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These upscale communities have all the
amenities and flexibility of a fine resort. |
By
Meredith Guinness |
| The
private luxury community market is booming – from fully
owned second homes to fractional living arrangements to destination
clubs in the world's best resorts. Catering to a clientele
of empty nesters, families, retirees and corporate members,
each community maintains its own character, while preserving
what everyone craves: world-class quality. The key to success
seems to be the flexible options available to prospective
buyers, many of whom want a vacation home without the hassles
of homeownership. Several sites offer full ownership, in which
a buyer can use the home as a permanent residence or a quick
getaway. The homes can be passed down through generations
and often come with housekeeping and maintenance options and
a host of resort activities – from golf to riding to
fly-fishing tours. High-end fractionals offer partial deeded
ownership of a property with first-class furnishings, service
and resort-style benefits. This market and concept have “steadily
experienced considerable growth as well as general awareness
and acceptance among the public,” says Matthew Budjack
of Ragatz Associates. The destination club is a dream vacation.
Members pay annual dues for a specific number of days, then
choose from luxury accommodations in some of the finest resorts.
While popular with private members, the clubs are catching
the eye of corporations looking for unusual perks for top
sellers and prospective clients. |
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Top
to bottom: Among the many features of Snowflake Circle,
a 3,500-square-foot residence in Steamboat Springs,
CO, are open spaces, cedar siding, a massive stone
fireplace, private decks with hot tub and amazing
views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains. |
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Ultimate Resort
Location: A
destination club of luxury private properties in fabulous
resort areas throughout the U.S., the Caribbean and Europe.
Overview: Ultimate Resort was created to offer
individuals, families and corporate members club properties
averaging $1.5 million in value in some of the world's
most desirable locations. Six sites now available are Los
Cabos, Mexico; New York City; Scottsdale, AZ; Steamboat Springs,
CO; Sunny Isles Beach, FL; and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Club
members travel when and where they want through a membership
plan that offers buyers flexibility, says Jim Tousignant,
president of Ultimate Resort LLC. “Owning a second home
is hassle-oriented. And even the best hotels don't give
you that home experience,” he says. “We can offer
luxury services and destinations with the feeling of home.”
Amenities: Vary with location, but usually
include access to beach, golf and/or health clubs, private
pools and spas. City residences typically offer 1,200 square
feet of living space in one- or two-bedroom suites. Beach,
golf and mountain residences average 3,000 to 4,000 square
feet and three to four bedrooms. Homes are fully furnished
and outfitted with whole-house audio, high-speed Internet,
large LCD and plasma TVs with DVD and other amenities, including
private wine cellars.
Special Services: Extensive concierge service;
local hosts assist in stocking the residence with food and
provide maid and home services. The hosts can plan and make
reservations for golf tee times, tennis, boating, local restaurants,
attractions and events.
Due Diligence: Members pay an initial fee
and annual dues based on the number of days they will use
Ultimate Resort properties. Reservations are booked 180 days
in advance. Members can earn more time or extra services through
a member-appreciation program. Ultimate Resort is not designed
to be a time-share or fractional-style program. In the next
few years, Ultimate Resort anticipates a total of 100 residences
in the existing locations and Paris, London, Rome, Turks &
Caicos, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Chicago, Las Vegas and Napa
Valley, CA, among other locations.
Price Range: There is a one-time membership
fee of $150,000, of which $100,000 is a refundable deposit.
Limited-time discounts are offered. Annual dues are based
on five usage plans, ranging from $10,000 for 21 days to $14,000
for 42 days.
Ultimate Resort
877.955.1900
www.ultimateresort.com |
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