RVA, Resort Vacations

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Green Travel Tips

Resort Vacation Accommodations, a ResortQuest® Affiliate, is doing its part to become more environmentally friendly.

In order to conserve water in our resort-style properties, we implemented The Water Conservation Hotel and Motel Program (C.H.A.M.P.). This program helps lodging facilities save water and money while practicing more efficient housekeeping and landscaping.

In-room toiletries have gone green. This means all packaging is made from recyclable materials, fragrances are created with natural aromas and liquids are completely biodegradable.

Green Travel Tips

• Turn water heater to lowest setting. Turn off AC/heat or adjust the thermostat to
protect plants, etc.
• Appliances, such as TVs and computers should be unplugged because they can draw
or “leak” as much as 40 watts per hour when they’re off
• Stop your local newspaper
• Keep your showers short, and turn off the water while brushing your teeth
• Do not run the linens and towels through the unit washer & dryer prior to check-out
• Reuse your sheets and towels instead of having them changed every day.
• When you leave your unit, turn off the lights, TV and radio. Close the drapes to
keep your accommodation cool
• Leave little bottles of amenities in the unit if unopened
• Keep bar soap wrappers and take used bars of soap home
• Instead of leaving bathroom lights (and fans) on all night, pack night lights
• If you purchase a newspaper, pass it on to someone else at the pool or beach, or
leave it at the front desk for another reader
• Buy local souvenirs. Supporting local artists or small shops helps the local
economy of the place you are visiting, but it also cuts the cost of transporting
the mass-produced souvenirs found at chain shops
• Pack reusable water bottles and fill up as necessary while on vacation
• When dining out, only request water if you are going to drink it
• Help reduce paper by allowing us to email your confirmation and receipts
• Take only the necessary brochures or maps. Return maps or brochures to the front
desk upon leaving
• Take only photographs. Do not take “souvenirs” from natural or historic areas
• Leave only footprints. Take everything out that you brought in with you
• Pick up at least one piece of litter every day, especially when walking along our
beaches

Discover vacation rentals in any of our Southwest Florida destinations:
Anna Maria Island & Bradenton · Longboat Key · Lido Key · Sarasota · Siesta Key · Venice

Friday, March 25, 2011

April Events in Southwest Florida

Spring has spring in Southwest Florida! As you know, we are famous for our splendid Gulf beaches, but did you know Florida’s southwest coast has numerous activities to participate in? Allow us to share a few events going on in the month of April:

April 2
- Mote Aquarium’s 25th Annual “Run for the Turtles” Siesta Key Public Beach. For more information log onto www.mote.org

- YouthArts Fest, Downtown Sarasota: Five Points Park/Selby Library. Over 500 students will showcase their talents in musical, choral, dance and comedy performance throughout the day. For information log onto www.sarasotaarts.org

April 4
- Monday Night Movies at the Ringling – This month Ringling will be featuring “On Golden Pond” Show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets cost $7. www.ringling.org

April 8
- Sarasota Film Festival’s Opening Night – Sarasota Opera House. For more information on the Sarasota Film Festival, check out www.sarasotafilmfestival.com

- 19th Annual Shark’s Tooth Festival – (Friday – Sunday) Venice Airport Festival Grounds. The Shark’s Tooth Festival features the works of more than 100 artists, live entertainment, fossil vendors, educational booths and fantastic food. Admission price $3. www.sharkstoothfestival.com

April 9
- Eco Fest – Downtown Sarasota, Main Street. Promotes awareness of urban and global environmental issues, celebrating Earth Day.

- Downtown Bradenton Farmers’ Market. 12th Street West. Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Downtown Bradenton Farmers’ Market offers healthy choices of fresh local produce, organic food, plants, flowers, green-themed goods and original creations by local artists and craftspeople. www.bradentonfarmersmarket.com

- Fly Fishing School – CB’s Saltwater Outfitters (1249 Stickney Point Road). The school will cover fly casting basics, line control, shooting line and the roll cast. www.cboutfitters.com

April 10
- Mercedes-Benz of Sarasota Ringling Polo Cup Sarasota. Gates open at 11 a.m. Every Sunday afternoon during season, the public is invited to bring out their picnic baskets and enjoy the thrill of the “fastest game on four feet.” For more information on Polo in Sarasota, check out www.sarasotapolo.com

April 15
- Suncoast Boat Show, Marina Jack, April 15 – 17. Enjoy the great outdoors while pricing and comparing hundreds of boats from the Gulfcoast’s leading boat dealers at the all new Suncoast Boat Show of Downtown Sarasota. www.showmanagement.com

April 23
- Annual Children’s Easter Party and Egg Hunt, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Ocean Boulevard & Beach Road (Beach Access #5), Siesta Key. Activities include an Easter Egg Hunt, face painting, games and photo opportunities with the Easter bunny.

April 30
- 33rd Annual Siesta Fiesta, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Ocean Boulevard. Stroll along the beach as you take in art from 250 of the nation’s most talented artists & crafters showcasing life-size sculptures, spectacular paintings, one-of-a-kind jewels, photography, ceramics and much, much more. www.artfestival.com

Numerous events will be taking place for the Sarasota Film Festival during the month of April, log onto www.sarasotafilmfestival.com for more information.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Lions, Tigers and Bears – Oh My!

What do you get when you mix the “Greatest Show on Earth” and warm Gulf waters? A vacation you will never forget. Sarasota and her Islands are rich with circus history – from the J ohn & Mable Ringling Museum to the Circus Ring of Fame -- no “Big Top” is left unturned in the “Cultural Capital” of Southwest Florida.

Known as the “Circus Capital of the World,” Sarasota boasts an entertaining experience with Sarasota’s Big Top Tours. This daily sightseeing adventure, with a circus theme, will take you on a two-hour journey through America’s Circus City, departing from the Ringling Museum. Aboard the circus coach you will see what the legend of John Ringling left behind, with stops at the Ringling Mansion, St. Martha’s Church, known as the “Church the Circus Built,” the Sailor Circus tent, John Ringling’s railroad car, “Bob’s Train,” the home of Showfolks of Sarasota, the Circus Ring of Fame, and of course, the Ringling Museum.

Add to your circus vacation experience, at the Elephant Pool Home, in Sarasota, Florida. This four-bedroom, three-bath home features a pool shaped like an elephant. The original owner, who envisioned the elephant, actually managed a circus act and had the artistic pool created for the enjoyment of his children and friends. This distinguishable elephant-shaped pool combined with Sarasota’s roots in the entertainment past time, and you have a vacation spot with a local twist.

With the release of Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattison’s new movie, Water for Elephants this April, this is the perfect time to explore the rich circus history Southwest Florida’s coast has to offer.

RVA vacation rentals, a ResortQuest® Affiliate, offers hundreds of private homes, condominiums and resort-style properties in the popular destinations of Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, Sarasota, Siesta Key, Lido Key and Venice.

About RVA
RVA a ResortQuest® Affiliate, is one of the nation’s leading vacation rental companies in Southwest Florida. RVA is the largest management company of vacation condominiums, homes and resort-style properties on Florida’s west coast, based on a portfolio of over 300 units. The Southwest Florida inventory includes premier beach destinations like: Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Sarasota, Siesta Key and Venice.

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Monday, January 10, 2011

RVA, a ResortQuest® Affiliate, Acquires Beach Castle Resort on Longboat Key

Longboat Key, FL – RVA, a ResortQuest® Affiliate, one of Southwest Florida’s leading vacation rental property management companies for vacation condominiums and home rentals, has been named on-site manager of Beach Castle Resort on Longboat Key, as well as manager of a selection of unit inventory.

The Beach Castle Resort is a quaint, 21-unit condominium resort with classic Florida charm. Situated on one of the smallest tips of Longboat Key, Beach Castle offers units featuring a variety of views including Gulf front, bay front, garden and pool views - catering to the most discerning traveler. A secluded hideaway, this vacation spot continues to be the island's premier choice for retreats on exclusive Longboat Key. Equipped with spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom options, Beach Castle offers a laid-back appeal combined with modern amenities and comfortable appointments.

“Over the past year we have seen an increase in demand for this beach town, as well as the style of product that Beach Castle represents,” said Trevor Hind, Vice-President/Chief Operating Officer of RVA, a ResortQuest® Affiliate. “We are delighted to represent a destination resort that we are confident will continue to stand out as one of the best on the island. Beach Castle Resort is a great addition to our existing inventory, and is sure to set a new standard of accommodations and service on Longboat Key.”

To inquire or make reservations for Beach Castle Resort, 5310 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL, call (800) 237-9505 or visit www.RVAFL.com/beachcastle.

About RVA
RVA a ResortQuest® Affiliate, is one of the nation’s leading vacation rental companies in Southwest Florida. RVA is the largest management company of vacation condominiums, homes and resort-style properties on Florida’s west coast, based on a portfolio of over 300 units. The Southwest Florida inventory includes premier beach destinations like: Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Sarasota, Siesta Key and Venice.
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