Friday, August 6, 2010

Top 10 rental homes in North America

Sometimes you want the comforts of home even while you're on holiday and a luxury rental can put you at ease while you're sampling the best of a new city, resort or region.

Travel Web site TripAdvisor (www.tripadvisor.co.uk) has provided its own list of luxury rental homes in North America, ranging from beachside villas to spacious mountainside estates on the slopes. This list is not endorsed by Reuters.

1. 17 Mile Drive at the Lodge, Pebble Beach, California

Designed as a French chвteau overlooking the Pacific Ocean and famous Pebble Beach Golf Course, heavenly 17 Mile Drive at the Lodge comfortably sleeps 14 within its majestically art-adorned walls. It's also perfect for a gold-plated summer barbeque with open-air patios, bocce ball courts, a water fountain, playground and room on its more than three acres of land designed to host more than 200 guests.

2. MIT PED, Punta de Mita, Mexico

Called the Casa El Destino, this uber-luxurious rental home sports breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, the Marieta Islands, and the skyline of Puerto Vallarta. Guests can play chef in its gourmet kitchen, swim in its expansive oceanfront pool, or take in rounds of golf with preferential tee times at outstanding nearby courses.

3. Camelback Vista, Phoenix, Arizona

Resting high on Camelback Mountain, remarkable Camelback Vista overlooks the beautiful Valley of the Sun and its surrounding red sandstone cliffs. The property boasts a triangular infinity edged pool that spills over in all directions, a spacious outdoor kitchen, theater room, and even a rock climbing wall for the more active traveler.

4. Casa Fryzer, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Complete with an in-house chef and bartender, magnificently equipped Casa Fryzer is a stunning vacation rental overlooking the water in Cabo San Lucas. The property includes a wine cellar, gym, and theater room with surround sound and recliners, and showcases great attention to detail in its exterior design and modern chic interior dйcor.

5. Aguajito Rd, Carmel, California

With over 10,000 square feet overlooking the Monterey Peninsula, the majestic Aguajito Rd has plenty of space for travelers to stretch out and relax during their trip. It also features a kitchen designed by a local celebrity chef and has a spacious outdoor kitchen, barbeque and bar area that can accommodate up to 100 guests.

6. Over the Edge, Steamboat Springs, Colorado

For travelers looking for an elegant place to call home after a day out on the slopes, Over the Edge offers the perfect blend of fun and luxury. With fourteen foot high ceilings, a rooftop deck lookout, and three spacious living areas, travelers will have plenty of space to unwind. For nightly entertainment, the property also features a home theater with a 140-inch screen and an indoor recreation room equipped with a basketball court.

7. Highlands Manor, Telluride, Colorado

A veritable palace for skiers, lofty Highlands Manor overlooks the picturesque San Sophia Range in Telluride and is located on a private lot adjacent to the Galloping Goose ski run. When their day out on the slopes comes to an end, travelers can return to the home's six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, gourmet kitchen, and a wealth of amenities including a dry sauna and steam room.

8. The Bellagio, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

With seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms, the luxurious Bellagio in Myrtle Beach can serve as a mini hotel for family get-togethers and group vacations. And with a private walkway to the beach, gourmet kitchen, professionally managed pool, landscaped grounds, and top of the line dйcor, visitors can rent in style.

9. Admiral's Treasure - Key West, Florida

Situated in a prime location on Key West, this amazing rental home features elegant dйcor and plenty of space for guests with its four bedrooms, which include two master suites. The property also features a 30 foot pool complete with waterfall, dual level decks, and tropical landscaping, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the south Florida sun.

10 Kona Shangrila, Kailua, Hawaii

This tri-level oceanfront gem offers visitors a chance to get away, even when traveling with friends or the whole family. It features beautiful views of Layman's Bay just outside of Kailua Kona, as well as three separate and fully-equipped suites, so travelers can strike the right balance of togetherness and privacy with their companions.

Vacation without breaking the bankMorgan EvaGT Concept: for a sporting family