David Parker, Calgary HeraldPublished: Saturday, March 20, 2010

Vacations are supposed to be a getaway from work. But like many others, I find it hard to stop comparing Calgary to other cities I visit.

I'm just back from a weeklong trip to Maui -- a great escape from the snow that still covered my lawn the day we left.

There are some wonderful homes on Maui -- including several owned by Calgarians -- but the uniqueness of The Rainbow House at Ka'anapali Coffee Farms is the 3,600-square-foot living space that opens over the beautiful saline pool in 2,400 square feet of lanais framing picture-perfect views over the rows of coffee bushes down to the ocean. It is on one of many lots for sale on the 202-hectare West Maui estate, and is listed at $4,450,000. Visit KaanapaliCoffeeFarms.comand dream.

Looking through Homes & Land magazine, I found several other multimillion-dollar homes with incredible views, and great resort property condos as well as bare land offerings.

When we came home, I couldn't wait to check what's available in that price range today in Calgary.

We have homes with great views of lakes and ravines, but in my dream world, my preference is to enjoy a panorama of the foothills and mountains. And there are many million-dollar properties on the market.

I noticed one that advertises at only 882.65 square feet, but it is on 50.6 hectares including 0.8 kilometres of Elbow River frontage and bordering on the Glencoe Golf & Country Club. No doubt a potential subdivision, it is listed at $8.7 million.

The top price I found is the $14 million being asked for an 8,487-square-foot place on Welland Drive N.W. Boasting a gated entry leading into a porte-cochere, the interior shows a magnificent swimming pool with an adjoining lounge and indoor barbecue area, plus family, games and media rooms, a library, wine cellar, recording and music studio. This super entertainment home is set in almost 1.21 hectares of landscaped property backing onto a game reserve.

South of the Elbow River is a house on six hectares, listed below $5 million. You will find five bedrooms, four fireplaces, what is described as a "true" country kitchen, library and wine cellar. Outside the house is also pretty spectacular, with two covered decks, two aggregate patios, greenhouse and two pastures, two paddocks and a sand arena for the horsey set.

No view of the Pacific here in Calgary, but I think I prefer the season-changing foothills.

David Parker writes Around Town columns on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday in the Herald's business section. He can be reached at 403-830-4622 or info@davidparker.ca.