Emily Ceruzzi of Global Connections, Inc. (www.exploregci.com) was recently named the recipient of one of the most prestigious awards presented annually by the Cooperative Association of Resort Exchangers (C.A.R.E.), a vacation industry trade association. Emily was honored at C.A.R.E.’s historical 25th semi-annual conference, held in late April in New Orleans.

According to C.A.R.E president Alain Carr, “Emily was selected to receive the coveted Richard Gallardo Award for the important role she played in raising sponsorship funds to help defray speaker and conference costs. She has been a dedicated C.A.R.E. member for eleven years and currently serves on the Membership Benefits and Sponsorship Committees.”

Presented annually in recognition of outstanding service to C.A.R.E., the award was created in honor of Richard Gallardo, who served the organization for many years. Emily received her award from Ricky Gallardo, the son of Kathleen and Richard Gallardo, who were one of C.A.R.E.’s founding member families and present at the organization’s inaugural conference 25 years ago.

A nine-year veteran with Global Connections Inc. (GCI), Ceruzzi serves as General Manager of GCI’s 38-unit Sea Shells Beach Club, located in Daytona Beach, Florida. As General Manager, Ceruzzi leads 15 resort employees in the day-to-day operation of the property. She also handles marketing for resort rentals, oversees the centralized ordering for several Global properties, supervises four reservation agents and assists GCI travel club members with questions. Previously, she was manager of the Global Southeast Florida member fulfillment office for the nationally respected travel club company.

As a leader in the travel club industry, the 23-year old Global Connections provides its 150,000 members with a host of benefits and vacationing options to more than 700 resorts located from the Midwest to the Caribbean. GCI is the owner and developer of five resorts in California, Colorado, Florida and Tennessee and also owns multiple resort condominium units in Florida, Hawaii, Missouri, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin. Partner alliances with exchange and cruise organizations, along with owned and leased properties provide on-demand locations in popular vacation destinations around the world for the company’s expanding member base. The company’s 28 sales centers are located in 20 states and are distributors of its travel club product, Global Discovery Vacations.
For more information visit www.exploregci.com

Resort in renowned Colorado ski area extends relationship with the world’s largest vacation exchange program.

RCI, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (NYSE: WYN), and The Christie Lodge in Avon, Colorado, recently announced the renewal of their longstanding affiliation agreement.

Pictured from left to right at the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) 2010 Convention and Exposition in Las Vegas, Nevada, are Gordon Gurnik, president of RCI North America; Lisa Siegert-Free, general manager, The Christie Lodge; and Geoff Ballotti, CEO, RCI.

“We are honored and extremely pleased to continue this great relationship with The Christie Lodge,” said Geoff Ballotti, CEO, RCI. “The fantastic location of this resort along with the quality of its accommodations offers a vacation experience that is consistent with what our members are seeking.”

Located in Avon, Colorado, The Christie Lodge is only one block away from the new Avon Gondola with direct access to Beaver Creek. The resort boasts 280 one- and three-bedroom condos and amenities that will accentuate any trip to the Colorado Rockies.

“It is an easy decision to continue working with RCI,” said Lisa Siegert-Free, general manager, The Christie Lodge. “RCI is the world’s largest vacation exchange company and maintaining access to their network is very valuable for our resort and owners.”

About RCI
RCI is part of Wyndham Exchange and Rentals, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the European leader in vacation rentals, with exclusive access for specified periods to more than 65,000 vacation properties in approximately 100 countries.

Wyndham Exchange and Rentals is comprised of vacation exchange, including RCI, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and provider of travel services to businesses and consumers and The Registry Collection program, the world’s largest luxury exchange program; vacation rentals, including Endless Vacation Rentals, Landal GreenParks®, Novasol®, and other renowned vacation rental brands, through which vacationers can rent a variety of property types, from city apartments to villas; and NorthCourse® Leisure Real Estate Solutions, a research and consultancy firm providing advisory services to the global leisure real estate industry. Wyndham Worldwide Corporation is one of the world’s largest hospitality companies with leading brands in lodging franchising, vacation ownership, vacation rentals and vacation exchange. For additional information visit our media center.

High-end resort in renowned Colorado ski area joins world’s largest luxury exchange program

The Registry Collection program, the world’s largest luxury exchange program and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (NYSE: WYN), and The Innsbruck Aspen Residences, a luxury residence located in the town of Aspen, Colo., today announced a long-term affiliation agreement.

We are honored and excited to welcome the highly-acclaimed The Innsbruck Aspen Residences to The Registry Collection’s portfolio of luxury affiliates,” said Geoff Ballotti, CEO, RCI. “This mountain resort offers elegant accommodations and first-class service and amenities; consistent with what The Registry Collection program stands for.

This affiliation will help provide both The Registry Collection members and Innsbruck Aspen owners with the type of luxury lifestyle vacation experiences they desire.” Located in the heart of Aspen, The Innsbruck Aspen Residences offers 17 luxury units and is conveniently located in walking distance to the ski slopes and all the nightlife Aspen has to offer.

“The Registry Collection program expands the enjoyment of our owners’ second home vacation purchase as they will now have the ability to exchange into a quality selection of luxury destinations around the world,” said R.J Gallagher Jr., Partner in Forte International, the organization chosen by The Innsbruck Aspen Residences to manage the marketing and sales. “We are excited to offer this unique benefit to our valued owners and look forward to having them enjoy these benefits in the years to come.”

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® program and are either  accessible for exchange or under development. As the world’s largest luxury exchange program, The Registry Collection program 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 program facilitates exchanges around the world and redefines the vacation experience for owners and developers. The Registry Collection program 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.

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

About the Innsbruck Aspen
The Innsbruck Aspen Residences are a wonderful collection of seventeen intimate and warm residences located in the heart of Aspen. Each residence has been thoughtfully designed with the finest finishes and amenities and ownership comes with all the benefits of private home ownership, combined with the unsurpassed services and privileges of a private club. The intimate feel of a historic Inn, with the amenities, services, and staff attention you would expect at a five-star hotel. Ownership at The Innsbruck Aspen Residences is a valuable real estate asset that can be resold or transferred. Each Owner will own a 1/12 undivided, deeded, fee simple interest in real estate, evidenced by a real estate deed recorded in the county records and insured by a title insurance policy.
For additional information visit www.theinnsbruckaspen.com.

FractionalExchange.com has announced that the Austria Haus Club of Vail, Colorado has selected FractionalExchange.com for the vacation exchange requirements of its members. The Austria Haus joins Rocky Mountain resorts The Hemingways, The Deer Valley Club, The Teton Club and Vail Mountain Lodge in affiliating with FractionalExchange.com

The Austria Haus Club was established in 1998 and is located along Gore Creek, just next to Vail’s famous Covered Bridge. Their prime location provides convenient access to all the amenities in Vail Village, as well as quick access to the Vista Bahn chairlift at Vail Mountain.

Paul Nabor, Director of Sales at FractionalExchange.com states, “It is such an exciting opportunity for FractionalExchange.com to partner with The Austria Haus Club. As Vail’s first Private Residence Club, we view it as one of the premier locations within our network. I am excited about the opportunities our affiliation will present to the Club’s members for future exchanges.”

Through a group enrollment arrangement, all Homeowners Association members at The Austria Haus Club are now part of the FractionalExchange.com Gold level membership network. In addition to access to the global exchange network of FractionalExchange.com, owners at The Austria Haus Club now have a convenient method of exchanging use internally to solve fractional rotation needs.

Laura Warren, General Manager of Austria Haus Club of Vail says “We have been looking for the right exchange program for quite some time, and FractionalExchange.com appears it will fit our needs perfectly. The wide variety of properties to exchange within the program combined with its ease of use make it very appealing to The Club and our members. The fact that the person who developed this program is a fractional owner makes us confident that this is a workable solution. We like the fact that there are no hidden fees; it is very straightforward in all aspects.”

Recognized as Vail’s first Private Residence Club, The Austria Haus Club carries a prestigious first place award for International resort architecture and design, as well as the highest platinum ratings from the Vail Valley Tourism and Convention Bureau, as reported on their web site.

“We are so pleased to welcome The Austria Haus Club to the FractionalExchange.com network,” said Evan Julber, FractionalExchange.com CEO. “We look forward to providing The Club’s members with a streamlined solution to their vacation exchange needs, and we are thrilled to provide all FractionalExchange.com members with access to one of the finest properties in the Vail area.”

For additional information regarding this release and the services of FractionalExchange.com, visit http://www.fractionalexchange.com or contact Paul Nabor at 541.306.3180.

About FractionalExchange.com
FractionalExchange.com is a global online owner-to-owner exchange network for owners of upscale vacation residences and fractional properties. The company was established in 2008 by parent company Sierra Holdings, Incorporated, an Oregon Corporation with offices in Bend, Oregon, USA. Servers are located in Chicago, Illinois, USA.

Forget about “The Official Internet Provider of USA Swimming” – strategic alliances in the resort industry are all about synergistic fit.
By Matt McDaniel, editor

While there are still a few companies that will align themselves with any other company willing to write a big check, many of today’s corporate alliances actually make sense. Two cases in point: Intrawest’s relationship with Land Rover and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club’s relationship with Marquis Jet.

The 2010 Land Rover Range Rover at Steamboat Resort

While the relationships that Intrawest and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club have with their strategic allies are quite different in purpose and execution, they share an important element: value and relevance to their company.

Intrawest/Land Rover
In January, Intrawest and Land Rover North America announced a new strategic partnership that will see Land Rover serve as the year-round automotive partner at three of the premier mountain resorts in North America – Stratton Mountain in Vermont, and Winter Park Resort and Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation, both in Colorado. Under the terms of the agreement, Land Rover vehicles will be on display at each resort and included in on-site and web-based promotions throughout the year. Online videos featuring Land Rover vehicles will feature winter driving tips for consumers and Land Rover will be the presenting sponsor of the Snow Report page on each resort’s website as well as the email notifications that help resort guests plan their winter vacation experiences.

Intrawest is no stranger to strategic alliances. The company has agreements with American Express, Coca-Cola, Sprint and “a vast variety of major national and global brands,” says Andy Wirth, senior vice president of strategic alliances for Intrawest. He says that most of his company’s strategic alliances are built on three legs:

• Advertising and brand exposure. The realm of the advertising and promotions agencies, quality and volume of exposure offered by this component can compare very favorably to outdoor advertising or other promotional and advertising campaigns that a company might engage in. “Specifically, we provide exposure to a great number of customers over an extended period of time,” Wirth explains. “Relative to Land Rover, we’re doing that through the test-drive events and the daily snow and grooming reports and much, much more.”

• Staff and client entertainment. “Resorts are used as entertainment locales for our partners,” Wirth says. “Sprint will entertain its largest business customers here in Steamboat, while we are staging major NBC broadcast events,” for example. He says that over time, his company will move forward similarly with Land Rover.

• Direct return on investment. Wirth says that where his company is able to, they provide either primary or exclusive access to their business as an account for the ally’s service or product. He again cites Sprint as an example, as Intrawest exclusively uses their telecommunications devices. “In that case, we pay our phone bill and it becomes a direct return on investment.” He says that while his company is unable to employ Land Rovers as vehicles for all staff, “ultimately this all distills down to helping Land Rover sell vehicles – and we’re quite confident we can do that.”

Intrawest's Steamboat Resort in Colorado

While the alignment of customer profiles is a given, what may be most interesting is the customers’ disposition while on vacation. “When people visit our resorts, their advertising filters are somewhat decreased,” Wirth says, adding that people tend to be significantly more receptive to and engaged by contact with Land Rover than they would be at home.

“The customer has significantly higher recall and the quality of impressions as measured through some of our focus groups ranks significantly higher,” he says.

The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club/Marquis Jet
Like Intrawest, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club seeks compatible companies to align with. “We look at relationships we think would be complementary whether it’s a car company, whether it’s a luxury goods company,” or other upscale organization, says Ed Kinney, vice president of corporate affairs for The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club, which oversees the private residence club. “We have to be very selective; obviously, there are people who are very willing to do business with us because they want the relationship or the connection with Ritz- Carlton … we’re pretty guarded about making sure we’re not aligning ourselves with somebody that is trying to use us simply as an endorsement.”

The club’s partnership with Marquis Jet, which officially began in November 2009, is the farthest thing from being a mere endorsement. Kinney says the club’s alliance with Marquis Jet, a leader in private jet cards, is a relationship that not only aligns the two companies’ similarly upscale members, but also complements the two travel components offered.

Kinney says that the relationship with Marquis Jet made sense because club owners highly value their vacation time and don’t want to spend a lot of time waiting in lines – instead, they want to maximize their time and “feel somewhat like they’re living a privileged lifestyle, so Marquis Jet just seemed to fit that,” Kinney adds.

But it takes more than that to become a partner with The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club. “They have a great customer-service track record too,” says Kinney. “Everything about their operation is first class – not only in just the total experience, but obviously the equipment and everything that they offer. Kinney says The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club was confident that their members would appreciate and enjoy the Marquis Jet benefit, making his company very comfortable with the alliance. He notes that Marquis Jet “knows all the airports and their facilities” and can work almost seamlessly with the club to make the trip hassle-free and enjoyable. “It’s not like they’re hopping on an unfamiliar charter – Marquis Jet knows our side of the business, so we can work together and make sure everybody’s needs are taken care of,” Kinney says.

Exterior of a Marquis Jet Hawker 800XP

“Complementing brands that reflect each other’s values of customer service and perception of prestige is critical for both of us.”

The Marquis Jet relationship also provides members with additional valuable benefits, including an executive response program that provides 24-hour access to medical services Mayo Clinic.

Of course, there are benefits to The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club as well. “Certainly there’s a collaborative marketing effort,” Kinney explains. “Marquis Jet members are great prospects for us and they’ve been included in the database to receive Ritz-Carlton Destination Club information.

That is one of the mutually beneficial aspects of the partnership with Marquis Jet; our members are great candidates for their program and their members are great candidates to become members of Ritz-Carlton Destination Club.”

So what does the club look for in a potential strategic ally? Kinney says there are four primary elements:

• Complementary products/services
• Excellent customer service
• Best-in-class status
• Stability

Kinney says Marquis Jet has all four components. “We’ve both been around for quite some time – Marquis Jet not so much as the Ritz-Carlton brand, but about the same amount of time as The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club – and we continue to show our customers that we each are the best of the best of our respective areas,” he notes. “That’s important as time goes by and you see other people in our industry going by the wayside and then other people on the jet card side going by the wayside as well, but each of us have maintained a stability and a solid reputation for being the best at what we do.”

And reputation is certainly important – perhaps even more important for this customer demographic. Kinney says club members look to his company and the expertise of their staff to evaluate and vet outside programs, and only present to members the ones that are the best fit. “There are many other fractional air programs out on the market today,” he says, “and the fact that we would go through the time and effort to evaluate them for what their merits are and use them as an extension of the membership benefits gives our members peace of mind.”

FractionalExchange.com has announced that the Vail Mountain Lodge and Spa in Vail, Colorado has selected FractionalExchange.com for the vacation exchange requirements of its members. The Vail Mountain Lodge joins Rocky Mountain resorts The Hemingways, The Deer Valley Club and The Teton Club in affiliating with  FractionalExchange.com

Paul Nabor, Director of Sales at FractionalExchange.com states, “Affiliation with The Vail Mountain Lodge provides our members with exchange opportunities into a premier luxury resort located in the heart of Vail Village. These residences are a personal favorite of mine, as I’m sure they will become for many of our members.”

Through a group enrollment arrangement, all Homeowners Association members at Vail Mountain Lodge are now part of the FractionalExchange.com Gold level membership network. In addition to access to the global exchange network of FractionalExchange.com, owners at Vail Mountain Lodge now have a convenient method of exchanging use internally to solve fractional rotation needs.

Frank Johnson, General Manager of Vail Mountain Lodge and Spa says “We’ve looked for five years or more for a way for our owners to interact with other owners and trade vacation time. This is really the first opportunity we have found to work with a first-class organization in a very user-friendly manner.”

Located directly on Gore Creek and just steps from world-famous skiing on Vail Mountain, the Vail Mountain Lodge is a boutique property featuring 28 hotel rooms, family suites, and two- and three-bedroom condominiums. Amenities at this premier resort include the Vail Athletic Club, The Spa at Vail Mountain Lodge, and Terra Bistro. Also debuting in January, 2010 is the Vitality Center™ at The Spa at Vail Mountain Lodge, which offers a new approach to comprehensive wellness in the Vail Valley.

“We are thrilled to launch this new affiliate relationship with Vail Mountain Lodge,” said Evan Julber,  FractionalExchange.com CEO. “We welcome the members of Vail Mountain Lodge to the FractionalExchange.com exchange network. We are excited that this agreement now provides our members an incredible vacation option within walking distance of one of the finest ski mountains in North America.”

About FractionalExchange.com
FractionalExchange.com is a global online owner-to-owner exchange network for owners of upscale vacation  residences and fractional properties. The company was established in 2008 by parent company Sierra Holdings, Incorporated, an Oregon Corporation with offices in Bend, Oregon, USA. Servers are located in Chicago, Illinois, USA.

About the Vail Mountain Lodge
The Vail Mountain Lodge and Spa features hotel rooms, family suites and condominiums in Vail Village, Colorado. Information about the Club may be obtained at http://www.vailmountainlodge or by calling (888) 794-0410.

Quintess, LRW is thrilled to announce a new enclave on the enchanting Caribbean island of Saint Martin, the latest addition to the Club’s portfolio of more than 40 coveted destinations worldwide. The enclave is located within the superlative La Samanna Resort & Spa, a secluded paradise on the French side of the island offering extensive privileges, activities and services to Quintess, LRW Members. The Club is initially bringing on two free standing villas, each with a private infinity pool and panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea, for stays as of February 20, 2010.

With the best homes and availability in the destination club industry, the Club’s financial strength and stability, and attractive payment options, Quintess, LRW continues to welcome new Members. Now with 525+ Members, the Club’s growth in turn allows Quintess, LRW to add breadth and depth to the home portfolio and enhance its Members’ travel opportunities. This year alone, in addition to the new Saint Martin enclave, Quintess, LRW has opened a second home in La Quinta, California, and created its fourth and most recent enclave environment in Aspen, Colorado with the addition of two slope-side homes adjacent to, and receiving amenities through, The Ritz-Carlton Residence Club.

“We are pleased to open this new enclave of four-bedroom, oceanfront villas in Saint Martin for our Members, building on our portfolio of great luxury homes. These homes, along with the extensive amenities provided by La Samanna Resort & Spa, exemplify the Quintess, LRW experience our Members enjoy,” said Greg Eure, President of Quintess, LRW.

With Saint Martin, the Club’s fifth enclave, Quintess, LRW continues to deliver the best of the best by providing its Members five-star services and amenities within A-list destinations: La Samanna Resort & Spa, which is part of the world renowned Orient-Express Hotels portfolio, is frequently ranked by Travel & Leisure magazine as one of the top 10 hotels for service in the Caribbean.

“This interest from the elite membership of Quintess, LRW reinforces the status of La Samanna as one of the finest residential communities anywhere in the Caribbean, as well as the stature of Orient-Express in the world of luxury real estate. We are delighted to be working together,” said Paul White, President and Chief Executive Officer, Orient-Express Hotels.

The Club’s villas are prominently located within the resort, on a bluff offering sweeping views of the sea, and ideally situated to take advantage of La Samanna’s enviable private beach and comprehensive resort amenities. Also recognized as a Small Leading Hotel of the World, La Samanna truly is an exclusive haven for luxurious living, elegant accommodations, delectable cuisine and family-friendly activities. While many other destination clubs have compounds of condos within resorts, Quintess, LRW knows that family and friends prefer homes with ample space and privacy after a day on the beach, at the spa, or touring the island.

About Quintess, The Leading Residences of the World (quintess.com)
Quintess, The Leading Residences of the World is a luxury destination club that creates highly personalized vacation experiences for its Members. Quintess, LRW provides its Members with access to 80+ multimillion-dollar residences and experiences in 40+ international resort and city destinations, including Aspen, Los Cabos, Florence, Hawaii, Jackson Hole, London, Napa Valley, New York City, Paris, Saint Martin and Tuscany, among countless others. As part of Quintess, LRW’s strategic relationship with The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd., the Club now offers Q Leading Experiences at select member hotels around the globe. With 525+ Members, the Club remains committed to financial transparency and full disclosure and continues the practice of providing its Members with third party audited financial statements. For more information about Quintess, LRW please call 800.550.0324 or visit quintess.com.

About Orient-Express Hotels (orient-express.com)
Orient-Express, the name behind an elite collection of travel experiences, first came into being in 1883 as one of the world’s most exciting and indulgent train journeys. Today those same two evocative words also embrace hotels, cruises and other luxury rail adventures in 25 countries, across five continents. The company’s overriding commitment to providing the highest quality of service, products and amenities in its hotels, trains and cruises is also a standard in its real estate developments. In addition to Porto Cupecoy, Orient-Express is currently offering luxury lifestyle residences at The Villas at La Samanna (Saint Martin), Keswick Estate (Charlottesville, Virginia) and Napasai (Koh Samui, Thailand). The company owns developable land in Madeira; Riviera Maya, Mexico; and St. Michaels, Maryland.

New Slopeside Resort Is Cornerstone for Redevelopment of Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Timbers Resorts is proud to announce the opening of One Steamboat Place, a highly-anticipated resort development at the base of majestic Mt. Werner in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The slope-side development is the cornerstone for the redevelopment of Steamboat Springs, a historic town in Northwest Colorado that dates back to the mid-19th Century and has long been known for its hot springs, cattle ranching and winter sports.

“We are thrilled to unveil One Steamboat Place, a one-of-a-kind residential experience located at the gondola,” said David A. Burden, CEO & Founder of Timbers Resorts. “We are excited to be a new part of this great community. We chose Steamboat as a destination because of its apparent sense of hospitality, small town charm and natural beauty. We hope to be a big part of keeping it that way.”

A limited number of the 80 exquisitely furnished residences, which command panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, are still available at One Steamboat Place. The 1/8th four-bedroom residential deeded interests are available for $580,000. The 1/12th three- bedroom residential deeded interests are available for $350,000. The remaining whole-ownership residences range in size from 2,500- to 3,500-square-feet and range in price from $3.05 million to $3.15 million. Residence Club offerings include membership at Catamount Ranch and Club, a nearby 4,000-acre mountain preserve with a world-class Tom Weiskopf championship golf course, a 530-acre private lake and The Outfitter’s Center, which offers a multitude of activities year-round.

Located at the gondola with ski valet service during the winter and activities including golf, fly-fishing, kayaking and horseback riding the remainder of the year, One Steamboat Place is designed as a four-seasons vacation destination for the whole family. Amenities include a 10-treatment room Spa, fitness and motion studio, a heated outdoor pool and trio of Jacuzzis, daily housekeeping, 24-hour concierge service and an Owners’ wine cellar. One Steamboat Place will also be home to Steamboat Springs’ newest dining hot spot, The Truffle Pig. Scheduled to open in the summer of 2010, The Truffle Pig is a stylishly rustic restaurant that will serve a gourmet menu focusing on local meats, game and fish, as well as après-ski fare and cocktails. Owners will be able to order in-room dining through the property’s gourmet grocer, MARKET at Truffle Pig, and can request a personal chef to cook for them in the convenience of their own homes. A limited number of local and out-of-state residents can enjoy the exclusive services, amenities and facilities of One Steamboat Place by becoming Members of The Summit Club at One Steamboat Place. Membership is $65,000.

Over the past 10 years, Timbers Resorts has created an incomparable host of benefits and privileges for Owners to ease and enhance the vacation experience. Owners at One Steamboat Place will become Members in Timbers Collection and have access to Timbers Reciprocity Program (TRP), enabling them to trade their vacation weeks and stay at any of the other Timbers Collection properties in the world’s most sought-after ski, golf, beach and countryside destinations. In addition to TRP, One Steamboat Place Owners will also receive access and services from Sentient Jet, Hertz Car Rental, MedjetAssist, Priority Pass and more, as well as savings from hospitality affiliates.

About Timbers Resorts:
Since 1999, Timbers Resorts, the developer of small, private, luxury resort properties including private residence clubs, boutique hotels, and club communities has established an unrivaled reputation in the real estate industry. Its exclusive collection of intimate prestigious developments unlike any other, reside in the most sought-after destinations in the world.

Current Timbers Resorts properties include The Timbers Club in Snowmass, Colorado; Esperanza in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; The Rocks Luxury Residence Club in Scottsdale, Arizona; Castello di Casole in Tuscany, Italy; The Preserve at Botany Bay on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands; One Steamboat Place in Steamboat Springs, Colorado; The Orchard at The Carneros Inn in Napa, CA; and The Villas at Rancho Valencia in Rancho Santa Fe, CA; and The Links Cottages at Doonbeg in County Clare, Ireland.

With these properties, Timbers Resorts has taken the concept of real estate to a new level of luxury, exclusivity and personal service by creating Timbers Collection which provides reciprocity between resorts through Timbers Reciprocity Program, as well as a host of partnerships with purveyors of travel and the art of living well such as Sentient Jet, Backroads, Hertz, Priority Pass and more. For more information, please visit www.TimbersResorts.com.

Steamboat’s Most Desirable Year Round Neighborhood Boasts Six Sales in Only Six Months

The Porches of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, announced today that it is foremost in the luxury home market in Steamboat Springs, accounting for nearly half of whole and fractional sales of residences with square footages over 4,000 square feet and attracting interest from a multitude of second home buyers across the country.  Over the last six months, the Porches has made six sales; three fractional interests in the Private Residence Club and three whole ownership units, one of those being a preconstruction purchase. This level of activity is unparalleled in the current marketplace and reflects the Porches exceptional product offering.

“Our sales success this year is somewhat surprising given the tough economic climate,” said Bruce Shugart, developer of The Porches. “But we have remained true to our vision, emphasizing three core tenants: quality craftsmanship, exceptional service and attention to detail. Delivering on this promise has enabled us to remain viable during the downturn.”

The Porches is Steamboat’s premier community for families looking to create lifelong memories. Located at the base of the ski resort, The Porches redefines the term “luxury” in the area, offering  whole and fractional ownership as well as nightly rentals in one of the country’s hottest mountain destinations. Residences offer four to five bedrooms and bathrooms, large gourmet kitchens, personal game room, cozy fireplaces, flat screen TVs and a bunkroom for the kids.

As demand persists into 2010, The Porches plans to continue the construction of additional residences and is in the process of building additional units. Currently, there are two whole ownership opportunities available as well as fractional units in three floor plans: Cottonwood, Blue Spruce and Ponderosa.

For more information visit www.theporches.com or call 866.500.6673.

Equity Estates Fund I, LLC, www.equityestatesfund.com the largest residence fund in North America and fastest growing in its sector, announced today the formation of a strategic alliance with The Hideaways Club, Europe’s largest residence fund. The two companies will offer owner members access to nearly 30 vacation homes in 23 of the world’s most spectacular destinations, thereby creating the largest global portfolio of residences available through an equity-based model.

“This alliance is ideal as it facilitates international growth for both companies and enhances the already stellar value proposition for owner members of both funds,” said Adam Capes, co-founder of Equity Estates. “We cannot imagine a better way to begin 2010 than doubling our portfolio of accessible properties.”

Under the agreement terms, Equity Estates and The Hideaways Club will each make nights available for reciprocal use for travel beginning in 2010. Both companies have experienced impressive recent growth, a testament to their common unique model of shared ownership of a portfolio of vacation homes.

Equity Estates owner members, who have been enjoying homes in locations including Turks & Caicos; Telluride, CO; and Maui, HI; will now have access to such locations as Tuscany, Italy; Cape Town, South Africa; and Croatia; through The Hideaways Club relationship. The Hideaways Club has 18 properties in 12 locations that will be part of the shared pool of residences. In return, The Hideaways Club members will have access to the 11 properties in 11 destinations currently offered by Equity Estates.

“Our companies have a common goal: to provide unparalleled vacations coupled with a sound investment, so it seems natural to create this strategic alliance for the benefit of our individual companies and our respective owner members,” said Mike Balfour, Chairman of The Hideaways Club.

Equity Estates is a luxury residence fund designed to offer spectacular vacations in addition to a real estate investment opportunity. Membership is structured as an equity interest in the fund that owns the vacation homes and offers use of these residences, in addition to appreciation when the homes are sold. For more information visit www.equityestatesfund.com.

The Hideaways Club is Europe’s leading property investment fund, offering its members usage and ownership of a portfolio of luxurious properties for a fraction of the cost of buying a single home overseas. For more information visit www.thehideawaysclub.com.