First Resorts is one of the largest resort management companies in South Africa and, following global travel trends in the hospitality industry, have partnered with Cellu-Beauty, one of the largest chains of luxury spas in the country. With 12 out of the 20 Cellu-Beauty Spa’s situated at First Resort destinations throughout the country, the partnership between these two companies is proving to be a perfect marriage, with enormous added benefits to their guests.

Cellu-Beauty Spa at The Palace resort situated on Durban’s beachfront has undergone a major facelift to keep on trend with the ever-evolving and competitive luxury spa business. The new look brings a golden glow of sophistication to the venue at this wonderful holiday destination. The spa at The Palace, managed by First Resorts, is one of Cellu-Beauty’s flagship treatment centres, offering outstanding service to the guests.

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De Vere Hotels and Resorts have appointed Kirstie Yates as the new head of marketing responsible for overseeing marketing communications at 13 luxury hotels within the collection.

Kirstie joins De Vere from pub company Mitchells & Butlers where she spent four years in brand development most of which was spent as senior marketing manager of O’Neill’s, the traditional Irish pub chain.

A graduate from Leicester University, where she gained a degree in politics and a masters in marketing, Kirstie started her career at international drinks group Diageo where she worked on the Guinness and Baileys brands before becoming brand manager for Smirnoff.

At De Vere Kirstie will be responsible for developing and overseeing local and national marketing activities for 13 hotels which includes a number of premier golf courses and luxury spa and conference facilities across the UK. Cameron House on the shores of Loch Lomond, Slaley Hall in Northumberland, The Grand Hotel at Brighton and Belton Woods in Lincolnshire are among the leading hotels within the collection.

In her new role she will report directly into chief executive Deborah Kemp who is spearheading the marketing drive which will focus on both promoting the meetings and incentive facilities to the corporate sector and attracting more leisure visitors.

Commenting on her appointment, Kirstie said: “I am joining De Vere at a very exciting time for the company and will be working closely with the hotel sales teams at a local and national level to maximise the marketing opportunities within their properties.

“With the rising cost of holidaying abroad, not to mention the recent disruption to air travel, we will be looking to attract more customers to our hotels which are very much part of the Great British holiday tradition. With outstanding spa, golf and leisure facilities, they are a great base for short breaks or longer holidays where couples or families can enjoy the surrounding countryside and numerous attractions.”

De Vere has launched a new, more accessible fractional ownership scheme enabling individuals and companies to buy into the ultimate in luxury at The Carrick on the shores of Scotland’s Loch Lomond.

With the new offering private and corporate clients can now purchase four and eight week fractions at the Mansion House which comprises a number of luxurious two-bedroom apartments. Owners benefit from a dedicated 24 hour concierge service as well as privileged membership of the Carrick Golf Club and Spa which forms part of De Vere’s Cameron House resort.

Previously the company had only marketed quarter share fractions, entitling buyers to 12 floating weeks throughout the year, but under the new scheme four and eight week fractions can also be purchased with a discounted entry price of just £49,450.

The new fractional ownership offering is designed to make the Mansion House more accessible and affordable according to Deborah Kemp, managing director of De Vere Hotels and Resorts.  “Since we launched the product in 2006, the market has obviously changed due to the economic climate, but we are confident that the quality and pricing of the Mansion House offering, together with the numerous other benefits on offer at the Carrick, will be extremely attractive to the marketplace”

A 12 week share at Mansion House costs from £143,000, with eight weeks priced from £101,915.  Under the scheme, owner’s weeks are split over three periods of the year including peak holidays and off peak.

De Vere is marketing the scheme through a new website, brochure and national roadshows and as well as introductory discounts is offering a number of incentives including free first year management fees for all purchases made in 2010.

Owners are able to rent out some of their weeks either privately or through De Vere and can  exchange weeks with other De Vere properties at Slaley Hall in Northumberland, Cameron House and Belton Woods in Lincolnshire.  The company is also affiliated with Interval International providing access to a worldwide network of 2500 resorts for exchange purposes.

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.

Luxury Hospitality Management Company Serves Four-, Five-Star Properties Worldwide

Veteran hotelier Tom LaTour has announced the newly rebranded LaTour Hotels & Resorts, previously known as ResortCom Elite, which offers personalized, luxury hospitality management services for four- and five-star properties. A joint venture between LaTour and ResortCom International, LaTour Hotels & Resorts specializes in managing new and existing luxury fractional, private residence club, hotel, mixed-use and condo resort developments, including golf, ski, urban and oceanfront locations worldwide. LaTour will also continue overseeing LaTour Signature Group, providing exclusive ser vices to select five-star properties, as an elite brand of LaTour Hotels & Resorts.

Currently, LaTour Hotels & Resorts operates seven developments, representing nearly 500 units, with nearly 400 more units at multiple properties planned in the near future. For every client, the company’s goal is transform the ownership experience through superior service, distinctive amenities, imaginative activities and an obsessive attention-to-detail.

LaTour Hotels & Resorts works in partnership with Tapestry Resorts, the recently consolidated, full-service hospitality division of ResortCom International, to provide its clients with established infrastructure for service delivery. The company then focuses on customizing extraordinary guest experiences with its specialized LaTour Brand Pillars, featuring at least three pillars at LaTour Hotels and Resorts properties and all five at LaTour Signature Group properties: culinary, wine, wellness/health, entertaining and concierge.

LaTour Hotels & Resorts is led by LaTour, chairman and CEO, and John Small, vice chairman. LaTour brings more than 40 years of experience in the hospitality and travel industries, including 23 years at Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants, where he pioneered the concept of the boutique hotel. Small is one of the world’s most well known hospitality executives. He has worked on six continents and has held key management positions at some of the world’s leading properties. Joining the team in 2009, Business Development Director Sarah Rezak brings another 13 years of experience in the fractional interest and private residence club industries.

In addition, the company’s executive management team has proven resort industry experience in conceptual planning; expert property and HOA management; financial management support; creation of fully integrated information technology system for reservations and collections; skilled sales and marketing assistance – from developer inventory through resales; exchange and rental opportunities; property branding; staffing and more.

LaTour Hotels & Resorts clients include Tonopalo Private Residence Club in Lake Tahoe, Calif.; El Secreto and El Caracol in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico; IndoChine Resort and Villas and Grove Gardens Resort in Phuket, Thailand; and Lodge at Stillwater in Deer Valley, Utah; as well as an in-construction project, Delcanto Resort in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico scheduled to open summer 2010. LaTour Signature Group actively operates Dewa Resort in Phuket, Thailand and has two projects in various stages of construction: The Wyoming Club in Black Hills, Wyo.; and Olamar Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

About LaTour Hotels & Resorts
With headquarters in San Diego and San Francisco, LaTour Hotels & Resorts, previously known as ResortCom Elite, offers customized, luxury hospitality management services for four- and five-star properties. A joint venture between veteran hotelier Tom LaTour and ResortCom International, the company’s goal is to make the ownership experience as unique, tailored and memorable as possible through superior service, distinctive amenities, imaginative activities and an obsessive attention-to-detail.

Offering services ranging from conceptual planning through marketing, sales, staffing and operations, LaTour Hotels & Resorts specializes in managing new and existing luxury fractional, private residence club, hotel, mixed-use and condo resort developments. The global company currently operates properties in the United States, Mexico and Thailand with upcoming expansion plans throughout South America, Europe and Asia.

For more information, visit http://www.latourhotelsandresorts.com, or contact Sarah Rezak at 619-683-2470 x.1659 or e-mail srezak@latourhotelsandresorts.com.

About LaTour Signature Group
LaTour Signature Group, the elite brand of LaTour Hotels & Resorts, delivers an exceptional five-star vacation resort “lifestyle” experience to select developers and owners of new and existing luxury golf, ski, ur ban and oceanfront properties. By delivering management services that are unprecedented in the industry, LaTour Signature Group is committed to becoming the ultimate brand for extraordinary, highly personalized vacation experiences.

For each client, LaTour Signature Group manages all resort operations – including the training and supervising of staff, reservation coordination and concierge services, as well as the sales and marketing of fractional rentals. Before a property even opens, LaTour Signature Group can effectively lend its expertise and direction to the resort’s conceptual design and operational functionality and provide referrals and recommendations for other key partner alliances, such as real estate sales and marketing.

For more information, visit http://www.latourhotelsandresorts.com, or contact Sarah Rezak at 619-683-2470 x.1659 or e-mail srezak@latourhotelsandresorts.com
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Unveiled today, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club, an equity-based, luxury destination club, and Hall of Fame golfer, Annika Sorenstam, have entered a new partnership where Annika will serve as an ambassador for the brand. For the benefit of Club Members, this partnership presents the opportunity for elite experiences that mirror Annika’s passions and growing lifestyle brand.

As part of the exclusive partnership, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club will create an “ANNIKA sense of place” at Club locations with branded products including everything from signature clothing and fragrances, to wines and autographed photography. Culinary events, wine tastings and golf outings with Annika will provide memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences for Members of all ages. The ANNIKA Academy will also take the team on the road to select Club locations to inspire players of varying skill levels to reach their potential by transferring more energy and power from the gym to the golf course.

“We are thrilled to have Annika Sorenstam represent The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club,” said Peter J. Watzka, executive vice president and chief operating officer for The Ritz-Carlton Development Company, Inc. (an affiliate of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC). “This partnership is an excellent opportunity for The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club to work with one of the world’s top golfers and offer our discerning Members extraordinary experiences they will not find anywhere else but at our Clubs.”

“I am honored to represent The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club brand, which is the most prestigious Destination Club in the world,” said Annika. “There is a lot of symmetry between the lifestyle The Ritz-Carlton affords their Members and the products and services my brand represents. Together we will provide inspirational Member experiences.”

The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club created the “Lion & Crown Golf Series,” a sequence of Member/Guest tournaments at key Club destinations, which Annika will serve as host in 2010. The finals for the “Lion & Crown Golf Series” will take place at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club & Spa, Jupiter the last week in September.

Depending on a Ritz-Carlton Destination Club Member’s vacation aspirations, they may select a Home Club Membership which provides a one- to four-bedroom, titled residence and guaranteed usage at their favorite resort every year, or a deeded Portfolio Membership which affords the opportunity to discover a wide variety of locations, accommodations and experiences around the globe through the use of Club points. The new Hotel Exchange Program also enables Members who enroll in a Portfolio Membership to utilize a portion of their Club points at more than 70 Ritz-Carlton hotels and resorts.

Club Members benefit from an exceptional level of service as they are paired with their very own member experience manager who serves as their primary travel liaison. The member experience manager coordinates everything from airport pick-up and pre-arrival provisioning of the residence, to unpacking and pressing pre-sent garments and arranging a complete vacation itinerary. Membership pricing ranges from the low $100,000s – low $800,000s per membership. A typical membership is approximately $250,000.

About Annika
Annika is the greatest female golfer of our generation and often regarded as the best of all-time. During her 15-year Hall of Fame career, she rewrote the LPGA and Ladies European Tour record books, won countless awards and changed the way women’s golf was played, viewed, and covered.  She amassed 89 worldwide professional victories, including 72 LPGA wins, ten of which are Major Championships.

Annika stepped away from professional golf after the 2008 season to focus on her family and the ANNIKA brand of businesses, including the ANNIKA Academy, ANNIKA Financial Group, ANNIKA Course Design, the ANNIKA Collection of apparel with Cutter & Buck, signature high-end wines with Wente Vineyards, and an online retail shop, shopannika.com. In 2007, Annika created the ANNIKA Foundation as a way to teach children the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle through fitness and nutrition, and offer aspiring junior golfers opportunities to pursue their dreams. In 2008, Annika joined Arnold Palmer as only the second Ambassador of the United States Golf Association, and in 2009, along with Jack Nicklaus, she was named a Global Ambassador by the International Golf Federation and aided in the successful bid for golf in the 2016 Olympic Games. More information can be found at www.annikasorenstam.com.

About The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club
Combining innovative membership options for luxury travel around the world with the legendary services of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club offers an inspirational vacation lifestyle tailored to each Member’s needs and expectations. This year, on its 10th anniversary, The Club not only underwent a brand evolution, but was also awarded Robb Report’s “Best of the Best” distinction. Additionally, Ritz-Carlton Destination Club Members enjoyed an industry leading 49,000 vacations at Ritz-Carlton Destination Clubs and Ritz-Carlton Hotels worldwide in 2009. For information, please visit www.ritzcarltondestinationclub.com. The Club can also be found on Facebook and Twitter (@RitzCarltonClub).

The Registry Collection program, the world’s largest luxury exchange program, one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (NYSE: WYN) and one of the three worldwide exchange programs under the RCI umbrella, today announced that it welcomed 24 new resort destination properties in 2009, bringing its total number of properties available for exchange or under development to 175 in 29 countries.

“Last year was another record year for The Registry Collection program – once again we saw great growth in the program and it’s larger than ever before despite the challenging economic conditions,” said Geoff Ballotti, CEO, RCI. “Of the 24 new luxury destinations added, many were from Europe which has proven to be a region that is poised for ongoing growth in the high end fractional real estate segment. Moving ahead in 2010, we look forward to attracting more new affiliates around the globe and continuing to grow our membership base.”

In addition, through affiliation in the Signature Selections® by RCI program, RCI subscribing members at select RCI Gold Crown Resort® properties now have access to properties in The Registry Collection program. Resorts in Disney Vacation Club, Wyndham Vacation Club and Sol Melia are examples of Signature Selections by RCI properties.

The Registry Collection program has grown significantly since its inception in 2002, now servicing more than 30,000 member families from reservation centers in Indianapolis; Mexico City; Johannesburg, South Africa; and Cork, Ireland.

The Registry Collection program also recently received two key industry awards including the Fractional Life 2010 Services to the Industry Award and the Overseas Property Professional 2009 Best Fractional Services Award.

About The Registry Collection
The Registry Collection program is a global network comprising over 30,000 members and more than 130 affiliates worldwide. 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.

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.

The Registry Collection® exchange programme, the world’s largest luxury exchange network, was honoured to receive the Fractional Life 2010 Services To The Industry Award at the Fractional Life Summit on 19th February.

The criteria for winning The Services to the Industry Award was deemed to be the person or organisation that has done the most to help grow the fractional industry from a business and/or consumer point of view. The Fractional Life expert judging panel is comprised of fractional property experts, editors and industry professionals. Chairman of the judges’ panel and founder of Fractional Life, Piers Brown, said: “When it came to this award, the judges were unanimous in naming The Registry Collection programme the deserving winner. As the first programme to offer fractional developers the attractive option of luxury leisure property exchange, The Registry Collection programme was described by judges as a slick, smart and a savvy way to help both developers and fractional owners. Their marketing is good and attention to detail strong. Equally, the product offered is high-end and lifts the profile of fractional luxury in the marketplace worldwide.”

Gregg Anderson, vice president, The Registry Collection programme, speaking on behalf of his colleagues said: “We’re truly honoured and delighted to receive this accolade from such a respected panel of industry professionals. Our programme is a team effort and I’d like to thank Piers Brown and Fractional Life, industry pioneers like ourselves, who have been instrumental in raising the profile of the fractional industry and providing customers with an authoritative and trusted source of information about our business and a lively online market place for the benefit of everyone involved in the industry.

“A big ‘thank you’ must go to our affiliated developers whose world-class developments and faith in us has given us the opportunity to make The Registry Collection programme the attractive, distinctive and first-class product it is today.”

Nick Turner, VP and head of The Registry Collection programme, Europe, added: “I’d like to join Gregg in thanking our associates and saying how very proud we are to receive this, our second industry award in just a few months. The fractional product has definitely arrived in Europe, enjoying coverage in the UK national and property press as well as attracting a strong attendance at events such as the Fractional Life Expo and Summit, and the OPPLive Event last year. We’re seeing an increase in activity within The Registry Collection programme too, with eight new fractional properties having joined the programme in Europe in the last 12 months.”

The Registry Collection programme was launched eight years ago and now has 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, it gives developers of luxury leisure properties and second home developments the opportunity to offer their buyers a world of holiday options, as well as a lifestyle experience commensurate with the quality of the property, including 24/7 concierge services, access to exclusive travel and leisure service providers at preferential rates, as well as the ability for those buying off plan to take holidays in a selection of the programme’s affiliated properties while waiting for the keys to their purchased property through the Early Privilege Programme.

About The Registry Collection
The Registry Collection® programme 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 centre at www.wyndhamer.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 and www.rciventures.com

About Fractional Life®
From a fractional jet to fractional real estate, Fractional Life http://www.fractionallife.com is the number one consumer lifestyle brand dedicated to growing the fractional ownership marketplace. The company has 3 divisions: interactive, fractional B2B and B2C conferences http://www.fractionalsummit.com , http://www.fractionalsummitusa.com and exhibitions http://www.fractionallifeexpo.com.
Dates:
Fractional Summit USA, 31 August – 1 September 2010, InterContinental Hotel, Miami
Fractional Life Expo, 13 – 15 September 2010, Broadgate Event Venues, London

Luxury residence fund posts overall growth of 40 percent, ends year with 30 vacation residences for owner members

Equity Estates www.equityestatesfund.com, the largest and fastest growing luxury residence fund in the country, announced today that the company posted significant gains in 2009, both in terms of new owner members and residences. Equity Estates’ owner members grew by 40 percent in 2009, and the company went from having seven homes at the beginning of the year to 30 homes available by the end of 2009.

“I think our growth is extraordinary given that 2009 represented not only the largest downturn ever in the sector, but perhaps the worst overall year in recent economic history,” said Adam Capes, co-founder of Equity Estates. “Our success is a testament to our unique model and our commitment to creating outstanding vacation experiences.”

Equity Estates added more than 30 owner member families representing 21 full membership equivalents, an overall growth of more than 40%. Much of this growth came in the last quarter of 2009, with the company adding seven new owner members during that time. In addition, one fourth of those new owner members were previously members of other destination clubs, further evidence of Equity Estates’ model being the best in the sector.

The company added handsomely to its residence portfolio in 2009 as well. Last year Equity Estates spent over $8 million on the purchase of two trophy residences in Hilton Head, South Carolina, and Telluride, Colorado. A strategic alliance formed with the largest residence fund in Europe, The Hideaways Club, allowed Equity Estates to become the largest global portfolio of residences available in the U.S. through an equity-based model. The portfolio now has 30 properties in 23 destinations and spans 13 countries.

Equity Estates also managed to reduce leverage in 2009 to below 20% of total assets, and expects to be debt-free by the end of 2010. They also are the only company in the industry that does not currently have anyone trying to get out—a zero person resignation list. Overall, the luxury residence fund could not be in a better position.

“We ended 2009, a perilous year for many, at the top of the industry in regards to performance and yet see endless opportunities for success in 2010 and beyond,” said Philip Mekelburg, co-founder of Equity Estates. “Our growth this past year shows that we are not only the most successful organization in the luxury second home alternative industry, but by far the model that most appeals to savvy buyers.”

About Equity Estates
Equity Estates is a luxury residence fund designed to offer spectacular homes and outstanding vacation experiences 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.  Strict covenants on use of proceeds, financial transparency including an annual audit, strong management and a commitment to service are hallmarks of this fast-growing company.  Founded by managing members wanting to offer all the benefits of second home ownership with none of the hassles, Equity Estates is the smartest way to own and enjoy luxury vacation homes around the world. For more information visit www.equityestatesfund.com or call (800) 413-3340. For media inquiries, please contact Alana Morris at Alana@vocapr.com or (303) 962.9163.