Archive for the 'Private Residence Clubs' Category

16
Nov

New Resort in Mexico Targets Adventurous, Eco-Conscious Travelers

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Categories: Announcements, Leisure, Lifestyle, Private Residence Clubs and lifestyle club

HUATULCO, MEXICO – Acapulco is perhaps the most famous Mexican resort along the Pacific coast. Just slightly east, however, the Bahias de Huatulco (wah-TOOL-ko) - Bays of Huatulco - seem to have slipped under the radar screen for many years. Along a 22-mile stretch of coastline sit nine bays – only three of which have been developed. Tangolunda Bay will soon be home to Encanto Villas & Residence Club – a private residence club with spectacular beachfront views of the Pacific Ocean.

Cincinnati developer Jeff Anderson of Jeffrey R. Anderson Real Estate, Inc. says what attracted him to this area was the local interest in preserving the environment. “Besides the obvious beauty and charm of Huatulco, I was impressed that it is the only resort community in Mexico to obtain Green Globe 21 certification,” Anderson explains.  In fact, 70 percent of Huatulco’s land has been set aside as a protected ecological zone, and there’s even a “national park marine zone” along the coast, where sea life is abundant. “It only takes a short time to get to know the locals because of their openness and gracious hospitality,” Anderson adds. “The people of Huatulco are dedicated to preserving their environment, history and culture.“

With the most extensive coral reef system in Pacific Mexico, Huatulco’s beaches offer snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, boating, or good old-fashioned relaxation. The nearby Sierra Madre Mountains lure adventurers with whitewater rafting, kayaking, and waterfall-laden jungle tours. Now families can own an exclusive slice of this paradise without the hassle and risk associated with the purchase and upkeep of traditional second homes. Pricing begins at $150,000 for a one-tenth deeded interest in a spacious, fully furnished three-bedroom residence. Three-bedroom penthouses start at $190,000. Amenities include a private beach club, multiple pools, a fine dining restaurant, boat dock, fitness center and spa, and a club concierge.

“We decided a private residence club made the most sense for this unique piece of land along Tangolunda Bay,” Jeff Anderson says. “This is the last oceanfront property on the bay to be constructed, and we’re only developing the minimum amount necessary to create an intimate resort experience. Residence club owners purchase a fraction of a home, and they typically visit often. While we’re keeping the overall density low, owners will keep the tourism dollar flowing to help sustain Huatulco’s economy.”

Anderson has also decided to donate up to $1 million in net profits to Waterkeeper® Alliance. The non-profit, chaired by Bobby Kennedy, Jr., is dedicated to preserving and protecting waterways around the world. Donations from Encanto Villas & Residence Club will be directed toward supporting global water quality protection and the five Waterkeeper programs located throughout Mexico.

The residence club concept is growing in popularity as Americans discover the flexible and carefree lifestyle this type of vacation home offers. Industry consulting firm Ragatz Associates reports that luxury, shared ownership sales volume in 2007 was $2.3 billion, representing an 8.3 percent growth over 2006.

Anderson Real Estate has teamed with DCP International, which pioneered the Equity Residence ClubSM concept in 1992 with the Deer Valley Club at Utah’s prestigious Deer Valley Resort.

DCP Principal Steve Dering says, “Residence clubs are a sensible way to own in any market, but especially now. Members own deeded real estate in a prime location and prices reflect today’s economy. Not only is the purchase price commensurate with the amount of use, but the insurance, taxes, utilities, maintenance, replacement reserves and staff expenses are shared amongst owners.  The club is operated for the benefit and exclusive use of its owners, similar to an equity golf country club.”

Encanto Villas & Residence Club is expected to open in spring of 2010. Visitors can fly direct to Huatulco from Houston, Chicago, Mexico City, and Monterrey, Mexico.  Several charter companies operate flights out of Canadian cities such as Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton.

Encanto Villas & Residence Club Amenities and Services:

•    18 beautifully furnished three-bedroom residences & penthouses (Phase I)
•    On-site concierge service
•    Private beach club
•    Fitness center and spa
•    Multiple pools
•    Fine dining restaurant
•    Private boat dock
•    Pre-arrival grocery shopping service
•    Secured, air conditioned clothing and equipment storage
•    Daily housekeeping services and professional property management

Huatulco Area Activities:

•    Whitewater rafting the River Capolita
•    Sea kayaking
•    Scuba diving/snorkeling
•    Surfing

For more information please go to www.encantovillas.com

05
Nov

Magnolia Private Residence Club Provides Families a Smart Way to Own A Piece of Old Florida Charm

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Categories: Announcements and Private Residence Clubs

SEACREST BEACH, FL – Florida’s Emerald Coast, renowned for its miles of sugar-white sand beaches and vibrantly colored water, has long been a popular destination for families seeking the perfect vacation. Now families can own an exclusive slice of paradise in this picturesque area of Florida’s panhandle. Magnolia Private Residence Club, scheduled to open Fall/Winter 2008, offers an ideal way to own luxurious vacation real estate on the Emerald Coast at a fraction of the price and without the hassles of whole ownership.

As Florida’s property tax and insurance costs have slowed down the real estate market, residence clubs have proven to be an attractive alternative to whole ownership – owners share these costs. Although often confused with timeshares and destination clubs, private residence club owners have significantly greater flexibility in how they utilize their ownership. A three-bedroom residence at Magnolia starts at just $159,000 for a one-eighth share.

Magnolia Private Residence Club is desirably located along Highway 30-A, a coastal stretch of road known for old Florida charm, sea-oat covered dunes and white sand beaches. In addition to beach recreation, there are miles of coastal bike paths and award-winning eateries ranging from rustic oyster bars to open air seafood cafes to romantic dining.

According to the 2007 National Leisure Travel Monitor, visiting with friends and relatives is the most popular type of vacation for Americans, followed by beach vacations. The survey also finds Florida to be the number one place leisure travelers would like to visit within the next two years. Designed to appeal to multi-generational families who enjoy time at the beach, Magnolia Private Residence Club provides the perfect way to satisfy these latest vacation inclinations coupled with the services and amenities of a world-class hotel.

Magnolia Sales Director Laura Gerard says the Club was developed with families in mind.  “We have created a residence club that provides an exceptional family environment. A complete range of amenities and services has been specifically tailored for family fun and relaxation. Our owners are free to visit their Magnolia vacation home as often as they wish, subject only to generous and flexible Club reservation policies.”

The residence club concept is growing in popularity as Americans discover the flexible and carefree lifestyle this type of second home offers. Industry consulting firm Ragatz Associates reports the luxury, shared ownership sales volume in 2007 was $2.3 billion, representing an 8.3 percent growth over 2006.

Axiom Capital Group, LLC of Destin, FL, developer of Magnolia Private Residence Club, has teamed with DCP International who pioneered the equity residence clubsm concept in 1992 with the opening of the Deer Valley Club at the prestigious Deer Valley Resort in Utah.

Magnolia Private Residence Club Services & Amenities:

•    Seventeen beautifully furnished three-bedroom residences (1,775 square feet)
•    On-site concierge service
•    Protected boardwalk access to white sand beaches
•    State-of-the-art fitness center with sauna, steam room and massage room
•    Rooftop deck with heated pool, jetted spa and two commercial grade grills
•    Owners’ lounge with honor bar and amazing Gulf views
•    Media and Activity Room
•    Club-owned beach cruiser bicycles
•    Business services including faxing, copying and overnight courier services
•    Pre-arrival grocery shopping service
•    Secured, air conditioned clothing and equipment storage
•    Club lounge chairs, umbrellas and coolers delivered to and from the beach for owner use
•    Daily housekeeping services and professional property management

Magnolia Private Residence Club
8377 East County Highway 30-A
Seacrest Beach, FL 32413
www.magnoliaresidenceclub.com

04
Nov

Monthly gaming revenue expected to stay around 7Billion patacas

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Categories: Announcements, Casino, Horse Racing Clubs and Private Residence Clubs

Secretary for Economy and Finance Francis Tam Pak Yuen, said Friday he was confident that gross monthly gaming revenue could stay around 7 billion patacas, a level that would enable the six operators to stay in the market.

Tam told reporters he expected the fourth quarter or the first quarter of next year would mark the beginning of a downward trend in gaming revenue. For the second consecutive month, in October gaming revenues dropped more than three percent compared with the same period last year.

Last month table and slot machine revenues amounted to around 9.2 billion patacas. Over the first ten months of the year, the gaming revenue is expected to have reached 8.9 billion patacas, representing a drop of 3.2 percent compared to the same period last year.

Stanley Ho’s SJM and Sheldon Adelson’s Venetian Macau continue dominating the market, although the latter is slightly above local casino mogul. The main reason behind the advantage is due to higher slot machine revenues at the Venetian. Wynn Resorts remains in third place, while Galaxy regained fourth, leaving Melco PBL in fifth and MGM in sixth. Tam said he is confident that the six gaming operators would be able to survive.

Considering the oncoming economic downturn, he urged the public to face reality, but there was no need to be too pessimistic. He said the government would introduce adequate measures to maintain its economic stability and help small- and medium-sized companies.

02
Nov

Award Winning El Corazon Continues to Attract New Buyers to Santa Fe’s First Private Residence Club

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Categories: Announcements and Private Residence Clubs

Santa Fe, New Mexico The latest trend to hit the second-home real estate market is enticing buyers to Santa Fe - thanks to the downtown area’s first, and only, private residence club (PRC): The Residence Club at El Corazon de Santa Fe. Considered the last new-construction residential development built in the downtown area, the award-winning Club is just three blocks from Santa Fe’s famous Plaza, countless shops, art galleries (over 200 downtown), museums, and popular dining destinations that appeal to all tastes. Even more appealing, the residence club lifestyle provides first-class, luxury vacation-home ownership at a fraction of the price.

New residential properties in downtown Santa Fe are quickly becoming scarce, with prices soaring up to $1,000,000. A comparable home at The Residence Club at El Corazon de Santa Fe starts at $130,000 for a fully furnished two-bedroom residence, and $185,000 for a larger, two-story residence. Owners receive a one-eighth, deeded interest in one of the homes. Club ownership has proven to be a smart way to own an exclusive home in one of North America’s most coveted and popular destination cities.

“What won us over was literally the hassle-free ownership of it. We weren’t necessarily looking for a second home, but this opportunity was irresistible,” says owner Pamela Michaelis of Albuquerque. “I host a statewide radio show covering Santa Fe’s art scene, so business takes me there quite often. We’ve never had any problems making reservations, and we can park at El Corazon and walk everywhere.” Owners enjoy virtually unlimited vacations, without worrying about repairs and upkeep, security, cleaning, and other headaches that often make second-home ownership unappealing.

Unlike the general real estate market, sales at private residence clubs grew by 12 percent from 2006 to 2007, reports resort market research firm Ragatz Associates. Shared ownership is now a  $2.3 billion industry, and residence clubs now grace some of the world’s most exclusive destinations, from Cabo San Lucas and Aspen, to Manhattan and Florence. Although often confused with timeshares and destination clubs, private residence club owners actually own deeded real estate, which can be sold, willed or placed in a trust just like any other form of real estate. The pampered lifestyle, financial value and promise of a lifetime of carefree vacations entice affluent buyers worldwide.

El Corazon de Santa Fe and architect Jeff Seres (Studio Southwest Architects) recently received the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Award of Merit, given by the organization’s Albuquerque chapter. The statewide competition recognizes distinguished architectural achievements by New Mexico architects.

Ownership at El Corazon de Santa Fe is ideal for those who enjoy the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, the Wine & Chile Festival, the world-famous Opera, and the unlimited galleries and recreational opportunities Santa Fe has to offer. Owners also enjoy a host of amenities and services including spa benefits at La Posada’s Rock Resort Spa, golf membership benefits at Towa Golf Resort, private tours at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, pre-arrival grocery shopping, and an on-site concierge. www.elcorazondesantafe.com

29
Oct

World-Renowned Bermuda Hotel Offers Luxury Home Ownership Next Door

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Categories: Announcements and Private Residence Clubs

SOUTHAMPTON, BERMUDA – The Reefs is widely recognized as Bermuda’s best resort by all the major travel publications, including Condé Nast Traveler and Travel+Leisure. Now, the same first class service and hospitality The Reefs is known for is being offered to families wishing to own a second home in Bermuda. Construction is underway on The Reefs Club - a private residence club development offering hassle-free, luxury vacations at a fraction of the price of traditional island homes.

“The more we researched and asked our guests about fractional ownership, the more we realized it’s ideal for people who want to own something in Bermuda, don’t want the year-round responsibilities, and want to be able to keep it in the family,” says David Dodwell, The Reefs Club developer. “Even before we broke ground, the response from repeat guests and their families has been exciting,” Dodwell says. “And because they’ll own a piece of The Reefs, they can come more often and enjoy the dining, the spa, and the private beach.”

The Reefs Club features elegantly furnished two- and three-bedroom residences with unobstructed ocean views seen through dramatic walls of windows.  Homes are just steps away from the hotel’s three gourmet restaurants, a spa, a private pink sand beach, and world-class diving and snorkeling. Amenities include an owner’s lounge, infinity-edge pool, fitness center and rooftop putting green with impressive views of the Atlantic.  An on-site concierge coordinates dinner reservations, golf tee times, spa appointments and other island adventures.

Considering the average second homeowner typically spends only three to four weeks per year at their property, fractional home ownership has become the most viable way to own an exclusive home in Bermuda. Government restrictions on property owned by non-Bermudians, coupled with under-supply and over-demand, have driven home prices into the millions – making it hard for frequent visitors to buy on the small island. A comparable home at The Reefs Club starts in the mid-$300’s, and the Club handles maintenance, security, and insurance.

The luxury shared ownership concept has grown into a $2.1 billion industry, reports industry consulting firm Ragatz Associates. Residence clubs now grace some of the world’s most exclusive destinations, from Cabo San Lucas and Aspen, to Manhattan and Florence. Although often confused with timeshares and destination clubs, private residence clubs are quite different. Residence club owners actually own deeded real estate, which can be sold or willed like any other form of real estate. Owners may reserve accommodations well in advance, and on a short-notice, space-available basis.

The Reefs Club is also part of the Elite AllianceSM – an exchange program offering owners luxury vacations at other private residence clubs around the world. The pampered lifestyle, financial value and promise of a lifetime of carefree vacations entice buyers worldwide.

www.ReefsClub.com

26
Oct

South Africa’s first international private residence club to open

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Categories: Private Residence Clubs

South Africa is set to become home to its first internationally-branded private residence club. Opening next year, the Fairmont Heritage Place, Zimbali will take hospitality to a whole new level.

Situated along the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal, this is the latest addition to the beautiful Zimbali Coastal Resort. The resort sets a precedent in modern global hospitality with its move towards “green”, environmentally-sensitive and responsible development.

Through shared ownership, the Fairmont Heritage Place, Zimbali offers buyers the opportunity to invest in luxurious properties and enjoy premium holiday destinations at an affordable level. Aimed at second-home buyers, on offer are 18 ultra-exclusive, fully-furnished residences, ranging in size from a 316m² two-bedroom townhouse to an opulent 566m² four-bedroom villa.

Globally, the fractional ownership and private residence club concepts are among the fastest growing sectors of the tourism, hospitality and real estate industries. So what makes Fairmont Heritage Place, Zimbali different from any other luxury development on the market? The difference is in the details, the five-star amenities and the VIP treatment received.

Andreas Wassenaar, vice-president sales and marketing (Africa and Indian Ocean), IFA Hotels & Resorts, says: “Fairmont Heritage Place, Zimbali is South Africa’s only internationally-branded private residence club. The concept effectively allows shareholders the benefits of owning and enjoying a luxury resort residence at a fraction of the cost of whole ownership, without the hassles of maintaining a second property. Currently, our Fairmont Heritage Place, Zimbali product offers buyers the greatest arbitrage opportunity within the global Private Residence Club market. For example, the same type of product on sale in our Kingdom of Sheba Resort in Dubai is on the market for R2,8m whereas in the Fairmont Heritage Place, Zimbali, a 1/13th share sells for R900,000.”

Safeguarding owners’ financial investments and the coveted lifestyle concept offered is Fairmont Hotels & Resorts (FHR), which will manage the Fairmont Heritage Place, Zimbali. FHR was appointed by IFA Hotels & Resorts (IFA HR), a global hotel, resort and real estate development company listed on the Kuwait stock exchange and the JSE.

03
Oct

Bellstar Partners to Launch Vineyard Private Residence Club

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Categories: Announcements and Private Residence Clubs

The Reserve Collection www.thereservecollection.com , an exclusive private residence club with a collection of ultra-luxury, handpicked vineyard residences, is being created by Bellstar Hotels in a partnership with Olympus Resorts.

The first residences will debut in the Okanagan Valley wine country in British Columbia with plans for other worldwide locations. All vineyard properties must offer exceptional views and the wineries must be premium brands.

The Reserve Collection residences will be sold as fractional ownership. Ownership will include Vintners Club privileges as well as exchange benefits through the Elite Alliance, a growing array of luxurious worldwide ski, golf and beach destination

31
Aug

What is Private Residence Clubs all about?

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Categories: Announcements and Private Residence Clubs

Owners of luxury fractional property buy a share of a single residence, that provides them with a couple of weeks to thirteen weeks of usage a year. The ownership period varies by development and can be expressed as a fraction (eg 1/10, 1/8, or ¼) or as a number of weeks (eg 5, 6 or 12 weeks).

Private Residence Clubs are the upper tier of the luxury fractional market, providing all the services of a five star hotel together with the ownership.

There are hundreds of fractional and Private Residence Club developments located in city, beach, mountain and resort destinations. CHeck out our partners link on home directory to search through these locations.

They are sometimes compared to timeshares, although there are several key differences. For instance luxury fractionals are in better locations, are more luxurious and typically larger, providing 2, 3 or 4+ bedrooms.

This article covers the reasons people buy fractionals and PRCs, and if you’re looking to buy read the list of questions to ask before buying your fractional. For easy reference there is a glossary of terms.