U.S. and Canada

Hawaii, the Hamptons, and the New England coast have become as popular with renters as the hills of Tuscany. The new territory: Whistler, British Columbia, and California's wine country. Domestic rentals used to be a straightforward business facilitated by local real estate agents, but new villa companies are stepping in and offering concierge-based services. Summer is obviously the key time to visit coastal destinations. But if you book in early September, when school is back in session, you'll find better rates. For ski properties, January (following the holidays) and late spring are the best times to find deals.

From June 2006

By Hillary Geronemus

The Regional Players

Time & Place, which features houses that are architecturally or historically significant in its portfolio, has properties in Nantucket, Palm Springs, and Washington, D.C., as well as New Zealand.

BeautifulPlaces and its sister company, Country Sojourns, are relative newcomers, but in just three years they have developed a stable of impressive houses throughout Napa and Sonoma (and France).

Tropical Villa Vacations is one of the premier agencies for Hawaiian villas, though their inventory is based primarily on Maui, with a sprinkling on other islands. l Villazzo, the brainchild of Christian Jagodzinski, an Internet mogul with exacting standards, works with a dozen multimillion-dollar properties in Aspen, Miami, St.-Tropez, and Marbella. Each is run by a manager located nearby.

Entrée Canada has cornered the market on luxury rentals up north. The company can also arrange just about any service or side trip, from a last-minute dinner for 20 to cleaning a 15-room house for allergy-sensitive guests.

Also worth a look Pure Kauai, Villas of Distinction, and Carpe Diem Luxury Travel

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The information in this story was accurate at the time it was published in June 2006 but we suggest you confirm all details and prices directly with any establishments mentioned. The quality of offerings and services tends to change over time.