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Merry Christmas From All of Us at Five Star Vacation Rentals

Christmas is our favorite time of year.  It’s also one of our busiest.  Snow is falling in the mountain resorts, so we’re taking continual calls from excited guests planning the perfect ski vacation.  We’re also busy helping people plan big family getaways for Christmas and New Years.  In the midst of all of this, we’re continually reminded of the great privilege we have to work with our guests creating lifelong memories with those they love.

We pause at this time of year to remember all the things we’re thankful for.  We’re blessed by the love and support of our families as we often work longer hours than we wish.  But at the end of many days, we return home with wonderful stories of honeymoons, reunions, anniversaries and last minute romantic getaways we’ve helped to plan. It’s amazing that a collection of luxury vacation rentals continually serve as a touchstone in the lives of so many people and help create such wonderful memories.

Hanukkah started last week and continues till Christmas Eve.  Many of us are caught up in the hurried pace of shopping and preparation for guests.  We hope you’ll be  sure and slow down for time with your friends and family. It’s a great time to rekindle relationships with those we care about, and we hope the spirit of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation of the season will bless all of you.

However you may be celebrating the season, we hope that you’ll have ample time to enjoy time with family and friends beside a warm fire.  We hope you’ll smile as a child lights a candle or you breathe the aroma of a fresh Christmas tree, and fill your thoughts with the many things that make you thankful.

 

Time To Plan Your Ski Getaway

The recent storms blanketing Southern California have inflicted pain on our driving, but bring paradise to the ski slopes. The weather reports say the drought is not over, but there’s plenty of great base now. And fresh powder is falling regularly.  You need to stop procrastinating, grab your skis and call us.

Our most popular ski destination is Big Bear, and it’s easy to see why.  Big Bear has two of Southern California’s most popular ski resorts. Bear Mountain and Snow Summit both offer great slopes and cater to skiers of all ages and skill levels.  Lift tickets give you access to both slopes, and they offer a free shuttle between them.  On some days, you can ski virtually all day along on two different mountains without repeating the same run.  Save some time by purchasing your tickets in advance online. Here’s the link:  http://www.bearmountain.com/snowboard/rates/season-passes/ Reserve your luxury Five Star Vacation Rental at this link: http://fivestarvacationrental.com/area_BigBear.php .  There’s nothing like spending a day on the slopes and then returning to the amazing luxury of your Five Star Vacation Rental cabin.

In the mood for a run down the slopes at Mammoth? We can help you there too.  We have two great condos in the Juniper Springs Lodge.  We love this destination because it’s a true ski in-ski out location.  For the serious skier, you have no travel time at all.  You’re right on the slopes, and can just about roll out of bed directly onto the first ski run of the day within minutes.  Take a look at our Mammoth units at this link: http://fivestarvacationrental.com/area_MammothMountain.php .

We’re also pleased to offer a beautiful condo at the base of Park City Mountain in Park City.  Located just moments from to the Three Kings, First Time, and Eagle chairlifts, this is a great destination for up to 4 guests.  It’s also centrally located for the great nightlife offered in Park City, so you can ski all day and enjoy the nightlife until exhaustion brings you back to your luxury Five Star Vacation Rental.  It will be a great feeling, though.  Take a closer look at this property at this link: http://fivestarvacationrental.com/propertyPage.php?prop=snowFlower

With all these great reasons to hit the slopes, the only thing remaining is to call us or book your getaway online.  Or give us a call, and we’ll be glad to book your getaway for you. Looking for a vacation somewhere else?  Check out our luxury vacation rentals in Park CitySouthern California BeachesMammoth Mountain, and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. We realize that you get very little vacation time each year, so we’re dedicated to ensuring that your time spent in one of our luxury rentals will be a great value for you and your family.  Call us today at 310-800-5454, and we’ll help you plan the vacation of a lifetime.

Plan Your Winter Getaway!

The long summer and fall have come to an end, and it’s time to start preparing for your annual pilgrimage to the snow in Big Bear.  For some of us it’s far more frequent than just annually, but whatever may be your schedule, now is the time to book your getaway.

We’re already starting to see some promising snow reports, and there’s no real reason to delay your plan.  Here are a few tips to help make your getaway more enjoyable.

Buy your lift tickets in advance. Snow Summit and Bear Mountain share lift tickets and offer a free shuttle between the slopes.  It’s easy to fill your day with one great run after another. Here’s the link to buy tickets online: http://www.snowsummit.com/ski/rates/lift-tickets

Plan a weekday getaway. As the ski season gets into full swing, weekends will be get busier.  Both Snow Summit and Bear Mountain are well equipped for big crowds, but many of us prefer ski on lighter days.  Whichever is your preference, be sure to plan ahead.

Book a Five Star Vacation Rental luxury vacation rental cabin. Those first few days back on the slopes may well result in a few sore muscles.  But we’ve got the perfect solution for that.  Most of our Big Bear luxury rentals have hot tubs.  We’ll be happy to help you find the best vacation rental for your getaway.

Check out all of our Big Bear vacation rentals at this link.  And if you’re in the mood for a getaway in one of our other ski destinations, follow these links to view our other properties in Park City, and Mammoth Mountain.  Want to head to warmer climes for your getaway, check out our vacation rentals in  Southern California Beaches and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.  Your family could use some time away to relax and enjoy some time together, couldn’t they?  Call us today at 310-800-5454, and we’ll help you plan a great vacation or weekend trip.

Aunt Clarissa Called. She’s Coming For Thanksgiving.

We all love Aunt Clarissa.  And we’re pretty sure every family has their own Aunt Clarissa.  We really do love her.  She has an opinion about everything, and advice for almost anything.  She makes it a point to spend every holiday at our house, and we’re pleased to have her.  But she has a bad back, so she can’t be expected to sleep on the sofa.  Or the hideaway bed.  Or in a nearby hotel.  For the last couple of years we’ve abandoned our bedroom, so she can get the best bed in the house.  Somehow each year, it seems we end up sleeping on the sofa in our own home.  But we really love Aunt Clarissa.

This year we’re doing things differently and so should you.   Stop subjecting your family to the annual tradition of inviting all the relatives over for the holidays while you scramble for sleeping space on the various sofas, rollaways, or air mattresses on the floor.  In addition to making your home look like some new challenge on American Ninja Warrior, you end up with a week’s worth of work after everyone leaves just to get back to normal.  Be honest.  Don’t you sometimes dread the holidays when you know there’s going be so much extra work and lost sleep as a result of just wanting to spend time with your extended family?  Well, this is the year to put a stop to it.  This is the year you can finally start truly enjoying the holidays and relax with family and friends.

Call Five Star Vacation Rentals and let our specialists help you locate a luxury vacation rental cabin or estate in Big Bear.  We have a collection of the finest quality Big Bear cabins you can possibly find.  Our cabins range in size perfect for groups from a small family to a big multi-family reunion.  Aunt Clarissa can have her very own room without relegating you to the sofa.  We’ll help you choose the one that’s just right for your plans.  But don’t delay.  We usually get completely booked for the holidays.

Call us at 310-800-5454 and we’ll be glad to help you with your plans.  You can also browse our properties in Big BearMammothPark CityPalm Springs/La QuintaSouthern California Beaches or  Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. We realize that you put a lot of time and effort into planning your getaway, and we’re confident that your stay with us will be a great memory for everyone in your party.

Fall — In Love — In Big Bear

We can’t believe that summer is officially ending and the first day of fall is just a few days away.  Halloween candy is already popping up on the store aisles, and we’ve already had a couple of chilly mornings.  Time marches on, and waits for no man, and . . . lots of other cliches.  But have you allowed time to trample on your plans for a romantic getaway?  Well, we just double checked, and the clock is still ticking.  The longer you delay, the longer you’ll be delayed.  You may quote us on that.  You should really stop procrastinating, and give us a call.  We have more getaway specialists on hand than a convention of bank robbers.  And our getaway specialists will help you plan a romantic time away with virtually no worry about any jail time as a result.  They’re really that good.

Big Bear is an ideal destination for your getaway anytime of year.  It’s one of the few places in Southern California that you can actually see fall colors in abundance.  The colors usually arrive some time in October, and they’re really spectacular.  The brilliant oranges and reds are breathtaking and make for a really romantic time.  We highly recommend that you make some time with you sweetheart to have romantic getaway in the fall.  There’s really no better time to propose, celebrate your anniversary, or just reaffirm  your commitment.  We can’t imagine a more romantic moment than walking hand-in-hand down a colorful path, and pausing to propose, offer a surprise gift, or just look deeply in your mate’s eyes and say, “This is a beautiful place, but it pales in comparison with your beauty, and the joy you’ve brought into my life.”  Hand us a tissue, we’re getting misty-eyed.  So will you.

The romance of your special time in Big Bear will be greatly enhanced by the luxurious pampering you’ll experience in our Five Star Vacation Rental Big Bear cabins and estates.  Of course, true romance is unbounded by any geographic limits.  So feel free to take your romantic plans to any of our destinations.  Check out all of our Big Bear vacation rentals at this link.  And if you’re in the mood for a getaway elsewhere, follow these links to view our other properties in Park City Southern California BeachesMammoth Mountain, and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.  A well planned weekend away in a Five Star Vacation Rental cabin or estate will recharge your batteries and equip the entire family for the challenges back at home.   Call us today at 310-800-5454, and we’ll help you plan the vacation of a lifetime.

October in Big Bear

October is just around the corner, and we’ve got plenty of good reasons for you to plan your next getaway with Five Star Vacation Rentals in Big Bear.

Oktoberfest is in full swing, and we’re certain there’s a stein or two just waiting for you to show up.  Beer is just the beginning of Big Bear’s Oktoberfest fun. This event keeps getting bigger and bigger each year and is a great destination for the entire family.  In addition to a wondrous collection of exotic international beers, there are events planned to keep everybody in the family occupied with something fun.   You’ll be humming polka tunes for weeks to come.  It’s one of those rare moments in your life you may well hear yourself utter the words, “You know, I think I’d like to learn to play the accordion.”

The rows of booths have lots of fun souvenirs and kid-oriented stuff like a bounce house, face painting, balloon creations, and spray-on tattoos.  Combine this with the nearly endless polkas and food, and you’ll see why so many people keep coming back year after year.   Oktoberfest runs weekends through October 25.

Anglers are going to love the annual Troutfest on October 4th and 5th.  Sponsored by Western Outdoor News, this event offers a great weekend of fishing with some great prizes and trophies offered.  You can fish from shore or on the lake, and there are several different categories you can vie for.  Visit the Western Outdoor News website for more details.

Regardless of the reason you choose for your Big Bear getaway, you time away will be much more enjoyable with a Five Star Vacation Rental cabin or estate as part of the picture.  We choose only the finest luxury vacation rentals in Big Bear, so you can enjoy an amazing getaway that promises to let you truly relax as you soak in your surroundings.

Check out all of our Big Bear vacation rentals at this link.  And if you’re in the mood for a getaway elsewhere, follow these links to view our other properties in Park City Southern California BeachesMammoth Mountain, and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.  A well planned weekend away in a Five Star Vacation Rental cabin or estate will recharge your batteries and equip the entire family for the challenges back at home.   Call us today at 310-800-5454, and we’ll help you plan the vacation of a lifetime.

 

Take To The Lake — And To the Land!

September is one of the best months for activities on Big Bear Lake as we enjoy the last of the warmer weather before the onset of fall.  At the peak of summer, the lake water can get in the low 70° range.  This is great weather for boating, fishing, and even swimming on the lake.  It’s a great opportunity for your family to “dive in” and enjoy some of the great water activities on Big Bear Lake.

 

Thursdays offers ladies only a fun time with the “Babes on Boards” potluck and paddle board event at Captain John’s Fawn Harbor and Marina.  This fun event is limited to ladies only, and we’re told it’s an absolute blast. Be sure to call ahead for details, as there is an age requirement. Contact Serena Saunders at 909-866-6478 for more details.

The entire family can enjoy stand up paddle boarding with mid-week rentals at Captain John’s. Paddle boarding is great fun, and definitely gets easier the more you practice. And with the warmer lake water this time of year, you won’t suffer at all when you slip into the water.

Want to just spend some time on the lake? You can rent anything from a little canoe to a 12 person boat at Captain John’s. Spending an afternoon just drifting around the lake with no real destination can be amazingly relaxing. Grab a good book, some cool refreshments and a light lunch. You’ll quickly find the gentle lapping of the lake water against the hull of the boat to be supremely relaxing.

September usually offers some good trout and bass fishing, so we recommend all anglers pack their gear to enjoy some fun as well.  There’s nothing quite like serving up the amazingly fresh catch of the day when you were the one to catch it.  Our luxury Big Bear vacation rental cabins and estates all have full kitchens with the utensils you’ll need to cook up a gourmet meal.

If you choose to venture off the lake, there are some very special events taking place in Big Bear during September.  The annual Oktoberfest celebration kicks off September 13th and runs weekends through October 25th.  Many of our guests make this an annual event.  Oktoberfest brings great fun to town.  It’s that time of year you can sample dozens of exotic beers from around the world, and polka till you just can’t polka any more.  The kids will have a great time as well with dance contests and tons of activities just for them.  Bratwurst, sauerkraut, beer, and polka.  There are few things needed beyond these to enjoy a fulfilled life.  Except maybe some quality time in a Five Star Vacation Rental cabin in Big Bear.  And lederhosen.

September 19 – 21st Big Bear hosts the 15th annual International Film Festival.  This event keeps getting bigger every year, and it’s a great time for film buffs.  You’ll get a chance to do some star gazing, since we usually see a handful of famous actors in town for the event.  There are over 100 films screened during the festival, and you can also participate in seminars and panels for both film makers and film fans alike.  Be sure to book your cabin and get your tickets in advance.  It’s a busy weekend, and we often get booked up in advance.

Check out all of our Big Bear vacation rentals at this link.  And if you’re in the mood for a getaway elsewhere, follow these links to view our other properties in Park City Southern California BeachesMammoth Mountain, and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.  A well planned weekend away in a Five Star Vacation Rental cabin or estate will recharge your batteries and equip the entire family for the challenges back at home.   Call us today at 310-800-5454, and we’ll help you plan the vacation of a lifetime.

Back To School Blues? Take a Deep Breath and Give Us a Call

It’s so hard to believe that school is starting up again.  It seems it was just a few days ago we were all getting excited about the onset of summer, and now we’re seeing Back to School sales and backpacks magically appearing on young shoulders again.  While it’s impossible to get the time back, we can certainly refuse to surrender all of our fun over to the relentless new schedules that face us each fall.

Thank heaven for weekends.  Even when our schedules face the pressures of shoehorning in school events, sports, dance, and work, we can still count on having a couple days that are available for reworking each week.  Yes, even the weekends tend to fill up, but you usually have a larger canvas to paint on each Saturday and Sunday, don’t you?  Well, grab those paints and help your family’s mental health skyrocket by planning a fun weekend getaway for September in one of our Big Bear vacation rentals.  We have dozens of luxury vacation cabins and estates to choose from, and we can recommend any of them for your getaway.

September is such a great time to escape to Big Bear.  While the heat in much of Southern California can quickly turn oppressive, Big Bear’s climate is almost always crisp and cool.  As you crest the hill, you can smile and utter those words you would never say elsewhere:  “Kids!  Roll down the windows and smell the air!”  And as that rush of clean, chilly air fills your car, the relaxation will begin to set in.   Even before you set foot inside the amazing luxury of your Five Star Vacation Rental cabin, your entire family will start to feel the glow.  Your jaw muscles slacken, your neck feels a bit looser, and your affections towards each other will increase.  Soon the car will start to fill with the excited conversations of what to do first:  Take a walk in the woods, head down to the lake, go shopping in the village, and more.

But you may well find all your other plans put on hold once you cross the threshold of your cabin.  First-time guests are always amazed at the luxury and craftsmanship that is apparent in virtually all of our Big Bear vacation rental cabins and estates.  Many of our vacation rentals have forest and lake views.   Each is furnished with an emphasis toward luxury and relaxation.  We have an abundance of chairs and sofas that are specifically designed to swallow you up in great comfort.   You may well find your conversation changing to, “Let’s just hang out here for a while.”  We understand.  That’s exactly what we were hoping you’d say.

Check out all of our Big Bear vacation rentals at this link.  And if you’re in the mood for a getaway elsewhere, follow these links to view our other properties in Park City Southern California BeachesMammoth Mountain, and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.  A well planned weekend away in a Five Star Vacation Rental cabin or estate will recharge your batteries and equip the entire family for the challenges back at home.   Call us today at 310-800-5454, and we’ll help you plan the vacation of a lifetime.

Welcome Our Newest Luxury Vacation Rental

We’re always excited when we welcome a new property into our vacation rental family.  Our new 3700 square foot Eagle Ridge Lodge is no exception.  It’s spacious 5 bedroom floor plan has room for 14 guests, so you can plan for a multiple family getaway,  or a retreat for your extended family and friends.

You’ll love both the look and feel of this amazing log cabin.  The woodsy aroma and full log interiors will captivate you immediately.   It’s a folksy feel that’s steeped in luxury, and will surely draw you into a great, relaxing family time.

Be sure you schedule a match for both the mini pool table and the foosball table.  You’ll all soon be squealing with delight as you leave your cares behind down the mountain and immerse yourselves in some Big Bear-style relaxation.  You’ll exchange counting cars for counting squirrels, and you’ll enjoy tree and lake views instead of pavement and smog.  It’s a perfect time to recharge your batteries right before the end of summer.

Enjoy your evenings in the cabin by gathering around the rock fireplace and enjoying some hot chocolate together.  Be sure to relax for a while in the hot tub before you call it a night.  That warm water washing over you will get you so relaxed that you’ll drift off to sleep right away.  And be sure to skip setting the alarm.  Sleep in as late as you want.  Or until the kids head in and start bouncing on the foot of the bed asking for breakfast.  But even that will be a delight as you enjoy the granite counters in the kitchen.  Your pancakes never tasted so good!

View more details about Eagle Ridge Lodge at this link.  Or give us a call, and we’ll be glad to book your getaway for you. Looking for a vacation somewhere else?  No problem! Check out our luxury vacation rentals in Park City Southern California BeachesMammoth Mountain, and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. We realize that you get very little vacation time each year, so we’re dedicated to ensuring that your time spent in one of our luxury rentals will be a great value for you and your family.  Call us today at 310-800-5454, and we’ll help you plan the vacation of a lifetime.

Stop Putting It Off . . . and Save!

We’re starting to see our first really warm days, and that should serve as a reminder that you need to plan your summer getaway.  Well, your timing is great if you call us right away.  We’ve got a couple of last minute events that are a perfect excuse for you to head for a great family vacation.

Father’s Day is just a week away, and we still have some openings available in Big Bear.  What better way is there to show dad how much you love him than by whisking him away to the luxury of a Five Star Vacation Rental in Big Bear?  We have yet to meet a dad who doesn’t love spending time in Big Bear.  This time of year the short drive up the hill brings you into a cooler climate with breathtaking views of the surrounding forest.  Couple this with great opportunities for fun on the lake, hiking, biking or just relaxing, and it’s sure to be a Father’s day he’ll always remember.  Since all of our Big Bear vacation rental cabins come with full kitchens, you can plan ahead to make him a truly gourmet breakfast on Father’s day.  Then follow that up with a day filled with his favorite activities.  He’ll be happy, and the entire family will certainly benefit from that.  Pampered dads have been known to pamper their wives even more, and he just might raise the kid’s allowances too.  Everybody wins.

The Independence Day holiday is also just around the corner.  July 4th on Big Bear Lake is something many families want to repeat again year after year.  It’s always one of the largest fireworks displays in Southern California, and its beauty is magnified by the cool evening and spectacular reflections off the lake.  Many of our cabins have barbecues on the deck, so you can just imagine the great taste you can enjoy that day as well.  Enjoy an afternoon filled with your own tasty barbecue fixin’s followed by an evening of spectacular lights and explosions in the sky.  Finish it off with some hot chocolate while relaxing in the hot tub, and you’ll have a weekend that will have the family smiling for weeks to come.

July is also a great time to enjoy a getaway to one of our other destinations.   If you can make your plans on short notice, we may be able to book you into a vacant cabin with one of our last-minute specials.  Check out our luxury vacation rentals in Park City Southern California BeachesMammoth Mountain, and  Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. We realize that you get very little vacation time each year, so we’re dedicated to ensuring that your time spent in one of our luxury rentals will be a great value for you and your family.  Call us today at 310-800-5454, and we’ll help you plan the vacation of a lifetime.