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If you haven’t been to a Vail Resorts property, you’re probably a recent transplant. With 11 mountain resorts (four in Colorado), the Broomfield behemoth has raked in some serious cash—close to $150 million in net income in 2016—by crafting ski trips for all manner of powderhounds. But that’s not the only way to build a bottom line. Carbondale’s Timbers Resorts, for example, has quietly honed its reputation by offering luxe boutique residences, many of which are shared (think: $350,000 for one-twelfth ownership of a Hawaii townhome), in 16 destinations around the globe. Vacation villas with that many zeroes don’t compute for most, but we can fantasize, especially in mud season. Some of these I-want-to-go-there properties even offer nightly rates—so you can at least rent the dream.
Colorado Locations
The Sebastian, Vail, Vail
Best For: The complete ski package. Located at the base of Vail Mountain, on-site amenities include a mountain-view pool, the Bloom Spa, and Leonora, an alpine bistro. Nightly rates start at $325 in the summer and $700 in winter.
Timbers Bachelor Gulch, Beaver Creek
Best For: Mountain newbies. You’re mere steps from the Bachelor Gulch Express chairlift, so you can practice turns on the plethora of green and blue runs at Bachelor Gulch, Beaver Creek, and Arrowhead.
Dancing Bear Aspen, Aspen
Best For: Après-ski amenities. On the building’s rooftop, guests can expect musical performances, art exhibits, and demonstrations by chefs and vintners. Residences are offered in 1⁄8 fractions starting at $850,000.
National Locations
Rancho Valencia, Rancho Santa Fe, California
Best For: Equestrians and tennis lovers. The Del Mar racetrack and San Diego Surf Polo Club are located minutes from the property, and in 2012, Tennis magazine named Rancho Valencia the top tennis resort in the country. Rates fluctuate with the seasons, but in the fall, you can score a suite for around $640 per night.
Timbers Jupiter, Jupiter, Florida
Best For: Serious golfers. Mediterranean-style freestanding villas overlook the 7,531-yard, Audubon-certified Jack Nicklaus signature golf course.
Hokuala-Kaua’i, Kaua’i, Hawaii
Best For: An active Hawaiian retreat. Dotted with villas, bungalows, and cottage homes, the 450-acre oceanfront retreat boasts nearly a mile of cliffs and coastal trails for hikers, bikers, and runners. Shared ownership opportunities start in the mid-$300,000s.
The Orchard At Carneros Resort and Spa, Napa, California
Best For: Foodies and aspiring sommeliers. While staying on 27 acres replete with vineyards, fruit trees, and pastureland, you’re bound to find plenty of Instagram-worthy eats, especially at Farm—an on-site restaurant with artisan bread, sustainably raised meat, and, of course, locally made wines.
International Locations
Esperanza, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Best For: Oceanfront pampering. The resort and its spa, complete with steam caves and soaking pools, has consistently been named one of the best in the country by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure. Not an owner? At nonpeak travel times, nightly rates start around $575.
Castello Di Casole, Tuscany, Italy
Best For: An authentic, rustic Italian experience. The five-star resort and residences includes 27 restored Tuscan farmhouses and a 41-suite boutique hotel. (Suite rates start at $415 during the spring and fall seasons; high-season summer rates start around $700.) On-site activities include pizza-making classes, vineyard tours, and olive oil and wine tastings.
