When travelers book their next condo rental in cities such as New Orleans, San Francisco or Los Angeles, they can track down restaurants led by some of the top Latino chefs in the country, according to Hispanic Magazine. Whether these kitchen experts stick to traditional Hispanic style or travel their own route, they keep diners everywhere returning for more.

Combining Spanish, Latino and Creole flair at New Orleans’ Rio Mar, chef Adolfo Garcia beats to his own drum. Focusing heavily on Gulf seafood dishes, Garcia has received the title of Best Chef in New Orleans Magazine. Dish to try: Panamanian ceviche.

1. Best Beach Resort: Winner – Ka’anapali Beach Club; Close 2nd was the Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort
2. Best Resort Spa: Winner – Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa; 2nd place was Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
3. Best Ski Resort: Winner – Lake Tahoe Vacation Resort; 2nd place was Red Wolf Lodge at Squaw Valley
4. Best Family Resort: Winner – Carlsbad Seapointe Resort; Close 2nd was the Grand Pacific Palisades Resort
5. Best Golf Resort: Winner – The Ridge on Sedona Golf Resort; 2nd place was Grand Pacific MarBrisa Resort

To see how all of the resorts fared in the voting, visit www.ResorTime.com/Bestof2009 for the complete list. And now for the 5 lucky people who get to stay at these top-of-the-line resorts you voted on. Drum roll please…

1. Beverly from North Hollywood, CA
2. Gregory from Reading, PA
3. Kathryn from Big Bear Lake, CA
4. Melissa from Okeechobee, FL
5. Jennifer from Lowell, IN

ResorTime.com has announced the nominations for “Best Resorts of 2009″ and need your help to choose the winner! So please GO VOTE for your favorite and while you are there enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win a two night stay at one of the winning resorts.

Here are the nominations:

1. Best Beach Resort:

   • Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort
   • San Clemente Cove Resort
   • Ka’anapali Beach Club
   • Wyndham Ocean Boulevard
   • Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay
   • Coronado Beach Resort

2. Best Ski Resort

   • Red Wolf Lodge at Squaw Valley
   • Grand Timber Lodge
   • Lake Tahoe Vacation Resort
   • Cedar Breaks Lodge
   • Lagonita Lodge

3. Best Resort Spa

   • Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa
   • Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
   • Los Abrigados Resort & Spa
   • The Westin Mission Hills Villas
   • The Westin Kierland Villas
   • Palm Canyon Resort

4. Best Family Resort

   • Carlsbad Seapointe Resort
   • Cypress Pointe Grand Villas
   • Sheraton Vistana Villages
   • Dolphin’s Cove Resort
   • Red Wolf Lakeside Lodge
   • Grand Pacific Palisades

5. Best Golf Resort

   • The Ridge on Sedona Golf Resort
   • Grand Pacific MarBrisa Resort
   • Orange Tree Golf Resort
   • Bent Creek Golf Village
   • Sheraton PGA Vacation Resort
   • Vino Bello Resort

Don’t delay because voting ends January 3, 2010 at 11:59 PS PST. We will choose one winner and they will receive a weekend stay at one of the 5 winning resorts. You must enter the sweepstakes and vote for your favorite resorts to be eligible.

     We went to the San Diego Zoo, Legoland, Disneyland, Magic Mountain, Padres baseball games, and Knotsberry Farm.  What was also cool was I got to ride bikes on the beach. But best of all, I got to see my Aunt Ally.

     Later in the week, we stayed at the Carlsbad Sea Pointe Resort. Very nice! It has an arcade, basketball court, tennis court, ping pong, a pool table, two swimming pools, putt putt, and  very nice rooms. It is a fantastic place to stay.

     Also, there are amazing restaurants. The beach is awesome. The water is so clear.

     Unfortunaly, we had to leave. I was so sad! I never wanted to leave! Carlsbad is such a nice and amazing place to stay. I hope I will go back someday.

~Griffin Brooks  Daphne, AL

Relax in a studio, one or two bedroom condos offering great amenities including pools, hot tubs, basketball, and tennis courts. Take pleasure in the perfect blend of urban and beach atmospheres for your personal getaway. Guests can relax and unwind in elegant and intimate décor in every room. When you walk in, you are greeted with chic furnishings complete with a fireplace.

Overlooking the Coronado Bay Bridge, guests can enjoy a stroll along the nearby Coronado Beach. With easy access, stroll along the shops, restaurants, and theater in the charming downtown area of Orange Avenue. San Diego is also home to the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, and LEGOLAND California. A short drive away, guests can also take a trip to the Mexican border to experience authentic Baja cuisine, beautiful beaches and more. Come and stay at Coronado Beach Resort and take that relaxing vacation that you’ve always dreamt about.

Coronado Beach Resort Video

www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYAjzeM71LA

Video created by ResorTime.com

Just steps to the majestic Pacific Ocean, the award-winning Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort vacation condos are in the heart of the picturesque coastal Village of Carlsbad. Stroll through the large lush green courtyard of our luxury San Diego resort to the steps leading down to the rolling surf, or walk through surrounding Carlsbad and visit its countless boutiques and cafes.

In addition to many on-site activities, guests may wish to spend a day at LEGOLAND California, just 10 minutes away from this San Diego beach resort. Guests venturing further will find our North San Diego luxury resort location just a short drive to SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, Del Mar Racetrack, Disneyland Park, Knott’s Berry Farm and a host of water-related sports and activities.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYq-mGYKN6Q

Video created by ResorTime.com

www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhrDY5WIzpk

Old World Tuscan charm blends with the surrounding vine-covered hills to welcome you with style and grace to Vino Bello Resort. At Napa Valley’s newest luxury resort, you will find luxurious accommodations, fine amenities and gracious service, all designed to make your visit to Napa Valley a memorable one.

These luxurious Vino Bello accommodations includes 168 units located in the shadow of the Grape Crusher statue in Napa Valley. Enjoy spacious studios, or one and two bedroom suites, all with upscale appointments like plasma screen televisions, in-room Jacuzzi’s and five-headed showers. Each unit features a fully equipped kitchen or kitchenette, high speed Internet access, balcony or patio, premium bedding, and spacious living and dining areas.

Vino Bello Resort

Resort amenities include two heated swimming pools, two fitness centers, a water spray playground for children, and banquet and meeting spaces. Vino Bello Resort also has a partnership with the adjacent Meritage Resort by providing guests with a variety of unique options. For a one of a kind experience, visit Spa Terra, a new state-of-the-art spa underground cave spa, for a relaxing massage or facial. Explore a remarkable selection of American wines at the Estate Wine Cave and Meritage Wine Tasting Bar. Or enjoy fine dining at The Meritage’s Siena Restaurant, featuring delightful wine country cuisine accented with Tuscan flavors.

Southern California’s relaxation spot can be found in Carlsbad’s Grand Pacific Palisades Resort. Overlooking breathtaking ocean views and the local favorite, Carlsbad Flower fields, guests can experience a vacation like no other.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JQrQk09D14

Relax in bright and refreshingly decorated studios and one, two and three bedroom condos. The resort amenities provide fun for all including a private adult swimming pool and a children’s water park.

Indulge your mind, body, and soul with refreshing spa treatments and a fully equipped fitness center. Families can take advantage of the activities scheduled seven days a week for entertainment fun. Guests can also enjoy world-class golf, running trails, surf camps, tennis courts, fishing and beautiful beaches. Grand Pacific Palisades also provides luxurious on-site dining, spacious banquets, and fully-equipped conference rooms for business needs and special events.

The resort has a private entrance to LEGOLAND California featuring the new SEA LIFE AQUARIUM. For the shopping aficionados, the Carlsbad Premium Outlets is just minutes away. Want the best of San Diego? Just minutes away from the freeway and easy access to attractions like SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, and the Wild Animal Park, Petco Park and Downtown San Diego. Experience a vacation like never before at Grand Pacific Palisades Resort.

Grand Pacific Palisades Pool