights a week connecting the Meru National with Samburu and Nairobi.

Bus and Matatu

The central highlands are linked to Nairobi, western Kenya and the southern reaches of northern Kenya by countless matatus (mini buses) and regular bus services. Limited bus services also connect the region to Mombasa and the coast.

Getting around

This region's roads are in particularly good shape and thanks to the new matatu safety regulations; it is safer than ever to get around. Countless buses and matatus ply the route between all major towns.

Aberdares

The Aberdares stretch from south Kinangop, east of Naivasha, up to the Laikipia Escarpment northwest of Nyahururu, known to the Kikuyu as Nyandarua (meaning drying hide), the aberdares were named by explorer Joseph Thomson in 1844.

The lower eastern slopes of the aberdares were long cultivated by the kikuyu ,while the higher regions (now part of the Aberdare National Park),boasting 400m peaks, 300m water-falls, dense forests ,bamboo thickets ,mist covered moors and serious trekking potential ,were left to leopards, buffalos, lions, rhinos and elephants. The aberdares remains Kenya's best place to spot black rhinos.

European settlers established coffee and tea plantations on the eastern side of the aberdares and the wheat and pyrethrum (chrysanthemum) on the western side of the slope.

NYERI AND AROUND

(Tel code 061)

A well positioned, lively place and on e of central highlands largest towns, Nyeri is the administrative headquarter of central province and gateway to Aberdare National Park. in colonialism's earlier days, Nyeri was a garrison town, but it quickly became a trading and social center for white cattle ranchers, coffee growers and wheat farmers. The verdant surrounds are intensely cultivated for vegetables, sugar cane, citrus fruits, bananas, tea, coffee and macadamia nuts.

On a clear morning, you can see distant Mount Kenya in all its snow- capped glory. However, few travelers linger more than two nights.

Information
Internet access is available for Ksh 1 per minute at numerous cafes and at the three post offices which also host card phones.

Barclays bank (Cnr sulukia and Sharpe Rds) exchange cash and travelers cheques (Ksh per leaf commission).
With ATM

Kenya commercial bank (Kenyatta Rd) with ATM
(Visa only)

Wanga cyber hut (Batian exhibition center, Gakere Rd; per CD burned Ksh 50) burn images to CD using USB connections.

Vacation Condos, A Great Investment

The advent of the condominium has created a great investment opportunity for savvy investors. Vacation rentals has become one of the more thriving aspects of the real estate industry as high-priced hotels and resorts have caused vacationers to seek a more cost-effective solution for accommodation. This is a trend that is becoming more and more popular, not only in the typical vacation locations around the continental U.S.A. such as Arizona, Florida, and California, but also in highly desirable winter locations like Colorado and Utah. This is also a trend that is making great money for investors who buy internationally in some of the world's most popular vacation areas.

One of the aspects that makes a vacation condo rental so popular is the relatively low level of upkeep that is necessary. Cleaners can be easily contracted to keep the interior of the unit in pristine condition and the owner fees see to the condition and maintenance of the exterior of the building as with any condo complex. However, investing in a vacation rental condo requires some real legwork and investigation into the area you are investing in and the building that you have chosen. One major concern is the fact that many condo developments have rules against rentals. So you must be sure to find a building where this is not the case. Also, you will need the assurance that you can easily get information about the state of your investment from wherever you reside. This can be easily done by communication with the condo association for the building or by a property management service.

As with any investment make sure that you take certain measures to protect your interests. This will include proper contracts for people staying in your condo, user agreements so to speak. Also make sure that you have the correct insurance for vacation rentals. The final step is to find a place where you can properly advertise your rental, websites are a great solution for this. If you do your homework and plan properly, a vacation rental condo can be a fantastic investment.

Eleven Miles on the Erie Canal

"I've got a mule, and her name is Sal,


Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal.


She's a good ol' worker an' a good ol' pal,


Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal.


We've hauled some barges in our day,


Filled with lumber, coal, and hay,


And we know every inch of the way


From Albany to Buffalo."

Thomas S. Allen, 1905

Where is Sal when you need her? I'm only doing an eleven-mile loop on the historic New York Erie Canal, but I sure could use a mule to help pull my kayak. And, you may ask, how can I paddle a loop on the Erie Canal? After all, it's a linear waterway that runs for 363 miles between Buffalo and Albany. True enough. But today's Erie Canal System also includes some north/south connector canals like the Cayuga/Seneca Canal that connects the Erie Canal to Seneca and Cayuga Lakes. I'm using this canal, a segment of the Clyde River and the Erie Canal to create a loop.

I slide my kayak into the water from the Seneca River Fishing Access Site off Routes 5 & 20 in Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge and begin paddling north on the Cayuga-Seneca Canal. The canal channel is straight as an arrow, so I can paddle easily on the green-tinted water and focus on the abundant wildlife enjoying the refuge. Birds fly overhead and perch on shoreline trees. My serenity is interrupted by a school of fish that lurch into the air, probably trying to catch bugs.

To my right is obviously not part of Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. A herd of cows graze at the water's edge, chewing their cud and watching with wary eyes as I glide by. I click a photo to show my husband. He tolerates my passion for cows. I'm always pointing them out as we drive the countryside.

I reach the confluence where the Clyde River flows into the canal and turn left. The water immediately turns from green to brown and the shoreline changes dramatically. Now it's irregular – a sure sign of a natural waterway. The trees along the banks spill over into the waterway but the channel is wide enough to allow me to easily maneuver around them.

I'm in luck today. The dam at May's Point is closed so the current remains imperceptible. I easily paddle to the ramp at May's Point and portage the short distance to put in again above the low dam. In spring, and after heavy rains, the dam is opened as an overflow valve for the Erie Canal. When the dam is open it can be difficult to paddle to the portage ramp. May's Point Bait and Tackle offers a welcome rest point. I purchase lunch and rest at a picnic table, watching the comings and goings of the local fishermen trying their luck at bass, carp and lake sturgeon.

Refueled, I continue up the wild Clyde River until it meets the Erie Canal. After turning right, I'm officially on the Erie Canal. Up until the last upgrade, the canal had to be kept separate from creeks and rivers so water levels could be controlled. With the 1917 upgrade, technology had progressed, so the route of the canal was moved to take over portions of riverbeds such as the Clyde and Seneca Rivers.

The scenery changes again, back to a straight, man-made channel. As I approach Lock #25, I blow three toots on my air whistle and wait for the lock tender to find me in my small craft and wave me into the lock. I slip on an old pair of gloves so I can hold onto the slimy, wet cable as the water disappears from below my boat in the lock. Unseen, the lock tender opens valves to release the water and I slowly drift downward into a dark chamber of musty smelling, wet cement walls. After a few minutes I bob deep in this dark hole feeling insignificant, when a series of grunt and groans signals the opening of the lock gates. They swing out slowly to reveal a vibrant world of blues and greens. I leave the cool, damp chamber behind and continue down the canal, free again.

A right turn at the next confluence of waters returns me to the Cayuga-Seneca Canal and an easy paddle back to my car. After 5 hours of paddling, I finish the loop without the help of Sal, although I'm sure her spirit was with my every paddle stroke.

The Details:


Location: Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, Seneca County, between Seneca Falls & Auburn, New York


Guidebook: "Take A Paddle – Finger Lakes New York Quiet Water for Canoes & Kayaks," by Rich & Sue Freeman, www.footprintpress.com


Nearby Campgrounds: May's Point Bait & Camping, 3078 Clyde River Drive, Savannah, NY 13146, (315) 365-3183

Oak Orchard Marina & Campground, Route 89 at May's Point/Savannah, NY 13148 www.oakorchard.com, (315) 365-3000


Paddling Distance: 11.2 miles for the full loop


Estimated Time to Paddle: 5-6 hours for the full loop


Amenities: May's Point Bait & Camping offers ice cream, lunches, picnic area, camping, cabins and outhouses.

At Lock 25 there's a Porta-potty and picnic tables.

Exclusive Resorts(R) Reaches $1 Billion in Owned Resort Real Estate

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Exclusive Resorts today announced that it has surpassed the $1 billion
mark in the value of its owned residential resort real estate, which it
believes is greater than the owned portfolios of all other destination
clubs combined. The Club also announced new destinations and new
experiences for its members, further confirming its place as the
industry leader in providing families the best luxury vacation
experiences possible.

Today’s announcements include:



Record-Setting Resort Real Estate Portfolio: Exclusive
Resorts passed the $1 billion mark in the value of its owned
residential resort real estate, all of which is for the exclusive use
of the Club and its members.


New Real Estate Acquisitions: In the last three months
alone, the company entered into agreements to acquire 50 new luxury
residences at Sea Island, Georgia; Mandarin Oriental, Chicago; and One
Steamboat Place, Colorado.


New Unique Experiences: Exclusive Resorts launched an
innovative new addition to its membership offering—called
“Once in a Lifetime”—that
allows its members to experience exotic, one-of-a-kind journeys.

“Today, the world’s
leading destination club has become even better, with the addition of
more residences, more destinations and more experiences,”
said Donn Davis, chief executive officer of Exclusive Resorts. “Owning
$1 billion in luxury residences in dozens of destinations around the
world allows us to provide our members with the most choice, the best
experiences, and the greatest financial security of any destination
club. Simply put, Exclusive Resorts members make the world their second
home.”

Record-Setting Portfolio

In just four years in operation, Exclusive Resorts has reached an
extraordinary milestone in its resort real estate portfolio. With over
300 residences open worldwide, and another 150 currently under
construction, the company’s $1 billion real
estate portfolio is larger than the portfolios of all other destination
clubs combined.

Historically, Exclusive Resorts members have taken on average more than
six trips each year with the Club, choosing from among renovated Tuscan
farmhouses on vast vineyards and ski-in/ski-out four-bedroom penthouses
at the base of Telluride, to cliff-side glass front residences in Costa
Rica and full service pieds-à-terre in the
heart of Manhattan. No matter which destination, Exclusive Resorts
members enjoy five-star resort amenities and the service of a
personalized Onsite Concierge. All told, Club members have taken more
than 35,000 Exclusive Resorts vacations, with an astounding 94 percent
average member satisfaction rating.

New Real Estate Acquisitions

The company has entered into a landmark deal to develop and
custom-design 24 residences in historic Sea Island, Georgia, just steps
from the famed Cloister Hotel. Exclusive Resorts members will enjoy full
access to all services and amenities of Sea Island, including
round-the-clock butler service and in-residence room service from The
Cloister, access to the new 65,000-square-foot Sea Island Spa and new
Sea Island Beach Club, and privileges at Sea Island’s
award-winning golf courses. Each Exclusive Resorts residence will
feature approximately 3,500 square feet of living space with four
bedrooms and a private pool, and the distinct Southern style and design
that have characterized Sea Island for more than 80 years.

Exclusive Resorts is also under construction on 10 four-bedroom,
ski-in/ski-out condominiums at the base of the gondola in Steamboat
Springs, Colorado. With an incomparable location, each residence also
will be complemented with access to a full range of services, including
spa, fitness, ski valet, and indoor and outdoor resort pools.

Finally, Exclusive Resorts announced its agreement to acquire 16
spectacular two-bedroom, 1,500-square-foot corner-unit residences on
floors 44 - 47 of the Mandarin Oriental, Chicago. From 24-hour room
service to access to the new 30,000-square-foot spa, Exclusive Resorts
members will benefit from all amenities and services of Mandarin
Oriental, Chicago.

Once in a Lifetime Experiences

In another industry first, Exclusive Resorts has launched a series of
intimate, once-in-a-lifetime members-only journeys that provide a new
dimension to membership. Each of these authentic experiences has been
created by the Club to provide its members added adventure and
diversity. In characteristic Exclusive Resorts fashion, members are free
to relax and explore while the Club handles all the details.

The Club’s first Once in a Lifetime
experiences are:



A cultural immersion tour of the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan


A naturalist’s expedition to the Galapagos
Islands


A private Eastern African villa safari at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro


Ultra-luxury Exclusive Resorts members-only cruise in the Mediterranean

By working with prestigious institutions such as Jack Hanna and Lindblad
Expeditions, in partnership with National Geographic , Exclusive Resorts
will contribute to charitable and conservationist programs and will
allow its members to immerse themselves in and learn about local
cultures. The company plans to offer new Once in a Lifetime experiences
based upon member feedback and demand.

About Exclusive Resorts

As the leader of the destination club industry, Exclusive Resorts has
set the new standard in luxury travel and is quickly becoming the
preferred way for affluent families to vacation. Thousands of Exclusive
Resorts members make the world their second home, taking thousands of
vacations with the Club each year. With an enviable portfolio that
includes over 300 residences open today, plus another 150 under
construction, in more than 35 destinations around the world, Exclusive
Resorts combines the spaciousness and elegance of a private residence
with the services and amenities of a five-star resort. Subject to terms
and conditions of Club membership, members have first come, first served
access to all Club residences and services, including a personalized
vacation planner and Onsite Concierge, in exchange for a one-time
membership fee, a portion of which is refundable, and annual dues.
Exclusive Resorts is the partner of choice for some of the world’s
leading companies, including American Express, Mayo Clinic Preferred
Response, Neiman Marcus, Marquis Jet and Merrill Lynch. For more
information, visit .

Luxury Million Dollar Home For Your Next Vacation?

A growing trend in the travel industry is the use of vacation rentals. Private luxury homes to studios span the globe and offer an incredible selection for lodging. Vacation rentals are becoming increasing popular because of the amenities. Larger homes can accommodate up to 25 people making it ideal for arranging family and friend get togethers such as reunions, wedding and anniversary celebrations or corporate retreats, club events such as golfers or skiiers planning a group trip. Condominiums, townhomes, cottages or villas can accommodate one person to smaller parties. Hotels and motels do not offer the privacy of a home. Mountain, ocean views, beachfront, ski-in, ski-out are only a few location options for travelers. Large gourmet kitchens, formal dining rooms, barbecues, home theater and private spas are available. Vacation rentals offer the convenience that most hotels cannot offer, away from the hustle and bustle of hotel lobbies and check ins. Travelers have more control of their spending as the eat-in option can save a lot of money. If you prefer many rentals are near catering services.

The rentals are managed by the owners themselves or property management companies and operate liike a hotel with maintenance and emergency numbers . Many management companies act as concierges or provide information in the rentals for activities, dining, shopping, attractions available in the area . There are many websites for vacation rental broswers and last minute deals are often posted. The websites have calenders with available dates to view and many offer payment online. Another popular feature between vacation rental owners is "house swapping". This is where two rental/home owners swap rentals at the same time of the year and avoid paying for a hotel. You might want to buy one yourself, the rent helps the montly payments or may even end up paying for itself.