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Owners Perspective Magazine is now racing towards its official launch in January 2009 after successful six months online.

Tested online since July 2008, the independent consumer publication for the vacation property industry has generated just over 10,000 subscribers ahead of its official launch in print next month. This coupled with two major travel and property shows and distribution via a number of resorts takes the circulation to more than 20,000 from January 2009.

Owners Perspective Magazine offers existing owners and prospective buyers and renters of vacation property; including overseas real estate, fractional ownership, private residence clubs, timeshares and destination clubs, an independent source for news and reviews on the latest products, developments, services and travel ideas.

Available online free of charge at http://www.ownersperspective.com the magazine is also available in traditional print and available via annual subscription.

For advertising and editorial opportunities please visit http://www.perspectiverates.com

RCI uses SAS to Forecast Demand, Predict Time-Share Values

Group RCI, a global leader in leisure real estate, is bucking economic trends and retaining members using predictive analytics from SAS, the leader in business analytics. Serving millions of vacationers yearly, RCI measures return on investment by network growth, based on matching supply with demand. With SAS predictive analytics – SAS Enterprise Miner(TM) and SAS Forecast Server – RCI can better satisfy customers.
RCI Global Vacation Network’s members own time shares they want to swap or luxury properties they want to lease. SAS enables RCI to estimate the value of swaps and rentals and forecast demand. RCI can distribute inventory more effectively, increasing member satisfaction and revenue. RCI also uses SAS to identify cross-sell and up-sell opportunities and to create targeted mailing lists.

Executives agree that SAS delivers significant ROI. Implementing SAS has accelerated exchange membership growth in key geographies, such as Europe and Mexico. Rising to the challenge, RCI distributes scarce-supply properties to the right customers.
“We see lots of interesting problems on the business side,” said Jeremy TerBush, Director of Analytics within Revenue Management at Group RCI. “With less powerful software tools, we hit roadblocks. The SAS Business Analytics Framework equips RCI to solve any sort of business problem.”

RCI generates millions of Web and call center transactions annually and has more than a terabyte of real-time information for data mining. Through SAS’ user-friendly tools, the right information is presented to the right people at the right time, driving business decisions and company success.
“People know what’s happening within the network thanks to the systems, alerts and pricing tools we’ve built using SAS,” said Sean Joseph Lowe, who is Sr. VP Revenue Management and Analytics at RCI.
For supply, demand and business forecasting, SAS Forecast Server simplifies the process at RCI. “It’s absolutely essential that we forecast accurately,” Lowe continued. “SAS quickly generates models for one set of information we’re forecasting, spots the best fit and ranks them so we can decide which will be most successful. We refine our forecasts in much deeper detail, improving forecasting accuracy for regional financial teams.”

About Group RCI
Group RCI, part of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies, is the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the European leader in vacation rentals, with exclusive access for specified periods to more than 67,000 vacation properties in approximately 100 countries. 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 www.grouprci.com or the media center of www.wyndhamworldwide.com.

About SAS
SAS is the leader in business analytics software and services, and the largest independent vendor in the business intelligence market. Through innovative solutions delivered within an integrated framework, SAS helps customers at more than 45,000 sites improve performance and deliver value by making better decisions faster. Since 1976, SAS has been giving customers around the world THE POWER TO KNOW(R). www.sas.com

Magna Timeshare Software has recently installed and implemented its ASP hosted software at Xanadu Beach Resort and Marina. One of the premier resorts in the Caribbean (Bahamas), Xanadu, is situated on the South side of the Island of Grand Bahama and sustained some damage to their IT system during the hurricanes of 2004. Prior to the storms Xanadu had a competitors’ software and decided not to go back.

By using MAGNA’s ASP (application server provider) hosted software, Xanadu is afforded the ease and security of not having to maintain a server of their own. If they do get another season of bad storms their main technology structure will not be in jeopardy.  MAGNA will host the software at a secure server facility with storm protection and multiple power and internet back up systems. Xanadu still has access and control of their data and full use of the software system.
Xanadu’s new C.E.O, Agnes McIntosh, along with the newly appointed Project Director, George Provenzano, welcomes Magna to the Xanadu family. With the new timeshare software system, Ms. McIntosh and Mr. Provenzano, will have instant access to the hundreds of reports without having to export and create new ones. Reports like; total sales persons reports, contract & inventory reports, commissions reports for OPC and sales people, telemarketing reports, tour reports, maintenance fees reports and mortgage reports.

Ms. McIntosh said “MAGNA timeshare software has demonstrated their ability to understand their client’s needs and customize a solution to fit. They have been thoroughly professional throughout our involvement and we would have no hesitation in working with them on future developments or in recommending them to other vacation ownership businesses.”

About Magna Timeshare Software
They say that a key to success is to surround your self with the right people, with Magna Timeshare software your resort will gain from the expertise and background of our staff. During a major change over it is even more important to have knowledgeable, experienced people around you; MAGNA knows timeshare.

MAGNA Timeshare Software synchronizes all your resort activities, allowing each area (from telemarketing to tours to finance…) to work easily with each other—and gives you instant access to critical information for tight management. Easier management means you can be on top of situations, eliminating wasted effort and maximizing profits. We’re with you all the way, through installation, training & support. We offer a full range of services to make sure your transition over to MAGNA is smooth, without disrupting your current organization and operations.

About Xanadu Beach Resort & Marina
The Xanadu Beach Resort and Marina is located on the southwest coast of Grand Bahama Island on a mile long private white sand beach. There are 179 spacious units; all offering balconies and dramatic views. The hotel offers tennis courts, gym, snorkeling/diving, internet and a Beach Bar and Grill. Xanadu also offers a wide range of water sports including a dive shop on the property. Xanadu has a full service marina which is an Official Port of Entry for the Bahamas, equipped with a fuel dock (Gas and Diesel) and a marina shop with a wide selection of boat supplies. With its own Bazaar Market and Gift Shop, they have a wide variety of duty-free items for your selection, and the world renowned International Bazaar is nearby, offering exotic and unusual merchandise from 25 countries. Nearby are 4 world-class Golf Courses and a Casino with Vegas-style shows. Also offered is a free shuttle to local points of interest.

For more information about the companies:
Magna Timeshare Software
1465 S Fort Harrison Ave. #207
Clearwater, FL 33756
http://www.MagnaTimeshareSoftware.com
1- 877-217-2072
Local: 1-407-352-2402 Option 2
San Francisco: 1-415-367-7496
United Kingdom 44-80-8178 8506
Fax (US and Canada Only): 1-866-752-3073
sales@magna.net

Xanadu Beach Resort & Marina
PO Box F-42438
Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas

1-888-790-5264
1-242-352-6783
1-242-352-5799 fax
info@xanadubeachhotel.com
http://www.xanadubeachhotel.com/index.html

Dynamic Growth in Asia Pacific Continues with the Debut of Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort, Le Meridien Chiang Mai and Le Meridien Shimei Bay Beach Resort & Spa

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.today announced the opening of three Le Meridien properties in Asia Pacific, continuing its expansion in dynamic markets across the globe. The debut of Le Meridien Shimei Bay Beach Resort & Spa marks the brand’s second resort in China, while Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort and Le Meridien Chiang Mai further expand the brand’s growing portfolio in northern Thailand. All three properties offer a culturally rich environment combined with superior service designed to inspire the creative guest.

“Le Meridien is proud to broaden its reach in Asia Pacific with the addition of these three stunning properties, where guests can enjoy a unique experience that combines contemporary European refinement with distinct Asian influences curated by Le Meridien’s Cultural Curator and a range of established and emerging innovators, part of LM100,” said Eva Ziegler, Global Brand Leader, Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts and W Hotels Worldwide. “A favorite among progressive, curious, open minded and forward-thinking international travelers, Le Meridien facilitates guest discovery of a new perspective of the arts, architecture, design, and cuisine at each of its destinations around the world. Hainan Island in China and Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in northern Thailand will certainly provide fertile ground for this voyage of discovery.”

“We are thrilled to announce the opening of these three stunning Le Meridien hotels in Thailand and China, two of world’s most exhilarating destinations,” said Miguel Ko, President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Asia Pacific. “Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are both well known for their stunning landscape and rich cultural offerings while Shimei Bay is an unspoilt getaway for travelers to Hainan Island, with spectacular views of the South China Sea, and surrounded by lush forest and rustic Li minority village. These locations are a great fit with Le Meridien brand, which is committed to providing guests with an interactive and culturally enriching experience.”

All three new Le Meridien hotels will feature Le Meridien’s newly introduced Arrival Experience for guests. This curated experience will commence from the moment the guest arrives at the hotel until they have opened the door to their guest room. The arrival experience includes the Transitional Portal, which is a visual and audio “wall” of sound and art that will engulf each guest; Sensory Experience illustrated through Le Meridien’s signature scent, sound and use of light; Unlock Art program that includes an artist designed key card that offers access to the guest room and to Le Meridien’s affiliated art organizations; and lastly the Elevated Experience, which transforms the event of riding an elevator into an “elevating experience” through video and sound.

The opening of these three new Le Meridien properties highlights the significant development of the brand in Asia Pacific. Le Meridien currently operates 23 hotels in the region, including, Le Royal Meridien Shanghai and Le Meridien Cyberport, Hong Kong.

Le Meridien Shimei Bay Beach Resort & Spa
Le Meridien Shimei Bay Beach Resort & Spa is the first five-star resort to open in Wanning City on China’s Hainan Island. Owned by China Resources (Holdings) Co., Ltd., this magnificent property boasts an idyllic setting on more than three miles of pristine, white sandy beach with majestic views of the South China Sea. Surrounded by lush forest, the resort features 275 luxurious guest rooms, including 25 villas, all with private balconies overlooking either the sea or the mountains.

Le Meridien Shimei Bay Beach Resort & Spa offers an experience that is enriched by its European coffee culture and close ties with contemporary art institutions. In this sophisticated setting, guests will enjoy a choice of three stylish restaurants and three lounges. The signature breakfast menu with a selected number of dishes created by Jean-Georges Vongerichten is available at Breakers, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, as well as an enticing selection of western, continental and Asian dishes. Ai Mei Chinese restaurant offers popular dishes from mainland China, Hainan specialties and Cantonese cuisine, while Horizon Bar + Grill serves signature cocktails and a diverse menu in a poolside setting. The hotel’s three lounges – Latitude 18, Lagoon Bar and Sensations – offer a range of exotic cocktails, freshly squeezed tropical juices, Illy Coffee and live musical entertainment.

Inspired by the rich traditions of European and Asia, the hotel’s 3,700 square-foot Spa features six spa villas with individual dipping pools, steam rooms and spa cabanas, as well as luxury suites, massage rooms, a hair salon, Spa boutique and Spa bistro. State-of-the-art meeting facilities include a nearly 6,000 square foot ballroom and five meeting rooms, perfect for high-end conferences, meetings and events. Guests will enjoy deluxe recreation facilities including three pools, a fitness center and access to four nearby golf courses.

Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort
Centered around two majestic 100-year-old rain trees, Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort is located in Thailand’s premier hillside resort community in the country’s northernmost province, a region known for its breathtaking mountain scenery, Buddhist shrines and ruins of ancient settlements. Owned by the Rain Tree Hotel Co., Ltd., the brand-new resort is just ten minutes from the Chiang Rai International Airport, five minutes from the town center and a one-hour drive from the Golden Triangle, where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand converge.

Guests can explore this compelling region starting at the resort’s quay where a longtail boat is moored, waiting to take travelers downriver to visit the region’s fascinating hill-tribe villages. Other excursions include elephant treks and hikes along Chiang Rai’s renowned jungle trails. After a day exploring the area’s diverse landscapes and unique attractions, guests can indulge in the chic, cosmopolitan ambience at Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort. In addition to its 159 spacious and contemporary guest rooms and suites, featuring expansive private balconies, the resort offers an extensive menu of massage, facial and body treatments at Pavarti Spa, three world-class restaurants, a state-of-the-art gym and a three-tiered, outdoor swimming pool.

Le Meridien Chiang Mai
Le Meridien Chiang Mai offers travelers first-class accommodations on Chang Klan Road in the heart of downtown Chiang Mai, Thailand’s dynamic northern capital. The hotel is well positioned to explore the charms of this culturally-rich city including its ancient temples, the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar and numerous culinary options. Most of the hotel’s 384 guest rooms overlook the majestic Doi Suthep Mountain, and all are outfitted with the signature Le Meridien Bed, broadband Internet and high-definition LCD televisions. This newly constructed hotel features two world-class restaurants, a modern health club, a multi-sensory spa and an outdoor swimming pool with panoramic views of Chiang Mai. Le Meridien Chiang Mai also offers nearly 6,000 square feet of flexible function space, equipped with sophisticated technologies that make it an ideal destination for meetings, seminars, banquets and conventions. For more information about Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts, visit: www.lemeridien.com

About Le Meridien
Le Meridien brand, currently represented by approximately 110 properties in 50 countries, was acquired by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. in November 2005. With close to 80 percent of its properties located in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Le Meridien provides a strong international complement to Starwood’s primarily North American holdings. Plans call for dynamic expansion of Le Meridien-branded hotels and resorts within the next five years, concentrating in the U.S., Latin America, and Asia-Pacific, including destinations such as India, Thailand and China.

Le Meridien is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 900 properties in more than 100 countries and 155,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis(R), The Luxury Collection(R), Sheraton(R), Westin(R), Four Points(R) by Sheraton, W(R), Le Meridien(R), and the recently launched aloftSM, and elementSM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com and www.starwoodpressclub.com.

Sol Meliá Vacation Club, an international leisure vacation membership club with locations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and Europe, has opened Phase II of the Gran Meliá Puerto Rico member resort at Coco Beach, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, with 63 additional suites.  The 1, 2 and 3 bedroom oceanfront suites accommodate four to six people, offering private check-in and members VIP lounge.

“The Gran Meliá Puerto Rico is one of the finest quality resorts in the Caribbean and has been a great location for us,” said Denis Ebrill, Executive Vice President of Sol Meliá Vacation Club.  “It’s a home-away-from-home family vacation experience in a tropical paradise.  We expect to open additional phases here, as well.”

Sol Meliá Vacation Club at Gran Meliá Puerto Rico is a place where families from around the world gather for special times together in the comfort of home-style accommodations, featuring separate dining and living areas, kitchenettes, elegant marble fixtures, indoor/outdoor Jacuzzis, satellite TV, stereo system and DVD player.  In addition to the large luxury accommodations, the resort offers fine dining restaurants with international cuisine and bars, plus recreational activities and amenities that include tennis courts, basketball court, non-motorized water sports and the largest lagoon-style pool in Puerto Rico.  There’s also world class golf nearby at the Tom Kite designed Coco Beach Golf and Country Club, a full-service spa, a casino, kid’s club, children’s pool, evening entertainment and a daily program of activities.

Sol Meliá Vacation Club at Gran Meliá Puerto Rico is located on Puerto Rico’s northeastern coast in Rio Grande, conveniently located to nearby El Yunque National Rainforest.  With the recently inaugurated Route 66 Highway, the resort is just a scenic 20 minutes from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport and the Historical Old San Juan area.

Sol Meliá Vacation Club is an internationally-branded membership club that focuses on providing leisure lifestyle experiences that include exotic destinations, designer-appointed luxury suites, exclusive services and unforgettable amenities.  Each Sol Meliá Vacation Club vacation experience is different from the other, aligned with the local culture and customized to fit Members’ leisure lifestyle needs.

Orlando, Florida based Sol Meliá Vacation Club is part of Spain-based Sol Meliá Hotels & Resorts, a 50-year-old international hospitality company with over 350 hotels in 30 countries on five continents.  Sol Meliá Vacation Club Members have more vacation lifestyle options through global luxury accommodations in a variety of unique resort and urban destinations around the world, as well as flexibility to choose the length of stay, season and size of unit.  Featured Sol Meliá Vacation Club locations include Cancun, Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta in Mexico; Puerto Rico and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic in the Caribbean; Panama in Central America; and the Canary Islands, Spain, in Europe.

For more information on Sol Meliá Vacation Club, call 866-379-5950 or visit www.smvc.com.

Wyndham Hotels and Resorts has joined Manhattan’s hotel scene with the opening of the first two Wyndham hotels in New York City featuring designer elements, innovative dining and service concepts and special introductory rates.

The newly constructed 224-room Wyndham Garden Hotel Midtown Convention Center at 341 W. 36th St. offers rates beginning at $179 and the all-new 124-room Wyndham Garden Hotel Manhattan Chelsea West at 37 W. 24th St. offers rates beginning at $169, both for a limited time, based on availability, which can be booked at www.wyndham.com.

Featuring furniture designs from iconic architect Michael Graves, the Wyndham Garden Hotel Midtown Convention Center’s communal lobby lounge is designed to appeal to the chain’s Gen X demographic and travelers’ mobile computing needs. The public space features ‘power booths’ with flat-screen televisions and signature Wyndham Smart Chairs, both wired for Internet access.

The Wyndham Garden Hotel Midtown Convention Center hotel is the only Manhattan hotel to offer Wyndham ClearAir(TM) allergy-friendly rooms. Following a system designed by New York-based PURE Solutions NA, the rooms undergo a multistep cleaning process designed to remove up to 98 percent of allergens using medical-grade air purification systems and treating all surfaces, carpeting and fabric with a microbial shield to make them resistant to bacteria and viruses.

‘Our objective is to marry good design and function to create a distinct hotel experience that is practical, warm, personable and inviting,’ said Peter Strebel, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts president. ‘In designing the Wyndham prototypes, both common areas and guest rooms are streamlined spaces equipped with useful amenities and services, from our power booths to our wired Wyndham Smart Chairs.’

Dining options at the Wyndham Garden Hotel Midtown Convention Center include the Greenhouse 36 restaurant, featuring an organic menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the brand’s signature East Refresh Livesm or ERL Wyndham café, serving Starbucks(R) drinks and treats, and the Beyond Room Service program, offering an eclectic menu of snack selections.

The 24-floor smoke-free hotel also offers concierge-level guest rooms that include continental breakfast, additional amenities and services, views of the skyline or Empire State Building and an outdoor terrace.

Meeting facilities include 3,150 square feet of flexible space including a 1,500-square-foot terrace. The hotel also features a business center, fitness facility, ‘virtual gift shop’ with 24-hour delivery service, same-day, overnight and Saturday valet service and a 24-hour ‘on loan’ service that offers computer cables, clothing steamers, ‘sound soothers’ and personal care items. Children under 12 are welcome to stay free with an adult.

Guest rooms at the smoke-free, 17-story Wyndham Garden Hotel Manhattan Chelsea West include complimentary wired and wireless high-speed Internet access with functionality that enables guests with computers to order prints at the hotel’s business center. The property also features an ‘Eat. Refresh. Live’café serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails.

Both hotels offer Herman Miller(R) Aeron(R) ergonomic desk chairs, Wyndham Be Well(TM) bedding, complimentary wired and wireless high-speed Internet access, 32-inch, high-definition, flat-screen televisions with pay-per-view movies, alarm clock radios with mp3-iPodTM adapters and WynTunesTM musical selections featuring independent artists, and Bath & Body Works(R) True Blue(R) Spa bath care amenities.

Elsewhere in New York, a 280-room, full-service Wyndham hotel is scheduled to open on 26th Street next year, and a 108-room Wyndham hotel under development on Bowery Street is expected to open in 2010.

For added value, Wyndham ByRequest(R) frequent-stay members receive complimentary benefits including high-speed Internet access, choice of welcome snack and beverage, preferred pillow type, express check-in, guaranteed late check-out, local and long-distance calls, best available room upon arrival, photocopies, faxes and online receipts.

Wyndham ByRequest members also earn Wyndham Rewards(R) points, which can be redeemed for free hotel stays, airline tickets, name-brand merchandise and dining and shopping gift cards, among other options. In lieu of points, members may elect to earn airline or rail miles with a variety of partners.

Hotel packages can be booked by calling (800) WYNDHAM — (800) 996-3426 — or visiting www.wyndham.com.

Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, a subsidiary of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN), offers upscale hotel and resort accommodations throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. All hotels are either franchised or managed by Wyndham Hotels and Resorts or an affiliate.

Countdown is on for the first print edition of the independent consumer publication for the shared ownership industry.

Owners Perspective Magazine, which has been trialled online since July 2008 is only three weeks away from its official launch in print in January 2009 and excitement amongst existing subscribers and industry professionals is growing.

“We set ourselves a target back in July to generate 10,000 subscribers before January, and we have just passed it with a couple of weeks to spare…” says Paul Mattimoe, CEO, Perspective International Ltd, “…but in the end, reaching our ambitious target has become just a small part of our achievements so far – we have also secured several marketing and distribution deals and confirmed exhibition and distribution at 7 major property and travel shows all attributing to a circulation of more than 20,000 at point of launch which is a great start for us and an exciting lead generation platform for our advertisers.”

Owners Perspective Magazine is the only globally independent consumer magazine for the shared ownership industry that offers both a print version and a free online version. It caters for existing owners and prospective buyers of all vacation property products; including overseas real estate, fractional ownership, private residence clubs, timeshares and destination clubs, as well as offering a wealth of travel ideas, destination and resort guides.

For more information visit http://www.ownersperspective.com

For advertising and editorial opportunities visit www.perspectiverates.com

ICE, an In-Room Virtual Concierge and Back-End Monitoring System, Rolls Out in 124 Room Vacation Ownership Property

Intelity’s ICE, the innovative hospitality software solution, is currently being installed in the DiamondHead Beach Resort on Ft. Myers Beach. Intelity signed an agreement to be the luxurious, all-suite, oceanfront resort’s self-service system provider. The ICE touch-screen interfaces will soon be in place in each of the suites to allow guests at the resort superior experiences from their very rooms and provide real-time operations monitoring to hoteliers.

The DiamondHead Beach Resort chose Intelity as a technology partner because they pride themselves in providing the highest level of service to their vacationing visitors, and ICE is the premier means of further expanding their effortless relaxation at this destination hotel. With ICE, the DiamondHead will have an opportunity to comprehensively discern the likes and practices of its guests. Such feedback can dramatically improve guest satisfaction and aid in strategic decision-making. ICE is an easy, automatic way to gain the ability to cater to a vacationer’s whims and understand and track the specialized needs of guest segments.

In fact, Neil Hopgood, the resort’s general manager, states his choice was simple, “Our guests come to unwind and escape, and we are thrilled that now ICE will allow us to cater to their leisure needs even after they check in. With ICE, we can inform guests of the host of opportunities available within the resort.”

The DiamondHead Beach Resort has had so many repeat guests fall in love with vacationing there that they are even moving into the world of vacation ownership with the SunStream Vacation Club, which currently allows members to stay year after year in 31 select luxurious, home-like suites. The ICE system is another tool to help realize the opportunity for vacation ownership for visitors and add to the stay for invested Club Members.

The ICE concierge system includes full size touch screens in every guest room, all customized to the specific hotel and/or timeshare brand. Amenities are front and center for immediate guest exposure. Without picking up a phone a guest can make reservations at a spa or restaurant, arrange a taxi, room service, equipment rentals and any other special request. Non-invasive advertising can also be integrated into ICE, providing an additional revenue stream for the hotelier during these difficult times.

Another benefit motivating the DiamondHead Beach Resort to become an early adaptor is that ICE is being integrated into the resort’s point of sale systems, including food and beverage, front desk PMS in addition to coordinating all the resort’s on and off site amenities. In a matter of weeks, ICE’s Quality Assurance feedback system will provide the DiamondHead Beach Resort with insight to more cost-effective operations to streamline productivity. Neil sees ICE as an invaluable way to plan for the future of the DiamondHead from budgets to staffing.

Intelity founder David Adelson explains, “We kept the resort management in mind in every aspect of the design, from guest experience to revenue generation, system navigation to modification, and expense reduction. ICE is as much an amenity to the guests as it is an asset to the hotel. Never before has the hotelier had such a high level of control and insight into the staff’s performance and guests’ habits.”

For an on-screen demo and more information, visit www.intelityICE.com. Interested hoteliers and timeshare managers can call toll free 1-888-REV PAR 1 to speak with an ICE hospitality expert for more information on sales, prices, and exciting upcoming ventures.

About Intelity Corp
Intelity, headquartered in Orlando, Florida, is a hospitality software solution company focused on the self-service marketplace. Founded in 2006, Intelity is establishing itself as the leader of in-room guest service technology, quality assurance feedback, and direct consumer marketing within the hotel and resort segments. The Company’s current and future success is driven by four fundamental values: Be creative and innovate; aim for product excellence; elevate the image of our brands with passion; and be an entrepreneurial organization. Intelity is moving toward realizing the strategic goal of brand and product diversification by leveraging business relationships and opportunities with global hotel brands and management companies.

About DiamondHead Beach Resort
DiamondHead Beach Resort, one of six distinctive properties in Southwest Florida’s
SunStream Hotels & Resorts collection, is located at 2000 Estero Boulevard on Fort  Myers Beach, within walking distance to the “Times Square” dining and entertainment district on the island.  For reservations or more information, call 800-625-4111 or 239-765-7654, or visit www.sunstream.com.
For more information about The SunStream Vacation Club at DiamondHead Beach Resort, visit SunstreamVacationClub.com or call 866-313-2547

Global Hyatt Corporation and Addax Holdings Ltd., a Bermudian development company owned by members of Bazarian International Financial Associates, LLC, announced today the signing of a management agreement for Park Hyatt Bermuda. The luxury 30-acre seafront resort will be located on Bermuda’s exclusive northeast coast in the UNESCO World Heritage town of St. George’s.

Slated to open in 2012, Park Hyatt Bermuda will offer an intimate 100-room hotel, 111 Park Hyatt Residences, and approximately 30 branded Hyatt fractional ownership units, all featuring the contemporary architectural design and modern residential interiors for which the Park Hyatt brand is recognized around the world.

The Park Hyatt resort will also include four unique food and beverage venues, including a Tea Room, a 14,000 square-foot Hyatt Pure spa and fitness center, a private beach club, two swimming pools, tennis courts, and nearly 4,000 square feet of meeting and function space.

Adjacent to the future Park Hyatt Bermuda and an amenity for resort guests, the St. George’s Golf Club will undergo a major redesign to become a superior 18-hole Nick Faldo designed resort golf course.

With convenient access to L.F. Wade Bermuda International Airport, Park Hyatt Bermuda will be an exclusive hilltop retreat overlooking St. Catherine’s Beach offering its guests close proximity to the rich historical legacy of the town of St. George’s, a UNESCO World Heritage site. St. George’s was the first permanent settlement on the island of Bermuda and is the oldest continuously inhabited English settlement in the New World. Today, St. George’s 17th, 18th and 19th century buildings function not only as museums but also as homes, restaurants, pubs and shops.

In addition to its signed agreement with Global Hyatt, Addax Holdings has executed a master development agreement and long-term lease with the Government of Bermuda for the 30-acre hotel site with two historic forts – Fort Victoria and Fort Albert. The 19th century structures will be preserved and incorporated into the resort.

“We are proud to be associated with Bazarian International Financial Associates, LLC, and its company Addax Holdings Ltd., and we look forward to bringing a new level of luxury and elegance to tourism in Bermuda,” said Rakesh Sarna, chief operating officer, international operations for Global Hyatt Corporation.

Signing the agreement on behalf of Bazarian International Financial Associates, LLC, Carl J. Bazarian said, “We are extremely happy to partner with Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, an internationally-known hospitality leader. Hyatt’s excellent reputation, expertise and resources will be critical in managing the resort and the Park Hyatt property is a vital addition to our organization’s hospitality and hotel portfolio.”

“The northeast corner of Bermuda is a scenic and historic gem, and the introduction of the Park Hyatt brand will make our gem sparkle like never before,” said Premier Dr. the Hon. Ewart F. Brown, Minister of Tourism and Transport. “We expect this exciting new partnership with Global Hyatt and Bazarian International will be a catalyst for renewed confidence in Bermuda Tourism around the world.”

About Park Hyatt
Intimate and residential in style, Park Hyatt promise elegant and gracious service on a personal scale, and are further distinguished by prime locations and exceptional interior design. Hyatt Hotels & Resorts and its subsidiaries operate 24 Park Hyatt brand hotels with an additional 10 hotels under development. Current locations include; Baku, Beaver Creek, Beijing, Buenos Aires, Canberra, Chicago, Dubai, Goa, Hamburg, Istanbul, Melbourne, Mendoza, Milan, Moscow, Paris, Philadelphia, Saigon, Seoul, Shanghai, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto, Washington DC, and Zurich.

About Global Hyatt Corporation
Global Hyatt Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is one of the world’s premier hotel companies. The hotels owned, operated, managed or franchised by its subsidiaries provide authentic hospitality to guests in 45 countries through a passionate commitment to personalized service, cultural relevance, and the environment. Global Hyatt subsidiaries own, operate, manage or franchise more than 365 hotels and resorts worldwide under the Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt Resorts™, Grand Hyatt®, Park Hyatt®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt Summerfield Suites® and Andaz™ brands with additional properties under development on five continents. Global Hyatt Corporation is also the owner of Hyatt Vacation Ownership, Inc., operator of Hyatt Vacation Club®. The success of Global Hyatt is driven by the commitment and energy of the thousands of men and women around the world who provide exceptional service to hotel guests. From the U.S. and Canada, reservations for any Hyatt hotel worldwide may be obtained by calling 1-800-233-1234 or visiting www.hyatt.com.

About Bazarian International Financial Associates, LLC
BIFA is a hotel investment banking and strategic advisory firm headquartered in Washington, DC.

The independent consumer publication for the shared ownership industry boosts coverage at another major overseas property show.

Owners Perspective Magazine (http://www.ownersperspective.com), which launches in print in January 2009 after a 6 month trial online is certainly making a big impression on the fractional ownership, overseas property and timeshare industries, having secured circulation of more than 20,000 for its first edition.
With more marketing and distribution deals in progress, publishers Perspective International are also increasing their exposure at each of the 7 major travel and property exhibitions they had already confirmed.

A Place In The Sun Live (http://www.aplaceinthesun.com/exhibitions/) offers consumers looking for a great investment, idyllic holiday home, retirement property, or a permanent home abroad the chance to communicate with more than 300 property agents and developers spanning more than 40 countries and Owners Perspective Magazine is exhibiting and distributing at the London Earls Court Show from 3-5th April 2009 and the 2-4th October Show at Birmingham’s NEC Arena.

But now, Owners Perspective Magazine have increased their exposure by including the magazine in the visitor bags handed out at the entrance to all visitors and confirmed 6 months advertising in A Place In The Sun Magazine.

About Owners Perspective Magazine
Published by Perspective International Ltd, Owners Perspective is an independent consumer publication for existing owners and prospective buyers of all fractional products, vacation property, destination clubs, private residence clubs and timeshares. Online subscriptions are free of charge, just visit www.ownersperspective.com. Print subscriptions also available.

For advertising, advertorial and editorial opportunities visit www.perspectiverates.com

Sicilian Resort Joins Quality Exchange Network

Interval International, a leading provider of vacation services, has announced the affiliation of Villaggio Cala La Luna situated on the small island of Favignana just off the west coast of Sicily, Italy. 

The development which was completed in May 2008 is comprised of 70 units, with a mix of studios, one- and two- bedroom units out of which 58 are allocated to timeshare. The resort features an outdoor pool, restaurant and live entertainment. It is also within walking distance of the lively harbour where fresh lobster and octopus can be bought every morning.

“Good quality resorts such as this are popular with our members and we are delighted to welcome this resort to our network,” says Darren Ettridge, Interval International’s vice president resort sales and service (Europe). “This is our fourth affiliation in Italy since July 2007 and it is continued evidence of Interval’s success in the region.”

Villaggio Cala La Luna is situated in the fishing village of Favignana which is admired for its beauty and crystal clear waters. The island offers a wide range of leisure activities including diving, deep-sea fishing, shopping, nightlife and good food. Sailing is also a major attraction and Favignana hosted the America’s Cup in 2008. 

About Interval International
Interval International operates membership programs for vacation owners 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 30 years. Today, Interval has a network of over 2,400 resorts in excess of 75 countries and offers its resort clients and nearly 2 million member families high-quality products and programs through 29 27 offices in 17 countries. Interval is an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:IILG), a leading global provider of membership and leisure services to consumers and business-to-business customers in the vacation industry.

For more information contact:
Adrian Bascombe, Corporate Communications Manager, Interval International
Phone: +44 (0) 20 8336 9573
E-mail: adrian.bascombe@intervalintl.com

With an $8.5 million injection of capital, Sell My Timeshare NOW launches a new growth and expansion plan designed to better serve the timeshare resale needs of both consumers and the timeshare development industry. After extensive diligence, Edison Venture Fund has become Sell My Timeshare NOW’s sole institutional investor, continuing Edison’s investment commitment to high-growth,

Sell My Timeshare NOW and its family of websites provide advertising tools and marketing services to assist owners with timeshare resale and rental options. In addition to its by-owner advertising platform, the company also offers success-based services through its brokerage arm, Timeshare Broker Services. The company has experienced dramatic growth so far in 2008 with more than 23 million visitors and over $1 million in daily offers to buy or rent timeshare, landing it as one of the fastest growing privately held companies according to Inc.com. Despite the economic downturn, Sell My Timeshare NOW has experienced a 90 percent increase in the number of offers to rent or buy timeshare advertised through its website and a 74 percent increase in the dollar amount of those offers over 2007.

Jason Tremblay and co-founders Mark Eldridge and Cindy Gonzalez started Sell My Timeshare NOW in 2003 as a home-based business with three employees. Through cutting-edge internet search technologies and excellent customer service, the company has grown to over 150 employees with offices in Dover, NH, and Orlando and Tampa, FL.

Jason Tremblay, company’s CEO and founder, explains, “Sell My Timeshare NOW is well on its way to become the de-facto destination for the vacation ownership secondary market. With Edison as our investment partner, we can expand our innovative, business-to-business solutions in ways that will provide proactive, developer-friendly solutions.”

Michael Kopelman, Principal at Edison Venture Fund, noted, “The company’s search engine leadership drives massive exposure to sellers. Buyers now have the ability to purchase timeshare intervals online at attractive discounts to retail prices.”

Tremblay elaborates, “Sell My Timeshare NOW is already the global leader in online timeshare advertising and the number one resale solution for consumers today. Edison’s due diligence recognized the utility of our platforms. Edison’s investment enables Sell My Timeshare NOW to further expand, offering resale and rental solutions for both timeshare developers and owners.

“We understand that the secondary market has been highly inefficient in the past. Our goal is to provide real solutions that create tangible results for timeshare owners and developers,” said Tremblay.

About Sell My Timeshare NOW
The company is the recognized global leader in online timeshare resale and rental marketing with over $400 million in offers through its websites in 2008. The company’s flagship website property, SellMyTimeshareNOW.com, provides internet advertising and marketing solutions for timeshare owners who seek to sell timeshare or rent timeshare. In addition, the company also offers success-based services through its brokerage arm, Timeshare Broker Services. Headquartered in Dover, NH with offices in Orlando, FL and Tampa, FL, the company has over 150 employees and was recently recognized as one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the country by Inc.com.

About Edison Venture Fund
Established in 1986, Edison partners with entrepreneurs, service providers and other financing sources to build successful companies. Edison provides capital and value-added services to expansion stage ($5 to 20 million revenue), information technology businesses. Initial investments range from $5 to 8 million. Edison typically serves as a sole or lead investor in financings up to $10 million. In addition to providing expansion capital, Edison funds management buyouts, recapitalizations, spinouts and secondary stock purchases.

Edison’s investment professionals are based in Lawrenceville, NJ, McLean, VA, New York, NY, Needham, MA, and West Chester, PA. Industry specialties include application software, communications, financial technology, interactive marketing, healthcare, & pharmaceutical IT. Edison’s successes include Best Software, Dendrite, E-Transport, Gain Capital, Liberty Tax, VirtualEdge, Visual Networks, Vocus and many other information technology leaders, which have a combined market value exceeding $5 billion. Edison currently has $550 million under management and is actively making new investments. www.edisonventure.com

Dubai Timeshare consultants are doing more than mining profits for real estate developers in the GCC. Dubai based World Class Group joins in to celebrate eight years of the existence of time4sharing.org, a movement to share time with less fortunate kids.

The rugged outdoor and colorful life-style of a real cowboy is often glorified in movies and books, and can been seen re-enacted today in many areas of the United States.
One would be hard pressed to image however, this authentic reenactment of the Bronco Busters of the wild west, to be located in the east, especially the middle east.

International travelers can now get a glimpse of good ol’country boy quintessential living, with real ranch hands and cowboys just outside of sunny Beirut, Lebanon.
El Rancho, created by a private investment syndicate known as the “Magnificent Seven” is located in the mountains of Lebanon surrounded by scenery that would rival Montana, as it has all of the green breathtaking mountain terrain with a grandiose view of the Mediterranean Sea.
Recently El Rancho teamed up with World Class Group to assist the charity organization time4sharing.org to commemorate their 8th anniversary of the timeshare charity that creates “dream, fun and fantasy days” for less fortunate children, a benefit enjoyed by timeshare owners at resorts around the world each year.

Time4sharing.org is a charity movement that was founded to inspire and fascinate less fortunate children and to create magic days that would instill lasting positive memories since November, 2000.

“Timeshare staff from Platinum International and World Class Group have volunteered to empower underprivileged children for the past eight years running,” said a charity spokesperson.

Heads of state, sports stars, singers and TV personalities have all made special appearances at many of the functions over the past eight years to show support for children and the movement of sharing time.
Time4sharing.org, a foundation committed to ‘raising fun rather than funds’, has created more than 120 fun – day events for 13,000 children since its inception.

Events of the past have been held in a variety of venues including the Presidential Palace of Slovakia, the United Nations Palace of Lebanon, the Prague Zoo, to Dolphin Parks in Bahrain and Malta.
Forty disadvantaged children were hosted for the eighth anniversary of Time4sharing.org in El Rancho, the wild west park in a hideaway park in Lebanon.
The children received a guided tour of the Eco park and ranch, and were treated to stage coach rides and animation throughout the day.
Volunteers played games with with the children who engaged in painting and singing ‘yee- haw’ throughout the event, sponsored by WorldClass-UAE.com, a real estate training and shared ownership consultancy, based in Dubai, UAE.

Time4sharing.org has formed a strategic alliance with El Rancho for future events as the resort develops its bungalow hotel and Tee -Pee Indian 5 star Village.
The timeshare charity mascot, a 7 foot tall Kangaroo named Boomerang, was on hand to thrill the kids and the cowboys and to show a few rope tricks of his own.

“The authentic cowboys and ranch hands made the event truly unique, the kids loved it, and we look forward to promoting more charity events with El-Rancho in the future,” said Michael J. Tolan, co-founder of Time4sharing.org.

“Our contribution is but a small drop in the ocean to give hope and joy to kids in need, however, as more companies join the band wagon of corporate responsibility, all of our combined efforts create a ripple effect that could influence others to share time with kids that matter and raise awareness to empower their own communities needs,” added Tolan

“We also look forward to doing more international events in the near future in Dubai and Malta, our clients and our staff just love the looks on the faces of these kids who could never hope for such a great memorable time, and that is what we share, time, today’s most precious commodity in our busy modern world.” It costs so little, but it gives these kids who deserve it, so much, said Tolan. With the global economy in question in so many markets, proactive injections of positivity are well received by children who often feel disenfranchised in today’s world,” said Tolan.

About World Class Group:
A network of highly skilled independent consultants connected to the World Class Group network who dominate their own space of expertise including Shared Ownership, Project Management, Public Relations, Marketing Concepts, Construction and Urban Planning, Strategic Planning, Change Management, Health Care,Structural Engineering, Creative Concepts, Resort and Mixed Use Development.

WorldClass-Uae.com services projects, real estate developments,governmental consulting, corporate coaching, shared ownership, training and organizational re-engineering. The group has offices in Europe and the GCC and is based in Lebanon, with representatives in North America, Australia, and Singapore.

Orange Lake Resorts, with more than 120,000 owners and over 35,000 club members, and IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) the world’s largest hotel group by number of rooms, announce today the official launch of sales for their new timeshare brand and club product, Holiday Inn Club Vacations. Sales begin at the flagship Orange Lake Resort 2,478-villa property in Orlando, Florida.
The common heritage between Orange Lake and Holiday Inn®—who both share the same founder, Kemmons Wilson—has brought the two brands back together, offering the ultimate vacation experience for club members.
Now through automatic enrollment in the Priority Club® Rewards loyalty program with Gold Elite status, new and existing Holiday Inn Club members can reserve stays at IHG’s more than 4,100 hotels in over 120 countries worldwide. They will also enjoy Priority Club Rewards features and benefits, such as Reward Nights with no blackout dates and the ability to redeem points for merchandise and special experiences. To learn more about the Priority Club program, visit www.priorityclub.com.
Holiday Inn Club members will continue to have access to the Orlando resort, plus Member Resorts in Ascutney, Vermont; Lake Geneva, Wisconsin and Panama City, Florida. They will also have access to Resort Condominium International’s (RCI) network of more than 4,000 resorts.

“We’re inviting our club members to open their eyes to a whole new way of vacationing,” said Don Harrill, President and CEO for Orange Lake Resorts. “Club membership allows our owners to be at the right places at the right times—with flexibility unmatched in the timeshare industry.”

Orange Lake also recognizes the significant opportunity to market their resorts through Priority Club Rewards, the world’s largest loyalty program with more than 39 million members. 
The development of Holiday Inn Club Vacations was the right fit for the two companies, both sharing similar owner and guest profiles, customer service models, and both dedicated to remaining competitive in their industries.  
Spence Wilson, Orange Lake Resort’s Chairman of the Board and son of Kemmons Wilson, had much to say about the $1 billion re-launch of Holiday Inn. “Holiday Inn has earned the reputation of offering services and amenities that have revolutionized the hotel industry. If you thought you knew Holiday Inn before, it’s time to look again and see where they’re going as they refresh their brand,” he said.  “It’s an exciting time for our members and for both companies. I’m ecstatic that my father’s vision came together so seamlessly and that together both companies are changing the landscape of how families vacation.”
This day also marks the launch of the Holiday Inn Club Vacations website, www.holidayinnclub.com, where members can learn more about their new benefits and start planning their next vacation. Holiday Inn Club Vacations will continue to expand their Member Resorts to destination locations, adding more vacation experiences, features and benefits for their members. 
                                               
About Orange Lake Resorts
Orange Lake Resorts has evolved from a “best-kept secret” as the world’s largest single-site timeshare resort to a multi-site network of over 2,400 villas. Their strategic marketing alliance with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) provides members access to Holiday Inn Club Vacations resorts in Wisconsin, Vermont and Florida and IHG’s network of more than 4,000 resorts worldwide. Orange Lake Resort’s flagship property, located next to Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando, was established in 1982 by Holiday Inn founder, Kemmons Wilson and is planned for expansion to 4,500 villas. Holiday Inn Club Vacations will continue to expand their Member Resorts to destination locations. 

About Holiday Inn
With nearly 1,400 hotels worldwide, Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts is the most widely recognized lodging brand in the world.  In fact, Holiday Inn was one of the first international hotel brands to establish a presence in China in 1984. Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts provides the services that business travelers need, while also offering a comfortable atmosphere where all people can relax and enjoy amenities such as restaurants and room service, swimming pools, fitness centers and comfortable lounges.  The casual atmosphere and amenities such as meeting and on-site business facilities, KidSuites rooms, Kids Eat and Stay Free programs, and the ability to earn Priority Club Rewards points that can be redeemed for great merchandise, airline miles or free room nights, demonstrate the long-standing commitment of Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts to serving travelers and have helped to establish the brand as “America’s Favorite Hotel.”  For more information about Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts or to book reservations, call 1-800-HOLIDAY or visit http://www.holidayinn.com/.
The $1 billion relaunch of the Holiday Inn brand family (comprising Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express and Express by Holiday Inn) will bring improved consistency and service levels, as well as a more contemporary brand image and identity, to almost 3,200 hotels worldwide. The global relaunch was announced in October 2007 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2010. To find out more about the relaunch, click here to read the news release on our corporate website, or visit the site at www.ihg.com/corporate.

About IHG
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is the world’s largest hotel group by number of rooms.  IHG owns, manages, leases or franchises, through various subsidiaries, over 4,000 hotels and more than 590,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world.  The Group owns a portfolio of well recognized and respected hotel brands including InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn® Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express®, Staybridge Suites®, Candlewood Suites® and Hotel Indigo®, and also manages the world’s largest hotel loyalty program, Priority Club® Rewards with over 39 million members worldwide.
IHG has more than 1,700 hotels in its development pipeline, which will create 150,000 jobs worldwide over the next few years.
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales.
IHG offers information and online reservations for all its hotel brands at www.ihg.com and information for the Priority Club Rewards program at www.priorityclub.com. For the latest news from IHG, visit our online Press Office at www.ihg.com/media

Anabui is first Private Residence Club on the Island

Star Resort Group (SRG) has announced that Anabui, a private residence club located in the gated community of Tierra Del Sol, Aruba has launched sales.   SRG is a leading developer, marketer and seller of luxury fractional ownership real estate, private residence clubs, condo-hotels, timeshares, and whole ownership resort real estate products in The Americas.
Star Resort Group provides sales and marketing, development and management expertise to developers throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America and now, the Caribbean.  The company also develops resort projects for its own account, and is unique in that aspect.

Aruba’s first and only Private Residence Club is a development of the Van der Valk Hospitality Group, a Netherlands-based company established three-quarters of a century ago and still operated as a family business.  Van der Valk Hospitality has owned or operated 80 hotels over the years.  This is its first foray into the fractional/PRC real estate industry.

According to Ashley Offermann, Vice President, Star Resort Group “the luxury resort has long been marketing and selling whole ownership lots and custom villas. The time was right for them to step into the fractional resort real estate arena.”

According to Offermann the fractional portion of the venture are deeded one-tenth interest in a club residence and owners are entitled to no fewer than 28 nights occupancy each year, guaranteed – plus unlimited use on a space-available basis. He says “fractional interests in fully furnished, three-bedroom residences are currently available at special Founding Membership pricing from $149,900 USD.”
Aruba is the most revisited island in the Caribbean.  Often referred to as the meeting of Holland and the Americas, the island is known for its harmonious trade winds, white sand, aquamarine waters, luxurious resorts, activities, nightlife, casinos, fine dining and fine shopping.

Other Star Resort Group projects currently in sales are Cape Codder Residence Club (Hyannis, MA) and Vallarta Gardens (Puerto Vallarta). For more information visit www.starresortgroup.com

Star Resort Group is located at 4248 N. Craftsman Court – Suite 100, Scottsdale, Arizona 85251[tel] 480 922 6801 [fax] 480 922 6805

For more information about Anabui, visit www.anabui.com

Palheiro Village has received international recognition after being judged “Best Development – Portugal” and “Best Fractional Ownership Scheme – Silver” in the Homes Overseas Awards.

The winners of the highly coveted Homes Overseas Awards were announced at a glittering Gala dinner and awards ceremony at The Grovsenor House Hotel in London on Friday, 28 November.   The evening event was attended by property developers and property agents from all around the world and gave recognition to the very best international residential property projects.    The Homes Overseas Awards are the most highly respected symbols of prestige and excellence in the overseas property sector.

The awards are made annually following a rigorous process, with shortlisted candidates being visited and assessed by a judge.   The awards judge who visited Madeira was Marc Da-Silva, editor of the online version of Homes Overseas Magazine.   After the awards ceremony, he said “Best Development Portugal was one of the most fiercely contested categories this year with a whole host of entries from across Portugal”.   “Golf was awarded to Palheiro Village, as it is a truly magnificent development.  I believe Palheiro has taken residential architecture on the island to a new level, and now stands to rival some of the best golf property developments in the more established golfing hotspot of the Algarve, at a fraction of the price”.

Palheiro Village comprises 79 luxury freehold apartments and villas with spectacular sea views over the Atlantic Ocean, forming part of The Palheiro Estate, an ideal haven for those seeking peace and relaxation, surrounded by the lushness of Madeira’s vegetation, nature and scenery, yet only 15 minutes drive from the charming and vibrant city of Funchal.

The origins of the estate go back over 200 years to 1804 when João, 1st Count of Carvalhal built a hunting lodge.    In 1885, the estate was acquired by John Burden Blandy, in whose family it remains.     The old house has been restored and transformed into Casa Velha do Palheiro, a `Relais & Chateaux´ country house hotel which welcomes golfers and those interested in exploring Madeira’s gardens, mountain scenery and levada walks.

Adjacent to Casa Velha are the Palheiro Gardens, famous not only for the variety of plants that grow there, but for the beauty of their hillside setting.   The gardens form a rich collection of plants from many different parts of the world, gathered together over a period of 180 years or so.

Winding its way through the estate, Palheiro Golf comprises an 18-hole golf course, golf academy and elegant clubhouse    The golf course architect Cabell Robinson has created a challenging golf course incorporating the characteristic Madeiran hills, ridges and deep valleys and reflecting the elegance and serenity of the surroundings.    The clubhouse offers a relaxing ambience with an excellent all-day menu and breathtaking views over Funchal Bay.

Located conveniently close to the Palheiro Golf clubhouse, the Village offers a range of apartments and villas together with its own club facilities including swimming pool, pool bar and reception.   Owners in Palheiro Village will also have access to the new Palheiro Spa, which is due to open mid-2009.

Palheiro Real Estate
For further information contact Roger Still or Anne Marchington
Tel: +351 291 794 015
Fax: +351 291 794 022

roger.still@palheiroestate.com
anne.marchington@palheiroestate.com

Interval International, a leading provider of vacation services, has announced the affiliation of Monte Cairo, an urban resort in the Egyptian capital of Cairo.

“This is our second affiliation in Cairo and we are delighted to add it to our worldwide network of resorts. This stylish project is in a popular destination for our Middle East members”, says David Clifton, Interval International’s managing director for Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia.

This new development is situated on top of the Moqattam Hill and overlooks the heart of the city. The property comprises of 80 timeshare units, with a mix of studio, one and two-bedroom units that are spacious and tastefully furnished. Amenities include a swimming pool, café, and restaurant. Monte Cairo is located within easy reach of the city centre, its international restaurants, and local cultural attractions, such as the pyramids and the world-renowned Egyptian Museum.

About Interval International
Interval International operates membership programs for vacation owners 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 30 years. Today, Interval has a network of over 2,400 resorts in excess of 75 countries and offers its resort clients and approximately 2 million member families high-quality products and programs through 27 offices in 17 countries. 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.

For more information contact:
Adrian Bascombe, Corporate Communications Manager, Interval International
Phone: +44 (0) 20 8336 9573
E-mail: adrian.bascombe@intervalintl.com

Repeating it’s appearance at this year’s inaugural event, Perspective Magazine will once again be Media Sponsor at the Fractional Summit 2009 including distribution of the latest edition to all attendees and taking it’s industry event coverage to no less than 16 conferences worldwide in 2009.

With over 250 fractional professionals expected from around the world, Fractional Summit 2009 is the leading industry event bringing together key decision makers to drive the industry forward. Building on this success, the value of the event is what you learn, who you meet and the business you do.

The fractional marketplace is now one of the world’s fastest growing areas of consumer real estate, with fractional property at its core.

Having outgrown our previous venue, Fractional Summit 2009 is now extended to a 2 day event and offers a unique opportunity to meet all the key fractional property movers and shakers under one roof – making Fractional Summit an event not to be missed. This year’s theme “Fractionals: beating the credit crunch – the rewards, the opportunities” explores the various different facets of the fractional property marketplace and why the industry continues to gain marketshare.

For more information and to register for attendance please visit FractionalSummit.com

Perspective International Ltd
Publishers of Perspective Magazine; the most read independent B2B publication for the shared ownership industry globally and Owners Perspective Magazine, a global consumer publication for the shared ownership industry. Perspective International also provides a suite of PR and Media services. For more information visit http://www.perspectiverates.com

Fractional Life
Fractional Life is an exciting new web brand based on the fractional ownership and asset-sharing concept. The site’s aim is to give you the choice of the best of everything at a fraction of the cost, all under one roof in a ‘fractional superstore.’ Visit FractionalLife.com

Significant Step In International Expansion

Interval International, a leading global provider of vacation services, and Southern Sun Hotel Interests (Proprietary) Limited (“Southern Sun”), a leading hotel group in the region, today announced they have entered into a long-term, exclusive affiliation agreement. This includes Southern Sun’s six existing Lifestyle Resorts, representing one of the largest vacation ownership programmes in Southern Africa, as well as any future developments added during the term of the agreement.

Beacon Island Lifestyle Resort

In addition to the affiliation, Southern Sun has selected Interval to provide a comprehensive package of customised services, including programme-design support and back-office points-based reservation services. This seamless integration will leverage Interval’s global infrastructure and complement Southern Sun’s resources. Interval specialises in working with resort developers to create vacation ownership programmes of every configuration, including points-based club products. 

“We are honoured to have the opportunity to provide a wide range of value-added services for Southern Sun’s owners. The company has been a major player in the region’s vacation ownership industry for many years and we look forward to working with Southern Sun, as they take their already successful business to the next level,” said Craig M. Nash, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Interval Leisure Group, parent company of Interval International. “We are also very pleased to offer our members the chance to visit these quality resorts in Southern Africa, a destination that’s known worldwide for its one-of-a-kind vacation experiences set amidst spectacular scenery.”

Graham Wood, managing director of Southern Sun said, “We are extremely proud of our partnership with Interval International. The two teams worked incredibly hard to make this dream a reality.  Going forward, we will be able to offer our Lifestyle Resort owners true world-class service excellence and a wide variety of choice on a global scale.”

Southern Sun Lifestyle Resorts division operates a multi-location vacation ownership programme with six properties situated at destinations including Garden Route, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga. The programme currently comprises approximately 33,000 members, or more than eight percent of the country’s existing timeshare owners, who own in excess of 43,000 vacation ownership weeks. These consumers will benefit from the services to be provided by Interval under this agreement, which commences in February 2009.  

According to the Timeshare Institute of Southern Africa (TISA), some 400,000 owners hold weeks or points for timeshares in the country and a recent survey revealed that nearly two-thirds of respondents feel that timesharing has increased the amount of time they spend on holidays. With the affiliation of Southern Sun, Interval has gained a strong platform for future growth in the region. Alex Bosch, executive director of TISA said, “We are excited to have a company of the magnitude and reputation of Interval significantly enhance its presence in South Africa. This is a truly positive development for the industry and provides real choice in the marketplace.”   

ABOUT INTERVAL INTERNATIONAL
Interval International operates membership programs for vacation owners 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 30 years. Today, Interval has a network of over 2,400 resorts in more than 75 countries and offers its resort clients and approximately 2 million member families high-quality products and programs through 26 offices in 16 countries. Interval is an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:IILG), a leading global provider of membership and leisure services in the vacation industry.

Since the end of June, Shell Vacations’ Carriage Ridge Resort at Horseshoe Valley in Barrie, Ontario has maintained the number one ranked position on TripAdvisor, based on consumer comments. The resort is ranked #1 out of 18 Barrie area hotels and resorts with a 4.5 rating. Neighboring Carriage Hills Resort, also developed by Shell Vacations, is listed in the #3 position with a 4.0 rating.

TripAdvisor.com is considered one of the largest travel communities in the world hosting more than 5 million reviews and opinions that cover over 200,000 hotels and travel attractions. This web site provides consumers’ recommendations for hotels, inns, resorts, vacations, as well as travel packages offered by the various hospitality entities.

Richard Cassara, Regional Vice President of Shell Vacations Hospitality, the resort’s managing agent, comments, “We are delighted that TripAdvisor travelers have honored Carriage Ridge as one of the nation’s top resorts. With customer service always our top priority, this award confirms our dedication and commitment to achieving our goal. We know that we are unique in the Barrie area since our spacious vacation ownership condo-suites can accommodate up to eight guests and provide all the comforts of home.”

Developed as a vacation ownership property by Northbrook, Illinois-based Shell Vacations LLC, the $24 million Carriage Ridge Resort was completed in December 2004 and features 78 two-bedroom units accommodating eight guests. The resort’s sister property, Carriage Hills Resort, was completed in 2002 with 172-two-bedrooom units. When combined, the two resorts total over 500 individual units. “Delivering our guests superior service is a top priority at the Carriage Ridge Resort, as well as at all of the properties we manage,” said Susan Kelley, President of Shell Vacations Hospitality. “We are thrilled that our continuous efforts at Carriage Ridge have been acknowledged by TripAdvisor travelers and we look forward to extending our high level of service to even more guests.”

Shell Vacations Hospitality is experiencing similar results in its guest comment card program company wide. Shell Vacations’ portfolio of resorts maintains some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings compared to its competitors, with a guest satisfaction index of 93 (as of 12-03-08). The industry average according to Market Metrix, Shell Vacations’ comment card provider, is 85.5. This highlights Shell Vacations Hospitality’s company-wide commitment to guest satisfaction.
Carriage Ridge Resort offers spacious condo-suites an hour north of Toronto and 15 minutes from the city of Barrie. The resort is central to the best year-round outdoor recreation in Central Ontario, offering ski-in/ski-out accommodations for downhill skiing and snowboarding and an easy drive to world class cross country ski trails. Several winter activities hosted at nearby Horseshoe Resort include Snowmobile Tours, Dog Sledding and Hummer Adventure Tours. Packages for Family Vacations, Romantic Retreats and Adventure Getaways are offered 12 months of the year. The resort is a golfer’s paradise in the Spring, Summer and Fall with three championship golf courses within 2km of the resort and 18 additional courses nearby.

Interiors are designed with deep colors and contemporary woods, with all suites offering kitchen amenities, luxurious king beds, sofa sleeper and private balconies. One- and two-bedroom suites also offer a fireplace and Jacuzzi tub. On-site recreation includes an indoor pool, hot tub, kid’s pool, game room and fitness room.

TripAdvisor guests are the result of an extensive rental program created on behalf of the developer and Shell Vacations Club (SVC), the company’s points-based vacation ownership club. The rental program is totally facilitated and administered by Shell Vacations Hospitality, headquartered in Northbrook, IL Shell Vacations is one of the nation’s most respected independent vacation ownership developers with more than 2,500 employees. The company specializes in the sales, marketing, and hospitality management of its vacation ownership resorts as well as the servicing of over 120,000 owners/members.

Visit www.ShellVacationsClub.com and www.ShellVacationsHospitality.com for more information.

Hilton Hotels Corporation has entered into a non-exclusive Strategic Development Agreement (SDA) with the Abdulmohsen Al-Hokair Group for Tourism and Development, with the potential to deliver 13 Hilton Garden Inn properties (comprising 2,500 rooms). These properties, which will be managed by Hilton, will be in key locations across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The first property is anticipated to open in 2009 in Riyadh.

This landmark agreement marks the entry of the first Hilton Garden Inn, the Hilton Family’s focused service brand, in the Middle East and Africa region. Over the next five years, Hilton and Al Hokair plan to introduce Hilton Garden Inn hotels across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in locations such as Riyadh, Al Khobar, Dammam, Jubail, King Abdullah Economic City, Taif, Abha, Tabuk, Hail/Buraydah and Yanbu.

“The full spectrum of the Hilton Family of hotels gives us tremendous opportunities for growth in all global markets. We are delighted to have signed our first multi-unit Hilton Garden Inn agreement in the Middle East with the Al Hokair Group in Saudi Arabia. This agreement is a testament to the country’s tremendous growth potential,” said Jean-Paul Herzog, President, Hilton Hotels, Middle East & Africa.

Adrian Kurre, senior vice president – brand management for Hilton Garden Inn, commented, “As Hilton Garden Inn continues its remarkable growth in countries around the world, we look forward to debuting our focused service brand that embodies value and consistency in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Guests will be able to enjoy all of our signature brand attributes including the Garden Sleep System bed, complimentary high speed Internet access, 24-hour business centre and fitness centre.”

Hilton Garden Inn is a focused service brand offering affordable rates for the mid-market traveller. The hotel will feature guest rooms offering a minimum size of 28 square metres (301 square feet), two food and beverage outlets, including a restaurant and lounge area and a number of small meeting rooms.

Sami Al-Hokair, Executive Vice President of The Al Hokair Group said, “We are delighted to be working with Hilton on this multi-unit agreement in Saudi Arabia. As the world’s leading hospitality company, their global presence and experience gives us the confidence that this alliance will be a great success.”

The Kingdom’s Tourism Higher Authority (THA) has taken significant steps to further the country’s tourism potential. Alongside religious tourism, Saudi Arabia boasts a growing potential for major national and international conferences. The THA has realised the immense potential in developing domestic tourism with an estimated five million Saudis travelling abroad annually. Domestic tourism alone is expected to generate around SR101 billion by 2020.

Hilton has named the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) as one of its top ten key development markets internationally, and specifically the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Today’s announcement confirms Hilton’s plans to concentrate on multi-unit deals in key emerging markets.

Hilton Hotels operates four properties in Saudi Arabia; three Hilton hotels in Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah, in addition to the 46-all suite The Waldorf=Astoria Collection property, ‘Qasr Al Sharq’ or ‘Palace of the Orient’ in Jeddah.

Hilton Garden Inn is the award-winning, mid-priced brand that continually strives to ensure today’s busy travellers have everything they need to be most productive on the road — from complimentary wired and Wi-Fi Internet access in all guestrooms and PrintSpotsTM mobile printing to the hotel’s complimentary 24-hour business centre to one of the most comfortable beds with the Garden Sleep System®. So whether on the road for personal or business reasons, Hilton Garden Inn offers the amenities and services for travellers to sleep deep, stay fit, eat well and work smart while on the road. To find out more about Hilton Garden Inn locations throughout Europe and North America, visit www.HGI.com.

Hilton Hotels Corporation is the leading global hospitality company, with more than 3,000 hotels and 500,000 rooms in more than 74 countries and territories, including 135,000 team members worldwide.

The company owns, manages or franchises a hotel portfolio of some of the best known and highly regarded brands, including Hilton®, Conrad® Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree®, Embassy Suites Hotels®, Hampton Inn®, Hampton Inn & Suites®, Hilton Garden Inn®, Hilton Grand Vacations™, Homewood Suites by Hilton®, and The Waldorf=Astoria Collection™.

The company currently operates 43 hotels in the Middle East & Africa – 17 hotels in Egypt, nine hotels in the UAE, five in Saudi Arabia and one each in Oman and Kuwait, plus another ten hotels in Africa and the Indian Ocean.

Hilton Hotels has a signed development pipeline of an additional 16 properties across Middle East & Africa in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Jordan, Equatorial Guinea, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria and Cape Verde.

The Hilton Family of Hotels adheres to founder Conrad Hilton’s philosophy that, “It has been, and continues to be, our responsibility to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality.” The company put a name to its unique brand of service that has made it the best known and most highly regarded hotel company: be hospitable®. The philosophy is shared by all brands in the Hilton Family of Hotels, and is the inspiration for its overarching message of kindness and generosity.

For more information about our company, please visit www.hiltonfamily.com, and to learn more about our be hospitable philosophy, please visit www.behospitable.com.

Holiday Inn’s first timeshare resort is now available to guests for rental and timeshare ownership

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) today announces the official unveiling of Holiday Inn Club Vacations with the opening of its first location at Orange Lake Resort in Orlando, Fla. The new timeshare brand was announced in September 2008 as a strategic alliance between IHG, the world’s largest hotel company, and Orange Lake Resorts, a leader within the timeshare industry with more than 25 years of proven success.
“The strength and recognition of the Holiday Inn brand combined with Orange Lake’s expertise in timeshare management positions us well for the future, even during these challenging economic times,” said Christian Hempell, vice president, Holiday Inn Club Vacations. “Guests know and trust Holiday Inn, and we’re excited to offer them the opportunity to experience the brand in a new way through timeshare ownership.”
A 1,400-acre golf, water park and sports resort, Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort includes 2,412 villas and is located next to Walt Disney World(R) Resort in Orlando, the number one leisure destination for U.S. travelers. The resort offers a host of amenities including:
    –  4 championship golf courses
    –  7 swimming pools including a 12-acre outdoor entertainment complex
    –  80 acre lake for water sports
    –  Five restaurants
    –  Retail and pro shops

Starting today, travelers who are seeking a richer vacation experience can rent vacation villas online at www.hiclubvacations.com, a dedicated website where consumers can book a spacious one-, two- or three-bedroom villa just like they would any Holiday Inn hotel room. Through IHG’s guest loyalty program, Priority Club Rewards, guests renting villas will earn PCR points during their stays at Holiday Inn Club Vacations, which they can redeem for free nights at IHG properties or exchange for merchandise and special experiences.
Orange Lake Resorts will develop and sell timeshare intervals of Holiday Inn Club Vacations under a license agreement from IHG. Starting today, owners who purchase intervals at Holiday Inn Club Vacations will automatically become members of the newly formed Holiday Inn Club(TM) exchange program. This program allows members to exchange their weeks at the Orlando resort for hotel nights at IHG’s more than 4,100 hotels worldwide. In addition, Holiday Inn Club members will also have access to Resort Condominium International’s (RCI) network of more than 4,000 resorts.
“We’re inviting our club members to open their eyes to a whole new way of vacationing,” said Don Harrill, president and CEO of Orange Lake Resorts. “Club membership allows our owners to be at the right places at the right times–with flexibility unmatched in the timeshare industry.”
In early 2009, existing Orange Lake resorts in Ascutney, Vt.; Lake Geneva, Wis.; and Panama City, Fla. will become part of the Holiday Inn Club Vacations portfolio. Orange Lake and IHG plan to expand the brand into other North American destination locations, adding more vacation experiences, features and benefits for their members. Orange Lake will also build a flagship Holiday Inn Resort hotel at the Orlando resort and will develop up to 2,500 more timeshare villas at this location.
Holiday Inn(R) and Orange Lake share the same founder, Kemmons Wilson, and this common heritage brought the two companies together to offer the ultimate vacation experience.
“Holiday Inn has earned the reputation of offering services and amenities that have revolutionized the hotel industry,” said Spence Wilson, Orange Lake Resort’s Chairman of the Board and son of Kemmons Wilson. “This is an exciting time for our members and for both companies; I’m ecstatic that my father’s vision came together so seamlessly.”

About Orange Lake Resorts
Orange Lake Resorts has evolved from a “best-kept secret” as the world’s largest single-site timeshare resort to a multi-site network of over 2,400 villas. Their strategic marketing alliance with IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) provides members access to Holiday Inn Club Vacations resorts in Wisconsin, Vermont and Florida and IHG’s network of more than 4,000 resorts worldwide. Orange Lake Resort’s flagship property, located next to Walt Disney World(R) Resort in Orlando, was established in 1982 by Holiday Inn founder, Kemmons Wilson and is planned for expansion to 4,500 villas. Holiday Inn Club Vacations will continue to expand their Member Resorts to destination locations.

About Holiday Inn
With nearly 1,400 hotels worldwide, Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts is the most widely recognized lodging brand in the world. In fact, Holiday Inn was one of the first international hotel brands to establish a presence in China in 1984. Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts provides the services that business travelers need, while also offering a comfortable atmosphere where all people can relax and enjoy amenities such as restaurants and room service, swimming pools, fitness centers and comfortable lounges. The casual atmosphere and amenities such as meeting and on-site business facilities, KidSuites rooms, Kids Eat and Stay Free programs, and the ability to earn Priority Club Rewards points that can be redeemed for great merchandise, airline miles or free room nights, demonstrate the long-standing commitment of Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts to serving travelers and have helped to establish the brand as “America’s Favorite Hotel.” For more information about Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts or to book reservations, call 1-800-HOLIDAY or visit http://www.holidayinn.com/.
The $1 billion relaunch of the Holiday Inn brand family was established in 2007 to create a more contemporary brand image, increase quality and drive consistency. The global estate of more than 3,200 Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express properties is expected to be relaunched by the end of 2010. To find out more about the relaunch, click here ( http://www.ihgplc.com/index.asp?PageID=116&NewsID=1888) to read the news release on our Press Office.

About IHG
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) [LON: IHG, NYSE: IHG (ADRs)] is the world’s largest hotel group by number of rooms. IHG owns, manages, leases or franchises, through various subsidiaries, over 4,100 hotels and more than 600,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world. The Group owns a portfolio of well recognized and respected hotel brands including InterContinental(R) Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo(R), Crowne Plaza(R) Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn(R) Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express(R), Staybridge Suites(R) and Candlewood Suites(R), and also manages the world’s largest hotel loyalty program, Priority Club(R) Rewards with 40 million members worldwide.
IHG has more than 1,700 hotels in its development pipeline, which will create 200,000 jobs worldwide over the next few years.

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales.
IHG offers information and online reservations for all its hotel brands at www.ihg.com and information for the Priority Club Rewards program at www.priorityclub.com. For the latest news from IHG, visit our online Press Office at www.ihg.com/media.

Honua Kai Resort & Spa, Maui’s newest luxury beach resort, is set to open January 2009 on Kaanapali’s North Beach.

Developed by Maui Beach Resort Limited Partnership, a joint venture of Intrawest, Ledcor and J.P. Morgan, and managed by Intrawest Hospitality Management, Honua Kai Resort & Spa offers a uniquely contemporary Hawaiian experience.

The full service resort and spa is gently placed oceanfront amid lush gardens, water-rich landscaping, and a beach walking path offering resort amenities and services. Nearby activities include convenient access to championship golf courses, restaurants, ocean sports and cultural attractions.

Situated on 38 oceanfront acres of pristine North Beach Kaanapali, one of the island’s best snorkeling and dive beaches, Honua Kai Resort & Spa is a master plan of resort accommodations situated in two
U-shaped buildings with ocean and mountain views, lush landscaping and expansive open spaces. The openness is mirrored in each of the 628 one-, two- and three-bedroom guest suites that are fully-equipped, spacious and homelike with luxury resort services. More than 70 percent of the suites have ocean views spanning the islands of Lanai and Molokai across the ocean channel.

Two interior color schemes reflect the contemporary Hawaiian style architecture and décor. The cool, restful shades or the warm, textural earth tones inspired by Hawaii’s natural beauty establish a vision for the new and well-appointed accommodations including full luxury kitchens featuring granite slab countertops, stainless steel BOSCH appliances and warm, hard-wood cabinetry. The kitchen is stocked with housewares. A full-size stacked washer and dryer is located near the kitchen.

The living space has a queen sofa sleeper, lounge chair, 42” flat screen television with Bluray DVD player, wireless internet access, dining table and chairs. In the bedroom, a king bed is topped with plush white linens and a decorative bed runner where custom bedside tables and a woven headboard capture the spirit of island décor. A 37” television in the rooms make for lively entertainment, while frameless glass shower enclosures and granite countertops in the bathrooms are quality finishing touches. Contemporary wall art and lighting fixtures complete the look.

The living areas are enhanced with expansive covered lanai separated from the indoor space with the NanaWall system of sliding glass walls that open up the room views and when pushed back erase the boundary between interior and exterior areas for true island living.

“While Honua Kai Resort & Spa’s design is open and generous in space, the guest experience will be friendly and warm-welcoming,” said Ed Sowers, general manager. “We know Honua Kai guests want a connection and a real experience on vacation. Our guests will be treated to surprises and memorable encounters with our staff and host culture.”

“Many of the programs we have in place will provide an interactive vacation experience. Our dunes preservation program and artist initiative are creative, and we are in the process of redefining luxury-level room service with noted Maui chef James McDonald. We look forward to sharing these innovative experiences with Honua Kai guests.”

Honua Kai Resort & Spa will open in two phases as follows:

January 2009 – Hokulani building opens (318 guest suites, lobby café, pool, fitness center)
Spring 2010 – Konea building opens (310 guest suites, lobby café, beachside restaurant, two pools, spa)

A Playground Diverse in Recreation and Relaxation
With 38 acres to work with, designers had room to be creative. An imaginative aqua network of pools, hot tubs, natural pond bridges, waterslide, waterfalls and fountains designed by Pacific Aquascapes in conjunction with landscaper PBR Hawaii allows for privacy and play.

The formal pool has an infinity-edge lap pool with featured terraced lounge seating and semi-submerged aqua lounge chairs and jacuzzi. The family pool has a sandy bottom, one-hundred-and-twenty-foot waterslide and cascading waterfall. Natural lava rock forms an elevated jacuzzi. The third pool, the river pool, features a meandering “river” that flows through smaller swimming holes and playful waterfalls. Two quiet zones have aqua lounges and covered cabana areas for relaxation. All pools have ocean views.

From tall coconut palms to fragrant gardens bursting with flowers for the picking, 38 acres of lush landscaping establishes Honua Kai’s distinctive character. Many varieties of tropical and native Hawaiian plants and trees provide color, fragrance and beauty to the Resort’s tranquil setting. Mature coconut palms and colorful flowering trees such as gardenias and plumeria dot the landscape surrounding the property. And green space is maximized for a sense of grandeur.

Onsite Activities, Amenities and Services

Hokulani Building – 318 guest suites
Valet, bellman, check-in/out desk
Maui celebrity chef James McDonald of Pacific`O and I`o in Lahaina opens a new casual concept gourmet café
Beach Activities Maui, a full-service concierge desk with ability to book restaurant and activity reservations, as well as assist with travel arrangements, etc.
Fitness Center
Two of the four meeting rooms house a contemporary fine art gallery/studio concept
Underground and above ground parking for guests
Keiki (children) camp

Konea Building –310 guest suites (open spring 2010)
Valet, bellman, check-in/out desk
Two additional free-form pools at 3000 square feet
7000-square-foot spa and fitness center
Second keiki (children) camp
Lobby café
Grounds

4200-square-foot beachside restaurant and bar
A beach walking path along the property connects to a one-half mile Kaanapali Beach path
Eight (8) barbeque grills available to guests
Expansive side lawn for lawn games
Towel/set-up service and shaded cabanas poolside
Honua Kai Resort & Spa’s design team includes architects Watanabe Chung Iopa Takaki (Hawaii) and Ray Letkeman & Associates (Vancouver); interior designers ADI Design Group (Hawaii) and
Co-Ordinated Hotel Interiors – CHIL (Vancouver); and landscape designer PBR Hawaii.

Published rates for 2009 begin at $400 per night for the “Ohana” room category at 590 square feet. Special 2009 rates and promotions will be announced. For reservations and information, please contact a travel professional, or call the Resort directly at 1-888-718-5789 from 7 a.m. to
7 p.m. Hawaii Time, or visit www.honuakaimaui.com.

About Intrawest
Intrawest is a world leader in experiential destination resorts. The company has interests in ten resorts in North America’s most popular mountain destinations including Whistler Blackcomb, a host venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The Intrawest network also includes Canadian Mountain Holidays, the largest heli-skiing operation in the world, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Florida and Club Intrawest—a private resort club with locations throughout North America. In addition, Intrawest develops real estate at its resorts and at other locations across North America and in Europe. Intrawest is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.intrawest.com

Legendary Eastern Brand Marks its Entrance into North America as Banyan Tree Residences Mayakoba Announces Founder’s Program

In advance of a much-anticipated February 2009 resort and residence opening, Banyan Tree Residences Mayakoba has announced a limited opportunity for a select number of visionaries to purchase the first all-pool villas within Mayakoba, the most exclusive enclave of resorts on the Mayan Riviera.

To kick off the inaugural sales launch, Banyan Tree Residences Mayakoba is offering first buyers an experience of a lifetime with the Founder’s Class Celebration. Not only will these buyers be the first to own a part of CNBC Property Awards’ “Best Mexico Development,” and Banyan Tree’s flagship property in the Western Hemisphere, they, and five of their friends or family will be treated to an intimate week at Banyan Tree Mayakoba, where they can escape the stress and demands of day-to-day life while making lifelong memories with the people who matter most in their lives.

When a purchase is made prior to January 31, 2009, founding owners will be presented with a once-in-a-lifetime experience showcasing the legendary Banyan Tree brand services. During this week, everything from dedicated personal concierges and unique activities such as cenote snorkeling and diving to tee times at Greg Norman’s Championship, PGA-rated El Camaleon Golf Course will be at their fingertips.

“While there are spectacular Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts worldwide, there is only a very small, intimate circle of owners,” states Geoff Landry, CEO of Nomad Real Estate Group. “Banyan Tree Residences Mayakoba presents the rare opportunity to own a part of the celebrated Banyan Tree lifestyle. The Founder’s Class Celebration is a gift to our founding owners, an opportunity for these visionaries to memorialize their ownership at this special retreat, an escape where they can return to year after year to relax and reconnect.”

An intimate, ecological haven, Banyan Tree Mayakoba is located within the private Mayakoba integrated resort development comprised of five leading hotel brands. Situated just 10 minutes from Playa del Carmen — the charming Mexican pueblo coined “the vibrant heat of the Riviera Maya” — Banyan Tree Mayakoba features 132 tastefully designed villas and terrace residences.

A very limited number of these exquisite villas will ever be available for ownership and only nine will be available in the Founders Program. Secluded and serene, each one- to three- bedroom villa reveals sensuous spaces for outdoor bathtubs and showers as well as spacious sundecks with private pools located beside sea, mangroves and manicured fairways, including:

  — One intimate Spa Pool Villa with open sundecks overlooking the lagoon
     and massage terraces for personal spa treatments
  — One Sunrise Lagoon 2-bedroom Villa with full sized infinity edge pools
  — One Beachfront 3-bedroom Pool Villa with panoramic glass walls to bring
     the resplendent outdoors in
  — One Sunset Beach-Lagoon, 2-bedroom Pool Villa that overlooks the
     lagoon, just steps from the beach
  — Five Terrace Residences, each with three separate master quarters, a
     full kitchen and stunning views across the 17th hole of Greg Norman’s
     PGA-rated course looking out onto the Caribbean

Just as the various environments of the site exist in an ecological balance, Mayakoba is home to four additional world-class resorts and spas each exemplifying a unique personality that complements and balances the entire resort enclave. Elegantly natural, Banyan Tree Mayakoba echoes the indigenous building tradition while blending seamlessly with the local plant and marine life. The resort exudes an exotic sensuality, offering a retreat evoking romance, intimacy and rejuvenation.

About Banyan Tree
The leading international operator in the boutique resort, residences and spa industry, Banyan Tree offers a signature blend of romance and travel with a green conscience. The philosophy behind the hotels, resorts, residences, spas, retail galleries and destination club is based on rejuvenation of the body, mind and soul — a Sanctuary for the Senses. To date, the Banyan Tree Group manages and/or has ownership interests in over 20 resorts and hotels, over 60 spas, in excess of 60 retail galleries; as well as two golf courses.

About Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Banyan Tree marks its foray into the Western Hemisphere with a rarefied real estate offering at Mayakoba; the most exclusive enclave of luxury resorts on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Here the world’s foremost boutique hotelier artfully blends the romance of travel with a unique sense of place and signature touches of Asian hospitality. The greatest expression of exotic sensuality, Banyan Tree Mayakoba will feature 132 masterfully designed villas with an exclusive 50 opportunities to own within this intimate, ecological haven.

Contact Information
For sales queries, contact Nomad Sales & Marketing at 866 540 6512 (US/Canada) or 01 800 681 1818 (Mexico) and visit www.banyantreemayakoba.com. For hotel reservations, visit www.banyantree.com.

Robb & Stucky Interiors has recently completed its second installation of vacation ownership units for one of Hilton Grand Vacations Company’s resorts at South Seas Resort on Captiva Island, Florida.

The Robb & Stucky design team of Michelle Taylor Perry, ASID, and Jan Walker designed new interiors for the living rooms, master bedrooms and lanais of the ten HarbourView Villas units overlooking the marina, giving the three- and two-bedroom, units a fresh, tropical appearance.
“The spacious three- and two-bedroom units were originally a dark British Colonial theme. In order to create a refreshing island feel, we used the citrus colors of yellows, oranges and bright greens. The new window treatments framed a fresh view of the marina with a more casual appearance,” commented Perry.

Robb & Stucky has had a relationship with the Captiva resort for over three decades; at one time they were both owned by The Mariner Group. During this time, Robb & Stucky has continued to furnish many of the five vacation ownership resorts within the 330-acre property as well as other hotels, resorts and fractional properties across the country.

Concludes Perry, “In working with the management company to update the furnishings, we understand the significant impact that interior design and quality furnishings can have on the vacationing resort owners. We also understand the importance of selecting furnishings and materials that are appropriate for hospitality usage.”

Robb & Stucky provides complete turn-key furnishings for commercial clients and coordinates every facet of the design, manufacturing, shipping, and installation process. With a total staff of more than 1,280 employees, the company’s design professionals can be mobilized from any part of the globe, serving clients from Miami to Manhattan to Mexico and The Americas.

About Robb & Stucky
Founded in 1915, in Fort Myers, Fla., Robb & Stucky is a nationally-recognized interior design and premier home furnishings retailer with showrooms in Florida, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, and Costa Rica as well as nine Robb & Stucky patio stores and one of the nation’s largest team of licensed interior designers. For more information, visit www.RobbStucky.com. Robb & Stucky is certified by the state of Florida to practice interior design, license number IB0000745. The company is an industry partner with the American Society of Interior Designers.

For additional information, contact:
Ryan D. Vulcan
Robb & Stucky
239-437-7997

Marge Lennon
Lennon Communications
for Robb & Stucky
239-482-3891

Perspective International, publishers of two independent publications for the shared ownership industry has recently joined the Association for International Property Professionals (AIPP) after continuing to attract clients in the fractional and vacation real estate sectors.

Now with both B2B and B2C publications and the continuing expansion of the award winning PR & Media company, Perspective International found joining AIPP a natural move as its client base spreads further into all aspects of vacation property; now covering everything related to timeshare, fractional ownership, private residence clubs, destination clubs, vacation real estate, investment property and boutique hotels.

The Association of International Property Professionals is the industry body for the international property market. A non-profit organisation, the AIPP has been set up to improve standards of professionalism in this market. In a largely unregulated market, AIPP Members voluntarily agree to follow a professional Code of Conduct. For more information on AIPP visit http://www.aipp.org.uk

“We are delighted to become members of AIPP – we are already members of a number of other industry associations in other sectors around the globe, but this is the first that concentrates solely on international property, which is something that a number of our existing clients are branching into as well as an area that we previously haven’t really covered but have regularly been asked about.” Said Paul Mattimoe, CEO, Perspective International Ltd.

The new consumer publication whose official launch is in January 2009, but has run online only since July 2008 in the run up to the release of the print version will be heavily interacting with the property and fractional ownership markets and providing a high end lead generation platform through its readership of existing owners and prospective buyers / renters of all vacation property products globally.
Owners Perspective Magazine is already exhibiting and distributing at no less than seven major travel and property shows throughout the UK in 2009. For more information visit www.ownersperspective.com

For full details on all products and services offered by Perspective International Ltd visit www.perspectiverates.com

Oceânico Group’s Amendoeira Golf Resort, near Silves in the Algarve, has won Gold in the category of Best Golf Development at this year’s Homes Overseas Awards.

The Homes Overseas Awards, which were announced at a ceremony at the Grosvenor Hotel in London on 28th November, recognise the best overseas property developments from around the World, and are judged by a panel of national and international property experts.

A record number of entries were received for the Best Golf Development category, with Oceânico’s Amendoeira Golf Resort winning Gold for its quality of build, design and range of facilities, providing investors with an exceptional golfing experience.

Nikki Loker, Sales & Marketing Director of Oceânico Group, said: “The Homes Overseas Awards are extremely competitive, with entries from around the World and every development visited by the judges. To win Gold for the Best Golf Development is a fantastic achievement and underlines the commitment we have made to create a world-class golf experience.

“The golf courses and clubhouse, which are now open, are receiving outstanding feedback from visitors, and with phase one properties due to be completed early next year we are looking forward to welcoming owners and guests to what now really is an award winning golf development.”

Amendoeira Golf Resort is destined to be one of the finest golf resorts in Europe, with two championship courses – one designed by Nick Faldo and the other by Christy O’Connor Jnr – alongside a wealth of sporting and leisure amenities including the fully-equipped Amendoeira Golf Resort Academy, which boasts every practice facility for the amateur and tour professional alike and features a 9-hole par 3 floodlit course. The resort will also feature six championship standard tennis courts, a full size football pitch, two bowling greens, two five a side football pitches, plus children’s facilities and play areas.

Properties at the resort range from luxury four and five bedroom Prestige villas with private swimming pools, to three bedroom villas also with private swimming pools, and two and three bedroom apartments with a communal pool. All properties are designed in Moorish style with high quality fixtures and fittings throughout.

Oceânico Prestige Residence Club is also available at the resort, offering eighth share ownership in a luxury three bedroom apartment, with prices from €115,000 per eighth share. Owners will enjoy unlimited* and flexible occupancy of properties across the growing portfolio of Oceânico Prestige Residence Clubs around the world as well as access to a range of luxury lifestyle services including a Sunseeker cruiser, executive car transfers and in-house concierge.

About Oceânico Group
Oceânico Group is one of the leading property developers and golf operators in Portugal. The Group consists of Oceânico Developments, Oceânico Golf and Oceânico Resorts & Leisure.

Oceânico Developments is the market leader in high quality property developments in Portugal. Specialising in creating luxury four and five star properties for the holiday home, relocation and investment markets, the company’s fully completed developments include Jardim da Meia Praia near Lagos and Estrela da Luz and Vila Baía in Praia da Luz. Developments currently under construction include Belmar Spa & Beach Resort, overlooking Porto de Mós beach; Quinta do Monte Funchal on the prestigious Funchal Ridge; and Amendoeira, a €500 million golf resort in the district of Silves. Recently launched golf developments include Vilamoura Golf & Garden Resort in the Algarve and Royal Óbidos Spa & Golf Resort on Portugal’s Silver Coast.

Oceânico Resorts & Leisure manages the range of developments to four/five-star luxury standard, and offers holiday rentals at the properties.

Oceânico Golf oversees the management and operations of the Group’s golf courses. This currently includes the Faldo and O’Connor Jnr. courses at Amendoeira Golf Resort near Silves and five renowned courses in Vilamoura (The Oceânico Old Course, Oceânico Victoria, Oceânico Pinhal, Oceânico Millennium and Oceânico Laguna). Oceânico Golf will also manage the Group’s new Royal Obidos golf resort, which will feature a course designed by Severiano Ballesteros.

Marking its presence in the USA, Oceânico Group USA recently purchased Little River Golf & Resort in the Pinehurst golf area of North Carolina, which includes an 18-hole Dan Maples designed golf course.

W Hotels Celebrates 10 Years of Industry Revolution and Design Innovation With Global Growth Plans to Triple the Brand’s Portfolio by 2011;
W Hotels Also Unveils $40 Million Renovation of W New York, the Brand’s Iconic First Property and Innovation Laboratory

W Hotels Worldwide, the hotel category buster, celebrates 10 years of industry revolution and design innovation. More than a hotel brand, W Hotels has established itself as an iconic lifestyle brand, offering guests unprecedented access to a world of “Wow” through fashion, nightlife, celebrities and entertainment. With 10 years of proven success, W Hotels will triple its global footprint by 2011, with expansion into vibrant primary destinations around the world, from Dubai to Shanghai, Hong Kong to London, Hoboken to South Beach, and Athens to Barcelona. The W brand marks this 10 year milestone with the completion of a $40 million renovation of W New York, the brand’s iconic first property. Since 1998, W New York has served as the W brand’s innovation lab, creating a unique mix of guest experiences that put W Hotels at the forefront of a new category in hospitality.

W Hotels has forever changed the hospitality landscape with a series of industry firsts, including: the introduction of the W brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever concierge service as a vehicle to fulfill every guest’s dreams; transformation of the hotel lobby into the W Living Room experience; creation of destination bars as a social gathering point; exclusive Bliss spa concepts; the W Hotels’ signature refresh, updating the Living Room spaces on a seasonal basis to provide frequent guests and local loyalists with the feeling of continued change and newness extension of the lifestyle experience into retail through W Hotels the Store; signature scents that are refreshed seasonally; the debut of a branded W bed and branded W CDs released each year; the reinterpretation of the hotel mini-bar into the W “Munchie Box” to present the brand’s lifestyle point of view; introduction of W The Card as the access pass to insider experiences; and the reinvention of the presidential suite into W’s “Extreme Wow” and “Wow” suites.
With aggressive global growth in the next three years, W Hotels is set to become a worldwide brand, offering the W Hotels brand experience to guests and local loyalists on a global scale. The brand’s unique and innovative offerings, combined with exclusive brand partnerships and W Hotels’ signature style and warmth, have revolutionized the industry. W Hotels was also the force behind the creation of a new hotel brand, Aloft, a select service brand inspired by the DNA of W Hotels.

“Innovation has been central to the W brand since its inception,” said Eva Ziegler, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide and Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts. “In just 10 years, W Hotels has evolved from a New York-centric concept to a worldwide phenomenon. In celebration of this milestone, we are proud to announce the completion of the renovation of W New York, W’s iconic first property.”

W New York Announces the Completion of a $40 Million Renovation
Designed in collaboration with award-winning and internationally renowned architecture and interior design firm, BBG-BBGM, W New York is a sophisticated urban oasis. The design of the hotel integrates the signature contemporary style and warmth of W Hotels with clever room design solutions. All 688 of the property’s guest rooms and suites have been infused with new bursts of Wow, creating a luxurious urban escape and a modern respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

“Our renovated guestrooms are a celebration of the innovation, design and unique style W has led over the past 10 years,” said Edward Maynard, General Manager, W New York. “In addition to celebrating our 10 year milestone as the first W Hotel to open its doors, we are excited to share the property’s sophisticated, contemporary and clever new design with our guests who will continue to enjoy our signature Whatever/Whenever promise in guestrooms that have been designed specifically to their travel needs.”

Each guest room was created as a modernized magical interpretation of nature using scale, transparency, and graphics. The luxurious beds, wrapped in warm zebrawood, are the focal point of the rooms, encouraging relaxation. Wow design elements include custom-designed headboards that feature backlit, sensual photos, hinting at the silhouette or the curvature of a beautiful human body. All rooms feature an innovative, multi-level work area that includes a sleek, wooden desk topped by a pivoting glass plane allowing for more workspace in the room. Modern, chic and highly functional, the work area supports the many needs of W travelers – from midnight email exchanges to late-night snacks. In addition, each room offers guests a variety of entertainment options, from W Hotels’ signature Munchie Box, Tivoli radios and iPod docking stations, and large flat-screen televisions mounted for rotation to ensure comfortable viewing from anywhere in the room.
New design elements in the bath echo those found in the rooms, making the space feel more expansive. Smoky amethyst wall coverings are textured with deep horizontal grooves, while traditional shower curtain has been replaced with clear glass panels to give the bathroom a bright and spacious feel.

“I am pleased to partner with W New York and the owner of the hotel, Host Hotels, for the first renovation of the W New York since its opening,” said Nadia Biski, Partner, BBG-BBGM. “BBG-BBGM’s innovative design provides a unique platform to layer in W signature experiences and programming. The newly refurbished guestrooms are relaxing and playful, while the suites are nothing less than amazing—they truly offer a one-of-a-kind sensory experience.”

The duplex Wow suites at W New York feature an impressive double-height ceiling, a second-story loft bedroom, dark hardwood floors, abstract bronze coffee tables, hanging pendant lamps inspired by Indian water vessels and custom-designed, backlit acrylic panels from Farmboy Fine Arts. These panels, which feature abstract tree forms in various shapes and sizes, hang in an alluring pattern on the suites’ two-story walls, calling immediate attention to the vertical rise.
The Extreme Wow Suites at W New York are the ultimate destination for an innovative city experience, offsetting New York’s adrenaline and energy with a unique experiential setting filled with unpredictable creativity. The suites feature large, wraparound outdoor terraces with stunning city views, beckoning guests to unwind in a sanctuary where they can mingle, mix cocktails, play games or chill out. With teak flooring and carefully selected furnishings, such as oversized daybeds, solid raw cedar cocoon chairs, teak-framed sectionals, a reclining chaise lounge, and a pool table, the terrace is a multifunctional environment perfectly suited for relaxing, playing or entertaining.
To maintain a sense of continuity from the stunning terraces to the lavish suites, the indoor spaces were designed to take inspiration from the outdoors, and careful consideration was taken to blur distinction between the two. The parlor seating is a mix of chic and contemporary indoor and outdoor furniture, while Farmboy Fine Arts acrylic abstracts accent the room with unique imagery.

“New York is the epicenter of fashion, design, music and entertainment, all passions of the W brand” said Vera Manoukian, Area Managing Director, W Hotels of New York. “As the category buster and leading innovator, W Hotels will continue to refuel our cool in New York City with upcoming revitalization projects, including the renovations of W New York–Times Square and W New York–Union Square in 2009.”

W New York was originally designed by award-winning architect and designer, David Rockwell, who also designed W Hotels’ W New York-Union Square property.
For more information on W New York, please visit www.whotels.com/nyc .

About W Hotels Worldwide
W Hotels is an innovative luxury lifestyle brand and the hotel category buster with 26 properties in the most vibrant destinations around the world. Inspiring, iconic, innovative and influential, W Hotels provides the ultimate in insider access to a world of “Wow.” Each hotel offers a unique mix of innovative design and cultural influences from fashion to music, pop culture to art, and everything in between. W Hotels are unique and individual expressions of modern living, reflected in the brand’s sensibility to design contemporary restaurant concepts, nightlife experiences, and signature spas. With 10 years of proven success, W Hotels will triple its footprint by 2011. In North America and Latin America, W Hotels have been announced in Austin, Buckhead Atlanta, Downtown Atlanta, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Hoboken, Hollywood, Huntington Beach, Downtown New York, Santiago, South Beach, and Washington, D.C. In Europe, W Hotels have been announced in Athens, Barcelona, London, Manchester, Milan and St. Petersburg. In Asia, W has announced properties in Bangkok, Guangzhou, Macao-Studio City, Shanghai and Yokohama. In Africa and the Middle East, W has announced properties in Amman, Doha, Dubai-Festival City, Dubai-The Palm and Marrakech. W has plans to open W Retreat & Spa properties in Bali, Koh Samui, Vieques Island and Verbier, the latter of which will serve as W Hotels’ first ski retreat. For more information, visit www.whotels.com.

About BBG-BBGM
BBG-BBGM are internationally-renowned, award-winning architectural and interior design firms with extensive expertise in the design of mixed-use complexes, luxury urban hotels, resorts, high-end residential, retail, and corporate/office buildings. The firms have offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Scottsdale, AZ, Sydney, and Shanghai. Current projects include Smyth Hotel at 85 West Broadway, New York; 330 Hudson in New York; Vdara at MGM MIRAGE CityCenter in Las Vegas, NV; Peninsula Shanghai in China; Trump International Hotel and Tower in Dubai; Shangri-La Futian in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; a Mixed Use Development project in Tblisi, Georgia; and Centara Grand Hotel and Convention Center at Central World in Bangkok, Thailand. For more information, visit www.bbg-bbgm.com.

The Ritz-Carlton Club, the leading fractional ownership brand, recently appointed three new senior directors of sales: Ralph Mottinger located at The Ritz-Carlton Club, Vail in Colo.; Meaghan Richardson at The Ritz-Carlton Club, St. Thomas, in the U.S.V.I.; and Larry Coats at The Abaco Club on Winding Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Managed Club in The Bahamas.

Mottinger is managing sales activities for the latest addition to The Ritz-Carlton Club’s portfolio -– located in one America’s most popular ski destinations. “Ralph’s leadership experience with The Ritz-Carlton Club will be key to our accomplishments in Vail,” said Bruce Rohman, regional vice president of sales for the Western region. “Through his previous sales roles in Hawaii and St. Thomas, he has firmly illustrated his ability to inspire a team.”

Mottinger has enjoyed a diverse career in sales, namely in vacation real estate and pharmaceuticals. Before relocating to St. Thomas, he served as director of sales at The Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences, Kapalua Bay in Maui, Hawaii selling both fractional and wholly-owned residences, as well as other sales roles over the years at Marriott Vacation Club properties in Palm Beach Shores, Fla. and Williamsburg, Va. Prior to his positions with Marriott Vacation Club and The Ritz-Carlton Club, Mottinger worked in the pharmaceutical industry for both Bayer Laboratories and Wyeth Worldwide. 

A native of Whiteville, N.C., Mottinger is a graduate of the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology. He is moving with his wife, Janet, to the Vail area.

Richardson is now serving as senior director of sales at The Ritz-Carlton Club, St. Thomas. Having started her career with the property as a membership administration coordinator in 2002, Richardson became a fractional ownership membership executive in 2003, followed by subsequent other promotions within the sales organization.

“Meaghan’s proven sales record, combined with her leadership and motivational abilities are essential for our continued success,” said David Short, regional vice president of sales for the East region. “Having grown with the team in St. Thomas, Meaghan holds great insight for this new role.”

A native of St. Thomas, Richardson holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the College of Charleston in Charleston, S.C.

Finally, The Abaco Club selected Coats to lead the sales force at the oceanfront sporting retreat. In this position, Coats is responsible for all real estate, golf and social membership offerings at The Club. “We are delighted to have Larry leading our sales team as we move forward with the vision of the property,” continued Short. “His sales savvy positions him to lead our talented team of membership executives and achieve desired results.”

Coats began his career in 1981 as the chief geologist of Sands American/Geochemical Surveys. He then moved on to the banking sector in 1986 as a commercial loans analyst with Old Kent Bank and Trust in Grand Rapids, Mich. Coats entered the real estate industry in 1988, when he joined Dodgson Realty as a realtor. In 1991, he was hired by Marriott Vacation Club International (MVCI) where he held a variety of sales and marketing roles within the Marriott Vacation Club resort portfolio, including Marriott’s Summit Watch in Park City, Utah; Marriott’s StreamSide in Vail, Colo.; Marriott’s Desert Springs Villas II in Palm Desert, Calif.; and Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club in Oahu, Hawaii. Additionally, he served as a membership executive at The Ritz-Carlton Club, Bachelor Gulch where he received top honors by reaching an all-time sales record for any Club location. Later, he was promoted to area director of sales for the Western region.

Furthermore, he worked at Deer Crest Properties based in Deer Valley, Utah as director of sales and marketing, and he led the timeshare sales team at Westin Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage, Calif. as project director. A graduate of Western State College of Colorado in Gunnison, Colo., Coats holds a bachelor’s degree in geology.

About The Ritz-Carlton Club
The Ritz-Carlton Club is a deeded, fractional ownership real estate offering combining the benefits of vacation home ownership with personalized Ritz-Carlton services and amenities. Designed as a private club, Members have the opportunity to access their luxuriously-appointed home Club or other Ritz-Carlton Clubs through reciprocal use privileges in accordance with reservation procedures. Members also have the ability to utilize additional time as available. For information, please visit www.ritzcarltonclub.com.

Mont Tremblant Resorts Win Gold And Silver Medal In 2008 Homes Overseas Awards

Vivaldi Resorts’ Ogilvy Lakes And Blueberry Lake Projects Scoop Top Two Positions In Best Canadian Development Award

Vivaldi Resorts is pleased to announce that Ogilvy Lakes has won the Gold Medal and Blueberry Lake the Silver Medal in the Homes Overseas Best Canadian Development Award.

The Homes Overseas awards are widely regarded as the most sought-after in the international property industry.

“Canada represents a safe haven in the current climate and an excellent bet for a stable long term investment so we are delighted to be recognised as best of breed in this category” says Vivaldi Resorts owner Alex Porritt.

A recent IMF survey ranked Canada as one of only two developed countries where house prices remained undervalued – the same survey concluded that prices in the UK and Ireland were nearly 30% overvalued.

The World Economic Forum ranked the Canadian Banking System as the strongest in the world and unemployment remains close to 30 year lows.  Furthermore the country is blessed with natural resources including the world’s second largest reserves of oil and the most freshwater which in turn makes Canada the world’s biggest producer of hydro-electricity and has led it to be dubbed an “energy superpower”.

SUCCESS FROM THE START
The Homes Overseas awards are the cherry on the cake for the Vivaldi Resorts team, who have overseen remarkable successes in their Canadian developments since day one.  Representing an entirely new approach to holiday homes in the Laurentian Mountains, Blueberry Lake Resort sold 50 homes within three weeks of its launch into the UK market.

Already, over 60% of Ogilvy Lakes has been pre-sold and while the global economic situation will likely slow sales in 2009, Vivaldi Resorts estimates that demand will continue as people look for a safe place to invest compared to the volatility of other countries and of the stock market.  Construction has begun on the first 8 houses in Phase 1 and the first units will be delivered in Spring 2009.

As with Blueberry Lake Resort, Ogilvy Lakes investors buy houses off-plan from a selection of four luxury designs.  Within 1 to 4 years (depending on the order of build schedule) the investors will be the proud owner of a traditionally-built Canadian log home of exceptional quality.  Between 2350 and 3250 square feet, four or five bedrooms, and situated on individual plots of at least one acre, the finished houses will be fully equipped with every modern amenity – including 42” plasma TV, pool table and hot tub – and fully furnished with luxury contemporary furniture.

Both resorts feature exceptional facilities that really differentiate them from their competition.  At the centre of all Vivaldi Resorts is the log clubhouse that features a spa, restaurant, and bar as well as conferencing facilities for up to 120 people.  “The clubhouse is key because it gives a focal point to our resorts and it is also crucial to our ability to generate revenue for our owners during quiet periods for tourism,” says Alex Porritt.  “In November 2008, in what is traditionally the slowest month, we were extremely busy on the corporate side and tripled our revenue compared to the previous year.”  Facilities catering to tourists are also impressive: in the summer guests can take to a private network of hiking and biking trails, swim in the lake or outdoor swimming pool, laze in the indoor pool, enjoy a relaxing meal at the lakeside restaurant or a round of golf at Ogilvy Lakes’ existing private 18 hole course.  In the winter, there is skating on the lake or on a floodlit rink and the trails are groomed for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.  Quebec’s snowmobile network, which gives access to nearly 33,000 km of trails, is easily accessible from Blueberry Lake and a shuttle service operates from both resorts to nearby Mont Tremblant, the number one ski resort in Eastern North America.  Whatever the season and whoever the guest, there truly is something for everyone.

IN TUNE WITH NATURE
Another central theme of Vivaldi Resorts’ projects is their respect for nature.  The company commits that the number of houses it builds at each of its projects will never exceed 25% of the acreage.  This ensures that purchasers are guaranteed that the wilderness paradise that they buy into stays that way.  “Too often,” comments Alex Porritt, “buyers are attracted by a ‘back to nature’ experience only to find that a few years down the line, they are on a project of 500 or 1000 homes.  With us, you can be certain that won’t happen.”

Vivaldi Resorts have also been quick to embrace alternative energy innovation.  The majority of houses built by Vivaldi Resorts now come with geothermal heating and cooling systems thanks to purchasers’ desire to make a difference and an innovative guaranteed savings scheme offered by Vivaldi Resorts.  Savings can be anything up to 65% so if owners choose to install when the house is built and add the cost to the mortgage, Vivaldi Resorts guarantees that the savings on electricity will be greater than the increase in the mortgage payment.  If they are not, Vivaldi Resorts makes up the difference.

RETURN ON INVESTMENT – SATISFACTION GUARANTEED
A particularly attractive feature of an investment in a Vivaldi Resorts development is the peace of mind that owners enjoy, knowing that their investment is paying for itself via the guaranteed rental income scheme.

When their house is completed, owners have the option of entering it into a fully-managed rental pool.  Vivaldi Resorts undertakes both the promotion and management of the property as a rental holiday home.  During the first year of ownership, Vivaldi Resorts offers a choice of either a one-year rental guarantee set at 7% of the purchase price of the property or up to a 5-year mortgage guarantee.  Under the terms of the mortgage guarantee, the owner decides how long they wish to have their mortgage covered for.  During that time, Vivaldi Resorts guarantees to pay the mortgage, but they also keep all rental revenue over and above the mortgage payments.  “We’re confident in our rentals” says owner, Alex Porritt, “Obviously, in offering the mortgage guarantee, we believe that we will generate income in excess of the mortgage payments and make additional profit for our company, but we are also giving our customers greater choices so they can manage their own risk profile.” 

Some houses at Blueberry Lake are already achieving gross yields in excess of 8% in just the second year of the rental program with strong growth forecast for 2009.  “80% of our rental business comes from within a two and a half hour drive which means that we are less affected by people tightening their budgets than other resorts might be and, in fact, we could even benefit from a trend to holiday closer to home,” points out Alex Porritt. With over 5 million people within that catchment area, the potential market is certainly significant, and with 100% of guests saying that they would stay again and would recommend Blueberry Lake to a friend, repeat business is unlikely to be a problem.

Owners at Blueberry Lake see it not just as a sound investment, but also as a supremely relaxing home-away-from-home.  One satisfied owner described his property at Blueberry Lake as “…definitely the best investment we have made of the very many we have made over recent years.  We are thrilled with all the facilities – it is obvious a great deal of thought has gone into everything.”

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Part of Vivaldi Resorts’ success is due to the fact that they were early to recognise the appeal the Laurentian region for European and North American visitors. Since their initial investment in the Laurentian Mountains they have watched the area’s tourism industry grow in leaps and bounds.

4 SEASONS OF ACTIVITIES
The Laurentian region truly is a natural playground.  In the winter, as well as world class skiing at nearby Mont Tremblant, dog-sledding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are just a few of the many activities available.  Quebec is also the home of the snowmobile, claiming both its invention and the world’s biggest network of trails.

In spring and summer, the lakes and rivers come alive offering great fishing and every watersport imaginable.  Canada is also a golf hot spot with more courses per capita than the US, the UK and traditional golfing meccas such as Spain and Portugal.  Ogilvy Lakes itself is located within an easy drive of nearly 50 courses as well as having its own 18 hole golf course.

In the autumn, the landscape is ablaze with red and orange as the cooling nights and warm days bring out a festival of colour.  For many, this is the best time to see the Laurentians and completes a full four seasons of activities – great news for tourists and investors alike. 

THE GREAT OUTDOORS – CLOSER TO HOME
With its wealth of natural charms, the Laurentian region has long been a favourite getaway destination for visitors from nearby Montreal, just an hour from Ogilvy Lakes, and Ottawa as well as cities slightly further afield such as Toronto, New York and Boston.  To European visitors,the word “Canada” typically conjures up images of the Rocky Mountains in the west.  But thanks in great part to Intrawest’s commitment (over $1 billion invested into Mont Tremblant and a further $1 billion by 2012 during which time visitor numbers are projected to double from the current 2.5 million per annum) the region is building an impressive reputation over the pond and Tremblant has been voted Eastern North America’s number one ski resort for twelve consecutive years!  For European travellers it represents a far more practical holiday destination – no gruelling 10-hour flights or 8 hour jet lag, especially difficult for family holidays.  There are daily direct flights from London to Montreal, with flight duration a little over six hours.  And it’s more affordable for families: a number of low cost airlines have started up new routes to Montreal from London and other major European cities.

Additionally, Mont Tremblant is one of the few resorts in the world served by its own International Airport – Aspen and Steamboat being the most notable.  Continental Airlines have just announced that scheduled flights will run daily from New York into Mont Tremblant International Airport further increasing access into the lucrative Eastern US market and allowing connecting service worldwide.   Andy Wirth, executive vice-president of sales and marketing for resort-operator Intrawest Corp says, “It’s a great boost for Tremblant and an important first step to increasing accessibility to the resort long term.”  He added that having a direct service to Steamboat Mountain Resort, another Intrawest development, “was probably the no.1 contributor to its success”

With a new airport, an influx of investment capital and exciting and innovative property developments such as Ogilvy Lakes and Blueberry Lake, you’ll see this beautiful Laurentian area go from strength-to-strength.  Vivaldi Resorts’ proven successes and pioneering approach to resort development will ensure it remains a key player in this booming region.