Country Vacations & Resorts

Planning a family vacation, a couple’s vacation, or going solo – any one of these luxurious ranch accommodations will put you in beautiful destinations with lots of planned activities from which to choose, with great food, and with 5-Star level service.

Book from now to March 31st and find out how to get 10% off your first purchase with code LUX10.

Carmel Valley Ranch

This Carmel Valley Ranch accommodation will put you right in the heart of Carmel Valley, California. Enjoy the area’s over 300 days of sunshine per year while being only 2 hours from San Francisco, and 20 minutes from the local Monterey Peninsula Airport.

Take full advantage of an array of facilities, including a Pete Dye championship golf course, expansive tennis complex, bocce ball and basketball courts, an organic garden and vineyard, and a kids “Splash Zone” and playground. Enjoy rejuvenating treatments at the new Spa Aiyana, or simply relax on one of the many tree swings scattered throughout the grounds, hanging from majestic 300-year-old oaks.

The River Ranch Complex located down the hill (free shuttle service) includes an Olympic-size pool, 5200-square-foot fitness center, Ranch Hands Kids Camp!

Calistoga Ranch

Calistoga Ranch – Meadow Lodge in California’s beautiful Napa Valley is a great destination choice for active families.

Explore the cultural treasures of Calistoga, try horseback riding and hot-air ballooning nearby, check out nearby Safari West, an African-style wildlife nature compound or visit the nearby Petrified Forest! Guided biking, hiking, and horseback riding tours are popular California activities offered by your magnificent retreat in Napa Valley. Fine dining is a signature of this area, and the highest quality of cuisine is available for your tasting.

This destination looks like a prime candidate for repeat visits throughout the years!

Granby, Colorado

Check in at the C Lazy U Ranch to enjoy warm Southwestern style and comfortably rustic wood cabins This resort/ranch destination really does have it all!

Take a day to fish or raft on the Colorado River, and go horseback riding over beautiful trails. Ranch personnel will match each guest to a horse (em>suitable to individual riding ability – so this is great time for novice riders to gain riding experience.

Archery, scavenger hunts, volleyball, paddleboating, fishing, cook-outs and hay rides are just some of the kids program activities; winter offers ice skating, tubing and sledding.

Join C Lazy U Ranch for one of the most coveted weeks – July 1-8, 2012…

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How about a vacation rental in a incredible setting that feels like “home” the minute you walk in the door? You’ll want to consider Manor Bottom located near the seaside resort of Ventnor, – Isle of Wight, England as your 2012 UK vacation destination.

Manor Bottom is a 200 year-old stone barn on six acres of pastures and woodland adjoining National Trust land and located just beneath St. Boniface Down – at 791 feet, the island’s highest point.

This two-story rental property was converted into a stylish, comfortable, family home in 1992 by award-winning architects Caruso St John. Upstairs you’ll find accommodation for eight in three double bedrooms and one twin bedded room, and bathroom. Have a look at those thick, stone walls which ensure peace and quiet via the virtual tour of Manor Bottom.

You’ll be welcomed with fresh flowers, wine or juice, and the local paper when you arrive. The basic staples of tea, coffee, sugar and salt in the cupboard, and toiletries in the bathrooms are a considerate and welcoming gesture from the owner. Visiting in winter? Dry logs and kindling are also provided for the wood-burning stove in the sitting room.

Downstairs you’ll find a well-equipped kitchen with a table for up to ten plus two high-chairs for any “kiddies.” There is also a “boot room” containing a washer/dryer, fridge and freezer, and a second bathroom. Outside you’ll find plenty of chairs, a hammock, a trampoline and a enormous barbecue. You’ll want to make note of the barbecue because plenty of options for fresh, local food products can be found nearby…

Plan on taking advantage of the local shop, pubs and post office only one mile away in the village. In nearby Ventnor, fresh fish and seafood can be purchased right on the seafront. Ventnor and Bonchurch beaches are a 10-minute drive away or can be reached by a one-hour scenic walk if you’re in the mood for some healthy exercise.

“I need some peace and quiet!”

If this is you, Manor Bottom will prove an excellent choice.

Ideally situated for bird-watching, red squirrel-spotting, walking, mountain-biking or just relaxing, the Isle of Wight’s extensive network of footpaths starts right outside your back door. A 20-minute walk is amptly rewarded with wonderful views over the Channel and back across the island to the Solent and the mainland. Manor Bottom’s gardens offer numerous areas in which to enjoy the peace, lounge in a hammock or bounce on the trampoline. There is a huge barbecue and outdoor dining under a vine-covered pergola. Find guidebooks for walking, cycling and boating waiting for you in the Manor Bottom sitting room.

For rainy days there is plenty to keep you occupied: Monopoly, Scrabble, Risk and Pictionary, Duplo, K’nex and Brio, as well as loads of DVDs, books, and games. Or take time out and review the really thoughtful gift you will have by then received from the owners to Manor Bottom guests, the house ‘bible’ – providing an insider’s guide to the island.

A chance to really unwind in a solid and spacious cottage with wide-open views across the countryside, beaches nearby, and fresh-caught seafood…if you’re ready to slow down to a real country vacation, Manor Bottom is where you want to be.

Links:

~ How to I get to the Isle of Wight?
~ Isle of Wight Festival, 2012
~ Bonchurch & beach
~ Ventnor
~ My Favourite Holiday Cottages

Dales Holiday Cottages offers over 800 properties available to book online exclusively in and around the Yorkshire Dales, North Yorkshire Moors, Yorkshire Coast and Wolds, Derbyshire Dales, Northumbria, Northern Dales, Lake District, Cumbria and Eden Valley, Scottish Borders and the Highlands of Scotland.

Here’s just one great option for your vacation in Scotland…

Full of charm and well off the beaten track, this 200-year-old Hunting Lodge nestles among mountains at the head of Loch Scammadale. Surrounded by mature gardens with views of the loch, the house is only a 20 minute drive from Oban and the ideal base for exploring the Highlands and Islands.

Fully fitted kitchen. 3 bedrooms – family room with double and a single bed, family room with double and 2 single beds and 1 twin room with basin. Bathroom with bath, hand held shower, WC, basin and heated towel rail.

Ferries run daily from Oban to Mull and the Outer Isles and there are many historic and scenic attractions within easy reach including Inveraray, Kilmartin Glen and Glencoe. The area is excellent walking country, surrounded by magnificent scenery and wildlife. Fishing on the loch is free to all guests, including the use of a boat.

It seems I am not the only one who has a pet to consider when travel plans are made. Part I of “Traveling with Pets” was very popular so here are some more options available for those looking for great vacation rentals – “Pets Okay.”

2br – 3miles to Beach! Pool & fenced yard for Pets

Boca Raton, Florida

4 bedroom beachfront, Best Ocean Views, Pets OK

Hilton Head, South Carolina

4 bedroom, big views, Pets – MAYBE

This vacation rental accommodation in Stratton Mountain, Vermont, states pets are a “maybe.”

Don’t be deterred by the “maybe.” Restrictions are often on size, specific breed or total number of pets allowed per guest. There is at least one very positive review from a guest who was clearly pleased to have been able to bring her dogs with her to this vacation property.

3 bedroom – Oceanview Townhome PETS OK!

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

There are hundreds of options for pet-friendly vacation rentals. Many properties will not list anything regarding pets so if you are dying to take the rental, sometimes you’ll just have to ask. Try not to be too hard on those who refuse pets. Many owners have unfortunately been burned by irresponsible pet-owners who make it harder for the rest of us. Take your pet with you but please, leave a good impression!

Looking for a good spot for a real ranch vacation in 2012? Here are some great suggestions…

TEXAS

Dramatic hiking, biking, fishing and exploring experience. 7 lakes, high ridges, deep valleys and canyons. Working ranch with cattle and horses, plenty of wildlife sightings. Perfect for family, group retreat & meeting space, reunions, honeymoons, special events – weddings, anniversaries. Leave the world behind!

THE LODGE: 3 bedroom on 5000 acres in Hill Country!

In Bandera – an authentic Texas turn-of-the-last-century stone ranch house with hand-hewn antique furniture, fully updated with all modern comforts. The view is breathtaking via the Great Room with a 20 foot cathedral ceiling, enjoy the massive stone fireplace, piano and entertainment center, and fold-out couches for four additional guests. Three bedrooms with twin beds sleep six comfortably. Fully-equipped kitchen and dining room with everything you’ll need or, eat al fresco on the breezy screened porch. Spacious front terrace to view the sunset and the stars.

ARIZONA

The 2 bedroom “Rancho Chuparosa” mini-ranch is located just outside Tucson, Arizona just off historic Catalina Highway and just minutes away from 9,600-foot Mount Lemmon, Sabino Canyon, Saguaro National Park East, Agua Caliente County Park, and Coronado National Forest.

There are two championship golf courses within 5 minutes and all of Tucson’s world-famous golf courses are within a short drive. Numerous hiking and mountain bike trails are also within a short distance and can be walked or ridden to from the house. Bird watchers will love the variety of birds SE Arizona is famous for from the cozy back porch or enjoy short day drives to world famous birding sites such as Ramsey and Madera canyons.

CALIFORNIA

A multi-tasking vacation at its finest – this Cayucos, California 5 bedroom vacation rental boasts a pool and is also close to both beaches and wineries.

The luxurious custom accommodation is a 5 bedroom, 6 bath with multiple lofts and detached multi purpose room. Gourmet kitchen has an amazing view. Oak Bbq and fire pit on 2 different outdoor levels. This is a rental in which you will experience both privacy and comfort. Luscious linens and fabulous beds…you need nothing but your food and clothes. Something for guests of all ages….60 foot lap pool with kids step and spa, volley ball and horse shoe pits, walking, hiking, biking and running paths. It’s perfect!

MONTANA

Located just outside Superior, Montana, the 4 bedroom “PONDEROSA” has an amazing location on the Clark Fork River.

Excellent fishing, wildlife, and a great home with all you need. The owner will even arrange grocery deliver before your arrival (upon request.)

Lots of privacy on over one acre, 4 spacious bedrooms, kitchen, living area, laundry, and a deck furnished with BBQ for outdoor dining overlooking the river. Beautifully landscaped, and private. Pets are negotiable and children welcome.

So many spectacular choices, so little vacation time. Pick your 2012 vacation destination and start searching…

Here are a few beach, ocean and Gulf-front properties for those who want their vacation rentals to be ON the waterfront – not just near it:

This 6 bedroom Seagrove Beach House is a uniquely designed four-story, 4,600 sq ft newly furnished home that can accommodate up to 20. Located on the 2nd floor is the newly remodeled kitchen with granite counters, stainless appliances, gas stove and two dining tables and bar seating to accommodate all. Also on the 2nd floor the open living area opens to a large porch and deck for enjoying great gulf views.

Guests have use of the community pool and tennis court at Dunes Estates, just a short walk away. Area Visitor Info

This beautiful 5 bedroom Beachfront Paradise overlooks the turquoise gulf and huge white Santa Rosa beaches.

This 34,000 sq.ft. home sleeps 12, has five bedrooms, three king-size bedrooms including two master suites, one queen-size bedroom, and one with 4 bunks. Three of the bedrooms offer spectacular floor-to-ceiling gulf views. All bedrooms have their own private baths, and the first floor master boasts a large bathroom with a jacuzzi. Location Map

How about a 4 bedroom, Luxury Gulf Front Beachhouse on a 4 Mile White Beach?

Seabreeze is situated overlooking the beach and the aqua waters of the Gulf of Mexico and is one of a handful of homes with private beach access. Badly damaged by Hurricane Charley in August 2004, this vacation rental has been completely rebuilt and is newly furnished!

Built in the “Old Florida” style to optimize spacious living and comfort, bedrooms are on the first floor and the family living space is upstairs! You can watch the sunrise from one side of the house and the sunset from the other. This is a house for discriminating clientele who appreciate and respect nice furnishings and belongings. EVERYTHING IS NEW!! Area Map

These are just 3 of the thousands of vacation rental properties available in 2012 – many that sit right on a beach. Just pick your destination and start searching.

Since I mentioned on my last post that St. Augustine, Florida is my “Spring-Break” destination this year, here are a few great vacation rental choices I found during my search. St. Augustine has a lot to offer travelers…don’t let a hotel be your only accommodation option.

This 5 bedroom, “Southern Comfort” Beach House is a Mediterranean-style house with a gorgeous pool and waterfall set in a tropical landscape, ocean views from the balcony, and a charming self-contained in-law suite!

Just indoors from the pool area is the open-plan living room and dining area. One entire wall of the living room opens up to the outside, so you can merge the two areas. Featuring hardwood floors, ultra-comfortable sofas, and a TV with VCR and DVD player, the living room is the perfect place to unwind after a long day at the beach or sightseeing in historic St. Augustine, just minutes away.

For those needing less space, take a look at this 2 bedroom Beach-Front Condo.

Enjoy breathtaking views of the sea from several rooms in this oceanfront luxury condo. Beautifully appointed, immaculately maintained, and perfectly situated on one of northeast Florida’s best beaches, it’s the ideal sun-and-surf getaway!

This open-plan and spacious 2-story condo is set just beyond the lovely natural sand dunes of Crescent Beach, where sea and shore birds sail past and the sunrise puts on a private show for you every morning. The Intracoastal Waterway is not far in the opposite direction, so if you like, you can not only enjoy dawn breaking each morning, but also catch the sunset each evening!

It’s not fair for me to have all the fun! There are 63 more vacation rental properties available – in price ranges from $70 per night to $1250 per night. Something here for every vacation budget!

And if you can’t find your perfect “pad” there…

Here are some log home vacation rentals that prove the point that “logs” and “luxury” can peacefully coexist.

This 5 bedroom Lake House Log Home offers over 8,000 square feet of living space. Set on 160 acres, this private lakefront setting offers a private dock, paddle boat, kayak, canoe, sauna, hot-tub, game room, fishing, and nature all around for your Summer 2012 vacation.

During the winter months still remaining this season, consider a getaway that is perfect for snowmobiling, snowshoeing, sledding, ice-skating on pond, skiing 30 min. away (Shawnee Peak.) Stay cozy by the fire or hop in the hot-tub at this Otisfield, Maine vacation rental.

For accommodation at one of the America’s most favorite destinations, consider this vacation rental option – a 5 bedroom Nashville Area Luxury Log Home on 18 Acres.

Nestled in the gently rolling hills of Williamson County Tennessee just minutes from Leipers Fork, the winding country roads leading to this secluded estate are picture-postcard perfect. No wonder so many celebrities call this unique part of the Nashville area home!

The close proximity to Nashville’s legendary Music Row also makes it the perfect temporary residence for recording artists and entertainment professionals looking for a little peace and quiet during their Nashville stay. The pastoral setting also makes Lyric Springs Retreat House perfect for events, retreats, family reunions or weddings.

Perfect for skiers, hikers and nature-lovers…

How about a 3 bedroom Log Cabin in the Virginia Mountains? Along with being in close proximity to Washington, DC, this cabin is newly built and spacious! Natural pine plank walls throughout, hardwood floors, beamed cathedral ceilings and loads of windows will afford breathtaking views for any season. Escape the stress of the city – for a long weekend or a whole week!

This, all within the desirable “kettle” of Massanutten Mountain’s Four Season Resort. Enjoy the features of rustic log cabin living, with modern amenities. Surf the internet or kick back and enjoy the HDTV Surround Sound experience.

Massanutten has hiking and biking trails, fishing nearby, a skate park and a canoe and kayak service. Rentals are available for mountain bikes and skates. Horseback riding is available nearby. A brand new full scale outdoor/indoor water park is now open. During the summer the recreation department offers outdoor volleyball games and softball games for adults and children. Organized kickball, wiffle ball games and other games are offered for the children. During winter, you can ski, snowboard or tube the slopes.