A Report on the Ultimate Resort

Luxury Destination Clubs: The Ultimate Resort Destination Club offers luxury residences in many of the most desired vacation and recreation hotspots worldwide. Members can stay at homes in the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Park City, Telluride, Vail, Jackson Hole, Scottsdale, New York, London, Paris, and more. An Ultimate concierge is a personal host who is available 24/7 to ensure that needs are fully addressed. The Ultimate concierge is a member's personal facilitator. The lavish houses are luxuriously furnished and have living space of 3,000 to 5,000 square feet. However, some of the quarters in urban areas are smaller. Annual availability ranges from 14 to 42 usage days.

LAUNCH SLIDESHOW

All accommodations feature kitchens fit for award-winning chefs, and there is plenty of room for entertaining indoors and outdoors. A well-stocked wine cellar and refrigerator awaits incoming members. Most homes have either a swimming pool or a hot tub or both. Home-entertainment equipment includes large LCD or plasma televisions with DVD players, an iPod with a docking station, a CD and a DVD library, and an audio/stereo system throughout the house. Additionally, personal computers with high-speed Internet service, including Wi-Fi, and a fax machine are on hand. There is even a digital art service that can download and display family photographs for members during their stay.

There are five levels and two tiers of membership. Corporate plans also are available. Acceptance is subject to approval by the Ultimate Resort Membership Committee. Fees include a one-time membership payment and annual dues. All properties acquired by the company are placed in a members trust. Members can redeem their membership deposits at 80 percent of the current membership fee, which may result in a gain for a resigning member.

Ultimate Resort also features a Membership Appreciation Program, whereby members accumulate points that are redeemable for travel and entertainment rewards, such as additional days special services. Visit the company's Web site for full details.

For LxM James Rothaar