Reservations & More Information: 310-780-3411

Are You Letting Another Summer Pass You By?

We hope you all had a great July 4th. We sure did. We ate so much we’re thinking of heading to New York next year to compete in Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.  The fireworks were amazing, and our dogs have finally started to calm down. We know many people are making a long weekend out of this, and we’re going to mix a bit of work and fun in as well.

Happy family sitting in the carThough we hardly call this work, we would like to work with you and your family to help you put together a great vacation this summer. And we’re not judging, but we want to gently remind you of all those past summers when you were determined not to let time slip away. But you did. This summer we’ve made it easier than ever before.

If you haven’t been to our website lately, you’ll notice our online booking feature is pretty streamlined. You can search for properties based upon where you want to stay, how many are in your party, the number of bedrooms you’d like and the dates you’re looking for. And we pride ourselves on having some of the best photography around, so you can get a great idea of what you’ll be looking at when you arrive.

Couple DiningThere are lots of great reasons to choose a Five Star Vacation Rental over a traditional hotel vacation. Privacy and convenience are two of the big ones. In a hotel, you have lots of common areas shared with strangers, and that can range from inconvenient to “who the heck is yelling in the hallway at 2am???” Each of our properties also has a full kitchen, so you’re in control of how, when, and what you eat. You’ll probably want to enjoy some of the great dining experiences that can be found in restaurants at each of our destinations, but you can stock up to keep snacks, drinks, or full meals prepared right in your vacation rental as well. You decide how you want to spend your vacation. And many people prefer to skip the lines and expense at the restaurant for something fun they can prepare together right in their own kitchen.

And of course you will have the luxury experience you can find with a Five Star Vacation Rental. We have some of the most amazing properties, and whether you want to experience a sandy ocean-front beach in Nuevo Vallarta, a golf vacation in La Quinta, or a mountain getaway to Big Bear, we’ve got options to meet pretty much any group.

You can book your stay online or view all of our Big Bear cabins and luxury estates at this link.  Or give us a call at 310-780-3411, and we’ll help you choose a great property for your summer vacation or getaway.  And if you’d like to explore any of our other destinations, you can be assured that we’re committed to providing top quality cabins, estates, and condos for your next vacation getaway.  Here are links to our other properties in Nuevo Vallarta and La Quinta.

Make This Summer Vacation One To Remember

Every year most families talk about making big plans for their summer vacations. These discussions often start far in advance. Some families get busy over the summer and let the time slip away. They’re often the ones that vow to start planning earlier next year. Other families have a great summer vacation, and want to duplicate the experience the following year. Whether your family falls into one of those camps or somewhere in between, Five Star Vacation Rentals will help you make this summer vacation one to remember.

Happy family sitting in the carSeveral years ago the new term “staycation” entered our lexicon and was used to describe something we’ve been doing for years. Essentially, it’s taking a vacation, but not getting very far from home while doing it. It’s a great idea and one that can help planning and budgeting much simpler. There’s no need for passports, plane tickets, or special transportation. Just pile into the family car and within a few hours your vacation is starting. For our Southern California neighbors, the perfect destination for your staycation is Big Bear.

2girlspaddlingBig Bear is our most popular destination year round. It offers some of the most beautiful pristine forest and mountains you can find anywhere in California. It also has a thriving community with fishing, water sports, great shops, lots of performance venues with live music, and a very active cycling community. Take a look at some of our recent blogs highlighting the fun things you can do here and here.  And our collection of luxury estates, and cabins in Big Bear will keep your feeling pampered during your stay with us. Many of our cabins feature forest and mountain views, hot tubs, and a level of luxury that’s hard to find. View all of our Big Bear properties at this link. You can see photos, amenities and book your stay online.

VLEbeachViewIf you’re in the mood for a more exotic getaway, June can be a great time to visit our beachside resort at Nuevo Vallarta. Summer weather can be very romantic with frequent thunder storms. Many of our off-season guests enjoy the dramatic views out over the ocean as storms roll in and out. There are still many sunny days, but the mix of weather can be very refreshing. And with the beach just a few moments away from your room, it’s easy to catch some quality time laying in the sand on the days the sun is out.  It’s a quick flight out of LAX to Puerto Vallarta, where a quick cab ride gets you to the resort. View our Nuevo Vallarta beach condos at this link.

You can book your stay online or view all of our Big Bear cabins and luxury estates at this link.  Or give us a call at 310-780-3411, and we’ll help you choose a great property for your summer vacation or getaway.  And if you’d like to explore any of our other destinations, you can be assured that we’re committed to providing top quality cabins, estates, and condos for your next vacation getaway.  Here are links to our other properties in Nuevo VallartaMammoth MountainPark CitySouthern California Beaches, and La Quinta.

Summer Starts Here

With summer just about upon us, it’s a perfect time for you to start planning for the vacation that you meant to do last year. And the year before.

We really try to make it simple, so you can get an amazing family vacation to a fun and exotic destination planned with almost no extra effort at all. Our top destination, Big Bear, features online booking and plenty of photos to help you choose your perfect getaway. We also have several cabins located adjacent to each other that you can book as a group, so you’ll have room for up to 28 guests with this one and 26 with this choice.  All of our cabins are equipped to help your time away be one full of luxury.

Summer in Big Bear is a great experience. There’s more than enough going on during summer to help keep your kids’ heads tilted skyward instead focusing on their iPhones. Here are just a few things to keep you happily occupied:

Take to the lake. Big Bear Lake offers a plethora of fun activities. The anglers in your party will enjoy dropping a line in the water and trying to land something for dinner. The lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout, and you’ll also find bass, carp, catfish and crappie. There are few things more satisfying than feeding the family with your own fresh catch of the day.

Boating on the lake can be a great way to relax. Rent a boat, grab a good book and some sunscreen, and you’re set for a relaxing time just drifting around with the sounds of the water gently lapping at the side of the boat only interrupted by the occasional laugh or squeal of delight from nearby swimmers and water skiers.

Region capture 15Ready for something a bit more intense and higher off the ground? Try your hand at ziplining. Action Zip Lines has some of the most amazing high-speed runs you can find anywhere. There are few things that rival the thrill of flying through the trees on a zip line. Get more details at their website: http://actionziplinetours.com/

Add to this all the nightlife in Big Bear Village with live bands, unique shops and amazing restaurants, and you’ll find your time in Big Bear will recharge your batteries and have you planning your next visit before you leave.

Check out all our Big Bear vacation rentals at this link, and if you’re in the mood for a getaway elsewhere check out our vacation rentals in  Nuevo VallartaMammoth MountainPark CitySouthern California Beaches, and La Quinta. No matter what city you are visiting, staying in a Five Star Vacation Rental property allows you to experience the absolute best in luxury accommodations. We would be glad to help you plan your getaway to Big Bear or elsewhere, so if you would like more information, you can reach out to us by calling 310-780-3411.

Three Steps to Making Summer 2016 the Best You’ve Ever Had

Summer is a welcome chance to relax, take a break from school and spend quality time bonding with your family. It can fly by quickly if you don’t seize the opportunity to get out and have a great time, though. Why not take the Best Sumer Ever Challenge? You guessed it—we’ve got everything you need to make summer 2016 the best one you’ve ever had. With a little bit of planning, team work, and enthusiasm, it can be a reality. Here are three tips for putting the plan into action:

1. Involve the whole family in planning. It’s called a family vacation for a reason. Every member of the team should have a chance to offer their input on vacation ideas. Call it pre-game preparation before the big trip, and open the floor for a group discussion. Everybody will get excited when they can get involved in planning.

2. Choose a family-friendly destination. Everybody will likely have different ideas of what they want to do, but the good news is you can likely do it all if you plan wisely! This way the whole family is satisfied and enjoys the vacation. You should select a destination that offers entertainment, educational opportunities and the beauty of nature all in one place. A place like Big Bear might just fit the bill!

3. Lock in luxury accommodations. The best part of a vacation is enjoying and relaxing in a haven away from home. With a luxury vacation rental to retire to, you can immerse yourself fully in the stress relief a vacation will provide. At Five Star Vacation Rental, we maintain our properties with families like yours in mind. We know that you’ll likely be busy and you need accommodations that will suit everybody. Amenities like gourmet kitchens and luxurious details are just the cherry on top.

We aim to offer each of our guests a truly unforgettable experience. Our vacation homes are located in world-class destinations, and they are crafted with state-of-the-art features. If you’re ready to ditch the cost and monotony of a hotel, you can trust us to provide a great alternative. Nothing makes for a better getaway than fun and relaxation combined with unparalleled luxury.

Big Bear one of the top destinations for summer vacations, but if you’re looking for a more exotic vacation, we also maintain rentals in  Nuevo Vallarta, Mammoth Mountain, Park City, Southern California Beaches, and La Quinta. No matter what city you are visiting, staying in a Five Star Vacation Rental property will ensure that you experience the absolute best in luxury accommodations. We would be glad to help you plan your vacation to Big Bear or elsewhere, so if you would like more information, you can reach out to us by calling 310-780-3411.

Summer Fun in a Five Star Vacation Rental

Five Star Vacation Rentals has properties located in some of the most desirable destinations in the world.  With summer vacations just around the corner, it’s a great time to look at the possibilities.  This year you can plan a vacation that will be the one the entire family looks back on for years to come as their all-time favorite. Here is a quick recap of our top two destinations.  Either of these will be a great option for your summer getaway:

Big Bear Vacation Rentals

Far and away, this is our most popular destination.  We’ve worked hard over the years to assemble some the most luxurious cabins and estates available in Big Bear.  Our cabins offer something for everyone.  If you want seclusion and privacy, we’ve got you covered.  Want to enjoy a great lake view with room for the extended family?  No problem.  Planning a family reunion with 20-30 family members?  We have adjoining cabins available that will keep you all centrally located without the hassle and expense of renting a dozen hotel rooms.

Summer is an ideal time to visit Big Bear.  The lake is stocked, and fishing is a great pastime.  Boating on the lake is also popular with boat, sailboard, and jet ski rentals available.  There are a number of great hiking trails that will immerse you in the beauty of Big Bear’s forest.  Bring your bike with you or rent one when you arrive, and you’ll find another great opportunity to enjoy the pristine surroundings.  View all of our Big Bear rentals at this link: www.FiveStarBigBear.com

Villa la Estancia Mexico Vacation Rentals

We were one of the early buyers at this resort outside Puerto Vallarta in Mexico, and we regularly return to enjoy the amazing sandy beaches.  It’s everything you expect from a beachside resort.  It has luxurious pools with sunken cabanas, so you can just swim up and get some refreshments.  It has a 30,000 square foot world-class spa on site that will provide you with a decadent level of pampering.  The restaurants located at the resort are world class, and offer an amazing combination of local seafood with the finest Kobe beef dishes as well.  Ask us about our all-inclusive meal package to simplify your stay.

In addition to the great beach and resort benefits here, you’ll be located a short cab ride from Puerto Vallarta.  This amazing historic city has a large community of artisans who sell their works on the streets and in small local shops.  And the local cuisine is just amazing.  Some of the best lobster we’ve ever had was in a little hole-in-the-wall cafe nearby.  There are so many fun shops and arts available, you’ll find yourself returning over and over again.  This is one of the reasons we always travel with an extra empty bag.  It’s never empty by the time we return home!

There are direct flights to Puerto Vallarta out of LAX, and the resort is just a short cab ride from the airport.  Check out all our available Villa la Estancia units 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 Beaches, and Mammoth Mountain,  A well planned vacation 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.

 

Hello Easter, Summer’s on the Way

Easter vacation is already here, and lots of folks are getting their first glimpse of summer on the horizon.  It’s amazing that the year is slipping away so quickly.  This is a great time to start planning your summer getaway to one of our Five Star Vacation Rentals.  Here’s just a sampling of our luxury getaways:

Mighty Bear Manor in Big Bear is a consistent favorite with our guests.  The first thing you’ll notice is the huge carved bear that greets you as you walk up the driveway.  Towering 16 feet tall, this huge creature offers a preview of the grand size you’ll enjoy during your stay.  This cabin has the look and feel of a mountain chalet with amazing attention paid to the best furnishings to make sure you can relax in great luxury.  As you relax, you’ll enjoy incredible views of the slopes and the lake.  The cabin has 7 bedrooms, so there’s plenty of room for your extended family or group up to 16 people.  You’ll be shooting pool, playing ping pong or just relaxing in front of one of the fireplaces.  It’ll be a great time for your entire family.

Sky High Estate is another great cabin in Big Bear.  With 6 bedrooms and 4.5 baths, there’s plenty of room to spread out for your entire family.  Two of the bedrooms are masters and one has its own fireplace.  Though you’ll enjoy feeling like you’re living in the trees far away from civilization, the cabin as just a few minutes walk from the restaurants and shops in the Village.  You can enjoy hiking right out the backyard, or stay in and play a friendly game of pool.  The views are just amazing throughout the cabin, so you’ll be torn with relaxing and enjoying the view or grabbing your hiking boots to trek out into the trees.  It’s a great dilemma that will have you feeling relaxed whichever you may choose.

In the weeks ahead, we’ll highlight more of our vacation rental cabins, estates and condos.  We’ve got lots of opportunities for you and your family to have a truly amazing vacation this summer.  Take a look at all our Big Bear cabins at this link.  And if you’d like to explore any of our other destinations, you can be assured that we’re committed to providing top quality cabins, estates, and condos for your next vacation getaway.  Here are links to our other properties in  Park City, UtahPalm Springs/La Quinta Southern California Beaches Mammoth Mountain, and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.  Give us a call at 310-780-3411, and we’ll be happy to help you make the reservation for your next getaway.

What Are You Planning For Your Summer Vacation?

We know there’s still snow on the ground at our ski destinations (Like Big Bear, Mammoth, and Park City), but summer has been spotted on the horizon slowly making its way toward us.  And we are firm believers in planning ahead to make sure you can squeeze every last drop of enjoyment out of your vacation time.

Don't press that button without us!

Summer is one of our favorite times of the year around here.  We get calls from all over with people excited over their summer plans.  For many families, they’ve been planning for months to make sure they get everything as close to perfect as possible.  We love being a part of this planning process, and gladly work to find the best fit for your vacation wishes.

We’ve found over the years that many families who have suffered through bad vacations in the past are prone to making much more detailed plans for future getaways.  This only make sense.  The fewer elements you leave to chance, the more likely you are to get the outcome you hope for.  This is where we excel.  We’ve suffered through some bad stops along the way ourselves. Don’t get us started about that little motel in Barstow we landed at late one night!  And we’ve had some fun in past blogs looking at the pitfalls you may encounter by planning a vacation anywhere but with us.  You can read those blogs here and here.

You can include us in your vacation planning with confidence knowing that we’re dedicated to helping you build a vacation that will be as hassel-free and fun as possible.  Browse our site, and you’ll see the many testimonials from our guests.  We’ve collected a handful of them in one of our past blogs here.

Call us at 310-780-3411 to book your vacation getaway now. Browse all of our Big Bear vacation rental cabins on this page.  If you’re planning a vacation somewhere other than one of our luxury Big Bear Cabins, please be sure to look at our vacation rentals in Park City,Palm Springs/La QuintaSouthern California BeachesMammoth Mountain, and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.  Regardless of where you may go, you’ll have the confidence of knowing that Five Star Vacation Rentals is working to make your vacation relaxing and memorable.

The Virtues of Staycationing, Nearcationing, or Just Enjoying Southern California

It seems that in the life of every Southern Californian there comes a time when you look at your spouse and say, “You know, I just realized we haven’t been to Disneyland since your Uncle Harold visited us back in 2007.  I think they’ve got a couple of new attractions.”

Well, actually, they do! And so for this week’s blog, we’re going to encourage all our Southern California friends to dive in and participate in the recently-coined activities of a “staycation” or “nearcation.” As the names imply, some folks are electing to stay closer to home for upcoming vacations, and we’re here to encourage that. We’ve got some of the most luxurious accommodations available near Southern California beaches, so you can plan out an amazing vacation very near home.

Staycations are a great new trend, and with a Five Star Vacation Rental, you can maximize both the fun and value of staying near home for your upcoming getaway. Here are just a few of the advantages:

Resistance is futile. Go see the mouse.

Plan a vacation with your kids and their friends. Many of our kids have friends they will miss over the summer, and would love to have them along on a vacation. Since most of our Southern California beach properties have large sleeping capacities, it can be a great getaway with room for all your kids’ friends in tow. It’ll be a delight to listen to them laughing and giggling late into the night in the luxury of one of our vacation rentals. Get them all out of bed the following morning for a quick drive to Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, or just a short walk to the beach. No plane tickets, no airports, no rental cars – just great fun in a luxury vacation rental near the beach.

Feel the Ocean Breeze

You can finally get caught up with friends and relatives. Count up the number of times you’ve told some family member or friend, “Let’s make some time to get together.” Most of us can sadly count up quite a few of those. Well, renting one of our big luxury homes nearby is a great way to make that happen.

Call each of those friends and relatives and tell them to set aside that special night when you’re going to have them over for a barbecue at your vacation rental beach home. Imagine how much more special that night will be as you all enjoy the cool evening breeze and watch the sun set on the ocean from the deck of your Five Star Vacation Rental. It’ll make the time all that more special to have them spend the night in one of the guest suites and just pick up in the morning where you left off the night before.  Or have everybody meet at Disneyland.  Enjoy a great day at the park, and then caravan back to your vacation rental home at the beach.  You can all get up the next morning and walk down to the beach to continue the fun.  This is an amazing way to finally make the time to get together with those you care about the most.

Romantic Beach Wedding

Plan the perfect summer wedding, family event, or church retreat. Do you have a wedding coming up with guests coming in from out of town?   Five Star Vacation Rentals can be a perfect solution that everyone will remember as a wonderful time.  Do yourself and your loved ones a favor.  Skip that thought you had that went something like this:  “Well, if we move Johnny out to the couch, and have Uncle Jim and Aunt Mary take his bed, then we’ll get the rollaway out of storage and . . . ”  Don’t do it!  Make this a special time filled with joy, not old lumpy bedding and long lines for your bathroom.

Last November we had a bridal party rent one of our Laguna Beach homes. Jessica was the bride and she wrote us a note to tell us her family’s stay leading up to her wedding was “absolutely amazing.”  Her entire bridal party enjoyed nightly sunsets on the ocean with lots of room to move around.   They had no musty old roll-away beds and no lines for the bathrooms!   Jessica and her family took a joyous occasion and turned it into a wonderful experience for everyone involved, not just the bride and groom.   Read more of her comments and see which of our homes she chose here. So whether you’re planning a wedding on the beach or anywhere in Southern California, one of our Five Star Vacation Rental beach homes is certain to make this an amazing time.

Laguna Beach Arts Festival -- Book Early!

Book now for your stay during the Laguna Beach Sawdust Arts Festival. This year’s festival runs from June 29th through September 2nd, and attracts visitors from all over the world.  We sell out most years during the festival, so be sure to book early.  The festival is a great event for the entire family with over 200 skilled artisans displaying creations from fine portraiture to delicately blown glass.  There’s also great entertainment and a huge variety of great food.

Call us today 310-780-3411 and we’ll be glad to have one of our friendly staff help you plan the ideal Southern California getaway.  We have beach homes available for rent in Laguna Beach, Corona del Mar, Manhattan Beach, La Jolla, and Laguna Niguel.  Visit our Southern California Beaches page to see all our available properties. We also have vacation rentals available in Park City, Palm Springs/La QuintaMammoth Mountain, and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.

 

 

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.

Relax by the Lake

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:

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.

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.