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).

Announced today, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club, an equity-based, luxury destination club, and Marquis Jet(SM)*, the leader in private jet cards, have forged a new partnership.

For the benefit of the Club Members and Jet Card Owners, this alliance presents the opportunity to blend the very best in the world of private jet cards with the foremost purveyor of inspiring vacation home experiences.

“Our discerning Ritz-Carlton Destination Club Members value the many conveniences Club membership provides,” 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). “Now, they can also enjoy simplicity and peace of mind when they join the Marquis Jet Card(SM) program, backed by the NetJets fleet.”
“The two brands are a natural complement to one another providing ease in air travel and vacation home living,” continued Watzka.

“We look forward to introducing The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club to Marquis Jet Card Owners.” “The Marquis Jet Card program will change the way Club Members travel,” said Mark Sage, executive vice president, business development for Marquis Jet. “Members will be able to fly on their own schedule and remain in control. With consistent, high-quality service and guaranteed availability, the Marquis Jet Card program will enable a new level of efficiency and productivity in Club Members’ personal and professional lives. It’s the perfect program to enable Ritz-Carlton Destination Club Members to travel to and from their favorite properties with ease.”

Marquis Jet Card Owners value having access to the convenience, quality and safety of the world’s premier fractional aircraft ownership program, NetJets, 25 hours at a time with no long-term commitment. Furthermore, Marquis Jet Card Owners select from 10 different aircraft types to meet a broad range of aviation needs. Club Members who contact Marquis Jet will receive a complimentary aviation consultation that will assist in matching their individual needs to the ideal aviation solution.

The Marquis Jet fleet is provided by NetJets through an exclusive alliance between the two companies. NetJets, a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. company, is the worldwide leader in fractional jet ownership. NetJets owns the world’s largest and most diversified fleet of more than 800 aircraft, staffs the most highly trained and experienced pilots, and provides the world’s safest and most secure private travel solutions.

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 Marquis Jet
Marquis Jet is the leader in private jet cards. Through its exclusive alliance with NetJets, a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. company, Marquis Jet provides the convenience, quality and safety of the world’s premier fractional aircraft ownership program 25 hours at a time. The Marquis Jet Card is available throughout North America, catering to businesses and individuals who desire access to the world’s best fleet and service.

Business Traveler Magazine, Executive Travel Magazine, Robb Report and Flight International have recognized the Marquis Jet Card as the number one private jet card program. The Marquis Jet Card program is operated by NetJets Aviation, Inc. or NetJets International, Inc. under their respective FAR Part 135 Air Carrier Certificates.
For additional information, visit the Company’s website at www.MarquisJet.com or call 1-866-JET-1400. Please refer to Marquis Program Documents for more complete details.

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 was awarded Robb Report’s distinction of top fractional vacation home program for their 21st annual “Best of the Best” issue. For information, please visit www.ritzcarltondestinationclub.com. The Club can also be found on Facebook and Twitter (@RitzCarltonClub).

*Marquis Jet is an independent company not affiliated with NetJets and through its exclusive U.S. alliance sells the Marquis Jet Card

Today, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club, formerly The Ritz-Carlton Club, commemorates its 10th anniversary. Introduced in 1999 as a fractional, second home alternative, this exclusive Club provides Members and their families with a lifetime of luxury vacation experiences and the renowned services of The Ritz-Carlton.

With this milestone, the brand has evolved relaunching as The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club. The new equity-based membership program not only offers the industry-leading fractional ownership interests now known as Home Club Membership, but also deeded real estate, in the points-based Portfolio Membership which affords the opportunity to discover a wide variety of premier luxury destinations and accommodations. Further adding to its achievements in 2009, The Club was named top “Fractional” vacation home purveyor in the world for Robb Report’s 21(st) annual “Best of the Best” issue.

“Our decade-long success is an acknowledgement of the legendary service commitment, as well as the one-to-one relationships we’ve developed with our Members,” 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). “We continue to surpass Member expectations by creating extraordinary experiences, heightened levels of personal service and new membership options like Portfolio Membership.”

The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club Members enjoy vacationing in some of the most sought-after vacation spots. The first two locations announced in 1999 were Aspen Highlands, Colo. and St. Thomas, U.S.V.I., offering Members the best in ski and sun. The brand has since debuted properties in Bachelor Gulch, Colo.; Jupiter, Fla.; San Francisco; and Abaco, The Bahamas, as well as the recent opening of Kapalua Bay in Maui, Hawaii, in May, followed by the opening of Lake Tahoe, Calif. in December. Additionally, The Ritz-Carlton Club, Vail, is set to open in late 2010.

Carol Kadison and her husband, Douglas, have been Members at The Ritz-Carlton Club, Aspen Highlands since 2001. “During the property tour, Douglas blurted out, ‘I’ll take it.’ It was a very spur of the moment decision. But, we enjoy it. . .it feels like we’re coming home,” commented Kadison.

The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club offers one- to four-bedroom floor plans ranging from approximately 570 – 2,800 square feet. Memberships start in the low $100,000s per interest.

The Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences, Kapalua Bay, the highly anticipated residential development, is now open on a 24-acre oceanfront setting at Maui’s Kapalua Resort. Situated near The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, the property features the newest Ritz-Carlton Destination Club (previously The Ritz-Carlton Club) location, and private ownership luxury residences.

“The new Members and Owners are enjoying this addition to the Kapalua Resort lifestyle, as well as Maui’s beauty and spectacular views of the surrounding islands,” 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). “Additionally, the Maui location is just the beginning of the expansion plans for the evolving Ritz-Carlton Destination Club brand.”

Kapalua Bay, LLC is the developer of the new resort. “We are delighted to welcome this stunning new property to Kapalua Resort’s portfolio of luxury living,” said Ryan Churchill, senior vice president of Maui Land & Pineapple Company, the majority owner of Kapalua Bay, LLC. “Whether a family wants to enjoy long vacations each year or spend a lifetime here, The Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences is an incredible offering that fits perfectly with the tradition and comforts of Kapalua Resort.”

The property boasts 62 fully furnished, two- and three-bedroom fractional ownership residences ranging from approximately 1,912 to 2,257 square feet. Club Members purchase a deeded, one-twelfth interest giving them the opportunity to stay 21 days per year. Prices start at $350,000 per interest.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Kapalua Bay features 84 wholly-owned Residences. The three- and four-bedroom floor plans offer living areas ranging from roughly 3,002 to 4,271 square feet. Design elements include a private elevator and garden entryway, gourmet kitchen, and lanai opening to 180-degree views. Prices start at $3.9 million.

Property amenities are highlighted by a private 6,100 square-foot beach club, 8,500 square-foot pool with bar and grill, and a second bar located near the water’s edge.

Members and Owners, through membership at the Kapalua Club, will enjoy access in the coming weeks to a nearly 30,000 square-foot spa, as well as the current amenities offered at the Kapalua Resort, including golf course privileges, award-winning white-sand beaches, 12 dining options, and the Kapalua Adventure Center.

Visit www.kapaluabay.com.

Today, after 80 years and more than 70 hotels providing legendary service, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. yet again raises the bar with the unveiling of a new way to enjoy an inspiring vacation lifestyle: The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club. An evolution of The Ritz-Carlton Club, this equity-based private membership program offers two choices – either a Home Club Membership (identical to the successful fractional ownership offering) which provides use of a titled residence at a property they can return to throughout the year, or a deeded, Portfolio Membership which affords the opportunity to discover a wide variety of premier destinations and accommodations. An industry defining vacation option, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club offers an unparalleled experience tailored to each Member’s needs and expectations.

“The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club provides the discerning few with a new level of privilege and freedom when they travel,” 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). “Over the last decade of establishing a second home alternative for our current Ritz-Carlton Club Members, we developed intimate and rewarding, one-to-one relationships. With this commitment to deliver luxury vacation experiences, we evolved the brand to the new Ritz-Carlton Destination Club by blending the attributes of luxurious vacation homes with a heightened, flexibility while also maintaining the exclusivity our Members have come to expect.” 

For example, Members with a Home Club preference enjoy up to 35 days of pre-reserved access at their specific Club annually, and can also use a portion of their time at other locations on a reciprocal use basis in accordance with reservation procedures. Home Club prices range from the low $100,000s to the low $800,000s per deeded interest.

Conversely, Portfolio Memberships offer a beneficial interest in a trust where Members can customize their vacations through a points-based currency. This annual allotment of currency is used to reserve accommodations based on their travel dates and residence floor plan best suited for their trip. An initial membership grants 5,000 Club points, but additional interests can be purchased in 2,500 Club point increments.

Portfolio Membership pricing starts at $120,000 for 5,000 annual Club points. The Portfolio Membership option allows the ultimate flexibility for the Member who prefers a different experience each time they travel. For example, a Member may decide to use a four-bedroom residence in Abaco, The Bahamas for a family celebration and use a one-bedroom in San Francisco for a romantic getaway. When choosing from the collection of residences, each is assigned a varying nightly point value. The new Hotel Exchange Program also enables Members who purchased a Portfolio Membership to utilize a portion of their Club points at participating Ritz-Carlton hotels and resorts worldwide.

With locations in San Francisco; Aspen, Colo.; and St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. to name a few, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club offers the legendary service for which The Ritz-Carlton is renowned. Members benefit from a heightened level of service as they are paired with their very own member experience manager who will serve as their primary liaison. Additionally, Members will enjoy the privilege of a dedicated concierge staff providing services that include 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.

About The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club
The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club is an equity-based luxury travel program where Members select either a Home Club Membership which provides a titled residence and usage at a property they can return to every year, or a deeded Portfolio Membership which affords the opportunity to discover a wide variety of locations and experiences. Combining an innovative choice for luxury vacations at some of the most sought-after destinations in the world and coupled 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 expectations.

For information, please visit www.ritzcarltondestinationclub.com.