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Strategic Moves To Get You Airport Lounge Access

First-class tickets are no longer the only keys to airport lounge access. By Paul Rubio

For many a traveler, airport lounge access has become more of a necessity than a luxury. Now offering more than just business perks like WiFi, fax machines, and workspaces, airport lounges across the world are design-driven sanctuaries with complimentary libations, snacks, and self-pampering. However, restricting lounge access to just first- or business-class passengers is a thing of the past. Now, savvy travelers can reap the same benefits, thanks to economic and strategic methods.

American Express Platinum. Simply owning and flashing an American Express Platinum Card (americanexpress.com/platinum) grants access to the American Airlines Admirals Club, Delta Sky Club, and US Airways Club for two passengers when flying coach on the respective airline. Another valuable lounge perk of The Platinum Card: a Priority Pass Gold Card, providing complimentary entry to 600 third-party lounges around the globe.

Other credit cards. The United MileagePlus Club Card (united.com) permits lounge access to all United Club Lounges, regardless of the airline flown. The airline’s lower-fee MileagePlus Explorer Card arrives with a pair of United Club Lounge passes as an introductory bonus. Moreover, the Citi Executive/AAdvantage Mastercard offers Admirals Club Membership Privileges; however, if you already have an AmEx Platinum, the benefits of this card are few.

Annual Memberships. If you’re loyal to a single airline and spend time transferring through its hubs, then the hefty fee for an annual lounge membership (average $400) might be worthwhile. In some cases, these annual memberships will also get you into partner lounges through the airline’s larger alliance.

Day Passes. Forgoing the long-term commitment of an annual membership, day passes are available for the domestic lounges of most U.S. major airlines. Day passes average $50/person at the door, often with a significant discount for pre-purchase online.

Third-Party Options. A Priority Pass Card (prioritypass.com) grants access to 600-plus airline-owned and private lounges with varying levels of memberships, depending on travel frequency. Lounge Pass (loungepass.com) allows passengers to pre-book a day pass at private international airport lounges, with fees starting at $29.

Elite Status. In some cases, high elite status translates to free lounge access. Gold status or higher on US Airways or United is your ticket in to most global Star Alliance lounges, if you’re carrying a same-day international ticket. Gold Medallion status or higher on Delta serves as your pass to the SkyTeam lounges when you fly internationally.

PTW Donates $56,000 for Auction at Gala

Private Trade Winds Donates Another $56,000 in Villa Product for Live Auction at the 2012 JDRF Charity Gala Bringing 4-Year Total to More Than $225,000

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation found an ally once again by enlisting the support of the philanthropic Newport Beach based villa rental company Private Trade Winds. Three luxury villas were donated and drew raves from generous supporters of this worthy cause.

The prestigious Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel, California set the backdrop for an elite gathering of Orange County’s most generous socialites and contributors. The halls were lined with vendors representing exquisite jewels, coveted art, and fine wine and spirits available to the highest bidder, but it was the live auction in the grand ballroom that rallied the crowd into generous giving. Irene Aviles, Founder and President of Private Trade Winds, as well as Andra Minnehan and Judy Sweetland Directors of Sales and Marketing were present at the event. “This is such a worthy cause, and seeing the children afflicted with this disease really makes you count your blessings and give generously to put an end to this type of suffering,” said Aviles.

Villas donated by Private Trade Winds include a ski-in/ski-out Aspen chalet, a beachfront condo on Oahu, and PTW’s newest gem – an 8 bedroom luxury seaside villa on the French Atlantic Coast near Bordeaux in France. A Private Trade Winds membership package valued at $2,995 was included with each winning villa bid, allowing recipients to enjoy properties in the company’s portfolio at up to 50% off for one year. Memberships were also available to purchase at $2995 with PTW donating 50% of the fee back to JDRF. The evening concluded with the annual after party known as Club Imagine, where music and dance filled the air.

Private Trade Winds is a Newport Beach based company which enjoys giving back philanthropically to the local community, the nation and the world. After launching in 2007, the Company stayed the course through a hard pressed economic recession, and emerged as a leading supplier and educator in Five-Star Villa Vacations. Private Trade Winds celebrates their five year anniversary this year. To learn more contact Judy Sweetland at jsweetland@privatetradewinds.com.

PTW Inc., Hosts Villa Specialist Webinar

Private Trade Winds, Inc., Hosts Villa Specialist Webinar with The Travel Institute and Awards Travel Agent With $1200 Villa Vacation. 

Edward Stepp, CTA, of the Florida based travel agency Stepp Into Paradise, LLC, is the most recent recipient of a luxury villa vacation valued at $1200 from Private Trade Winds, Inc., the Nation’s leading Villa Supplier.

Private Trade Winds (PTW), has partnered with The Travel Institute, a non-profit company dedicated to serving the travel community, by writing the Villa Certification Course, a program designed to equip Travel Agents with the knowledge necessary to master this unique niche known as Villa Travel.

A webinar was conducted by Certified Villa Specialist Judy Sweetland, who serves as Marketing Director for Private Trade Winds. Topics covered include villa classification, destinations, and required service and amenities which elevate a typical vacation rental to a Five-Star Villa Vacation. “Villas offer space, privacy and security – three elements favored by the affluent luxury traveler,” Ms. Sweetland advised.

Upon completion of the webinar a name was selected by random drawing, and Mr. Edward Stepp received a three-night villa stay at Private Trade Winds’ PGA West Villa on the Greens, located in La Quinta, CA. “I am really excited and look forward to going to one of their villas in California. This is part of my niche that I look forward to expanding in my business. I will most likely take the Villa Specialist Course online,” said Mr. Stepp of his prize valued at $1200. To learn more about villa travel or The Villa Certification Course offered through The Travel Institute, please contact Judy Sweetland at jsweetland(at)privatetradewinds(dot)com or call 866-789-4589 Ext. 804.

About Private Trade Winds Private Trade Winds, Inc., located in Newport Beach, CA is the creator of the Five Star Villa Vacation, and is preparing to celebrate their five year anniversary in February. PTW enjoys partnering with Travel Agents, Real Estate Agents, and Developers in defining, classifying and selling Villa Travel.

Villa Travel Trending in 2012 and Beyond

Private Trade Winds Inc., in conjunction with The Travel Institute is offering a free webinar for those interested in learning more about selling Villa Travel to luxury vacationers.

Private Trade Winds, Inc. is leading the charge in defining the term ‘villa rental’ in the travel industry, an accommodation in the luxury segment that has previously gone uncharacterized.

One such way of doing this is by writing and implementing the first Villa Specialist Course through The Travel Institute, a Certification offered through the Lifestyle Specialist Program. Those choosing to take the course – primarily Travel Agents, Real Estate Agents and Developers – will become aware of the various types of villa rentals available today, and most importantly discern between a vacation rental and a Five Star Villa Vacation.

“Private Trade Winds, Inc. knows villa travel, and we’re highly motivated and eager to share our knowledge with the travel community at large,” said Irene Aviles, Founder and President of Private Trade Winds, Inc. “As new villa rental companies emerge, it’s important that fundamental guidelines are in place, and this begins with appropriate education.”

Throughout the course offering, participants will receive statistics from The State of the Villa Report, a survey conducted by The Harrison Group and commissioned by Private Trade Winds in 2009 to follow the trends in Villa Travel. Tactics and strategies are covered to fully equip Agents in selling villa product, and 10 Continuing Education Credits (CEU) will be earned upon successful completion of the course.

“This is a great opportunity for travel counselors to learn more about this highly profitable and sometimes misunderstood specialty market.” says Patty Noonan, CTC, The Travel Institute’s director of sales.

The Travel Institute in cooperation with Private Trade Winds is offering a free webinar January 19, 2012 at 3:00 EST/12:00 PST to provide more in depth information on what can be gleaned from taking the course, and how it can increase profitability for Agents who wish to sell Villa Product and specialize in this rapidly growing niche market. The free webinar and the course are open to the public and webinar registration can be accessed at thetravelinstitute.com/training-resources/webinars/

Private Trade Winds, Inc. Speaks on a Distinguished Panel at the 16th Annual Luxury Real Estate Conference

Irene Aviles, Founder and President of Private Trade Winds, Inc., was asked to share her expertise on trends and projections in the luxury villa rental industry for a network of individuals, which includes the most prominent global luxury brokers nationally and internationally.

A panel of five leading experts in the luxury segment of the travel industry gathered at the 16th Annual Luxury Real Estate Conference at the Grand Del Mar in San Diego, to share their insights on a rapidly growing trend in the travel industry known as Villa Vacations. Piers Brown, Founder of Fractional Life was the moderator, and asked the panel timely and poignant questions.

Irene Aviles, Founder and President of Private Trade Winds brought her company’s philosophy to the table and shared what she calls the hybrid club concept. “Through the years I have bought into almost every type of vacation ownership there is – Fractionals, Timeshares, Destination Clubs, you name it. There were plusses and minuses to each one. I wanted to create a company that embodied the best elements of each concept, and leave the rest behind. I wanted a low-cost alternative to high-priced destination clubs – and in April 2007, out of my own love of travel, and my experience in vacation home ownership, Private Trade Winds was born.”

One of the main topics the panel covered was the need to set industry standards for villa travel in the marketplace; at this time the term ‘villa’ remains undefined. Taking the charge, Private Trade Winds has partnered with The Travel Institute in writing the first Villa Certification Course. The course, titled “Villa Specialist” not only defines villa travel, but also classifies villas as Modern and Classic. Travel Agents who complete the course will become Certified Villa Specialists and receive continuing education credits. Liza Hogan, President at Resort Rating Specialist, also sat on the panel and was in agreement that an industry standard should be established. Ms. Hogan’s Denver based company rates resorts and vacation rental properties.

The Conference speaker, Robert Frank spoke on the role of the high net-worth in the economic boom and bust. Frank writes The Wall Street Journal‘s Wealth Report, a blog focused on the culture and economy of the wealthy. He is also the author of the bestselling book “Richistan” and the newly released “The High Beta Rich.”

Private Trade Winds, Inc., is located in Newport Beach, California and has recently announced a 96% client satisfaction rate in their first five years of business. In addition to being a villa supplier with over 400 villas in their portfolio, the company also offers a managed Trade Program for vacation homeowners. Private Trade Winds markets directly to the traveler, and enjoys partnering with Travel Agents, Real Estate Agents and Developers. For more information please call Judy Sweetland at 866-789-4589 Ext. 804 or email jsweetland@privatetradewinds.com

 

Bringing Vintage Coastal Style Into Your Bedroom

Bringing vintage coastal style into your bedroom is a way to either dress it up or down. It’s a salute to the coast and will bring a traditional or antiqued feel to your contemporary bedroom.

To achieve all this you don’t have to be a world renounced interior designer either. Pulling colors and images directly from the ocean, combined with bright whites, emphasized with natural woods, navy strips, and a few antiqued accessories is basically the gist of it. This post will help you get some great ideas for each area of your bedroom from the choice of linens to your bedroom floor finish.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bed

In any bedroom the style and design of the bed can really set the stage for the entire look and feel of the room. It may seem too easy but the trick is to keep your linens crisp and white and use pillows or a foot blanket as accent pieces. Going for navy strips or just a plain navy print will help create a coastal feel.

If you own a sailboat or know someone who does, get a hold of a sail and get custom slipcovers bed skirts constructed. This will make a great nautical statement when paired with navy stripes and it also brings a piece of a ship into the room!

Choosing the right type of bed frame and headboard also plays a major part in the look of the bed. Pairing traditional metal bed frames or antique garden gates as a headboard with antique side tables looks great in these guest rooms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When working with classic coastal color schemes in the room such as blues, sea grass green, and yellows there is no need to be overly nautical. For a simple look, try an antiqued solid wood bed frame with posts paired with traditional coastal colors to achieve the desired feeling.

 

Floors, Walls and Ceilings

Wood, wood, and wood! Aging your home and adding a “ship like” and vintage feel is achieved with wood and is probably the most essential part of any nautical theme. There are a few choices for finishing the floor but if you can custom order wide planks it will really bring a vintage feel. To age and add extra history to your floors, get them professionally distressed with an antique finish.

Bright white wood paneling is perfect for a coastal feel on the walls. Another idea is to leave intricate framing exposed to play with the early American architecture design. A unique design which would definitely add extra character to your bedroom is using wood exterior shingles on one wall to make the space appear as though it was an addition to the original home. Notice the wood detailing on the ceiling in this picture, as it also adds a wonderful feel to the room, almost as if you are down on the second floor of a ship.

One of our favorite details in many vintage coastal homes is their use of exposed beams. In modern homes you can get these types of beams installed and they do not have to be functional in the framing of your home. It would be a small renovation which would make a big impact! Make sure to shop around for your beams. Often historic properties are taken apart piece by piece and the pieces of old wood and large beams are auctioned for sale.

 

Accessories

Weathered wooden pieces will enhance the rustic theme in any room. If you love antique shops, shopping for bedroom accessories is where your trained eye will come in handy. Try adding a large weathered pine or cedar chest to the end of your bed or even a large beach wood tree trunk as a coat rack. A stack of antique suitcases adds extra storage to the bedroom and acts as a memento of the spirit of travel that has always drawn people to the coast.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you happen to come across a great weathered wooden bowl use it in your bedroom. Fill the bowl with shells, pieces of beach glass or any other type of keepsake from the sea then place a few small candles on top. This elegant coastal piece is not only beautiful but is fun to consistently add to.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This guest post was brought to you by PartSelect.com, your complete online resource for DIY appliance repair!

 

Photo Credits:

Coastal Living

Country Living

 

Tower Hill – Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

Situated on a bluff overlooking Edgartown Harbor, this house commands one of the most spectular views in all of New England! Edgartown is located in Martha’s Vineyard, one of the most popular vacation destinations in all of the U.S.

The residence includes a 6 bedroom main house with a patio overlooking the harbor and the property also includes a separate 2 bedroom guest cottage with its own living room and half kitchen as well as a large family room with big screen TV, pool/ping-pong table, recumbent bike and stairmaster exercise equipment.

The owner is a member of a number of private clubs in Edgartown which offer golf, tennis, fitness and other services. Arrangements can be made for guest usage, subject to payment of appropriate guest fees.

PROPERTY DETAILS

Single Family Home with 3 levels
8 bedrooms, 8 baths, 4500 square feet

Bedrooms:
Queen, Queen, King, King, Queen, King, Queen, and King

(12 guests maximum)

Nearest Airport:
Martha’s Vineyard Airport
13 minutes by car

View from Property:
Situated on a bluff overlooking Edgartown Harbor, this house commands one of the most spectacular views in all of New England.

AMENITIES

  • Satellite/Cable TV
  • 40″+ TV
  • Multiple TVs
  • DVD Player
  • Washer & Dryer
  • High Speed Internet
  • Wireless Internet
  • Outdoor Grill
  • Fireplace
  • Air Conditioning
  • Workout Facility

This property is available through our friends at 3rd HOME.  To see more Tower Hill.

Private Island with 360 Ocean Views – Spectacle Island, Maine

Welcome to Spectacle Island, your own 5 acre Island where you are the only inhabitant other than the native wildlife. With a new Post and Beam home, this luxurious island compound is completely unattached from the mainland and is equipped with satellite TV, Reverse Osmosis for fresh water and a generator and solar capability for power to live in comfort on your own.

The home is fully furnished with antiques to create an open cottage feeling. The body of water where Spectacle Island Estate resides is called Frenchman’s Bay and the private Island is nestled in a group of smaller islands. Fully equipped with today’s amenities, the property provides an entertainment room with a large screen projection Television, DVD, and Satellite Dish. A large Jacuzzi tub in the master bath enhances the peaceful surroundings and allows you to fully relax. There are five buildings on the island which include the utility building, boathouse, bunkhouse, original house, and the new post and beam. Additionally there is a wrap-around covered porch with 360 degree ocean views. This is a one-of-a-kind property and retreat a mere 10 minutes by boat away from Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. With hosts available to cater to your requests, what could possibly get in the way of pure relaxation.

For more photos of the island and the area, and for further information, please visit us on the web at www.spectacleislandmaine.com

Irene Aviles, Founder & President of Private Trade Winds

The Private Trade Winds Team

How do you define Villa Travel?  When consumers and travel agents think of villas, their first thought is for a special occasion or a large group traveling together.  That would be correct, however, there are so many more options to explore for everyday travels, so Private Trade Winds has been working on re-defining the “villa concept” .  Of course, we love the traditional Villa which we would call a Classic Villa. Classic Villas are typically found in Italy  and France, or they can be large ski chalets and single family beachfront homes. We are proud to introduce the Modern Villa, as well.  With the vast real estate developed over the last 10 years travelers now have various options for condos, condo-hotels, residence clubs , fractionals  and resort real estate  that they can add to their choices for travel instead of choosing a hotel.

Are the rates for a villa per person or for the entire villa? When rates are quoted they are for the entire villa and a maximum number of occupants.

What is the required length of stay at your villas? Some of our villas have a minimum stay; however, in most cases the relationship that we develop with the homeowner allows a great deal of flexibility. We will always go above and beyond to accommodate each need in every situation.

Does a weekly rental always start on the same day each week? No. It’s not like a timeshare where everything is structured and there’s no room for flexibility. Arrivals and departures are based on the client’s schedule, not the other way around.

When is High Season and Low Season? Our villas are located all around the world in various time zones and geographic locations. Therefore high and low seasons exist in most cases. Our Travel Advisors are well-qualified with more than 20 years experience, and they’re familiar with the specifics for each destination to help clients make the best choice. An option that many travelers overlook is Shoulder Season – the time period right before and after High and Low season. Shoulder Season can be an excellent time to travel with less crowds, more privacy, and reduced cost.

Do clients have to pay full rent if they book a home with more bedrooms than they need? Here lies the beauty of villa travel – again flexibility, flexibility, as mentioned in two of the other questions.   In many cases clients have the option of renting the villa as a whole, or they can break it down into smaller units to accommodate their needs. Again, the villa accommodates the client, instead of the client having to comply with property restrictions. Take our Caribbean destination – Rock Cottage on Antigua. Rock Cottage is a unique 5 bedroom villa built on the point in Soldier’s Bay at Blue Waters Antigua Resort. Although this spectacular villa can accommodate 10 guests, a couple in search of a unique experience can rent a smaller portion of the villa, and still receive all the service and amenities of Blue Waters Resort. So a party of two – a honeymoon couple, for instance, can book a suite and still enjoy a private pool, daily housekeeping and more! Many of our properties operate this way.

Is a villa a good idea for a honeymoon? A villa is perfect for a honeymoon. They can be large and grand enough to accommodate the entire wedding party, or small and intimate enough to set a romantic ambiance for honeymooners. Privacy and luxury go hand-in-hand with villa travel. Another great feature in a villa is the inclusion of a gourmet kitchen. In most cases a chef can be brought in to prepare a meal, and we have even had an occasion where we arranged a private culinary and wine pairing class for the bride and groom.

Aren’t villas more expensive than a hotel? Villa travel is more affordable than you might think. This topic was recently covered by Conde Nast. If you’re booking multiple hotel rooms to accommodate a large family, villa travel will most likely be a greater savings, but it will undoubtedly be a better value. When booking a villa you have to remember you’re not only getting space, privacy and security, but you’re also getting a complete or gourmet kitchen for meal preparation. Think how fast 3 meals a day, 7 days a week can add up. Having a kitchen to enjoy home cooked meals or a relaxing breakfast in the morning isn’t only convenient, but it can also save money.  When comparing total vacation costs for any size group, villas usually win the price debate, and the memories created make it a hands-down better experience.

What are some examples of great deals out there?  The best deals can be found everyday when a Private Trade Winds client purchases one of our Travel Plans.  Designed for our frequent travelers, clients save 10-20% on all PTW villa bookings through a price discount and/or special inclusions.  In addition, enrolled clients can take advantage of special offerings of up to 50% off throughout the year.  Clients who book our villas individually are guaranteed the best market price at any time, and receive special offers through our bi-monthly special newsletter .

Which destination is the best or hottest right now? That’s a very personal decision so we let our travel advisors help each client find the best destination for each traveler.  Nevertheless, we are always searching to bring our clients new and exciting places to explore and what is interesting – we seem to have a knack for finding that next special destination. Dubai was definitely a timely find, but at this moment I would have to say London and The Seychelles. Of course, it helped having the Royal Wedding the month our London property was released, and then Prince William and Kate spent their honeymoon in the Seychelles which pointed a lot of travelers in that direction. We had inquiries on the Seychelles the day we launched the villa in our June Newsletter .

Do all of your villas include staff personnel? Yes, either on or off site.   In order for a villa to be certified branded as a Private Trade Winds Villa it has to have daily housekeeping, chef, babysitting, and concierge.  Roundtrip airport transportation is always made available as well. We expect our guests to receive all the service and amenities one would find in a 5-Star Resort.

What makes Private Trade Winds Villas Branded?  We pride ourselves in being the first Branded villa rental company and the founders of the Five Star Villa Vacation.  Although our villas are located worldwide, they have a consistency in how we rate each condo, home or estate.  In addition, we offer hotel type amenities such as spa robes, high-end bath amenities, coffee, bottled water, and other logo branded items to make every guest feel the splendor of luxury hospitality.

What is your deposit and cancellation policy?  Each varies by location and size of the property, however, if a client chooses to purchase a travel plan they get to sign one lease and all properties follow one set of cancellation policies with no security deposit required, which makes it much easier for frequent travelers to enjoy villas (1-13bd options) any time, any place, without the traditional hassles of vacation rental leases and deposits.  Read more about our travel plans

Are children welcome in all the rentals?  Children are considered occupants and unless a resort is considered “adult only”, or if a homeowner chooses not to allow children, they are always welcome.  Most properties cater to children of all ages and provide toys, activities and children’s necessities to make it a fun trip for all.  At Private Trade Winds, we value our guests with children and even provide robes for their size.  Read about Stella, one of PTW’s most recent child guests on our blog.

Do I need to purchase trip insurance?  We always suggest trip insurance due to the uncertainty of life.  It’s just a way to have additional peace of mind.

 

To Book a Five Star Villa Vacation call 866.PTW.4LUX Ext. 803 or email info@privatetradewinds.com.

Casa Kalika is Ultimate Relaxation

With its breathtaking views of the crystal clear blue waters of the Bay of Banderas Pacific Ocean, the natural lush beauty of the Sierra Madre Mountains, the Marietas islands and the Puerto Vallarta Skyline, Casa Kalika oozes ultimate relaxation, contemplative vibes, simple yet elegant living, and is sure to be the of choice for the weary traveler.

Set inside the gates of the Four Seasons Punta de Mita on the Ninth fairway of the famed Pacifico Jack Nicklaus golf course, Casa Kalika provides guests with both a coveted location and a private oceanfront setting. A safe haven for travelers, Punta Mita offers high-end infrastructure, 24/7 Security and world-class amenities such as two Jack Nicklaus Golf courses, tennis courts and eight miles of sandy white beaches with two beach clubs for private Residents.

Casa Kalika was built in a contemporary tropical “Palapa style” with modern Balinese influences, by Architect Guillermo Michel Renteria, one of the most talented emerging Architects from Puerto Vallarta. Built with traditional, natural and organic local materials, this impressively restful 10,000 square feet Private Villa captures fluid transition between unrestricted spaces and nature‘s beauty.

Upon entering Casa Kalika, guests are taken away by the peaceful serine views throughout the entire house . The spacious open Living room Palapa thatched roof, infinity pool, golf fairways and the Pacific ocean invite you to experience the vacation of a lifetime in a home away from home. Whether you are relaxing in one of the five master suites, lounging under the open Palapa living room, sipping a margarita at the adjoining wet bar, swimming against the stream of the ocean front infinity salt water pool, working out in the air-conditioned gym, enjoying a cup of espresso in the state of the art kitchen or dining under the stars on the ocean view roof terrace, Casa Kalika gives a sense of continuous intimacy mixed in with organic living.

With all the amenities of the Punta nature come the necessary amenities for modern living in a hot climate. With air conditioned rooms, wireless internet service, satellite television,a collection of over 850 movies and animation movies, free local telephone service to Mexico, the US and Canada, docking stations for your iPod, and a stereo sound system throughout the main areas of the house, Casa Kalika captures every amenity needed.

Enjoy the highest level of service and amenities at this wonderful retreat. The villa comes equipped with a staff of 5 that provide the attentive yet unobtrusive service that the best Mexican beach resorts are known for. Our cook will cater to your culinary desire and our Estate manager and concierge will accommodate your every need to make sure your visit is full of leisure, comfort and adventure. There are a variety of restaurants, services and activities in Punta Mita. Indulge yourself with in-villa spa services or participate in the adventures of whale watching, sailing, surfing, kayaking, fishing, scuba diving, zip lining, or horseback riding. Enjoy the natural wonder of this tropical paradise.

You may experience the local color and flavor of the nearby Mexican villages or simply improve your skills at the art of doing nothing. Whatever activities you choose, you and your family will create memories to cherish for a lifetime during your stay at this beautiful Villa. With it’s attention to details, friendly service ,and tranquil living, Casa Kalika caters to those who value both the Sophisticated and the Natural on a high level of Excellence.

For more information, visit the Casa Kalika page on 3rd HOME @ http://tinyurl.com/3vqqrvj

Private Trade Winds and The Travel Institue Introduce the Villa Certification Program

Private Trade Winds, in conjunction with The Travel Institute is proud to announce the release of the first Villa Certification Program. The course, called Villa Travel, was designed to equip travel agents with the knowledge and tools necessary to assist clients who prefer spacious accommodations, yet value the service and amenities typically found in 5-star resorts.

No longer is villa travel reserved for Counts and Countesses on mass vineyards in Tuscany. Of course, the classic villas of France and Italy are still highly sought-after destinations, and rightly so, but what the public needs to know is that a villa can range from a 1-bedroom beachfront condo to a 13-bedroom palatial estate. What ultimately sets apart a villa vacation from a vacation rental involves an assessment of the destination, the residence, and all they have to offer. This is where the education process comes in, and it has all been crafted with the ultimate satisfaction of the traveler in mind.

In early May, the Today Show aired a segment on villa travel, and they went into detail on the rise in villa travel and the advantages therein. While we were delighted to see coverage on the subject, the segment began by defining villa as “any rental property or house.” It was this comment that prompted our immediate reaction, and we realized the urgent need to set parameters in this rapidly growing niche of the travel industry.

Our response, and what we feel is our duty as villa specialists, is to protect the consumer by educating the travel industry, and safeguarding the traveler against the pitfalls of misrepresentation in an otherwise unregulated segment of travel.

Today’s discerning traveler can have it all – daily housekeeping, airport transportation, concierge service and more – without sacrificing comfort, security and luxury. The key factor is educating both travel agents as well as the consumer on the various options that are out there, and most importantly, how to appropriately match the villa with the vacationer.

The Villa Specialist course covers such subject matter as villa history, classic vs. modern villas, villa options, sales & marketing, accommodations, amenities & inclusions, and more. Upon completion of this comprehensive course, participants will be able to clearly differentiate a villa vacation from a vacation rental, and open doors to a whole new world of experiences for their client.

Real Estate Agents and Developers can benefit from taking this course as well, since they will want a better understanding of what the consumer is looking for in a villa rental, and they will have the opportunity learn how to choose their partnerships wisely when deciding who will represent their product in the industry.

An informational webinar will be conducted by The Travel Institute on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at 12:00 PDT, where listeners can learn more about the course. To request an invitation, please email Judy Sweetland at jsweetland@privatetradewinds.com.

If you would like to learn more about villa travel, contact Andra Minnehan at 866.PTW.4LUX Ext. 809 or email her at aminnehan@privatetradewinds.com.

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