Interval International, a leading global provider of vacation services and an operating business of Interval Leisure Group (Nasdaq: IILG), announced the affiliation of Naima Village. Tucked into the countryside with views of the Mediterranean, the resort is located in the town of Castellaneta on the Salento Peninsula, in the south east of Italy.

“Naima Village will enjoy a picture-perfect setting — surrounded by vineyards and olive trees, with majestic sea views from the Ionian coast,” said Darren Ettridge, Interval’s vice president of resort sales and service for Europe, Middle East, and Africa. “I know Interval members will love the rich history and scenic beauty of this area, a part of Italy that remains off-the-beaten-path for most holidaymakers outside of Italy.”

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Online voting will end on April 29^th for timeshare and fractional industry professionals looking to assist in deciding the winners for the inaugural Perspective Magazine Awards Program.

Nearly 2,000 votes have already been cast online for nominees in the Perspective Magazine Awards program. However, timeshare and fractional industry professionals who have not yet cast their ballots only have until the end of this week to participate in the selection process.[membe]

April 29^th is the deadline for online voters to help choose between nearly 150 entries submitted for the awards program, with winners to be announced the evening of May 12^th, 2011 during a Gala dinner at the conclusion of global networking expo GNEX 2011.

Online voting is being conducted through the Perspective Magazine website at http://perspectivemagazine.com/awards, with voters asked to go to the website and follow the links for instructions on how to vote for their favorite individual or company. Once online voting is concluded, the votes will be added to the decisions of a select panel of industry experts in a process to decide the award winners.

“We are absolutely thrilled with the response from the industry so far during the voting process,” said Paul Mattimoe, president and CEO, Perspective Magazine. “With nominations coming in from around the world, we set up the website to make it as easy as possible for the industry to vote and they have exceeded our expectations. We are the only shared ownership industry awards program that includes this level of public involvement and look forward to expanding upon its success year on year.”

GNEX 2011 and the Perspective Magazine Awards will be held May 11^th-12^th, 2011 at the spectacular Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas and will take a comprehensive look at the industry from a global viewpoint. Industry associations from five continents have given their support to the event as attendees from the USA, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, UK, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Russia, Thailand, Hong Kong, China, Malaysia and Australia will be examining creative new ways to grow their businesses.

Workshops discussing international best practices and new strategies to gain and maintain customers will provide outstanding value for delegates. The expo will also incorporate an exhibitor hall, networking sessions, a welcome reception, open networking time and areas for individual business meetings in addition to the Perspective Magazine Awards Gala dinner.

For more information and to find out how you can attend GNEX 2011, please visit http://perspectivemagazine.com/gnex

Sponsors and supporters of GNEX 2011 include:

The Absolute World Group, Dial an Exchange, Resort Television, Yucatan Holidays, Citadel Trustees Limited, Connex, First American Title Insurance Company, ICE, Interval International, LeisureLink, Max Generation, RCI, First National Trustee Company, Lloydshare, Alternative Ownership Conference Asia Pacific (AOCAP), Australian Timeshare & Holiday Ownership Council (ATHOC), Canadian Resort Development Association (CRDA), Cooperative Association of Resort Exchangers (CARE), La Asociación Mexicana de Desarrolladores Turísticos (AMDETUR), Ragatz Fractional Interest Conference, Resort Development Organisation (RDO), Vacation Ownership Association of Southern Africa (VOASA), American Airlines, Avis Rent A Car and Christel House International as Charity of Choice.

About Perspective Magazine

Perspective Magazine publishes four regional brands: industry publications Perspective Magazine North America, Perspective Magazine Europe & Middle East, Perspective Magazine South Africa and Perspective Magazine Asia Pacific. Together, the industry magazines are the most read independent trade publications globally for the shared ownership industry and the company is a media sponsor of 30 major industry events around the world. The company’s consumer magazine, Owners Perspective Magazine, is the only independent consumer publication that specializes in promoting the benefits of buying shared ownership products to the general public.  Distribution is via a variety of high-profile consumer channels including, but not limited to, more than 150 first class airport lounges worldwide with over a dozen airlines such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta as well as hundreds of luxury hotels, resorts, spas and golf clubs.

For more information, please visit http://perspectivemagazine.com/gnex or email Steve Luba, Director of Public Relations, at steveluba(at)perspectivemagazine.com. For information on advertising and editorial opportunities visit http://perspectivemagazine.com/advertise. [/member]

The Hideaways Club, a property investment company specialising in the management of a collection of international luxury property Funds, picked up two prestigious awards in the first two months of 2011. Destination Club News awarded the company Best International Destination Club 2010 for the second year running and Fractional Life presented the company with the Best Destination Club 2010 award.

Commenting on the awards Nick Bettany, CEO of The Hideaways Club said, “Receiving these two awards is a great way to start the year and is a further endorsement of our unique proposals – the Classic and City Collections.  Both our Funds offer a great combination of lifestyle experiences and investment potential. The extremely positive testimonials we have received from our members underlines our belief that membership of The Hideaways Club is the logical way forward to owning international properties.”

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FractionalExchange.com® has announced that Appassionata, Ltd. has selected FractionalExchange.com for the vacation exchange requirements of its owners at Estate Giacomo Leopardi in the Le Marche region of Italy.

Appassionata has acquired Estate Giacomo Leopardi, which is located near the hilltop village of Montefiore dell’Aso. The estate sits on five acres with stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and Sibillini mountains. The facilities have been created for all seasons and truly reflect the Italian lifestyle. The large swimming pool, all weather tennis court, private terraces, landscaped gardens, olive groves and newly planted vineyard offer something for everyone.

Casa Giacomo, the first residence on the estate ready for exchange, is a four bedroom, three bath residence consisting of 2,150 square feet over two floors. The villa sits on its own private grounds within the estate.

Paul Nabor, Director of Sales at FractionalExchange.com states, “Casa Giacomo is truly an Italian masterpiece. We are so happy to be adding this remarkable property to our ever-expanding network. We welcome its owners to our program, and are confident our existing members will relish having access to this unique exchange opportunity.”

Also on the estate is a farmhouse known as Casa Leopardi. This second residence is presently being restored and converted to two fractional ownership townhomes and will be available to FractionalExchange.com members at a future date.

“Appassionata is delighted to have joined forces with FractionalExchange.com. We have been researching the exchange options available for the last couple of years and have decided that FractionalExchange.com provides the best solution for our boutique fractional business. Appassionata owners now have the wonderful opportunity to exchange residency weeks with similar luxury properties around the world. This is a fantastic additional benefit and choice for Appassionata owners,” says Michael Hobbs, co-founder of Appassionata Ltd.

Says Evan Julber, FractionalExchange.com CEO, “Bringing this premier Italian property into the FractionalExchange.com family creates new and exciting opportunities for all of our members. We are thrilled to have them join our program and look forward to serving their owners’ needs.”

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. http://www.fractionalexchange.com

About Appassionata, Ltd.
Appassionata Ltd. is a UK based development business specializing in the restoration and creation of unique fractional ownership properties in the region of Le Marche Italy. The business is boutique in nature and style, family run and aimed at like- minded people who want to experience real Italy and a luxurious lifestyle. Founded in 2004 the business takes its time; in Italy great things take time to evolve. Website: http://www.appassionata.com.

Rare “Small Horses of the Giara” Add to the Mystique of Equestrian Hideaway

Interval International, a leading global provider of vacation services and an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group (Nasdaq: IILG), announced the affiliation of Horse Country Resort on the island of Sardinia, the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Tucked into a pine forest on a six-mile long beach, the resort plays host to important horse shows and competitions year round in its Equestrian Centre.

“Horse Country Resort is a truly unique vacation spot in one of Italy’s most appealing destinations,” said Darren Ettridge, Interval International’s vice president of resort sales and service for Europe, Middle East, and Africa. “The resort’s pristine setting and array of vacation amenities will appeal to a wide range of our members and is a strong addition to Interval’s vacation exchange network.”

In keeping with the resort’s equestrian focus, bungalows are decorated in English or Country & Western themes. The studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom timeshare units share full resort amenities—including two swimming pools and five restaurants—with three 100-room hotels onsite, as well as access to a 7,500 square foot wellness spa adjacent to the resort. The Equestrian Centre includes traditional English-style courtyard stables, a sandy practice area, indoor and outdoor riding arenas, and a paddock.

Surrounded by the mountainous highlands of Arcidano and the Giara di Gesturi nature reserve—where Europe’s only herd of the rare “small horses of the Giara” still run wild—Horse Country Resort is well off the tourist path. The beaches are not crowded and the surrounding ecosystem, populated by pink flamingos and a host of other birds and animals, is made for exploring on horseback. The resort welcomes both beginner and experienced horse riders, offering lessons in English and Western riding styles and guided tours and excursions through the pine forest and along the beach. An authentic Western Village with a saloon, Tex-Mex restaurant, shops and a stage for live entertainment gives cowboy colour to resort facilities.

“Our goal is to offer something for every member of the family, every month of the year,” said Dr. Ettore Giachino, managingdirector of Horse Country Resort. “This is a place where inexperienced horse lovers can become expert riders over the years. But, it’s also where guests can simply enjoy watching skilled equestrians, relax in a natural setting, play sports, or indulge in spa treatments.”

Dr. Giachino added: “We chose to affiliate our resort with Interval International because of its high standards of quality and services and the professionalism of its sales team. We think that the unique nature of our resort, the setting, and the level of service we offer to our guests, will be improved with our affiliation to Interval. After several years experience in the tourism industry, the Horse Country timesharing project is the next step for us and we are convinced that Interval is the right partner to help us succeed in our goals.”

About Interval International
Interval International operates membership programs for vacationers and provides value-added services to its developer clients worldwide. Based in Miami, Florida, the company has been a pioneer and innovator in serving the vacation ownership market for more than 34 years. Today, Interval has an exchange network of more than 2,500 resorts in over 75 nations. Through offices in 15 countries, Interval offers high-quality products and benefits to resort clients and approximately 2 million families who are enrolled in various membership programs. Interval is an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: IILG), a leading global provider of membership and leisure services to the vacation industry.

A fresh take on fractional home ownership in Italy.

Carrara, LLC is proud to unveil Casi di Sotto, the first in a portfolio of luxury shared ownership homes in Italy. Selected after a yearlong search for the ideal property, Casi di Sotto stands above the crowd due to its sensitive restoration, luxurious interior and stunning location. The first of their kind in Tuscany’s iconic Chianti region, Casi di Sotto’s fractional interests will be listed by Peter G. Clark, Principal Broker, Keller Williams Realty in Portland, Oregon.

“There was immediate synergy between our vision and the loving restoration that had been performed by the sellers,” says Deborah Lyon, president and founder of Carrara. “Common ground and shared passion are very important, since we engage with both sellers and buyers over the long term. It all came together in this one.”

Fractional ownership is the fastest growing segment of the real estate market today, and according to industry experts is anticipated to rebound faster and stronger than whole ownership. Fractional home ownership divides the costs of a property among co-owners, providing an interest that can be sold or transferred like wholly owned real estate, at a lower entry point and without the strain of whole ownership. Although today it is difficult for whole owners to realize their home’s value, fractional ownership sellers often see an appreciable increase in the combined fractional sale over fair market value. Down the line, over 90% of fractional interest owners experience appreciation directly in line with the whole ownership value of the entire property.

Carrara is raising the bar in fractional ownership marketing services by investing in each home. Undertaking needed improvements such as landscaping, a pool, new furnishings and other interior design details, maximizes a home’s appeal. “Today, clients want more service and more value. Investing creates a relationship with our sellers that eases their minds, knowing that we are in the project together. Sellers often retain one or more shares rather than selling outright. Our continued involvement reassures buyers and ensures credible, consistent quality of each home,” says Lyon.

The expansion of fractional ownership overseas is a welcome development for many Americans. “We are committed to offering fractional ownership vacation homes that layer luxurious amenities against the rich tapestry of history, Italian culture and lifestyle,” says Lyon. “This beautiful property is just the beginning.”

To preview pictures of Casi di Sotto, please visit our Facebook album at http://tinyurl.com/y7azfhb.

About Carrara, LLC
Carrara partners with owners to market their luxury vacation homes in Italy as fractional ownership properties. The company also represents buyers seeking the lifestyle of an Italian home and the convenience of a professionally managed, shared investment.

Leading fractional ownership super-yacht company YachtPlus last week launched the second yacht of its four yacht fleet in La Spezia, Italy. Christened Ocean Pearl, this stunning 41 metre yacht, identical to its Norman Foster designed sister yacht Ocean Emerald, will operate a series of cruises throughout the Mediterranean during the summer of 2010 and the Caribbean in the winter of 2011.

“We are delighted with the response from the owners who spent this summer on Ocean Emerald and are extremely optimistic about the future of the next three yachts that will continue to grow the YachtPlus fleet. The many enquiries we have received over the past few months and the very positive comments from current owners is a testament to the concept of fractional ownership which is rapidly becoming acknowledged as the most financially astute way in which to own a super-yacht,” said John Hare, Chairman of YachtPlus. “These are challenging financial times and increasingly more people, many former sole yacht owners, are turning to fractional ownership as the most cost effective, stress-free and viable way to own a luxury super-yacht,” he added.

This type of ownership allows members to maintain a prestigious and luxurious lifestyle at a fraction of the cost of sole ownership thereby freeing up capital for other forms of asset ownership that would otherwise be invested as a sole yacht owner. One of the major attractions of YachtPlus fractional ownership is that it removes all the hassles, concerns, unforeseen financial pitfalls and very substantial annual running costs incurred via sole ownership. The third yacht of the fleet, Ocean Sapphire is due to be launched in May 2010 and the fourth, as yet unnamed, is scheduled to enter service at the beginning of 2011. All four yachts, identical in design by world renowned architect Norman Foster, are being built at the Rodriquez Cantieri Navali boat yard in Sarzana, Italy and will initially spend the summer months in the Mediterranean and the winter in the Caribbean and will offer total exclusivity, privacy and pleasure to those participating.

Joining the YachtPlus Programme
The company is offering a 1/8th share in one of the four yachts with a buy-in fee of € 1.875.000. This will give the owners 30 nights a year onboard split between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Alternatively those wishing to only purchase a half fraction – 1/16th share – it will cost € 975.000 and give the owners 15 nights a year onboard again split between the Caribbean and Mediterranean. It is estimated that there will be an annual management fee of € 200.000 for a 1/8th share and € 100.000 for a 1/16th which will cover all year round maintenance, a permanent crew of seven, marine and hotel operations, 24/7 lifestyle management, transoceanic crossings , port charges and cruise itinerary management. Once the fleet is complete owners will have the option of sailing on any one of the four yachts. The fleet may expand to include other kinds of vessels in the near future. The term of contract will be for eight years after which the yachts will be sold and the owners will receive full pro-rated proceeds of the sale.

Key Benefits of Membership
-    24/7 concierge service available to handle all requests including bookings, itineraries, transport, shore excursions, hotels and so on
-    Limited number of owners ensures high availability
-    Cost of membership is a fraction of the cost of sole ownership
-    One of the world’s most contemporary and futuristic yacht designs
-    Exclusive and luxurious lifestyle offering the ultimate in hospitality, service and comfort
-    Unique interior designed by Norman Foster
-    Ability to visit small ports and islands
-    Flexibility and variety of destinations

The Hideaways Club, a leading international property investment Fund that offers its members the opportunity to invest in and exclusively enjoy an entire portfolio of luxury villas and chalets, announced this week that it has formed an exciting alliance with Banyan Tree Private Collection, Asia’s first and most luxurious global destination club.

The alliance takes the form of an exchange partnership, offering members of both clubs a new and unique holiday experience allowing them the opportunity to enjoy reciprocal usage of each other’s properties.

Launched in 2007, The Hideaways Club is one of the largest clubs of its kind with over 25 multi-million dollar properties throughout Europe, Africa, Mauritius and South East Asia. Banyan Tree Private Collection owns premium villas within Banyan Tree resorts in Thailand, Bali, China and Seychelles as well as standalone private villas and luxury apartments in Italy, France, the United Kingdom and Japan. This alliance allows members of both clubs the opportunity to substantially broaden their holiday horizons at no extra cost to their initial membership or yearly fees. Members of each club will be able to use the spare capacity of the other club which will greatly increase property availability for all members.

Commenting on the alliance Mike Balfour, Chairman and co-founder of The Hideaways Club said,” We are thrilled to have formed this partnership with such a prestigious and internationally recognised company. This is a very exciting time in the growth of The Hideaways Club, and with nine additional properties from which to choose the alliance opens up a whole new area for our members to discover and enjoy. This relationship further endorses our commitment to offering the widest range of holiday options available to members of the Club.”

Marina Kleiman, Managing Director of Banyan Tree Private Collection commented, “The Hideaways Club is a perfect fit for us and totally reflects the luxury, quality and service that our members have come to expect. This will give them the opportunity to visit some of the most exotic and exciting locations around the world in the comfort and style for which the Banyan Tree Private Collection is renowned.”

The properties of both clubs are serviced by their own concierge operation who will handle all reservations and requests thereby removing all the hassles, unforeseen financial pitfalls and headaches associated with booking a holiday in order to ensure a relaxed and memorable experience.

Membership of The Hideaways Club is rapidly becoming recognised as the most financially astute way of investing in overseas property that combines a unique investment with a luxurious lifestyle, offering members a wide variety of holiday options while at the same time benefiting from medium to long term growth on their investment.

New Elite Property within the Lungarno Suites Features Views of the Ponte Vecchio, Further Expands Club’s Portfolio of Luxury Destinations

Ultimate Escapes, Inc. (NYSE Amex: UEI and UEIWT), one of the world’s largest destination clubs, today announced the addition of a new Elite Club residence within the Lungarno Suites in Florence, Italy. Featuring views of the historic Ponte Vecchio bridge arched over the Arno River, this acquisition further expands Ultimate Escapes’ current collection of luxury properties around the world, offering members the very best selection in destinations as well as memorable experiences with loved ones.

“This spectacular Elite Club property in the Lungarno Suites in Florence helps to further round-out our international destination collection,” said Jim Tousignant, CEO and president of Ultimate Escapes. “The art, culture and history of Florence make it a very special addition to our portfolio. Our members now have a place they can call home in this spectacular city.”

Located on Lungarno Acciaiuoli, next to Ponte Vecchio, one of Europe’s oldest bridges, the Lungarno Suites are unsurpassed in design, style, views and amenities. Lungarno Suites is dedicated to providing guests with the comforts of home without giving up the services, amenities and comforts of a luxury hotel. The Elite property features 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and more, all within a well-designed layout. The suite’s expansive
windows showcase the splendors of the city creating a striking experience of incomparable light and beauty, providing magnificent views of Florence and Ponte Vecchio, as well as unforgettable sunsets.

Luxury Leisure Properties International LLC (LLPI), an international advisory and management company servicing developers and investors in luxury mixed-use hotels and resorts, helped to facilitate the relationship with Ultimate Escapes. “We are proud to offer Ultimate Escapes members access to this unique urban lifestyle resort in the heart of Florence,” said Luca Franco, president of LLPI, based in Chicago. “We are
always seeking ways to maximize value for our real estate assets through creative strategies and innovative partnerships with like-minded businesses. Ultimate Escapes represents the ideal synergy.”

“Lungarno Hotels and Lungarno Suites are committed to offering visitors an experience that conveys hospitality, elegance, sensitivity and culture – values that mirror the foundation of our family business,” said Leonardo Ferragamo, chairman of Lungarno Hotels. “Ultimate Escapes’ members are an ideal fit for Lungarno Suites given their commitment to quality time with loved ones. We are thrilled to offer them these quintessential values native to our Italian character.”

As with every Ultimate Escapes experience, all conceivable comforts will be available to members. Features and services include reception service 24 hours a day, housekeeping service twice a day, concierge, laundry service, free high speed Internet, satellite TV, CD player, DVD player, A/C and more. On request services include limousine, valet parking and video conference systems. Members of Ultimate Escapes will also enjoy access to other Lungarno Hotels facilities in the heart of Florence including free use of the gym in the Continentale, invitations to exhibitions in the Gallery Hotel Art, special facilities and services at Lungarno Details Store, and special services at Borgo San Jacopo Restaurant, the Fusion Bar & Restaurant, Bar & Sky
Lounge Continentale and Lounge Bar Lungarno.

About Lungarno Suites
Lungarno Suites was inaugurated in January 2002 in Florence as an exclusive project of Design residence by Lungarno Hotels, the hotel management company owned by the Ferragamo family. Lungarno Suites is part of the international network “Small Luxury Hotels of the World.” Lungarno Suites, directly facing the Arno River and the Ponte Vecchio, offers guests the sensation of having a home in Florence without giving up the services and comforts of a hotel. Forty-four suites, consisting of studio suites, one bedroom and two bedroom suites, have a contemporary personality: a smart and functional design that is the natural evolution of Hotel Lungarno’s character, the progenitor of a new hotel generation within the company. Lungarno Suites represents a diversified form of personalized hospitality within the hotel company. Along with the other projects, Lungarno Hotels seals the quality of accommodating guests that are travelling for either business or pleasure with a unique and valuable way of being in Florence and in its surroundings. Additional information can be found at www.lungarnohotels.com.

About Ultimate Escapes®
Founded in 2004, Ultimate Escapes is the largest luxury destination club as measured by number of club destinations, and the second-largest destination club as measured by number of members. Ultimate Escapes offers members flexible access to a growing collection of hundreds of multi‐million dollar private residences and luxury hotels in more than 150 global club and affiliate destinations. Locations range from chic urban
apartments to charming beach cottages, spacious five-bedroom homes to an 80-foot private yacht. Each trip is coordinated by experienced, knowledgeable staff, trained to handle every vacation detail. Additional information about Ultimate Escapes and its club and membership offerings can be found at  www.ultimateescapes.com.

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.