Clubs & Memberships: The economic downturn has left some luxury enthusiasts pondering how they can still afford to indulge in their favorite pastimes, whether it's traveling, yachting or shopping. Luckily, fractional ownership clubs have grown to fill the void left by a general loss of cash flow, and Fractional Life is leading the way.
Fractional Life is dedicated to helping luxury lovers do what they do best: indulge in luxury. At Fractional Life, an online fractional ownership club which acts as a third party, consumers can engage in fractional ownership of a wide assortment of luxury products: jets, helicopters, classic cars, destination clubs, and even handbags as well as any other luxury pleasure possible. By matching consumers with credible companies, Fractional Life is able to make even the most luxurious dreams come true.
Despite the negativity about luxuries making a disappearance, Fractional Life has actually seen an increase in fractional ownership interest. Buying properties, goods and trips outright can be expensive, especially if they are only to be used for part of the year. Investing in fractional ownership makes investing in a luxury a smart decision.
Since its inception in 2006, the UK-based company has grown to become the number one consumer lifestyle source, an indicator that the luxury market is not going anywhere anytime soon. In the last three months, Fractional Life has actually increased its global page views by 21 percent.
Fractional ownership can be tricky, finding out which companies to trust and which best suit your needs and interests. To help ease the confusion and match consumers with their products, Fractional Life provides an astounding assortment of fractional ownership opportunities, in 19 categories. While property and travel concerns like private yachts and jets tend to be the most recognizable, Fractional Life also offers companies who specialize in other high-end items. These include: art, classic cars, handbags, luxury motorhomes, racehorses, spirits and Champagne, vineyards and wine, and even an other section, which provides fractional ownership opportunities that don't fit in the usual categories. Currently, the other section is filled with temporary opportunities, like textbook rentals and dorm furnishings especially for college students. Sometimes it includes livestock ownership.
A recent survey of Fractional Life users revealed that a majority of users plan to make a fractional ownership purchase within the next six months. In a surprising development, the survey also revealed that the quality of a property ranked lower in importance than location, price and usage rights. In all, the survey revealed that luxury is more attainable that many may have previously thought, something Fractional Life is eager to help prove.
The beauty of Fractional Life lies in the simplicity of having all the best luxury companies listed in one place. So all you have to decide is what best fits your interests and budget and then click and own your own slice of heaven.
Clubs & Memberships: Luxury travelers look for the launch of Air Platinum Club, a new concept in private air travel coming in July.
The exclusive members-only club allows travelers to experience private air travel in a whole new way.
Air Platinum Club founder and CEO, Mickael Cohen, has been a part of the private air industry since 2001. He says, "Private air travel is here to stay. It is efficient and practical. Air Platinum Club goes a step further -- we provide the kind of personalized services and amenities on an exclusive membership basis that makes the entire travel experience truly premium and stress-free, while still delivering value to the bottom-line."
In addition to Gulfstream GIV SP corporate jets that can accommodate up to 12 people on flights as long as 10 hours, the Miami-based company also provides other luxury amenities for its clients when they are in the region.
These include:
Luxury watercraft: Lazzara LSX Quad 75 which accommodates up to 16 people for a day trip and the Doral Alegria 50', which can comfortably accommodate 10 people on a day trip.
Chauffeur service in the club's Rolls Royce Phantom or Cadillac Escalade ESV
A choice of self-drive exotic sports cars, including: Ferrari F430 Scuderia, Lamborghini LP 560 Spider, Audi R8 V10, Mercedes SL 65 Black Series, Aston Martin DBS, Bentley Continental GTC and more
Beachfront condos
Personal concierge service
Premium travel in the Air Platinum Club includes:
Morning and evening round-trip jet service between major city pairs in the continental U.S.
Transatlantic flights to Paris from any major U.S. city
Facilitates all additional transportation needs for members in any given destination
Prices of the Air Platinum Club are well below standard charter rates and include more services and benefits. Membership is often on a tiered plan, offering different levels to meet different travel needs. As a nod to the customer, Air Platinum is also offering a Founder's Program for those who join during their inaugural month. Members of the Founder's Program will enjoy 10 percent free flight time.
Additional privileges can also be purchased for additional fees, including:
Helicopter service for connecting flights at major airports
Gourmet service onboard, including meal requests
Access to conference and relaxation rooms at major airports
As a member, not only do you not have to worry about connecting flights and transportation arrangements, they also have the ability to fly in true VIP style. Air Platinum Club takes care of your luggage and check-in requirements. Not only that, but guests need arrive only a mere 30 minutes before departure.
Once aboard, kick back and enjoy the plane's fully reclining seats, flat-screen televisions, sofas, desks, club tables, galleys and large windows and personal attention from your hostess.
If you're a frequent traveler, Air Platinum Club can help you enjoy getting there as much as your final destination.
April 29, 2009 Membership Clubs: If you're looking for a second home ownership, Solstice provides a luxurious alternative.
Solstice has consistently made lists as one of the best membership clubs around. Internationally recognized by the Robb Report four years in a row, as well as Business Britain, Solstice is proud to proclaim itself the premier destination club brand.
Ensuring quality over quantity, Solstice customizes each home with hand-crafted furnishings and collected art. The company also offers a growing international collection of artisan homes for its members as well as provides a participating interest in the future value of deposits.
With a 365-day travel season, Solstice destination club provides its members flexible access to any home under their chosen membership plan. Through a membership deposit and annual dues, Solstice provides all the luxury of owning a second vacation home without any of the obligations and hassle of maintenance. Membership deposits are used to build out the member program, acquiring homes in the most sought-after second home areas of the world, and elegantly furnishing them.
Membership plans include a range of Advance Reservations as well as upgrades to their membership, depending on whether members choose to join as a signature, platinum or sky members. Services that are provided in all membership categories include: housekeeping, access to a lifestyle specialist as well as the ability to have your home pre-stocked with groceries before your arrival and luxury cars at some properties.
Paying attention to detail and ensuring that members always have access to the best homes in any corner of the world, no matter where they wish to visit has made Solstice a leader in its field.
Clubs & Memberships: For golf lovers that practically sleep with their clubs, The Markers Golfers' Residence Club makes it a little more comfortable with their luxury lodgings available around the world.
The Markers Golfers' Residence Club has locations at world-class courses around the world, from many of the United States, including Utah, Arizona, Nevada, South Carolina to as far away as Scotland and New Zealand, with many more locations planned in the future.
Each residence is furnished according to the locale of the home and is fully stocked with foodstuffs and beverages prior to guest arrival. The homes average 3,000 square feet, making them large enough to host a large family or a group of friends.
The homes also include 5-star resort luxury amenities in anticipation of your comfort, from double pillow top mattresses, feather beds, high thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets and goose down duvets to Wi-Fi and surround sound stereo HDTVs. All cleaning and maintenance is handled by the club, giving you time to do nothing but golf.
If your spouse isn't into golf, many of the residences are often located near other attractions, like shopping or hiking to enjoy time spent off the green.
Club Memberships are available in a variety of packages, for families, corporations and even a lifetime option, with a one time enrollment fee. As a member, you are entitled to a multitude of privileges, including: discount golf fees at the home course, lessons, clubs, and access to many more special features.
If you're looking for a way to golf your way around the world, The Markers Golfers' Residence Club is the luxurious way to go.
Luxury Travel: What is your top destination choice? Do you enjoy a quaint log cabin, surrounded by magnificent mountain views, in world class ski locales? Or are you the Avid golfer who likes to spend time mastering the most challenging courses across the world? Maybe you live for the excitement of city life found in some of the world's greatest metropolitans. Over the years, after growing our portfolio to nearly 50 destinations world-wide, our yearly member surveys have told us that most members prefer to the tropics for their getaways.
It is easy to see why Members of Destination Clubs choose beaches and shores as their number one destination choice. Vacationing in the world's most desired tropical paradises offers travelers a true getaway from everyday stress - with secluded beaches, endless activities, and local fare. Below are two of the favorites from Ultimate Escapes Members and some tips from their last vacation.
Nevis, BWI - British West Indies:
Named Dulcina, or "Sweet Island," by early British Settlers, Nevis remains an intimate Caribbean island where relaxation is the rule and beauty is abundant. With the regal heights of Nevis Peak to the depths of the clear blue Caribbean, there is so much for families to explore on this secluded paradise. Charter a boat for a day and snorkel in the crystal blue water while discovering the local marine life or scuba dive directly into the sea life and explore sunken ships and natural reefs! Other activities to enjoy include horseback riding on the shore, a hike through the rainforest, a historical tour of sugar plantation ruins from the late 1800's, or simply calming walks on the beach.
"If there is a heaven, then it must be like Nevis -- we can't wait to go back"- Susan Mansfield, Ultimate Escapes Member
*For more information on these tips Contact the Nevis Island tourism Board.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
As one of Mexico's top resort destinations, Cabo San Lucas is a perfect combination of luxury, adventure and exotic history. It is considered by Ultimate Escapes members as the ideal vacation destination for kids and grownups alike. ATV Tours through the desert and to the beach, Sunset beach tours by horseback, deep sea fishing in a destination nick-named "Marlin Capital of the world" and catching the end journey of a 6,000 mile migration of the gentle giants of the Sea of Cortez, The Gray Whales, are just a short list of the endless number of activities and adventures our members suggest.
Be sure to enjoy the local fare - there is a restaurant to experience for every meal of the day. Enjoy Breakfast at The Office, Lunch at Cabo Wabo Cantina, and Dinner at Ruth Chris. For those who enjoy cooking, visit the local markets and pick up some of the local specialties and put together an enjoyable meal for you and your family. There is nothing better than enjoying delicious local cuisine in the beautiful setting of Cabo San Lucas.
"From your accommodations combined with the local attractions to the lure of the ocean, Cabo San Lucas cannot be beat!"- Danette Stewart, Ultimate Escapes Member
*For more information on these tips contact the Los Cabos Tourism Board.
Clubs & Memberships: Legendary Retreats is one of the latest exclusive membership clubs offered by Tanner and Haley Destination Clubs.
Originally, the club was one of three to offer members equity and could be purchased as an upgrade to one of the Distinctive or Private Retreats membership offerings.
Legendary Retreats aimed at a baby-boomer consumer base and also has members that include young families, retired couples and dot-com entrepreneurs. Legendary Retreats had only a handful of members and became part of the Ultimate Escapes membership club.
The acquisition of Legendary Retreats grew Ultimate Escapes to include over $1 billion in worldwide real estate holdings, giving their members even more options.
"We are also pleased to welcome more than 100 former Tanner & Haley employees, many of whom have years of experience providing five-star concierge and member services." said Ultimate Resort Founder, President and CEO Jim Tousignant, according to a press release.
Members of Ultimate Escapes can enjoy skiing in Deer Valley, Utah, boutique shopping in Paris, exploring wine country in Tuscany, golfing in Scottsdale, or surfing in Maui, as well as wide range of other luxury home offerings around the world. Ultimate Escapes includes 750 members and luxury homes located in 25 resort destinations in the United States, the Caribbean, Mexico and Europe.
Clubs & Memberships: Already one of the most luxurious membership clubs, The Leading Residences of the World has joined Quintess, the largest destination membership club in the world.
vacations come true.
The new partnership means that there are even more luxury homes to choose from, from beach houses on exotic islands or mountain homes in Aspen to city apartments in New York and Paris. European castles are also available as well as any other luxurious atmosphere you can think of.
vacations come true.
With $300 million in owned real estate assets, the club has one of the industry's lowest member to home ratio, six-to-one.
vacations come true.
The Leading Residences of the World arranges every part of your luxury vacation, from air travel arrangements to the time you touch down in your chosen destination. Groceries, cars, in-home massages and other special touches can all be arranged before you even arrive.
vacations come true.
In addition to providing luxury homes and services for their clients, The Leading Residences of the World also provides opportunities for their members to make a difference, through their Making a Difference program.
vacations come true.
From short term stays to long getaways, The Leading Residences of the World offers a variety of options to choose from, whether you are a large or small family, traveling for business or pleasure, The Leading Residences of the World has a home away from home option for you.
vacations come true.
With homes to choose from on nearly every continent, The Leading Residences of the World is sure to make your dream vacations come true.
Premium Cigars: CigarsClub.com is an online emporium for cigar aficionados in search of the finest handmade Cuban and Dominican cigars available. Headquartered in Caceres, a province of Extremadura, Spain, the online purveyor of premium quality tobacco products presents the finest cigars of prominent cigar makers of Cuba and the Dominican Republic. CigarsClub.com has cigars and other tobacco-related goods of 34 renowned cigar manufacturers.
Romeo y Julieta, Diplomaticos, Trinidad, and Statos de Luxe are just a few of the Cuban tobacco gods. Zino, Davidoff, AVO, and Macanudo amply represent the superstars of the Dominican Republic. The breadth of choices is impressive, as there are hundreds of Cuban and Dominican cigars in varying lengths and circumferences displayed. Minis and rolling tobaccos are offered along with an array of smoking accessories, such as humidors, cigar cutters, and lighters.
Since the company is able to buy cigars and related items at a lower price due to Spain's lower tax rate, the firm is able to sell its goods for less than outlets with similar products. There is a referral program, whereby a six percent discount is given on the referring party's next order.
CigarsClub.com is networked worldwide with links reaching out to lovers of cigars in Austria, the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, Italy, Denmark, Belgium, and Portugal. In any language, cigar enthusiasts universally love their Kubaniske zigareens; cigares Cubains; Cubanske cigarers; Kubanische zigareens or charutos Cubanas.
Did you know that producing one premium quality hand-rolled cigar requires a 140-step process? For more information, visit www.CigarsClub.com.
Residence Clubs: Following on the success of Private Retreats, comes Distinctive Retreats, an exclusive members-only destination club.
Members of Distinctive Retreats enjoy nearly unlimited access to $3 million estates located in 70 of the world's most exclusive cities and resorts. Members can enjoy luxury cars waiting for their arrival in the luxury home's garage.
Originally part of Abercrombie & Kent, Distinctive Retreats has been reborn under the Tanner & Haley Destination Clubs umbrella.
For $475,000 as a deposit and an annual fee, members get access to not only their own luxury residence in a prime world location, but also access to some of the company's other resort locations around the world.
The exclusive membership club provides the same services as staying in a luxury hotel, with all the benefits of owning real estate, at a fraction of the cost. The multi-million dollar homes are partially owned, which allows vacationers to enjoy them. Not only that, but all the maintenance and care, as well as security, of the home is handled by the company, making it a worry-free way to stay in some of the world's choice destinations.
Distinctive Retreats has a limited membership, but its parent company plans to open a new range of magnificent vacation homes based on its success.
Residence Clubs: Dream Catcher Retreats is an exclusive membership club that allows members to have partial ownership of their $3.25 million properties.
Offering perks that other membership clubs do not include having a smaller member-to-home ratio than similar companies as well as options to purchase additional nights and paying extra to enjoy golf memberships at their properties with golf clubs as well as an array of other membership options.
Before you go, a Personal Reservation Assistant can book your flight and then arrange for a limo transfer. During your trip, a Destination Host will ensure that your home is ready for your arrival.
Dream Catcher Retreats is now part of Quintess, along with The Leading Residences of the World to help guests choose from a wider range of exclusive homes and provide even more exclusive benefits.
More than 80 homes in 40 of the world's most premier destinations are now available through the exclusive membership plan. Choose a spot based on your favorite activities in Australasia, the Americas, Europe, and Africa.
Membership gives you the opportunity to experience some of the best membership clubs in the world, including The Leading Hotels of the World, Club Sportiva, international five-star resorts, and private clubs like Aspen's Caribou Club and each of their unique offerings, from driving sports cars to lifestyle options you never even imagined.
Residence Clubs: The Reefs Club, a private residence club in Bermuda, is gearing up to open this June.
From The Reefs, comes the Reefs Club, one of the world's best hotels and resorts, and renowned for its emphasis on services, featuring 19 elegantly furnished two-and three-bedrooms, the Reefs Club residences all offer unobstructed ocean views and private hot tubs on verandas.
The Reefs Club is a perfect luxury getaway, offered at just a fraction of the cost of most island homes. Noting that most second homeowners spend only a few weeks of the year at their second residence, The Reefs Club offers the opportunity to own a second home, at a considerably reduced expense. Not only that, but as a private residence club, members don't have to worry about maintenance, security or insurance.
The Reefs' emphasis on hospitality offers the same services that guests of the hotel enjoy, including concierge services which make restaurant reservations, golf tee-times and onsite spa appointments as easy as a phone call away. Families at the Reefs Club not only stay in fully furnished two-and-three bedroom homes, but award-winning restaurants, pink sand beaches and world class diving and snorkeling.
Being a member of the Reefs Club gives the opportunity to own real estate, and enjoy some of the most luxurious living facilities in the world, through fractional ownership. Fractional ownership allows families to fulfill their dream of owning luxurious beachfront property without the expense and worry.
The luxury homes of the Reefs Club come pre-furnished by Dallas-based Vision Design. David Dodwell, developer of the Reefs Club, explains, "We devoted considerable time to researching a suitable interior design firm. Vision Design emerged as an obvious choice as their portfolio reflects the luxurious, yet comfortable setting we envisioned for the Reefs Club. It is important to us that our owners enjoy first-class furnishings and design that parallels the high standard of service and amenities our hotel is known for."
Each residence takes into account the relaxed Bermuda lifestyle, and is decorated in soothing pastels and inspired by the island itself, from the bubbled glass countertops to the beached-wood floors. Each residence has modern appliances, including Sub Zero and Thermador appliances in the gourmet kitchen, which also has a custom mahogany buffet with wine refrigerator.
According to Dan Nelson, President of Vision Design, "Working within the classic Bermudian style while at the same time introducing the latest trends in materials and technologies has been a gratifying challenge."
Reefs Club is also a proud member of the Elite Alliance, an exclusive program that allows members the flexibility to enjoy luxury vacations at Private Residence clubs from around the world, including but not limited to Cabo San Lucas, Aspen, Manhattan and Florence.
For those who have looked forward to owning their own piece of island or families looking for a vacation home, Reefs Club can be a luxurious dream come true.
JustLuxe is a luxury Web publication providing objective analysis and information to affluent consumers to assist with their decision making, decisions such as charting a yacht, purchasing a jet membership card, booking a luxury hotel, traveling to a specific destination, or buying real estate. Our writers conduct interviews with industry executives and leaders in their fields, analyze product offerings and review the Web sites of leading companies to ensure our readers have up-to-date data to make informed decisions. Consumers can find purveyors of fine luxury goods, services and travel solutions throughout the pages of JustLuxe via content or with our advertising partners. See our Best of Luxury High end Brands and partners.
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Clubs & Memberships: The economic downturn has left some luxury enthusiasts pondering how they can still afford to indulge in their favorite pastimes, whether it's traveling, yachting or shopping. Luckily, fractional ownership clubs have grown to fill the void left by a general loss of cash flow, and Fractional Life is leading the way.
Clubs & Memberships: Luxury travelers look for the launch of Air Platinum Club, a new concept in private air travel coming in July.
Clubs & Memberships: For golf lovers that practically sleep with their clubs, The Markers Golfers' Residence Club makes it a little more comfortable with their luxury lodgings available around the world.
Luxury Travel: What is your top destination choice? Do you enjoy a quaint log cabin, surrounded by magnificent mountain views, in world class ski locales? Or are you the Avid golfer who likes to spend time mastering the most challenging courses across the world? Maybe you live for the excitement of city life found in some of the world's greatest metropolitans. Over the years, after growing our portfolio to nearly 50 destinations world-wide, our yearly member surveys have told us that most members prefer to the tropics for their getaways.
Clubs & Memberships: Legendary Retreats is one of the latest exclusive membership clubs offered by Tanner and Haley Destination Clubs.
Clubs & Memberships: Already one of the most luxurious membership clubs, The Leading Residences of the World has joined Quintess, the largest destination membership club in the world.
vacations come true.
Premium Cigars: CigarsClub.com is an online emporium for cigar aficionados in search of the finest handmade Cuban and Dominican cigars available. Headquartered in Caceres, a province of Extremadura, Spain, the online purveyor of premium quality tobacco products presents the finest cigars of prominent cigar makers of Cuba and the Dominican Republic. CigarsClub.com has cigars and other tobacco-related goods of 34 renowned cigar manufacturers.
Residence Clubs: Following on the success of Private Retreats, comes Distinctive Retreats, an exclusive members-only destination club.
Residence Clubs: Dream Catcher Retreats is an exclusive membership club that allows members to have partial ownership of their $3.25 million properties.
Residence Clubs: The Reefs Club, a private residence club in Bermuda, is gearing up to open this June.
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