yooPhuket, a spectacular collection of 256 apartments and penthouses on the Thai island of Phuket, has won the Fractional Life Readers Choice Award.

The award, which received an impressive 60 per cent of votes from thousands of readers of the global shared ownership web portal FractionalLife.com, was presented at the 2010 Fractional Summit in London on Friday.

Absolute’s International Director of PR & Marketing for yooPhuket 
Charlotte Rose Melsom who received the award, said: “The Fractional
Life Reader’s Choice Award is the ultimate accolade within the 
Fractional Property Industry voted for by the independent consumer so 
a wonderful credit to the yooPhuket project.”

Piers Brown, founder of Fractional Life said: “Thousands of FractionalLife.com readers voted and I’m delighted for yooPhuket.”

L - R: Nick Turner, VP, Registry Collection; Piers Brown, Founder, Fractional Life; Charlotte Rose Melsom, International Director of PR & Marketing, yooPhuket/Absolute Developments; Bryan Lunt, Chairman, the Absolute World Group

yooPhuket is a partnership between international branding, design and investment property company yoo and one of Asia’s leading development and lifestyle brands, Absolute Developments so the added security of buying into two internationally recognised brands is also a huge advantage.

Stand-out interiors are one of the things yoo do best and the contemporary design offers open plan living space with dramatic floor to ceiling windows, opening onto spectacular views across the lake, golf courses and lush Thai island landscapes. The impressive master bedroom suites have en suite bathrooms and walk in closet space. Stylish kitchens are fitted with integrated appliances. Bathrooms have fully tiled walk in shower enclosures and state of the art home technology includes comfort cooling systems and the latest audio visual equipment.

Each yooPhuket apartment comes fully furnished with a yoo designed furniture collection the apartment is ready to enjoy, even down to the last teaspoon. In addition clients can choose from a selection of the most sought after designer interior additions and upgrades to create an apartment that is perfectly unique.

Apartments within the development are available both whole ownership and quartershare fractional ownership offering a choice of purchase options to suit.  Prices for three month quartershare fractions at yooPhuket start at £44,000 for a 38 square metre studio, £65,000 for a 70 square metre two-bedroom apartment and £97,300 for a 105 square metre penthouse. These prices include superior furnishings, use of a fully-captained 31foot powerboat and the latest Callaway golf clubs, plus the standard 5 star service management company Absolute Resorts & Hotels are renowned for.

Owners will also enjoy access to Absolute’s affiliation with the renowned Registry Collection, the world’s largest luxury exchange programme and winners of the Fractional Life Services to the Industry Award also at Friday’s event. The Registry Collection provides members with access to an elite global network of the very finest vacation properties at some of the world’s premier destinations far beyond their Thailand accommodations.

Nick Turner, VP and head of The Registry Collection, Europe, added: “I’d like to congratulate The Registry Collection affiliates yooPhuket who are honoured with the Fractional Life Readers’ Choice Award. This company’s superb developments in Thailand are the essence of the successful fractional with AAA location, style and the highest quality in both accommodations and service levels.

About Fractional Life
From a fractional jet to fractional real estate, Fractional Life (www.fractionallife.com) is the number one consumer lifestyle brand dedicated to growing the fractional ownership marketplace. The company has three divisions: interactive, fractional conferences (www.fractionalsummit.com) and exhibitions (www.fractionallifeexpo.com), and publishing.

About the Absolute World Group
Founded in 1998, the Absolute World Group of companies has positioned its 1200 staff tactically across China, Europe, Japan, Hong Kong, Russia and Thailand, offering a seamless range of services within the world of Resorts and Hotels inclusive of a worldwide network of International Estate Agencies and a highly successful Vacation Club, boasting thousands of members.

Absolute is committed to delivering heavenly resort destinations from conception to completion and beyond with the added value of its dedicated turnkey resort management service.

About yoo
yoo is an international branding, design and investment property company enhancing the qualityand adding value to development projects in major towns and cities across the world.

The brand is represented by five core design teams – yoo inspired by Starck, Jade Jagger for yoo, wanders&yoo, Kelly Hoppen for yoo and the yoo design studio; all of whom increase value and sales velocity through market leading design, branded marketing and by maximizing media exposure.

Over the past ten years yoo has been working across the world with international partners on a variety of landmark buildings and large residential projects throughout Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America and the Middle East. yoo is involved in the development of more than 10,000 apartments currently under construction valued at $7 billion.

About The Registry Collection
The Registry Collection program is a global network comprising over 30,000 members and more than 130 affiliates on five continents. More than 175 properties are available through The Registry Collection® programme and are either accessible for exchange or under development. As the world’s largest luxury exchange programme, The Registry Collection programme provides members with access to an elite global network of the very finest vacation properties at some of the world’s premier destinations, as well as personal concierge services that are available 24-hours a day. From condo hotels and high-end fractional resorts to private residence clubs and fractional yachts, The Registry Collection programme facilitates exchanges around the world and redefines the vacation experience for owners and developers. The Registry Collection programme is offered by Wyndham Exchange and Rentals, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the European leader in vacation rentals and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE: WYN). For additional information, visit the media center at www.wyndhamer.com.

The Registry Collection®, the world’s largest luxury exchange programme and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (NYSE: WYN), today announced the affiliation of Absolute Developments to its programme, adding six new resorts to its global network of luxury properties.

“We are delighted to welcome Absolute Developments to The Registry Collection,” said Geoff Ballotti, President and CEO, Group RCI, parent company of The Registry Collection. “This relationship not only provides us with an opportunity to work with one of the leading developers of mixed-used resort operations in Asia, but also marks a significant achievement in securing the first properties for The Registry Collection in Asia. Thailand in particular is home to a wealth of five-star resort developments and idyllic beach locations which have succeeded in attracting international jetsetters for some years, and these six properties will help to give our members the luxury travel experience they expect from The Registry Collection.”

Analysts report that investment in Asian real estate has increased by more than 40 per cent this year with wealthy buyers returning to Asia raising levels of cross-border activity. Buyers are following global trends of looking for increased value in their spend which is a strength of the product.

“The fractional concept is relatively new to Asia and Absolute is bringing its expertise of shared-ownership, great brand strength and sales and marketing expertise to Thailand. We believe Absolute will be very successful in this fast-growing market and are thrilled to be partnered with them,” Ballotti added.

Bryan Lunt, Chairman of the Absolute World Group said: “Fractional ownership is the perfect antidote to the current financial climate and makes so much sense. Buying fractional allows you to actually purchase your dream holiday home, hassle-free, for only the time you would use it. We offer a stunning collection of properties, all exquisitely furnished with exclusive benefits such as the use of speedboats, spas, golf equipment, luxury airport transfer and the privilege of membership. Our target market is a discerning purchaser seeking high quality accommodation and excellent service.

The Registry Collection Programme provides members with access to an elite global network of the very finest vacation properties at some of the world’s premier destinations, as well as personal concierge services that are available 24-hours a day. More than 160 properties available through the programme are either accessible for exchange or under development.

“The Registry Collection complements our offering perfectly. Should our owners want a change from Thailand, through our affiliation they can choose to exchange stay periods in their owned property for stays in properties worldwide which are associated with the programme, confident that their experience and accommodation will be of the same high quality as their owned resort. Other benefits include the use of the programme’s 24/7 concierge services, and access to its Collection Partners luxury leisure and travel services. We are delighted to be working with them.”

The newly affiliated properties are located in Thailand and include two resorts from Absolute’s partnership with the world leading yoo brand, yooPhuket and yooSamui, as well as Absolute Platinum Suites, Absolute Beach Resort at Nakalay Bay, Absolute Bangla Suites and Absolute Villas at Palm Grove, Jomtien. Of these properties Absolute Bangla Suites and Absolute Beach Resort at Nakalay Bay are opening this year and yooPhuket is now in launch phase.

“We are very proud to add this calibre of development to The Registry Collection,” said Jonathan Back, Managing Director, Group RCI, EMEAI. “Our goal is to offer our members the finest vacation destinations in the world. Working with affiliates like Absolute Developments ensures that our members receive exactly the world-class luxury travel experience they desire. The style, feel, design and location of these properties are in essence what The Registry Collection is all about. We are very pleased to be able to announce Absolute as our first affiliate in Asia and look forward to working with them to achieve strong growth throughout the region over the next few years.”

About the properties

yooPhuket – an Absolute development in partnership with YOO. yooPhuket is a spectacular collection of stylish mixed use apartments and penthouses situated between three of Thailand’s leading Golf courses and a mere 10 minute drive to the island’s best beaches. It will offer all the services and facilities visitors would expect from a world-class development. Launching Q4 2009.

yooSamui - an Absolute development in partnership with YOO. yooSamui is an exclusive boutique beachfront mixed use development located at the southern tip of Koh Samui, Thailand’s third biggest island. yooSamui sits on the water’s edge and commands some of the most relaxing views in the world. Launching Q3 2010.

Absolute Beach Resort at Nakalay - located at a private cove of Nakalay beach on the Western coast of Phuket Island. The resort offers beachfront luxury studios, one and two-bedroom apartments and penthouses with stunning panoramic views of the Andaman Sea and jungle-clad mountains. Opening Q4 2009.

Absolute Bangla Suites – the stylishly contemporary designed boutique resort hotel is situated in the heart of Phuket’s nightlife, dining, entertainment and shopping hub in Patong. It will offer a selection of 27 studios, nine junior suites, seven executive suites, and two grand suites, many with private terrace jacuzzis. Opening Q3 2009.

Absolute Signature Villas at Palm Grove, Jomtien – a boutique hotel in Na-Jomtien, only 15 minutes’ drive from Pattaya. Its Private Pool Villa Suites nestle among lush tropical gardens and furnished in the Thai contemporary style and offering a first class service. Now open.

Absolute Platinum Suites – comprised of exclusive studios, one and two-bedroom suites, Absolute Platinum Suites is located in the popular tourist resort of Jomtien, Pattaya. This stylish resort boasts a 60m swimming pool and also offers guests a first class concierge service and premium facilities.  Opening Q3 2010.

About Absolute Developments
Absolute World Group of Companies is Asia’s market leader in mixed-use resort development, as well as an international company offering a range of integrated services including a worldwide network of international estate agencies and a vacation club used by thousands of members. It has offices in Thailand, China, Russia, Europe and Hong Kong, and employs more than 850 staff.

Absolute Developments deals with high-end luxury resort destinations including private pool villas, boutique resorts and multi-storey condominiums. The Absolute World Group has
wide-ranging experience in property development, hotel management, fractional vacation ownership and rentals.

Absolute Developments is committed to delivering heavenly resort destinations, from conception to completion and beyond, with the added value of its dedicated turnkey resort management service.

About yoo
yoo is an international branding, design and investment property company enhancing the quality and adding value to development projects in major towns and cities across the world.

The brand is represented by five core design teams – yoo inspired by Starck, Jade Jagger for yoo, wanders&yoo, Kelly Hoppen for yoo and the yoo Design Studio; all of whom increase value and sales velocity through market leading design, branded marketing and by maximizing media exposure.

Over the past 10 years yoo has been working across the world with international partners on a variety of landmark buildings and large residential projects throughout Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America and the Middle East. yoo is involved in the development of 10,000 apartments currently under construction valued at $7 billion.

About The Registry Collection
The Registry Collection Programme is a global network comprising over 35,000 members and more than 130 affiliates on five continents. More than 160 properties available through the programme are either accessible for exchange or under development. As the world’s largest luxury exchange programme, The Registry Collection Programme provides members with access to an elite global network of the very finest vacation properties at some of the world’s premier destinations, as well as personal concierge services that are available 24-hours a day.  From condo hotels and high-end fractional resorts to private residence clubs and fractional yachts, The Registry Collection Programme facilitates exchanges around the world and redefines the vacation experience for owners and developers. The Registry Collection Programme is offered by Group RCI, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the European leader in vacation rentals and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE: WYN). For additional information, visit the media centre at www.grouprci.com.

For additional information on the services offered to developers and members by The Registry Collection Programme and to learn how it can add value and distinction to leisure real estate projects, visit www.theregistrycollection.com.

Internationally acclaimed design, branding and marketing company yoo, together with one of Asia’s leading development groups Absolute are set to launch a new apartment complex that will provide buyers with both a beautiful home as well as a secured and guaranteed investment – the perfect antidote to the world’s economical slow down and the safest haven to invest at yooPhuket.

When deciding on a foreign property for purchase, whether to reside in permanently, use as a vacation home or as an investment, it is wise to pick a property that has been developed by a reputable developer; one with a strong track record of well-built construction projects as well as professional after-sales management. Also, the developer should make the buying process as simple and painless as possible. The developer should be well versed in the country’s property ownership laws and regulations and have solutions for any hurdles that buyers may face when buying in a foreign market.

Also, when it comes to purchase a property, a buyer can choose units that are furnished or unfurnished, and of course any buyer that chooses furnished wants their new investment both functionally and stylishly equipped using high quality products. The interior design of a home for sale and the complex the home is set within, regardless of the location or how well it is built, can easily sway a potential buyer’s decision on whether to purchase it or not.

So when Absolute combined their Thai housing and apartment market knowhow and experience with world renowned design company yoo, they laid the foundations for one of a kind partnership that is able to offer unique properties that meet all the above mentioned criteria. The Absolute Developments company and the uber cool yoo brand have united and are now set to offer a distinctive selection of designer apartments and penthouses that are superbly built on the beautiful island of Phuket, Thailand. The development, yooPhuket, promises to deliver well constructed homes that have interiors created by the exciting and cutting edge yoo designer team.

Who are yoo?
A truly international brand, yoo is celebrated for its innovative design flair, high specification and democratic ethos. Having co-founded the Manhattan Loft Corporation, which transformed urban London living in the 1990s with its regenerated loft spaces, property developer John Hitchcox formed yoo in 1999 with the world’s most celebrated designer, Philippe Starck. Since then yoo has continually raised the bar for contemporary design and electrifyingly redefined the simple word ‘home’ in award-winning schemes around the world.

Over the past ten years yoo has been working with international partners on a variety of landmark buildings
and large residential projects throughout Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America and the Middle East.

In 2008, yoo won two awards from CNBC International Property Awards for ‘Best Interior Design’ at The Jade,
NYC and ‘Best Development, Central and South America’ at Punta del Este. The company also won awards in the same year from The Home Overseas magazine and The What House Awards.

yooPhuket has been created by the yoo Design Studio. Yoo is particularly known for its interior design and ultra chic styling, bringing together some of the best design talents in the industry. Prior to the yooPhuket project, yoo’s experience in Thailand includes the exclusive Cape Yamu villas, built in partnership with Campbell Kane, also in Phuket.

And Absolute Developments…
Absolute World Group of Companies are the parent company with offices across Thailand, China, Russia and Hong Kong. With a staff of more than 850 personnel, the Absolute Group offers an integrated range of services including a worldwide network of international estate agencies and a vacation club with thousands of members. Many of Absolute Group’s customers consider their purchases with the company as a long-term investment; as well as a getaway to some amazingly beautiful locations.

Absolute Developments concentrates their efforts on high-end luxury resort destinations including private pool villas, boutique resorts and large multi-storey condominiums. The company has vast experience in hotel management, property development, fractional vacation ownership and property rentals. Thus they are well versed in providing a multitude of solutions for their clients. The group’s diversity, coupled with the strong joint venture partners it attracts, makes an Absolute property a sound investment choice.

Introducing yooPhuket
yooPhuket is a collection of 256 stylish designer apartments and penthouses available as studios, one and two bedroom apartments and stunning penthouses and sub penthouses. All set within a beautiful tropical and natural landscape surrounded by three of Phuket’s major Golf courses. yooPhuket offers a year round perfect get away location with amazing flowers in bloom, coconut trees swaying in the wind and its renowned warm climate. As well, yooPhuket is perfectly located to act as a base to enjoy all of the other great attractions Phuket has to offer – the best golf, the best beaches and the shopping and nightlife of Patong only 15 minutes away.

The apartments are divided among five interconnected six-storey buildings. The crisp clean lines of the sleek contemporary architecture are an elegant complement to the surrounding landscape. Natural local materials are incorporated into the designs to make the link with traditional Thai culture.

The contemporary design on yooPhuket offers open plan living space with dramatic floor to ceiling windows, opening onto spectacular views across the lake, golf courses and lush landscapes. The impressive master bedroom suites have en suite bathrooms and walk in closet space. Stylish kitchens are fitted with integrated appliances including oven and hob and fridge/freezer. Spotless bathrooms have fully tiled walk in shower enclosures and state of the art home technology includes comfort cooling systems, video door entry and the latest audio visual equipment.

The wraparound balconies of the apartments’ buildings provide each home with its own private outside space for relaxing, dining al fresco and taking in the sweeping views. The buildings are set around the stunning pool complex, which creates the natural focal point and social hub of the development. The impressive collection of multi level infinity pools is large enough never to feel crowded. Alongside the pools are the clubhouse, fine dining restaurant and cafe, as well as palm lined poolside cabana areas featuring outdoor fireplaces offering somewhere exceptionally relaxing to have a refreshing drink and a bite to eat.

The immaculate grounds are carefully tended by the maintenance team throughout the year. Planted with indigenous and tropical species, the gardens are colourful and fragrant with flowers such as jasmine and orchids. The tropical climate allows for year round blooming of trees and flowers which can be attested to each night by the lovely fragrance in the air.

As each unit interior offers a choice of stylish yoo furniture collections and a selection of divine signature collection additions, apartments can be ready to move into quickly. Buyers can opt for the Standard Collection or Superior Collection packs which include not only furniture, but everything right down to the kitchenware and bed linen.

yooPhuket apartments come with first class service, amenities and benefits, including:
A beautiful, tranquil, lakeside setting with stunning countryside and golf views.
Multi-level infinity edged pools, palm lined courtyards with cabana relaxation areas featuring outdoor fireplaces, poolside clubhouse, games room and indoor-to-outdoor fine dining restaurant and bar.
Fitness club, yoga and wellbeing spa, business centre and conference room.
Use of a 31’ Gulf speedboat with captain and hostess for all Fractional buyers
Use of the top of the range Calloway Golf Clubs for all Fractional buyers.
Extensive concierge services for all Fractional buyers.
24 hour security.
Shuttle buses to Patong beach and shopping centres.
10 – 15 minutes drive from the most stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife.
45 minutes drive from Phuket Airport.
Experienced rental management programme.
An excellent optional high rental returns opportunity.
Incredible value Quartershare Fractional Ownership and Freehold Foreign Ownership.
Deferred interest free payment options (subject to availability).

Buying at yooPhuket
Apartments at yooPhuket are available to buy either outright or through Absolute’s acclaimed quarter-share fractional ownership scheme meaning you can realise the dream of a luxury Thai holiday home at a fraction of the price.

Under Thai law, non-Thai nationals are permitted to buy apartments in a development. The process of purchasing property in Thailand is not complicated, and Absolute will introduce buyers to a local law firm who can guide them through the purchase process. Absolute will also guide buyers through all of the things they need to know such as how to set up a Thai bank account and which type of visa is required. Buyers are free to rent out their apartment and full management services are offered by Absolute at yooPhuket. Their sophisticated reservations systems means a high occupancy level and an anticipated rental yield of 7% for the first five years makes sure the asset is paying its way. If a buyer chooses to rent their property, yoo designed furniture packages are available providing everything guests would need.

Pre-Launch Sale
Before the full launch of yooPhuket this winter, Absolute are offering incredible pre-launch deals for those who want to buy into this unique development early. A wide range of deals are available. Visit www.yooPhuket.com to be amongst the first to receive the pre-launch edition brochure.

yoo work in partnership with other major developers and are currently working on 44 partner projects across
5 continents, no one project is the same, the common factor is the enhanced comparative value the yoo brand brings to a development. This value is very apparent: yooToronto – 66% sold out in 5 hours;  yooNewYork – 90% sold out in 7 days; yooPunta del Este – 85% sold in 1 month. Sales of yooPhuket’s first phase are already nearing 30% sold at investor launch stages and there are some incredible deals to be made prior to general release later this year.

For all sales enquiries please contact a member of the Absolute Real Estate Team +66 (0) 76 346 282 or sales@yooPhuket.com or register at www.yooPhuket.com

Absolute Developments Corp. is proud to announce the appointment of David Spencer to the position of Hong Kong Business Development Manager from March 30th.

David brings to Absolute a wealth of senior management experience in the vacation ownership industry and will be immediately looking to expand the entire Absolute Hong Kong’s sales and marketing operations.

Hong Kong is still attracting many wealthy Western business travellers and families via long haul flights and these client types are extremely different to the type of tours often seen in typical European short haul bargain or packaged holiday type destinations; “A sleeping tiger just awakening!” said David, “I have seen Absolute expanding over the years and am looking forward to the new challenges ahead. Right time – right place”.

Absolute Group, under Chairman Bryan Lunt has extensive luxury resorts throughout Thailand, China and Hong Kong and currently employs more than 800 staff and has 18 sales centres, a real estate agency selling 9 Fractional Ownership resorts and out-right property in Thailand, and is about to launch a six star 266 unit resort property in Phuket, Thailand with the YOO Group.

The new year gets off to a blistering start: First we review the OTE Convention held last October where Perspective Magazine won the award for Innovative Marketing, then we have our own review of Christel House South Africa after our recent visit and an exclusive interview with founder of RCI and Christel House; Christel DeHaan. Plus we have another exclusive interview with PR & Media specialist, Max Clifford and his opinions on the perception of timeshare and how to change it. And our Front Cover Sponsors announce their partnership with former tennis star and health club giant, David Lloyd.

EDITION HIGHLIGHTS Front Cover Sponsorship: Absolute Developments Corporation Interview: Max Clfford, PR & Media Guru Feature: Group RCI Convention Review: OTE European Timeshare Business Forum 2007 Perspective A-List: Christel DeHaan, Founder of Christel House Feature: Our Perspective – Christel House South Africa Supplier Review: Wellness Rejuvenation Rooms Developer Review: Diamond Resorts International Resort Review: Al Houara Resort, Morocco View Edition Online | Download To Hard Drive

This month we have another exclusive interview with a major industry leader, this time with Craig M Nash, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Interval International and we review the recent ATHOC Convention and report on the inaugural golf event of the Wyndham Championship. There is also a feature about Residential Cruise Line – a timeshare at sea.

EDITION HIGHLIGHTS Front Cover Sponsorship: La Purificadora, Hotel En Puebla Persective A-List: Craig M Nash, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Interval International Convention Review: Australian Timeshare & Holiday Ownership Council Convention Interview: Bryan Lunt, Chairman of Absolute Developments Corporation Suppliers Review: Travelers Acceptance Corporation Fractional Review: Residential Cruise Line Resort Review: Fairmont Vacation Villas, British Columbia, Canada Feature: A Capitalist Development In Havana? Feature: Addressing Software Challenges for Points Ownership and Fractional Ownership Resorts Feature: Wyndham Championship Inaugural Golf Event View Edition Online | Download To Hard Drive