Vacation Rental Market Overcomes Perceptions
The vacation rental market is growing by leaps and bounds, estimated at US$25-billion in 2008. The recession has played a role in accelerating growth, as many vacation home owners find themselves compelled to rent their properties. The property rentals are Internet-driven, either promoted directly by the owner or through a vacation rental management company. The Vacation Rental Managers’ Association (VRMA) represents managers of 150,000 North American homes, condos and villas, and it says the industry is still overcoming a variety of misconceptions. One perception is high price, with many travellers picturing luxurious villas rented to those for whom money is no object. The reality is vacation homes can offer major savings over resorts. VRMA says some 3-bedroom homes are renting for US$99 a night and sleep up to eight. Kitchen facilities also cut down costs for value-conscious travellers. These rental companies offer other benefits such as a 24-hour emergency hotline and optional daily or weekly housekeeping service. The vacation rental market is evolving in terms of rental duration too, with many properties offering by-the-day stays as well as weekly and monthly rentals.
Lovely 19th Hole
It’s no surprise that high-end cruises attract high-end golfers, and Silversea has taken advantage of that fact with its popular Silver Links golf program. For 2010, Silver Links will be featured on 12 diverse itineraries aboard Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper, each carrying just 382 guests. The Silver Links voyages offer optional golfing excursions in multiple ports arranged and escorted by the ship’s PGA "Class A" certified golf professional. For 2010, guests can test their game at 30 prestigious courses in 15 countries. For those not wishing to travel with their sticks, rental clubs and other essentials are available onboard. Golfers have the option to further hone their skills aboard ship with sophisticated split-screen swing analysis.
Ultra-luxury line Silversea Cruises has been voted "World’s Best" by the readers of Condé Nast Traveller nine times and Travel + Leisure seven times. As you would expect, the Silversea experience is privileged, with all oceanview accommodations, 24-hour room service and an open bar throughout the ship.
A Little Decadence Anyone?
Set on a 15-acre private peninsula surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, Loews Coronado Bay Resort is a destination in itself, just a short drive from San Diego, California. The resort’s setting is already romantic. But the resort also features an onsite gondola company, offering Venice-style cruises through the canals and waterways of the Coronado Cays. For the ultimate in romance and pampering, couples can choose the Voga Voyage, a floating couple massage aboard a 33-foot authentic Venetian gondola equipped with two professional massage beds. After departing the resort’s private marina, couples enjoy a sunscreen application followed by a 40-minute massage, enhanced by sea breezes and the gentle rocking of the waves. The experience ends with complimentary champagne and strawberries.
Photo Credits: silversea.com, loewshotels.com
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