Five Star Vacation Rental

Plan Ahead For Your Summer Getaway to Big Bear

The kids are just finishing up Spring break, and you glance at the calendar. Summer is just a couple months away! Now is the perfect time to start planning your summer getaway vacation to Big Bear with a Five Star Vacation Rental.

Throughout much of Southern California, the summer months bring stifling hot temperatures and smog alerts. But after a short drive up the mountain to Big Bear, you’ll find more moderate temperatures and smog-free skies. And there are plenty of summer activities to keep the entire family smiling for your getaway whether it’s just a weekend or several weeks.

You’ll notice the kids will start to quiet down as you climb up the road leading to Big Bear. The choruses of “Are we there yet?” will usually be replaced with “oohs” and “ahhs” as they start to see the dramatic change in scenery as towering trees begin to appear and perhaps catching glimpses of local wildlife like deer and colorful birds.

Five Star Vacation Rentals has streamlined your check in process, so before you know it you’ll be unlocking the door to your luxury cabin and listening to the kids run off to claim a bedroom. Many of our cabins have extensive collections of games, so the kids may start a playing Foosball as you unload the car. If you choose one of our cabins with a spa, you may all end up laughing and splashing together as you take deep, full breaths of the amazingly crisp clear air you’ll find in Big Bear.

When you finally crawl into bed that first night, you’ll probably vow to sleep late the following morning to start enjoying your Big Bear vacation. But you should expect that the kids will have other plans, and they may well start tugging at you early to get your day started on one of the many fun activities that Big Bear offers. Here’s just a sample:

2girlspaddling — Rent a Paddle Board on Big Bear Lake

Action Zip Line Tours can send your entire family flying among the treetops in Big Bear. They offer exhilarating zip line adventures that will have you all squealing with delight as you each do you personal impersonation of Superman flying through the trees. Be sure to visit their website before you leave home to get pricing and reservations: http://www.actionziplinetours.com

In the mood for some water adventure? Head over the the Big Bear Marina and check out their big selection of rental boats. You’ll have a variety to choose from. If you want a quiet day on the lake for the entire family, you can rent one of their larger pontoon boats. If you’re in the mood for a bit more active fun on the lake, take a look at their kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards. Whatever you choose, you’ll soon see the entire family laughing, splashing, and having more fun together than you’ve had in a long time. Here’s their website for rates and availability: http://www.bigbearmarina.com/boats.html

Take a hike! There are over 50 miles of improved trails in and around the Big Bear area, and summer is a wonderful time to enjoy a family outing among the trees and wildlife. You can make a day of it by packing a picnic lunch. You can start your day at the Big Bear Discovery Center (http://www.nationalforestassociation.org/bigbeardiscoverycenter.php ). They have maps and information available there on the best trails to choose for your family.

Big Bear also has a wonderful 9 hole golf course with a pro shop and great restaurant on premises. You can also make a day of it by booking to play a full 18 holes by arranging to play through twice. It’s one of the most beautiful golf courses in Southern California with fairways surrounded by towering pines and amazing mountain views in the distance. Big Bear’s 7000 foot elevation will turn many duffers into instant pros as their balls soar to new distances in the clean thin air.

BBhikingTrails — Miles and Miles of Hiking Trails

These are just a handful of the fun activities available during your stay in one of our Five Star Vacation Rentals. Our helpful staff can also give you more ideas. And if you’re planning a stay of a week or more, please be sure to call us, so we can help find a discounted weekly rental rate.

So don’t delay! Visit our Big Bear Rentals page. Many of our properties get booked early, so book online or call us at 310-780-3411 to plan your summer vacation in Big Bear.

There’s still time to enter our Big Bear photo/video contest!
We’re offering one lucky winner a free cabin rental for Oktoberfest in Big Bear. Just visit our Facebook page and submit your original photo or video depicting a stay you’ve had in Big Bear. The winner will get a free cabin rental and free tickets for Oktoberfest. Visit our Facebook page here, or read more details about the contest on our blog here.

Ocean View Vacation Rental in Beautiful Monarch Beach Just Added

23611Tampico_1 — Ocean View From Tampico Great Room

Some of us are old enough to remember that old show from the 80’s and 90’s, “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.” And more recently we have MTV’s show, “Cribs.” It’s natural for us to wonder how the rich and famous live. Well, imagine how excited we were when we learned that our newest property was recently owned by a certain very tan weatherman on a Los Angeles television station. When we got our first look at the Tampico home, we found out that he not only has a talent for predicting the weather, but he’s also spot-on when it comes to choosing a luxury getaway.

Tampico is located in the exclusive gated community of Niguel Shores in Monarch Beach. It has direct ocean views and a breathtaking floor plan. When you walk in the front door, you’re immediately greeted by the stunning floor-to-ceiling windows that face the ocean. There’s a large wrap around deck with plenty of seating so you and your guests can watch the sunset while you enjoy the cool ocean breezes. Here’s a virtual tour to give you a taste of what you’ll be seeing during your stay here: Tampico View Virtual Tour

23611Tampico_23 — Private Beach a Short Walk Away

With the dramatic windows in the great room, you’ll never feel very far away from the ocean. So enjoy the great gourmet kitchen and cook up some steaks on the barbecue. Relax in the Jacuzzi, or take in a quick game of tennis at the clubhouse. With 4 bedrooms including two full master suites, there’s plenty of room for up to 12 guests.

Pull on your flip flops and take the short walk down to the members-only area of Salt Creek. You’ll find great surfing, swimming, and benches where you can sit and listen to the waves crash on the beach as the sun slowly sets at the end of the day. There’s a slate-lined outside shower when you return to wash off the sand before you go back inside. On the cool evenings, you can all gather in the great room and light up the custom glass fireplace to create a wonderful relaxing glow. Enjoy a movie on one of the three flat screen TV’s as well.

The time you spend in Tampico will always be remembered as scenic, relaxing, and something that you’ll vow to do again. Call us today for details on this rental in Monarch Beach.

Click here to view more info and details about this great Five Star Vacation Rentals property. Or give us a call at 310-780-3411.

Win a Free Cabin Rental in Big Bear!

About the only thing we can imagine better than a Five Star Vacation Rentals weekend in Big Bear, is getting that weekend for FREE! And right now you have the chance to win a great weekend stay at one of our Big Bear Cabins.

It’s simple to enter and no purchase is required. Just visit our Facebook page and submit your original photo or video depicting time you’ve spent in Big Bear. We’re looking for photos or videos that will highlight great times you’ve had there. They can be from any season and any activity in Big Bear. Submit your entries on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/Fivestarvacationrentals

Here are a few ideas to stir your imagination:

Depict family activities in any season
Send a video of fun you’re having in one of our Five Star Big Bear Cabins
Have any good videos of your first time skiing?
Have you taken any video or photos of Big Bear wildlife?

The contest runs from March 16th-April 16th, and we’re looking for your original photos and videos. We’ll announce the winner on Facebook on Monday April 23rd, and the lucky winner will receive 8 Oktoberfest tickets and a free weekend in a 3 bedroom cabin during Oktoberfest.

Oktoberfest in Big Bear is a great time for the entire family. Every year there are amazing bands, festivities, and – of course – beer! There’s an expanded bier garten with big screen TV’s to watch the NFL, or college ball games while you relax with friends. The kids will love the game booths and petting zoo, while you can sign up for the log sawing or beer drinking contests.

At the end of the day, you’ll enjoy the luxury of one of our 3 bedroom cabins that will sleep up to 6 guests. You can relax in front of the fireplace or enjoy a movie. It will be a weekend that you’ll always remember.

Contest Rules: No purchase is necessary. The contest is open to legal residents of the United States aged 18 or over. To enter, just visit our Facebook page between March 16th and April 16th, 2012 and submit an original photo or video that you personally created in or around Big Bear. The winner will be selected by Five Star Vacation Rentals and announced on our Facebook page on April 23rd.

Plan a Perfect Golf Getaway to La Quinta

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We’re excited to announce the newest member of our Five Star Vacation Rental family of properties. It’s a pristine golf getaway located on the Fourth Fairway of the Weiskopf Golf Course at the world-famous PGA West in La Quinta.

The weather in La Quinta this time of year is just perfect for long, relaxing days on the links. And with PGA West’s six championship courses, you can have nearly a full week of golfing on a different course each day. These courses are designed by five golf legends: Arnold Palmer, Tom Weiskopf, Pete Dye, Greg Norman, and Jack Nicklaus. And if you want to take your golf to the next level, the Jim McLean Golf School is located at The Tournament Clubhouse and offers instruction to beginning and advanced players.

PerfectionAtPGAWest_cropped — Relax in the pool . . . on the golf course

After a day on the golf course, our La Quinta vacation rental home offers the perfect retreat to relax with family and friends. The great room is furnished with comfy furnishings, or grab a cold drink and relax in the twilight overlooking the fairway. As evening approaches, increase the relaxation by lighting up the fireplace on the covered patio.

But your passion for golf will be distracted by the amazing luxury of our new La Quinta getaway. This custom home offers southern double fairway views over the Weiskopf Golf Course. The great room floor plan boasts floor to ceiling windows which overlook the golf course and the Santa Rosa Mountains.

With 4 bedrooms and 4.5 baths, this home has plenty of space for a group of golfing buddies or two families to enjoy resort living. It has a den, casita, fireplace on the covered patio, custom made furniture, and electronic window treatments. Before you head out to the links for the day, start out with coffee on the private gated courtyard overlooking the fairway.

SwimPark — Amazing Family Fun at Knott's Soak City

The La Quinta area has so much to offer in terms of nightlife and family entertainment, so you may want to take advantage of our monthly rate for a family vacation that will create a lifetime of memories. The golfers in your family can head out for any of the PGA West courses while the rest of the family can grab their swim suits and head to Soak City (March – October http://www.soakcityps.com).

Here are some other fun ideas for your stay:

Palm Springs Air Museum
http://palmspringsairmuseum.org/

Agua Caliente Indian Canyons
http://indian-canyons.com

Palm Springs Art Museum
http://www.psmuseum.org

Call us at 310-800-5454 today for booking information on this amazing home. Or for more details and online booking click here.

Our Newest Big Bear Vacation Estate In Castle Glen

Castle Glen Estate offered by Five Star Vacation Rentals — Our Newest, Most Luxurious Castle Glen Estate

We always get excited when we locate an exceptional new home to offer our guests. But this one is really special. We’re calling it “The Grand 8 Bedroom Estate At Castle Glen,” and it’s 6700 square feet of unmatched luxury.

Imagine spending an exciting day on the slopes at Bear Mountain or Snow Summit and returning home to our newest estate. After you park the car, you walk in and allow your eyes to drink in the full 35 foot ceiling in the great room. The dramatic fireplace in the great room hugs the wall up to the full height of the open beam ceiling. The glow from the fireplace fills the room with a warm light as you walk to the windows and watch the growing shadows across the treetops out to the lake. Step out on the deck and get a closer look at the view as you slowly inhale the crisp, clean air that draws so many people to Big Bear.

It will be tough to leave the amazing luxury you’ll find with this Big Bear vacation rental. After you eat a great meal cooked in the gourmet kitchen, you’ll need to decide if you want to play pool, foosball, ping pong, or gather up the family and head into the theater room to watch a movie on the 10 foot screen.

Grand8BrEstateAtCastleGlen_3 — Amazing 35' Ceiling. New Furnishings Arrive March 25th

The attention to detail is evident at every turn in this home. You’ll delight in the touches of marble, granite, hardwoods and stone that are integrated in the design. With 3 master bedrooms and a total of 8 bedrooms, this is an ideal choice for large groups or multiple families to share — up to 16 guests. And with 7 bathrooms, your entire party will be able to get ready for the day with no waiting.

Our designers are spending the next few weeks finding distinctive furnishings to match the amazing decor and craftsmanship of this extraordinary estate. When we start renting this on March 25th, you’ll be greeted with a level of comfort and luxury that you simply cannot find in any other vacation rental. So call us today at 310-780-3411 to book a vacation that your family will never forget. Click here to view more details or book your stay online with Five Star Vacation Rentals.

Sun’s Out, Surf’s Up: Sunny So Cal Beach Escapes

Pack the swimsuits, grab the sunscreen and toss on your shades! From San Diego to Santa Barbara, the sunny Southern California coast is the perfect beach getaway destination. Whether you catch a few waves or work on your tan, SoCal beaches offer the perfect blend of fun in the sun and relaxation.

From family-friendly visits to romantic getaways, a luxury vacation rental is the best way to enjoy the sun-soaked SoCal beaches. Vacation rentals allow the discerning traveler to stay in the most sought-after SoCal beach communities. After all, nothing beats stepping out your front door each morning and feeling the sand between your toes! Live like the locals and enjoy exclusive beachfront access without paying a premium for overcrowded, overpriced hotels. After a day on the beach, watch the sunset from your private hot tub while sipping a glass of California wine.

Not sure which SoCal beach is right for you? Check out three of our favorite SoCal destinations.

Laguna Beach Luxury

Laguna Beach

For clear waters, beautiful coves, and equally beautiful people, head straight to picturesque Laguna Beach. This picturesque seaside village started as an Art Colony in the 1900s. Today, it boasts seven miles of spectacular coastline, with more than 30 unique coves and beaches. Palm trees, colorful bougainvilleas, and tropical gardens adorn the charming cottages along the beach. A vacation rental in one of the charming beach cottages is the perfect way to feel like a local.

Monarch Beach

This exclusive community in Dana Point not only gives vacationers private beachfront access, but also boasts some of the area’s best golfing and tennis. Discerning travelers enjoy the exclusive privileges that come with a gated community by staying in one of Monarch Beach’s popular vacation rentals. Visit the Dana Point Yacht Club and charter a sailboat or yacht and watch the sunset over the Pacific. Don’t miss the family-friendly Festival of Whales held every March over two weekends or the Dana Point California Wine Festival held each April.

Manhattan Beach

Enjoy the small-town feel of this family-friendly beach that’s a paradise for surfers, beach volleyball players and sun worshipers alike. Take in the coastline while biking along the 22-mile South Bay Bicycle Trail, or take a stroll along the “Strand”, a paved pedestrian walkway. Like all the SoCal beaches, Manhattan Beach is lined with luxury condos and homes. Fortunately, you don’t need a star on the walk of fame to live like a Hollywood star during your stay. A beachfront vacation rental brings the beach to your doorsteps. Watch the sunset from your private balcony and fall asleep to the crashing surf – a SoCal beach vacation doesn’t get any better than this!

Call Five Star Vacation Rentals at 310-800-5454 today to book your getaway to the beach.

A November Wedding . . . Relaxing Family Time . . . And Amazing Laguna Beach Views

Laguna Beach Sunset — A Five Star Sunset

We recently received a note from one of our guests who stayed at our Laguna Beach Gem. Jessica rented this beautiful home for her entire family to spend the week of her wedding together. They had a great time. She notes in her letter that they found the house to be “absolutely amazing” and it was a great home base for the entire family.

View From Kitchen — Drink In the Kitchen View

We pride ourselves on our professional photography, but she said our photos don’t do justice to the property. Of course, you’ll have to judge that for yourself after you spend some quality time soaking up the sunsets, ocean breezes and luxurious appointments that you’ll find in this stunning property.

Take a closer look at some of the amenities that Jessica noted in her letter: She says “the kitchen has GIANT windows with unobstructed views of the ocean so every sunset was enjoyed over wine while making dinner.” She also loved the floor plan and overall roominess of the property: “It gives enough space and you never feel cramped.”

And while the amenities at our lovely Laguna Beach home will keep you smiling all day, Jessica notes that the luxury continues to impress even when you sleep: “The beds are VERY comfortable.”

A short walk to the beach — A Short Walk To The Beach

The experience continues if you want the party to expand outside. This unique property has three ocean-view decks and a back yard. It’s a short walk to the beach, or a short drive to downtown Laguna Beach with its art galleries, world-class restaurants, and unique shopping.

Our Laguna Beach Gem has 3 bedrooms, 2-1/2 baths with room for up to 11 guests. We usually rent this home on a monthly basis, but we can sometimes carve out a weekly rental. Click here to view more details on this home. Call Five Star Vacation Rentals at 310-780-3411 to start planning your amazing getaway. But don’t delay, our summer schedule is already starting to fill.

Be Mine at Big Bear: Why Big Bear is the Perfect Destination for Romance

Rent a cabin for Valentine's Day — What could be more romantic?

Surprise your sweetheart with a romantic escape to Big Bear luxury rentals, the perfect couples-only winter getaway.

Snow falling gently outside, you and your sweetheart snuggling by the fire, champagne on ice… it just doesn’t get more romantic than this! Even if you waited until the last minute to make your Valentine’s Day plans, it’s never too late to surprise your sweetheart with a romantic escape to Big Bear. Let us play cupid and help you plan the perfect romantic getaway!
Luxury Big Bear Vacation Homes Create Romance
Discerning travelers know that the right accommodation sets the mood for romance and adults-only fun. So why stay in a cramped hotel room when you could enjoy a spacious home? Get the romance started at one of the exclusive Big Bear luxury vacation homes. These rentals feature custom amenities, private hot tubs and luxurious master suites. Nothing says romance like sipping champagne in your own private hot tub or snuggling up together by the fire!
After a day on the slopes, enjoy a romantic meal together at one of Big Bear’s fine dining restaurants. Many restaurants offer special romance packages and tasting menus, such as Sweet Basil Bistro’s five-course Valentine’s Day dinner served in this intimate, charming bistro.
And whether you hit the slopes or cuddle up indoors, there’s plenty of action to set your heart a-flutter.
Top 5 Big Bear Winter Romance Activities
1. Bear Mountain Snow Summit: Old Man Winter is back, and now is the perfect time to take advantage of a packed powder-to-powder natural snow surface under beautiful sunny skies! Spend the day skiing down the slopes on Snow Summit’s beginner, intermediate, advanced or expert snow runs.
2. Alpine Slides at Magic Mountain: Take a break from the slopes and zip down the alpine slide in your own private toboggan for two. Your hearts will be racing after a ride down this authentic bobsled experience.
3. Big Bear Snow Play: Reconnect with your inner-child on the largest snow play hill in the San Bernardino Mountains! The lift-assisted inner tubing takes you straight to the top for a fun, laughter-filled glide down the mountain.
4. Action Zip Line: Get some action this Valentine’s Day with a Big Bear Action Zipline tour! Suspended high above the forest floor, you’ll zip through stunning snowy scenery, across rocky canyons, and end with an adrenaline high!
5. Helicopter Big Bear: Lovebirds can take in the stunning winter scenery with a 20-minute private sightseeing tour. Special romance packages include champagne or Perrier sparkling water, fine chocolates, a stuffed teddy bear and a long stem red rose.

Why Choose Luxury Vacation Rentals?

The bags are packed; the flights are booked… all that’s missing from your perfect vacation getaway is where to stay. For years, hotels were the standard of choice for luxury accommodation. Increasing, however, discerning travelers are discovering that luxury vacation rentals are the perfect “home away from home” – balancing five star amenities with personal comforts and privacy.

Luxury Vacation Homes Set the Standard for Comfort, Exclusivity and Privacy

Big Bear Luxury from FiveStarVacationRental.com

From romantic getaways to family-friendly fun, five star vacation rentals balance the need for luxurious accommodation with personal privacy. There’s no traipsing down a hallway late at night to visit the ice machine, no loud slamming doors or flushing toilets, and no disturbances from boisterous neighbors arriving home past midnight. Best of all, instead of waking up early for that stale continental breakfast, you can relax in your bathrobe with a cup of coffee out by the pool – you’d never do that in a hotel, would you?

Increasingly, a five star beach home or a five star big bear vacation rental is also a smart choice for budget-friendly accommodations. Many discerning travelers are surprised to learn that the cost of a week’s stay at a five star rental may be far less than a week at an equivalent hotel. This is especially true for large families or several couples traveling together. Instead of booking several hotel rooms, families and friends can relax and live comfortably at their new home away from home. There’s no need to cram into a crowded bedroom or share bathrooms. With a luxury vacation rental, everyone has their own space!

A luxury vacation rental is all about the little extras. Multiple master suites make vacation rentals a natural choice for several couples traveling together. Gourmet, stainless steel kitchens make cooking fun – whether you’re brewing hot chocolate after a day on the slopes at Big Bear or grabbing a few snacks to take down to your Laguna beach party. Need to keep the kids entertained? A large big screen TV or board games will keep them occupied in the family room, while you and your spouse share a quiet moment together. At the end of the day, relax in the privacy of your own pool or hot tub – without having the moment spoiled by other hotel guests. Whether you choose a cottage, condo or home, thousands of square feet of space, multiple bedrooms and expansive outdoor space sure beat a tiny hotel room and balcony.

Selecting a five star vacation rental is just the beginning! At Five Star Vacation Rentals, our talented team also specializes in creating a completely custom experience tailored to your needs and interests. From Big Bear and Mammoth Lakes to the Southern California beaches and beyond, we specialize in helping our guests discover unique, authentic activities. This is the type of personalized service and attention to detail offered by the most exclusive hotel concierges.