Portsmouth, NH--(November 2009)--In a recent poll on www.Hideaways.com, travelers were asked how they'd prefer to spend Thanksgiving versus how they'll actually spend the holiday. And the dichotomy is striking.
 71% wish to spend Thanksgiving at a resort or hotel, 13% prefer a vacation home, 16% want to stay home with family, and no one wants to travel to a relative's house or go on a cruise. In reality, 65% will celebrate the holiday at a relative's house, 25% will stay at home, 7% will be at a resort or hotel, 3% will be on a cruise, and no one will be at a vacation home.
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"I was shocked to learn that no one wants to spend the holiday at a relative's house, yet 65% will do just that," says Mike Thiel, Founder and President of Hideaways International, Inc. (www.Hideaways.com). "It makes you wonder how traditions come to pass."
To fulfill their wish of traveling to a resort or hotel to celebrate Thanksgiving, Mike offers his picks of top villa resorts for a family vacation at Thanksgiving, or any other time.
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71% wish to spend the holiday at
a resort, not a relative's house.
So try compromising, and invite the whole family to spend Thanksgiving at a villa resort. This hotel hybrid combines all the amenities, services, and activities of a resort with all the space, privacy, and comforts of a vacation home. Villa resorts are ideal for the holidays, offering a modern take on a time when families traditionally celebrate at home. |
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 The Cloister (Sea Island, Georgia): This is an elegant place to relax and reconnect with loved ones, with a backdrop of endless activities, excellent service, and comfortable surroundings. One- to three-bedroom villas available; each is close to the beach, with an open kitchen.
- The Pines Lodge (Beaver Creek, Colorado): The pleasures of the natural surroundings are enhanced by a warm staff and its "nothing-is-too-much-trouble" efficiency. Two- to five-bedroom condos and townhomes available; each has a gourmet kitchen and a fireplace.
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 Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort (Labrelotte Bay, St. Lucia): This fortuitous blend of seclusion, sociability, and sports is immersed in St. Lucia's superb scenery. One- to four-bedroom villas available; some include a full-size pool and the services of a personal chef.
- St. James's Club & Villas (St. James, Antigua): Stretch out in one of the resort's roomy villas, with a huge private terrace offering turquoise glimpses of Maroma Bay. Two-bedroom "Luxury Villas" available; each has a full kitchen and separate dining and living areas.
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 Long Bay Beach Resort & Villas (Tortola, BVI): Enjoy the informality and beauty of the old Caribbean, where it's just you, your loved ones, and a mile-long beach. Two- and three-bedroom villas available; each has a full kitchen, outdoor dining area, and private pool.
- Covecastles (Shoal Bay West, Anguilla): Revel in the luxurious villa life, a secluded setting, and an upscale Caribbean island at your fingertips. Two- to six-bedroom villas and beach houses available; some are directly on a secluded beach with a pool and private sundeck.
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 Casa de Campo (La Romana, Dominican Republic): Whether your vacation lifestyle is fantasy or family, "fast-forward" or "pause," this oceanfront villa resort offers lots of recreational options. Three- to five-bedroom villas available; each has a whirlpool or pool, a touring cart to explore the vast grounds, and optional private chef service.
- Tryall Club (Montego Bay, Jamaica): Home to a country-club community of private villas available to rent, this Shangri-la has verdant hills and palm-fringed ocean frontage. One- to eight-bedroom villas available; each has its own style and a full staff, including cook.
- The Athenaeum (London, England): A delightful staff and the comforts and conveniences of home and then some--like a Child's Concierge--make this apartment/hotel a perfect base from which to explore London. One- and two-bedroom flats available; many were designed for families.
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 Hotel Punta Islita (Guanacaste, Costa Rica): This elegantly casual resort is all about relaxation and rejuvenation, especially if you're cooling off in your villa's private pool. One- to three-bedroom villas available; some have a private terrace and hammock overlooking the sea.
"When you stay at a villa resort, the entire family can come together, watch the game on the big screen, gather around the dining room table, and enjoy a feast whipped up in the kitchen," says Mike. "The differences are, you don't have to cook the meal if you don't want to--most villa resorts will cater it or supply a private chef--no one has to wash the dishes, and no one has to sleep on the couch.
About Mike Thiel
Mike Thiel founded Hideaways International in 1979 and, over the last three decades, has become a sought-after guest on radio and television news and talk shows across the country.
To arrange an interview with Mike Thiel, contact Gail Richard at 603-430-4433, ext. 112, or pr@hideaways.com.
About Hideaways International
 Hideaways International, Inc., which operates the Hideaways Aficionado® Club, has been seeking the best-of-kind and the out-of-the-ordinary for its savvy, discerning, and well-traveled members for more than three decades. Members, who hail from around the world, range from notable celebrities, musicians, publishers, authors, captains of industry, and politicians to ordinary folks with extraordinary taste. All are part of this lively community with a passion for travel away from the madding crowds.
For more information, visit www.Hideaways.com or contact Gail Richard at 603-430-4433, ext. 112, or pr@hideaways.com. |