If there is a single word more alluring than Italy, then it must be its own heart and soul... Tuscany. Always so much more than a place, Tuscany, Italy is first a way of life, each present moment infused with two centuries of the world's favorite art, culture, food and wine.

In the rolling Tuscan hills not far from the mythic cities of Florence, Siena and San Gimignano is one of the largest private landholdings in all of Italy. Vineyards and orchards of olive trees pattern the hillsides. Two grand cypress-lined lanes ascend to a historic castle. Dotting the Castello di Casole estate are restored Casali farmhouses each with dramatic glass-tiled private pools.

For many, no dream is more enticing than to own your own home in Tuscany. To travel and explore every season; to leave behind the worries of reservations and logistics and upkeep; to return to a comfortable, exquisite surrounding, now also known as home...

Castello di Casole makes this dream an infinitely closer reality, for not only does it offer what are surely Tuscany's most remarkable villas and surrounding estate, but also the choice of whole or partnership interests ownership.

For those not intrested in ownership you can still enjoy the beauty of Castello di Casole... there will also be a beautiful boutique hotel opening in Summer 2010.

And Casali farmhouse rentals are also possible.

Source: Timbers Collection, Castello di Casole

The Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences, Kapalua Bay, the highly anticipated residential development, is now open on a 24-acre oceanfront setting at Maui's Kapalua Resort. Situated near The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, the property features the newest Ritz-Carlton Destination Club (previously The Ritz-Carlton Club) location, and private ownership luxury residences.

"The new Members and Owners are enjoying this addition to the Kapalua Resort lifestyle, as well as Maui's beauty and spectacular views of the surrounding islands," said Peter J. Watzka, executive vice president and chief operating officer for The Ritz-Carlton Development Company, Inc. (an affiliate of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC). "Additionally, the Maui location is just the beginning of the expansion plans for the evolving Ritz-Carlton Destination Club brand."

Kapalua Bay, LLC is the developer of the new resort. "We are delighted to welcome this stunning new property to Kapalua Resort's portfolio of luxury living," said Ryan Churchill, senior vice president of Maui Land & Pineapple Company, the majority owner of Kapalua Bay, LLC. "Whether a family wants to enjoy long vacations each year or spend a lifetime here, The Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences is an incredible offering that fits perfectly with the tradition and comforts of Kapalua Resort."

The property boasts 62 fully furnished, two- and three-bedroom fractional ownership residences ranging from approximately 1,912 to 2,257 square feet. Club Members purchase a deeded, one-twelfth interest giving them the opportunity to stay 21 days per year. Prices start at $350,000 per interest.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Kapalua Bay features 84 wholly-owned Residences. The three- and four-bedroom floor plans offer living areas ranging from roughly 3,002 to 4,271 square feet. Design elements include a private elevator and garden entryway, gourmet kitchen, and lanai opening to 180-degree views. Prices start at $3.9 million.

Property amenities are highlighted by a private 6,100 square-foot beach club, 8,500 square-foot pool with bar and grill, and a second bar located near the water's edge.

Members and Owners, through membership at the Kapalua Club, will enjoy access in the coming weeks to a nearly 30,000 square-foot spa, as well as the current amenities offered at the Kapalua Resort, including golf course privileges, award-winning white-sand beaches, 12 dining options, and the Kapalua Adventure Center.

SOURCE The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club

Here's a great Bermuda deal for this Summer...when you stay 4 nights at participating properties, you get a $400 room credit.  It's to celebrate Bermuda's 400 years.

The offer is good through August 21 and some great properties are participating: both of the Fairmonts, Elbow Beach, 9 Beaches, Pompano Beach and The Reefs among others...

I love Bermuda!  The beaches along Southampton are my favorite.  Here's a picture I took last year from my balcony at Pompano Beach... they have amazing sunset views there.

Virgin Limited Edition, Sir Richard Branson's privately owned collection of award-winning luxury retreats, is delighted to collaborate with British Virgin Islands (BVI) Tourist Board, and offer guests the opportunity to experience a taste-infusing culinary tour with some of the world's leading chefs and winemakers.

Necker Island will host the very first 2009 Winemakers Dinner on the 16th July 2009, one of eight private dinners that will take place throughout July and December at selected exotic locations. The dinner at Necker Island will feature a seven course gourmet meal prepared by master chefs. Each course is paired with two fine wines selected by the very best winemakers in the world. One of the wines that will be poured at this dinner will be the Pio Cesare Barolo 2004 which was ranked #6 by the Wine Spectator in the top 100 Wines of the World in 2008.

Even more convenient is the fact that this special occasion takes place during only one of six 'Celebration Weeks' where Necker Island accommodates guests on an individual room basis.

Jon Brown, Managing Director of Virgin Limited Edition, commented: "We're thrilled to support the BVI Tourist Board on this project. Not only will guests be able to combine a stay on one of the world's most exclusive islands with such an unforgettable and unique culinary experience as the Winemakers Dinner, but they will be supporting the local community, as all net profits made from the event will go to the BVI charitable fund which benefits schools, youth programmes and the local Red Cross organisation."

To support this experience Virgin Limited Edition has created a special 'free night' offer for guests who wish to participate in the Winemakers Dinner on Necker Island. For arrivals on the 15th July 2009, guests can book to stay for four nights and pay for just three, or they can stay for eight nights and pay for seven nights, this offer is only valid for arrivals beginning on the 15th July 2009.

The price for a four night stay for two guests starts from US$12,900 and includes accommodation, all meals and drinks, as well as two special Winemaker dinners - one on Necker Island and the other on a neighbouring island

One of the finest luxury estates in Evergreen, Colo., is -- for the first time in its 24 years -- available for purchase. Nicknamed Meadow Mountain Estate and nestled on 7.8 acres in Evergreen's prestigious Soda Creek community, the supremely custom land/home package is offered at $5.2 million. It is listed by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokers of Evergreen.

 

Built into Soda Creek's wooded hillside, the southwestern-style main residence began as a smaller more traditional home when constructed in 1985. But in 1992, its original owner, Terry Epstein, began a massive renovation of the existing structure. The three-year transformation added 3,700 square feet to the main home and completely changed its interior and exterior motif.

Working with Evergreen-based Tolleson Architects and Vintage Designs, the end result was a stunning 10,000+-square-foot reflection of the architecture, materials and nature-inspired ambience that Epstein had always admired while vacationing in Santa Fe, N.M.

"I had traveled to Santa Fe numerous times when I decided I wanted to dramatically change the look and feel of my property," says Epstein. "I wanted a property that was more comfortable, more natural. . . a place where one could really enjoy life."

Epstein even went so far as to add a 600-square-foot heated guest tipi on the property grounds. Designed by Lakota Indian John Eagleday, the tipi is complete with authentic hand-painted Native American wall murals, a stone-ringed fire pit, hardwood floors, an AV system and waterproof canvas walls custom crafted by Colorado Yurt Company.

Post-renovation, the home features seven private bedroom suites, a solar-heated indoor pool and hot tub, four striking water features, a 12-person hot tub cavern, a game room, a 16-foot bar, a 1,200-bottle wine cellar, home theater, 17 televisions, audio-video system, numerous patios and roof-top decks, and more than 125 expansive windows framing views of the Continental Divide.

A meandering stone walkway connects the main home to the guest tipi, various terraces and park-like areas, a fenced playground and a six-stall livery stable with caretaker's quarters.

This Rocky Mountain estate is sited just 35 minutes from downtown Denver and an hour from Colorado's world-class ski resorts.

SOURCE Meadow Mountain Estate

Sixty-five years ago, an estimated 130,000-150,000 Allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy in one of the most crucial military operations of all time. This September, travelers can be there to commemorate this historic event through a special seven-day, six-night D-Day Vacation Package offered by American Airlines Vacations (AA Vacations), a division of American Airlines.

AA Vacations is offering, for as little as $1,409 per person*, a total vacation package complete with a full-day D-Day Tour of the Normandy battlefields and landing beaches, together with a World War II Walking Tour, and Hop-On/Hop-Off Tour of Paris. The package includes airfare, six-nights hotel, tours and transfers. For a limited time, customers will receive a 5 percent discount on this special package plus any additional activities when booking at http://www.aavacations.com/dday65.

"The valor of the American troops who landed on the beaches of Normandy in 1944 is alive today in the hearts of all Americans," said Steve Blankenship, Director - Veterans Initiatives for American Airlines, a founding member of the oneworld(R) Alliance. "AA Vacations is delighted to offer this great vacation package to commemorate the 65th anniversary year of this heroic event."

Here is what awaits you on your D-Day tour:

D-Day Tour - Normandy Battlefields and Landing Beaches by Minivan. On this 12-hour D-Day Tour of the Normandy Battlefields and Landing Beaches, you will visit the American Cemetery in Coleville, Arromanches' artificial harbor, and the beaches of Omaha and Juno. Have lunch at the Ferme de la Ranconniere in the village of Crepon and watch the film, "The Price of Freedom," at the cinema Arromanches 360. The film is shown on nine screens in a circular room and combines historic footage taken in June 1944 by war correspondents together with current views of the same places where peace has been restored.

Paris Walking Tour - World War II. This guided two-hour World War II Walk will take you back to Paris' darkest hours. Explore subjects such as the invasion of France, the Resistance, life in Paris during the occupation, the D-Day invasion and, of course, the Liberation itself.

Paris City Hop-On/Hop-Off Tour. Discover Paris at your leisure with a two-day ticket on the Paris City Hop-on/Hop-off Tour. Create your own itinerary as you see the most popular sights of Paris, keeping your own personal timetable. Experience the cobbled streets of the Left Bank and the Napoleonic splendor of the Ecole Militaire. See the Eiffel Tower, Paris' most famous landmark. Stop off at the Arc de Triomphe and walk down the stylish Champs-Elysees. Become acquainted with some of the world's most famous artworks at the Louvre, including the mysterious Mona Lisa.

To book this great D-Day Vacation Package to Paris or for additional details, visit http://www.aavacations.com/dday65.

SOURCE American Airlines

The late-18th-century mansion that overlooks the Atlantic from cliffs on the southeastern coast of Barbados and forms the heart of this development has been operating as a hotel since it was first expanded in 1887, making The Crane the island's oldest resort.

There are only 18 rooms in that historic structure, with antique furnishings and hardwood floors, so in recent years the resort's owners have been adding buildings with condos that can be rented to serve as hotel rooms. Now 116 one- to three-bedroom units have been completed, and more condos are being built; the rooms in the original building are also sold as residences. Buyers choose either whole ownership or deeded residence club membership, offered in weekly, monthly or three-month increments. The villa-style penthouse residences have plunge pools; many condos have pools as well; and there are six communal pools. One of the resort's three restaurants serves Thai and Japanese cuisine. The village, which will have shops, more restaurants, a general store, a movie theater, a gallery and a small spa and fitness center, is expected to be completed by this fall. A larger beachfront spa and fitness center is planned.

Full ownership of residences starts at $425,000. Residence club membership ranges from $11,400 for a week in summer to about $225,000 for three months in the high season.

A new village area began opening in March. The latest phase of 18 residences is expected to be completed late this year.

CONTACT INFO (246) 423-6220 or www.thecrane.com.

Source: The Crane / Millennium Investments Limited.

The Hampton Inn Fort Walton Beach announced today that the property received green lodging designation from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on May 4, 2009. Florida's Green Lodging Program certifies hotels that adopt green practices to reduce waste and conserve natural resources. The Hampton Inn Fort Walton Beach has implemented a variety of green initiatives including water conservation measures, energy efficiency, the use of green cleansers and high efficiency air filters, recycling, and other waste reduction methods.

"We adopted these eco-friendly practices because we are committed to preserving this beautiful coastal area so guests can enjoy it for years to come," said General Manager Rachel Joyce. "By providing a quality stay, while improving our environment, we can ensure our guests are receiving the very best our property can offer."

The entire staff supports the hotel's green efforts by frequently meeting to exchange tips, helping guests dispose of recyclables properly, and sharing these green initiatives with guests. Some guests have even started recycling back home.

"Our beaches are some of the most magnificent in the world," said Director of Sales Jeniffer Ward. "We want our guests to know how much we want them here, enjoying this beautiful area, while knowing that we are taking steps to protect the environment."

The hotel will continue to work with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to execute additional eco-friendly practices, including a towel reuse initiative, in the months to come.

SOURCE Hampton Inn Fort Walton Beach

Ski.com, North America's largest provider of mountain vacations, today announced the launch of Summer Mountain Travel, a one-stop shop for travelers looking for hassle-free mountain vacations in the spring, summer and fall.

Based in Aspen, Colo., Summer Mountain Travel offers the same value, attention to detail and personalized service for which Ski.com has been known since its inception in 1971. Summer Mountain Travel delivers the most dependable service from top-notch Mountain Vacation Specialists who average 15 years customizing mountain vacations. Each Specialist provides impeccable service and offers unmatched expertise when presenting travelers with the most diverse mountain resort and lodging options in the industry. By visiting one Web site, http://www.summermountaintravel.com, or by making just one phone call, travelers are able to customize a summer vacation package that can include discounted lodging, air, ground transportation, event tickets and activities.

"For the past 38 years our main focus has been to provide unrivaled winter skiing and snowboarding vacations," said Harry Peisach, Ski.com president and CEO. "With the launch of Summer Mountain Travel, we are now able to leverage our long-standing relationships with resorts, properties and airlines to provide the premier service for travelers who wish to experience their favorite ski towns from a different perspective during the warmer months."

The high country of Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, California, British Columbia and Alberta provides unrivaled scenery, low humidity and comfortable temperatures perfect for festivals and endless ways for everyone to embrace the outdoors. Visitors enjoy activities like hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, Jeep tours, scenic gondola and chairlift rides, hot springs pools, fishing, alpine slides, mountain biking, golf, music, film and food festivals and so much more.

Because summer is a slower season in many ski towns, it is the perfect time to find a great deal, even on a luxury property. Vacationers are able to enjoy all the world-class amenities offered at the most exclusive properties and spas and luxuriate in total comfort at a fraction of the price - up to 40 percent less than the cost in the winter.

SOURCE Ski.com

Interest in studying, volunteering and teaching abroad soared in 2008 as Americans looked overseas for solutions to economic troubles at home.

GoAbroad.com, the flagship Internet search directory for experiential travel, reports a 35 percent jump in site traffic from last year, with most of the increase coming from people searching for educational, volunteer, or teaching opportunities abroad. In the first 3 months of 2009, 3.3 million people searched GoAbroad.com, compared to 2.4 million during that time span in 2008. About 80 percent of the site's users are North Americans.

User traffic to GoAbroad.com's educational directories saw a 34.5 percent jump and its Volunteer Abroad directory saw a 39.8 percent leap. "During tough economic times, people often look to meaningful travel as a solution," said Troy Peden of St. Johns, FL, who co-founded GoAbroad.com in 1999 with Jason Coppage of Denver, CO.

"Internships abroad are attractive to graduating students who want to strengthen their resumes. Study abroad is often a less expensive alternative to private tuition in the U.S.," Peden noted that volunteer roles are appealing to those looking for a career change, an opportunity to refocus their priorities, or both. "We are seeing tremendous interest from older people and career veterans who want to volunteer overseas."

Interest in teaching positions abroad also spiked. GoAbroad.com experienced a 31.8 jump in users browsing the Teach Abroad and TEFL Certification (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) directories. "College graduates can find lucrative teaching jobs abroad," Peden says. "Teaching abroad is a smart alternative for people who want to work and travel. There is a constant demand for English teachers worldwide.

"Volunteering, interning, and studying abroad make graduates more appealing to international companies and employers who want real-world experience," Peden said. "It gives job seekers a big advantage in a competitive job market."

The premier Internet search directory for experiential travel, GoAbroad.com has 10 sub-directories that cover the range of meaningful opportunities abroad. Its free resources include a Scholarships Directory, Embassies & Consulates Directory, and more. Its partner site, the GoAbroad Network (www.GoAbroad.net), is an online social network for experiential travelers. It hosts travel blogs and albums, forums, Facebook applications, and other functions.

GOABROAD.COM SITE VISITOR COMPARISON : 1st Quarter 2008/ 1st Quarter 2009

                              EDUCATION    VOLUNTEER      TEACH        TOTAL

    Jan 2009                   341,277      150,781     155,663       647,721
    Feb 2009                   308,192      135,173     143,501       586,866
    March 2009                 329,844      151,844     154,904       636,592

    Jan 2008                   252,031      109,038     123,088       484,157
    Feb 2008                   233,367       97,623     108,520       439,510
    March 2008                 242,948      106,545     112,989       462,482

    Jan Visitor Increase        89,246       41,743      32,575       163,564
    Jan % Increase                35.4         38.3        26.5          33.8
    Feb Visitor Increase        74,825       37,550      34,981       147,356
    Feb % Increase                32.1         38.5        32.2          33.5
    March Visitor Increase      86,896       45,299      41,915       174,110
    March % Increase              35.8         42.5        37.1          37.6

    1st Qtr 09 Total           979,313      437,798     454,068     1,871,179
    1st Qtr 08 Total           728,346      313,206     344,597     1,386,149
    08-09 Visitor Increase     250,967      124,592     109,471       485,030
    08-09 % Increase              34.5         39.8        31.8          35.0


    Glossary:
    EDUCATION = Study Abroad, Degree Abroad, Intern Abroad, Language Schools,
                High School Programs
    VOLUNTEER = Volunteer Abroad
    TEACH = Teach Abroad, TEFL Certification

    Source: GoAbroad.com / Urchin Analytics

SOURCE GoAbroad.com