You could win a week's stay in this villa near Cortona, Italy, courtesy of Ciao Bambino and HomesAway.

by Kathryn Maier on Travel Deals

Okay, so it's not a deal per se, but you need to know about it regardless: Our friends at Ciao Bambino are giving away a weeklong stay in a luxury villa in Tuscany--a prize worth up to $10,000.

The property is Villa Grandi, a family-friendly, three-bedroom house near Cortona. It's on a large hillside estate surrounded by woodlands, vineyards, and olive groves, and features a terrace with pool, offering sweeping views over the valley below. To say it's the land of Under the Tuscan Sun is no exaggeration: You can actually see Frances Mayes's villa from this property. And you can walk into town along a two-kilometer footpath that is part of the original Roman Road. How great is that?!

For more details and pics, click to the next page.

Get more ooh-la-la for your moolah. HomesAway is offering 20% off rentals of its French villas through the end of the year.

 by Kathryn Maier on Travel Deals

Last-minute summer trip to France, anyone? The folks at HomesAway, which has been on our annual list of top villa rental agents since we started it four years ago, have come up with an exclusive deal for Perrin Post readers: 20% off through the end of 2009--and six bottles of wine thrown in for good measure.

HomesAway's properties are all amazing, but what really sets this company apart is its local hosts: All stays include several hours of time with an English-speaking longtime resident of the region who acts as a concierge and so much more. In addition to recommending restaurants and making reservations, yours might take you to a favorite winery or introduce you to the local shopowners.

A rental villa makes the most sense for a large family or group, of course. If your late-summer/early-fall family-vacation fantasies involve a Provençal château, consider Aire de Beaumes, pictured above.  It's got five bedrooms, a gorgeous pool, and a location within walking distance of a village, and it comes with a staff of two (a husband and wife caretaker team). Normally $8,000 per week, this year it's $6,400. That's less than $200 per bedroom per night--a great value.

You can rent Aire de Beaumes for less than $200 per bedroom per night.

If it's an autumn escape you're looking for, check out four-bedroom Château Esperance in the Dordogne. Even if the temperature's slightly cooler, you can still swim in the heated outdoor pool or cozy up in front of its enormous fireplace.  Normally $8,800 per week in autumn, this fall it's $7,040 for rentals starting September 26 or later. That's $251 per bedroom per night.

If you've never taken a villa vacation before, check out Wendy's guide to villa rentals in our June issue--especially her advice on how to make sure it's the right type of vacation for you.

Book by: August 14.

For travel through: The end of 2009.

Book through: Evan Wood at HomesAway. He's one of the France specialists on our annual list of top villa rental agents (800-374-6637; evan@homesaway.com).  

Bonus tip: Although HomesAway has a great Web site, it's important to speak with Evan by phone early in your search for a villa.  He has personally visited all of the properties that HomesAway represents and will be able to recommend the right one for you, based on your group's specific needs and interests.

Girona Castle, in Catalonia, Spain. Image courtesy of El Sol Villas.

by Kathryn Maier on Travel Deals

Calling all castle lovers! 

Ordinarily, we wouldn't post about reduced rates at just a single rental property. But when I hear about a deal that makes me want to pack my bags, grab some friends, and hop on the next flight, I figure it's worth sharing. The object of my current travel crush? An eleventh-century castle in Catalonia, Spain, near Girona and just minutes from the Costa Brava. With 7 bedrooms and 7.5 baths, it's great for a large group of friends or an extended family. Last summer it rented for $11,000 per week; this summer it can be yours for just $5,800 per week -- even during the peak months of July and August. That may still sound pricey, but round up a group of friends to fill all seven bedrooms, and it's just $118 per bedroom per night. 

The castle includes a pool, an English-speaking house manager, daily housekeeping, and -- fantastic for cooks -- two separate kitchens in which to try your hand at making paella. (For those less handy with a saute pan, an excellent cook is available on request.)

Haven't rented a villa (or castle) before? Check out Wendy's latest guide to villa rentals--especially her advice on how to make sure it's the right type of vacation for you. Also watch for Wendy's annual villa guide in the upcoming June issue of Conde Nast Traveler.

How to book: Mary Vaira of El Sol Villas, our pick for the top villa rental agent for Spain, is the only agent who can offer this special rate. She's stayed in the castle herself and knows its owner well, of course, so she can answer questions about the property in the most minute detail. Contact her at 610-687-9066 or at info@elsolvillas.com.

My family in Rome last month. (Yes, those are the Spanish Steps.)

by Wendy Perrin

Conde Nast Traveler reader M. Kaplan has written in asking for advice regarding renting an apartment in Rome:

"My husband and I have enjoyed your useful, practical travel advice for years now, thank you! We would appreciate hearing your opinion on something. We are planning to visit Rome, Italy, during the first half of August with our two teenage daughters. Have you heard of an apartment rental company called Halldis Tech Real Estate? It has some promising-looking rentals in Rome at that time. Or do you have any other companies you could recommend for Rome apartment rentals?"

As a matter of fact, I do. The Rome apartment specialist on the list of the best villa rental agents that my team and I update annually in Conde Nast Traveler's June issue is Roberta Cornwall of Doorways. Your timing is good because, Roberta says, some owners have reacted to the lousy economy by offering 10-20% discounts for stays throughout 2009, IF you book by the end of January.

I'd love to hear any feedback readers might have about either Halldis or Doorways. (Please just click on "Comments" below.)

The nightly rate for this Oahu vacation rental home that sleeps 10 has dropped to $120 per person. That's a remarkable price for a top-notch beachfront house in a central location.

by Wendy Perrin

Tempted by those dirt-cheap air fares to Hawaii and the tremendous hotel deals there? Keep in mind that you can often stretch your dollar even farther by renting a vacation home.  Rental owners in Hawaii are offering excellent deals right now, even for those Christmas/New Year's weeks that are normally sold-out at peak prices this late in the year.

This over-the-top-luxurious villa on Maui sleeps 8. The nightly rate over the holidays is $238 per person, marked down from $350.

Anne Pawsat-Dressler of Hawaii Hideaways, who is on my rigorously vetted list of the country's best villa rental agents, updated annually in Conde Nast Traveler, says that renters have enormous bargaining power right now. Here, courtesy of Anne, are key bargaining tips for negotiating the best rate:

A villa at the Txai Resort, Itacare, Brazil.
Photo: Txai Resort

by Brook Wilkinson

Question from reader Frankvanveenendaal:

"For a family reunion, I am looking for a villa, bungalow, or B&B rental accommodating 16 to 18 people next summer (2009) in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, at or close to the beach. Any suggestions?"

There aren't a whole lot of villas in Brazil, Frankvanveenendaal, but our South American experts came up with a few ideas for you. Salvador is a big city, so Augusto Simas of Travel Place in Rio de Janeiro recommends that you choose a smaller town along the coast. He likes the Txai Residences, four-bedroom villas at the Txai Resort, in the seaside village of Itacare (about a two-hour fly-and-drive from Salvador). By renting a resort-owned villa, you'll have access to the property's pools, restaurants, spa, and activities. Summer 2009 prices aren't yet available, but you can expect to pay around $2,500 per night for each villa -- and your group will need two.

Read on for more ideas . . .

Would you like a rooftop terrace with that Rome apartment?
Photo: Suzanne B. Cohen & Associates

by Brook Wilkinson

Question from reader CJK:

"Any suggestions for a Rome apartment rental for a family with kids? We have two boys, ages two and four, and cramming into a hotel room together is just not appealing. We'd prefer a little more (toddlerproof) space, a kitchen, a centrally located neighborhood, and a gentle price (sizable hotel suites/adjoining rooms are very expensive). We will be in Rome in April, for only three nights."

It's hard to find anything that's a bargain in Italy these days, but you're wise to look beyond hotel accommodations for your group. Even families with older kids have a hard time on the continent, because few hotels have adjoining rooms -- in many cases, the parents are left sleeping separately, one with each kid.

Villa expert Suzanne B. Cohen of Suzanne B. Cohen & Associates can help you out. She comes recommended via Conde Nast Traveler's annual list of the world's best villa rental agents, and has a number of apartments in Rome that will fit your family quite nicely. Check out our handy online villa worksheets, which will lead you through the rental process, then give Cohen a call.

How about having this view out your window for six weeks next spring?
Photo: Just France in Paris

by Brook Wilkinson

Question from reader Keithrez:

"I recently lost my job and am going to take this opportunity to see and do all I have wanted. Do you have any advice regarding around-the-world business-class tickets and renting apartments for a period of time in other countries?"

Sounds like a great way to turn lemons into lemonade, Keithrez! I've recommended Airtreks for around-the-world tickets in the past, and they're great at business fares as well. Like this one: $4,620, including taxes, for Los Angeles, Taipei, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Colombo, Bangalore, Frankfurt, Rome, New York, Los Angeles. They'll either find a great deal for you based on the specials that are currently available, or you can tell them which cities you want to visit and they'll figure out how to get you there economically and efficiently. If you want to either use or earn frequent flier miles, take a look at the route maps of the airline you're most loyal to before you start planning your trip.

As for the apartment rentals...

The view from one of villa rental agent Annie Flogaus' Paris apartment rentals.
Photo: Just France

by Brook Wilkinson

Question from reader Nad39:

"I seem to have misplaced your recommendations for an apartment rental agent in Paris. Would you be kind enough to give me that information?"

What you're looking for is Wendy Perrin's Worldwide Guide to Affordable Villa Vacations, which appeared in Conde Nast Traveler's June issue. For Paris, we'd recommend Annie Flogaus of Just France. She has a separate website expressly for apartments in the City of Light. They come in a wide range of prices, and most require at least a week's rental. Happy hunting!

You can rent Villa Maura, in Positano on the Amalfi Coast of Italy, through Mara Solomon of Homebase Abroad.
Photo: Homebase Abroad

by Brook Wilkinson

Question from reader Paradisepat:

"I reviewed your June 2007 Villa Rental expert list and contacted the various websites, but I found virtually nothing for the Amalfi Coast. Do you know of a villa rental agent in that part of Italy?"

You're right, we didn't list an agent specifically for the Amalfi Coast, but Mara Solomon of Homebase Abroad and Sylvia Jones of Villas and Apartments Abroad both have some spectacular options there. In fact, the villa pictured on the opening spread of "Wendy Perrin's Worldwide Guide to Affordable Villa Vacations" is in Positano: Palazzo Santa Croce (you can read the article online, but you'll have to buy a copy of the June issue of Conde Nast Traveler to see the photo).

Mara has a number of other rentals available on the Amalfi Coast, ranging from 3 to 7 bedrooms. Sylvia's website includes properties in Sorrento, Positano, and on the islands of Capri and Ischia. Either way, I can assure you that you'll be in good hands.

Il Convento di Santa Maria di Costantinopoli, in Puglia, Italy.
Photo: Gentl & Hyers, Conde Nast Traveler

by Brook Wilkinson

Question from reader Marzetti:

"My mother-in-law is planning a trip next May or June to take her 5 children and spouses to visit their family in Southern Italy. Her family is mainly in Nova Siri, Rotondella, and Rocca Imperiale, in the arch of the boot. She wants to be able to host a couple of receptions for all the relatives. Do you know of any villa rentals in the area that would work for a party of 11-12 adults in 5 or 6 bedrooms, something in the mid to upper range, for one to two weeks?"

There aren't many villas in this part of Italy, so I posed your question to the Western Europe expert on Wendy's list of the world's best villa rental agents: Marina Gratsos of Carpe Diem Luxury Travel in London. Here's what Marina has in mind for you:

by Wendy Perrin

Question from reader JSHenry76:

"Just read your excellent article on villa rentals and am anxious to do one. We're thinking of renting in Florida next Christmas or February, and I was disappointed to see that the only rental agent listed for Florida is very expensive. Any suggestions for an agency with more affordable villas?  A villa on St. John is also a possibility.  Does the U.S. Virgin Islands specialist you recommend handle St. John as well as St. Thomas?"

If you want something reasonably priced, forget about renting over Christmas!  Prices are at their peak, and the few good-value properties are probably booked by now.

For an affordable rental in Florida, you might try ResortQuest or VRBO.  ResortQuest is not on our list because the only Florida rental agent who has met our exacting criteria is the expensive one you cited: William McClain of Villazzo.  VRBO stands for Vacation Rentals By Owner, which of course means you skip the middleman.

As for St. John, the U.S. Virgin Islands specialist we recommend, Diane Aamodt of McLaughlin Anderson, is our top choice for that island. The photo above is of Rivendell, a villa on St. John that Diane represents.

If you happen to be looking for a beachfront villa that's a good value for your dollar, you might also consider Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands.  Unlike the U.S. Virgins, Virgin Gorda has a large supply of villas located on the beach (the large supply is, of course, what makes them relatively affordable). For a Virgin Gorda rental, try Hunter Butler at Blue Escapes.  Happy villa hunting!

Charlie and friends he made during our villa stay in Jamaica in January. The students attend St. Mary's Prepatory School in Montpelier, St. James Parish.

by Wendy Perrin

Remember that trip to Jamaica I made with my family last winter?  You may recall that I rented a house, but I never did tell you that it was the best-value Caribbean villa I'd found after weeks of research. The purpose of the research, and of road-testing the villa, was to write the article that just came out in our June issue: Wendy Perrin's Worldwide Guide to Affordable Villa Vacations.  Want to learn more about the house, the staff, the beach-resort access that was included in the rate, and my family's experience of "the real Jamaica" that tourists rarely see?  We've put up a slide show too. Enjoy!

Doug (3) and Charlie (then 4) on the villa's pool terrace soon after waking up, January 11, 2007.

Helen Mirren's new pile, in Italy's Puglia region, is surrounded by fortified stone walls.
Photo: Reuters

By Beata Loyfman

All hail the Queen!
Dame Helen Mirren, perhaps inspired by her regal roles in The Queen and Elizabeth I, has purchased Masseria Matine, a 500-year-old castle in Puglia, Italy's southern heel. She must have read Conde Nast Traveler's 2006 Hot List issue, which featured under-the-radar Puglia. Savvy writer Ondine Cohane still sighs when recalling the region's "unforgettable back-alley no-menu restaurants" and beautiful beaches.

I bet Dame Helen will be aching for some Puglian pasta by the time she returns from her trip to Moscow, where she's making a documentary about her Russky roots. Wait a minute, is it possible that Dame Helen (born Ilyena Vasilievna Mironova) and I are related...? Wendy, did you meet any other Mironovs during your recent trip to Russia? 

Although the idea of owning an Italian castle may seem romantic, the reality is less rosy. Mirren and husband Taylor Hackford will have to invest tons of time and money into renovating the dilapidated palace before they can wander its grounds and pluck grapes off the nearby vineyard.

Luckily, Wendy Perrin has discovered a way to experience castle living without the headaches or monstrous expense. Conde Nast Traveler's annual Worldwide Villa Rental Guide names the agents who have made it past Wendy's rigorous application and interview process (look for this year's list in the June 2007 issue). Here are the Italy experts' (and our) favorite spots for a royal vacation:

Helen Mirren at the Academy Awards, February 25, 2007.
Photo: Jeff Vespa/style.com

The beach at Caneel Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Photo: Caneel Bay Resort.

By Wendy Perrin

Question from reader Jmsangel:

"We are looking to get married in an intimate 3- to 5-star boutique resort on an island in the Caribbean.  The wedding attendance should be around 40, so we'd like to keep the room rate reasonable or have accommodations nearby for those on tighter budgets.  Do you have any suggestions?  The ceremony could be at the hotel or at another scenic spot on the island."