Firstlight The K Club Chooses Interval International
February 18, 2010 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Luxury Fractional Property Joins The Quality Exchange Network
Interval International, a leading global provider of vacation services and an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group (Nasdaq:IILG), welcomes Firstlight The K Club in Ireland to its exchange network. On the grounds of The K Club Golf and Spa Resort in the beautiful County Kildare countryside 22 miles (35 km) from Dublin, Firstlight The K Club owners will benefit from full family membership of the K Club, including its two championship golf courses, venue of the 2006 Ryder Cup and host to the European Open from 1995 to 2007. The resort’s 550 acres (223 hectares) of parkland are laced with walking and cycling paths and also include a luxury AA Five Red Star hotel, country club amenities, and full service spa.

“Firstlight The K Club is a tremendous addition to Interval’s worldwide resort network,” said Darren Ettridge, vice president of resort sales and service for Europe, Middle East, and Africa for Interval International. “The K Club Golf and Spa Resort is world renowned for its spectacular setting and luxury amenities, including a pair of golf courses designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer that rank among Ireland’s finest. It sets a high standard as the first European fractional project launched under the Firstlight brand.”
The resort is set on a one mile (1.6 km) stretch of the River Liffey with an elegantly restored 19th century Georgian mansion, originally modelled after a French chateau, as its centrepiece. In 1991, the historic property was converted into a 36-room hotel and country club surrounded by the original Palmer golf course. Since then, a second course – the Palmer Smurfit course, was developed, along with an additional 33 rooms and suites, a second clubhouse, and full-service spa and leisure centre. Plans call for the acquisition of approximately 30 ready-to-occupy luxury apartments and detached homes in a residential development called Ladycastle.
“As we believe we are destined to become one of the most exclusive and successful private residence clubs of its kind in Europe, it was important for Firstlight The K Club to be able to offer an unparalleled exchange programme for our owners,” said Matthew Spence, managing director of Firstlight International (Europe). “We chose Interval International, as its platform provides immediate access to a unique portfolio of quality resorts worldwide, within a completely managed and user-friendly programme. At Firstlight, we are committed to providing only the best for our owners and we have found that Interval very much reflects this standard.”
Members purchasing six-week shares of spacious and stylishly appointed two- and three-bedroom apartments (from 1,215 to 1,980 square feet or 113 to 184 square metres) and three- and four-bedroom houses (from 2,200 to 3,800 square feet or 204 to 353 square metres) will have full access to the amenities offered by The K Club Golf and Spa Resort. In addition to world-class golf, there is a spa with eight treatment rooms, a 54 foot (16.5 metre) pool, Pilates studio, gym with personal trainers, poolside Jacuzzi, and outdoor hot tub.
There are three restaurants on site in the hotel and the Palmer clubhouse. The clubhouse for the second (Smurfit) golf course is to form the central hub of Firstlight The K Club’s private residence club with food, beverage, and guest services. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, clay pigeon shooting, and horseback riding on resort grounds.
Interval International operates membership programmes 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 33 years. Today, Interval has an exchange network of more than 2,500 resorts in over 75 countries and offers its resort clients and approximately 2 million member families high-quality products and programmes through offices in 26 cities in 16 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 information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Machrihanish Dunes Receives Two Honors By Top US Golf Publications
February 3, 2010 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Best New Courses International 2009 by Links Magazine
Golfweek’s 2010 Best Courses of Great Britain and Ireland
Southworth Development, LLC recently announced that Machrihanish Dunes, the world’s most natural golf course, has received top honors from Links Magazine as one of the Top New International Golf Courses and has also landed the No. 21 spot in Golfweek’s Best New Modern Courses of Great Britain and Ireland.
This year’s launch of Golfweek’s Best New Modern Courses of Great Britain and Ireland awards were calculated by votes from raters through out the U.S. and Europe. Golfweek is one of the largest golf publications in the U.S. with over 1 million readers. Golfweek defines new courses as those having opened in the past two calendar years (2008-2009). Links Magazine’s list of Best New Courses is compiled each year by its editors and writers. Divided into three categories: public, private, and international, the best new designs include a wide spectrum of styles: true links, seaside stunners, strategic parkland gems, and scenic mountain layouts. Links Magazine is a bi-monthly publication with over 50,000 readers that features news and information about golf courses, resorts and destinations around the world.
“Machrihanish Dunes is thrilled to be recognized by these two leading U.S. golf publications,” said Greg Sherwood, President of Southworth Golf. “The course, David McLay Kidd’s first design in his home country of Scotland, is challenging, beautiful and unique – and it’s wonderful to see it continue to receive these kinds of accolades. They provide additional assurance to our guests that when they come to Machrihanish Dunes, they will be enjoying the finest golf experience possible.”
Machrihanish Dunes is located on 259 acres of pristine links land in Machrihanish, Scotland. It is the first championship links golf course built in Scotland on a Site of Special Scientific interest (SSSi) in over 100 years. Last July, Machrihanish Dunes celebrated its Grand Opening with extremely favorable reviews of the golf course and its breathtaking natural layout. To view recent articles and learn more about Machrihanish Dunes please visit http://www.thewaygolfbegan.com/.
For more information contact Nancy Powers at npowers@southworthdevelopment.com or call 508.548.4969.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
New Family Destination Resort On O’ahu Announced By Disney And New Website Launched
January 21, 2010 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai‘i conveys the connection of the new resort to the islands
The highly anticipated Disney destination resort currently under construction on the Hawaiian island of O‘ahu now has an official name and a dynamic new Web site offering an inside look at the project. The resort’s name – Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai‘i – reflects the company’s deep commitment to celebrating the islands’ rich history and traditions. Plans call for the first phase of the resort to open in fall 2011.

Artists's Concept - Proposed
“We want this resort destination to reflect the vibrant culture that surrounds it. The name ‘Aulani’ expresses a connection to tradition and deep story-telling – and its roots are here in this land,” said Joe Rohde, Senior Vice President, Creative for Walt Disney Imagineering. “We’re so grateful to the local Hawaiians who led us to the discovery of this name, and our goal is to live up to its meaning.”
Rohde noted that Aulani translated from the Hawaiian language to English, means “the place that speaks for the great ones” or “the place that speaks with deep messages.”
The Resort
Nearby to historical sites on the western side of O‘ahu, Aulani will be located on 21 acres of oceanfront property in the Ko Olina Resort & Marina development. The Resort is planned to have 360 hotel rooms and 481 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club villas.
Design plans call for amenities to engage every member of the family, a hallmark of a Disney vacation. Among the recreational highlights planned for the resort are pools and sunset facing hot tubs, a snorkeling lagoon, a variety of kids’ club and other play programs for children, and a river, suitable for tube floating, running through a specially created volcanic outcropping.
The resort will also include an 18,000-square-foot spa designed with families in mind. The resort, built adjacent to a crystal blue lagoon and a white-sand beach, is planned to also have two restaurants, a 14,545-square-foot conference center and 48,685 square feet of outdoor venues. Located nearby are the existing Ko Olina Marina and a Ted Robinson-designed, 18-hole Championship Golf course.
The Web Site
Disney has launched a new preview Web site, www.DisneyAulani.com, to provide updates and background information on the resort now under construction. The site also details some of the adventures and amenities under development, and includes conceptual art, descriptions of resort highlights, regularly updated resort information and photos of Aulani as it nears completion.
“We are looking forward to welcoming guests to Aulani to share the fun, immersive family vacation experiences Disney is known for combined with the beauty and culture of Hawai‘i,” said Djuan Rivers, Vice President, Disney Vacation Club and Resort, Hawai‘i. “We are turning to the Hawaiian culture for inspiration in everything we are doing at Aulani, and we hope our guests will not only enjoy the Disney experience, but will also embrace the unique culture of Hawai‘i and its diverse people.”
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
The Envelope Please! The Winners Are……ResorTime.Com Announces Results of “Best of 2009” Poll
January 14, 2010 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
ResorTime.com, a favorite source for on-line vacation and timeshare condominium rentals polled its users to discover their most favorite resort properties. Nominees were in four areas: spa, family, beach, golf and ski. Nominations were made based on noteworthy resort reviews/comments, outstanding amenities and ResorTime.Com staff nominations.
Nominees in the Spa Category were: Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa (La Jolla, CA), Los Abrigados Resort & Spa (Sedona, AZ), and Palm Canyon Resort (Palm Springs. CA), Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa (Carlsbad, CA), The Westin Mission Hills Villas (Rancho Mirage, CA), The Westin Kierland Villas (Scottsdale, AZ).
The winner is: Sheraton Carlsbad Resort for its Ocean Pearl Spa. Locating in the charming coastal community of Carlsbad, this is the second year the world class spa treatments were honored as number one in this category. In 2008 the resort received recognition in the Best of San Diego Reader’s Choice Awards in the categories of Best Luxury Hotel, Best Spa and Best Tapas (Twenty/20 Grill and Wine Bar).
Nominees in the Beach Category were: Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort (Carlsbad, CA), Coronado Beach Resort (Coronado, CA), Ka’anapali Beach Club (Maui, HI), Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay (Mazatlan, MX), San Clemente Cove Resort (San Clemente, CA), and Wyndham Ocean Boulevard (North Myrtle Beach, SC).
The winner is: Ka’anapali Beach Club. A short five minute drive from shopping and golf, the resort is situated along Maui’s less crowded Ka’anapali Beach. The spacious accommodations (every suite offers 820 square feet of living space) showcase a fresh tropical decor matching the surrounding seven acres of tropical gardens.
Nominees in the Family Category were: Carlsbad Seapointe Resort (Carlsbad, CA), Cypress Pointe Grand Villas (Orlando, FL), Dolphin’s Cove Resort (Anaheim, CA), Grand Pacific Palisades (Carlsbad, CA), Sheraton Vistana Village (Orlando, FL) and Red Wolf Lakeside Lodge (Tahoe Vista, CA).
The winner is Carlsbad Seapointe Resort which offers amenities for everyone including swimming pools, a spa, children’s spray pool, a pirate ship playground, and Dolphin Golf (mini golf area). For the sports lovers, this resort is well quipped with basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts. Located in North San Diego County Carlsbad Seapointe Resort is within minutes of LEGOLAND® California, SeaWorld, and the San Diego Wild Animal Park and world famous San Diego Zoo are just a short drive away.
Nominees in the Golf Category were: Bent Creek Golf Village (Gatlinburg, TN), Grand Pacific MarBrisa Resort (Carlsbad, CA), Orange Tree Golf Resort (Scottsdale, AZ), The Ridge at Sedona Golf Resort (Sedona, AZ), Sheraton PGA Vacation Resort (Port St. Lucie, FL), and Vino Bello Resort (Napa, CA).
The winner is The Ridge on Sedona Golf Resort. The resort offers its own on-site championship golf course and a swimming pool while nearby recreational opportunities include tennis courts, jeep tours, hiking and fishing in the stunning natural rugged red rock wonders of Sedona.
Nominees in the Ski Category were: Cedar Breaks Lodge (Brian Head, UT), Grand Timber Lodge (Breckenridge, CO), Lake Tahoe Vacation Resort (South Lake Tahoe, CA), Lagonita Lodge Resort (Big Bear Lake, CA) and Red Wolf Lodge at Squaw Valley (Olympic Valley, CA).
The winner is Lake Tahoe Vacation Resort adjacent to the south shore of Lake Tahoe. The resort offers a collection of timeshare rentals and vacation condos for a mountain getaway that is far from ordinary. Close to cross-country and downhill skiing at Heavenly Ski Resort and horseback riding, fishing, boating, or mountain biking Lake Tahoe Vacation Resort is also nearby casinos, restaurants and live entertainment.
The nominated resorts and the results of the poll can be found at http://www.ResorTime.com/Bestof2009. According to ResorTime.Com’s General Manager, Sherry Weeks, “the popularity of ResorTime.Com can be seen in the number of positive comments posted on its web site. One ‘raving fan’ said, ‘I love ResorTime.com! Whenever I want I can get a great place and a reasonable price; whether it’s locally overnight or some great vacation place; short notice or down the way! The rooms are always impressive; like you’re staying at a very special suite. You can’t get this type of room at this price anywhere else! Talk about having an exclusive suite with all the special bells and whistles. We’ve used ResorTime over and over again with our friends and family and will continue to do so. If you want to go somewhere great and impress others this is the place.’ These are the kind of people voting in our poll and enjoying the best ResorTime.Com has to offer.”
ResorTime.Com, rapidly becoming the go-to source for spacious condominium rentals, has hundreds of luxury resorts for nightly and weekly rentals that accommodate leisure, business and group travel. All ResorTime Hot Deals and Value Packages change on an ongoing basis. For more information go to http://www.ResorTime.com/Bestof2009 or call 877-477-7368.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Arcos Gardens Confirm Consumer Advertising Campaign With Owners Perspective Magazine
January 8, 2010 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Spanish golf resort chooses leading shared ownership publication to promote its fractional ownership offerings.

Regan Berger - Director of Sales, Arcos Gardens
“Arcos Gardens is an upmarket luxury golf resort based in the south of Spain which is now offering some of its luxury properties for sale on a fractional basis. It is important that the media where we advertise directly targets the market we are aiming to attract. We identified Owners Perspective as a publication that precisely suited our purpose in this respect. It focuses on the shared ownership market and possesses strong distribution in key areas. We look forward to building a long term partnership with them.” Said Regan Berger, Director of Sales, Arcos Gardens.
Owners Perspective Magazine (http://www.ownersperspective.com) specifically focuses on the shared ownership industry and includes resort and product reviews relating to resort real estate, fractional ownership and high end timeshare / vacation ownership products and has been selected for distribution in all first class British Airways airport lounges globally and on selected main routes for many other airlines such as Virgin Atlantic, Emirates Airlines, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines and more, in addition to its print and online circulation.
“We are delighted to have Arcos Gardens select our publication to promote their luxurious properties in Spain.” Said Paul Mattimoe, CEO, OP Media LLC. “The attraction to our consumer publication is that it offers complete print and online marketing campaigns rather than standard advertising, so premium packages not only include print advertising, but also complimentary online banner advertising, direct enquiry forms, email advertising, press release syndication and targeted social media marketing all designed to attract the right kind of prospective purchaser for each development.”
About Arcos Gardens
Located among the rolling hills of Andalusia and next to the famed white village of Arcos de la Frontera in the province of Cadiz, the Arcos Gardens Golf Club & Country Estate is an exclusive low density golf resort designed for upscale luxury living. The 440 acre property was a former olive grove that was transformed through the transplanting of over 2,000 olive trees into a leading golf destination featuring a championship 18-hole course that was recently named one of Europe’s Top 100. Among the project’s facilities are a brand new club house with day spa and a restored 17th century cortijo, reflecting the goal to combine top quality service and world-class amenities with the area’s natural beauty and traditional Spanish charm.
In order to provide its homeowners with a truly superior lifestyle experience, Arcos Gardens places an emphasis on providing the highest level of build quality and offering large, open spaces created through careful landscaping and integration into the surrounding environment. The architectural designs have been influenced by the region’s rustic style and feature spacious open plan living areas with high-spec state-of-the-art fittings. Also noteworthy are the development’s first-class ‘green’ credentials that incorporate several eco-friendly initiatives including solar panels for water heating and the use of recycled water from a plant built by the project.
For more information, visit www.arcosgardens.com or call +34 956 701 694
About Owners Perspective Magazine
Published by OP Media LLC, Owners Perspective Magazine is the most read consumer publication for the shared ownership industry globally and is available to the general public by paid for print subscription or free of charge online subscription. Additionally it is distributed via first class and business class airport lounges worldwide, selected hotel and resort accommodation, supermarkets and other outlets.
For more information on advertising and editorial opportunities visit www.perspectiverates.com
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
LUXURY Resort Developer - Vigia Resorts Slashes Prices On Everything – At One Day Super Sale!
December 17, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Leading property developer - The Vigia Group is hosting a super sale at its flagship resort Parque da Floresta. The sale which will start at 9am on Boxing Day, is the first ever of its kind for the Group and will offer generous reductions on goods and services in every department including holiday, golf, spa, food and drinks!
Only on Boxing Day will savvy shoppers be able to purchase half price holidays! As those who are thinking to visit the region will be given the opportunity to book their luxury 2010 break for half the usual price. But miss this offer on the 26th and miss out, as normal prices will resume the following day.
Vigia Resort Director Leonor Ramalho said: “You may think that we’ve had a few too many sherries in the run up to Christmas, but that’s not the case! We simply want to open up our resort to everyone and extend the Christmas cheer an extra day! If you’ve always heard of Parque da Floresta, but never visited, then today’s the day to change that. The Vigia Boxing Day Sale provides people with the chance to purchase our products and services at a fraction of the cost!”
For those who need to spruce up on their golf skills at the Academy and their partners who can’t keep away from Vigia’s famous beauty sanctuary – Spa Floresta, the Vigia Boxing Day Sale is their chance to buy and receive up to 50% off what they would usually pay!
About the Vigia Group
Vigia, was established in 1991 by its four UK shareholders. The Group now owns several exclusive holiday resorts in this region. Owing to each of the resort’s unique beach or golf location, along with the quality of villas with private pools and linked villas, the resorts were soon discovered by a number of celebrity guests who were so taken with the full Vigia package that they actually purchased holiday homes with the developer and visit regularly. These include sportsmen David Seaman and Ian Rush.
Vigia’s resorts include the infamous Parque da Floresta Golf & Leisure Resort, The View Salema Beach, contemporary golf village development – Quinta da Encosta Velha and the self catering beach properties of Quinta da Sao Roque in Lagos and Quinta da Fortaleza. As well as the Alentejo based resort of Parque do Redondo.
Parque da Floresta Golf & Leisure Resort is located just off the EN 125, heading towards Sagres and opposite the junction that heads to the fishing village of Salema. The centre piece of this magnificent 400 hectare resort is its 71 par, 18 hole golf course – a favourite with locals and visitors alike and home to the prestigious David Seaman Safe Hands Golf Tournament. The resort which boasts numerous restaurants and bars, tennis courts, spa, gym, bowling and kids’ activities is overlooked by magnificent villas and village houses.
To make use of the offers in Vigia’s Boxing Day Sale, visit Parque da Floresta on Boxing Day or call Vigia’s holiday reservations team on (00 351) 282 690 013 or property sales team on (00 351) 282 690 073. Offers available for one day only and are subject to terms and conditions.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
SPI Software Selected By Meadow Lake Resort
November 18, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
SPI Software , the vacation ownership industry’s technology leader, is pleased to announce that Meadow Lake Resort, a premiere golf and ski resort in Montana’s Flathead Valley, has selected SPI Orange System Enterprise software to manage their vacation ownership operations.
According to Kevin Holliday, vice president of Meadow Lake Development, “We chose SPI Orange for a number of reasons. The software provides an integrated solution for all aspects of our company. It was clearly designed by a team that understands the needs of a timeshare company. The ability to track a client from a lead, to a tour and all the way through to owner reservations and payments was a particularly attractive feature. The system is straight forward and intuitive, which will make training easier and will reduce errors. Our decision was solidified when we obtained strong references from other major timeshare developers.”
Matt Brosious, vice president of sales and marketing at SPI, added “We are honored to have been selected by Meadow Lake, a resort that has earned a well-deserved reputation of excellence. Forward-thinking resorts like this continue to make SPI Orange the industry’s software system of choice.”
Resort or vacation club operators wishing to see a demonstration may contact SPI Sales at 305-858-9505 or by email to sales@spiiinc.com.
About Meadow Lake
Montana’s premiere Golf and Ski Resort, located just minutes from Big Mountain at Whitefish, Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake. Meadow Lake Resort is recognized internationally for quality, service and luxurious accommodations. Meadow Lake has been a recipient of RCI’s Gold Crown Resort Award since 1993 and AAA’s three diamond rating since 1994.
About SPI
SPI provides developers and operators of vacation ownership (timeshare, fractional, private residence club and others using either traditional or points-based usage strategies) with its .NET-based software as either an enterprise suite of software called Orange Systems, or in specific modules to handle marketing, sales, property management, finance, maintenance fee and receivables servicing, centralized reservations or Website access operations. Founded in 1978 and based in Miami, FL, SPI can be reached at 305-858-9505, sales@spiinc.com or www.spiinc.com.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Fractional Ownership Of Luxury Properties Within Ireland’s Premier Golf And Spa Resort Launched By The K Club And Firstlight
September 14, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
One of the world’s most famous five-star golf and spa resorts, The K Club has announced a partnership with leading global co-ownership specialist Firstlight, to offer shared ownership of luxurious properties set within this outstanding 550-acre resort in County Kildare, just south of Dublin.
The K Club, which celebrates its 18th anniversary this year, was founded by Sir Michael Smurfit and boasts two championship golf courses designed by Arnold Palmer; famously hosting the Ryder Cup in 2006, in addition to 14 European Opens. As well as attracting the world’s greatest golfers to its fairway - from Tiger Woods to Darren Clarke - many of the world’s most famous faces have visited the legendary retreat, from Bill Clinton and Daniel Craig to David and Victoria Beckham, Warren Buffett and Bill Gates.
The magnificent 18th century chateau-style hotel, which has received endless accolades, was the first resort in Ireland to attain 5-AA red star rating, and was voted Egon Ronay Irish Hotel of the Year 1997 whilst also enjoying European and global recognition with Conde Nast’s Top Resort in Europe 2005, Robb Report Top 100 Resorts in The World.
Firstlight will be offering the opportunity to truly be a part of this idyllic Irish estate with shared ownership of a sumptuous property on the Ladycastle development with a choice of houses, apartments and duplex residences on offer. With easy access from Dublin airport, The K Club offers a retreat in the breathtaking Kildare countryside coupled with the delights of Dublin city centre just 30 minutes away.
Sir Michael Smurfit commented, “We are incredibly proud of our achievements over the past 18 years and look forward to continued success. The project with Firstlight is an exciting opportunity to welcome more visitors and guests to The K Club, with all the delights it has to offer. The current trend toward fractional ownership within luxury resorts offers a real opportunity for The K Club to enhance its position as one of the world’s leading destinations and to entice visitors from across the globe thanks to the option for exchange amongst the world’s most exclusive residences.”
Firstlight managing director Matt Spence added, “We’re thrilled to have partnered with The K Club and to bring this remarkable offering to the marketplace. Shared ownership of these two, three and four-bedroom luxury properties will entice a new audience to experience this truly outstanding authentic Irish resort, as well as discovering other premier destinations through the exchange facility.
“The properties at Firstlight The K Club are an ideal lifestyle retreat, finished to the highest standards and offering unrivalled luxury that will appeal to a broad international audience, as well as the domestic market.”
Benefits of fractional ownership will include full family membership to The K Club, with use of its two championship golf courses, a dedicated concierge service and 5-star luxury facilities; such as a deluxe golf cart for internal transportation, a private locker in the clubhouse, airport transfers to ensure that the Firstlight experience starts as soon as you land, plus full housekeeping service, property maintenance and a luxury welcome hamper on arrival each visit.
Owners will enjoy six weeks of usage per year, with two of those available at short notice, and a title deed which is undivided, giving you the chance to own a luxury holiday residence at a fraction of the total property price, with a greater market for resale.
It’s also a hassle-free option, with owners enjoying all the benefits of their own property when they need it without the need to sublet when unoccupied or be concerned with maintenance and upkeep, plus the unique ability to exchange with more than forty other luxury resorts throughout the world.
Residents of Firstlight The K Club will have access to all amenities of the resort including the chic and award-winning K Spa; an oasis of contemporary calm with a host of treatments and facilities on offer, whilst other activities include fly fishing on the private river, fishing and golf lessons, horseriding, clay target shooting, archery, falconry, Celtic games, art tours, wine cellar tours, cookery demonstrations and cycling. Families can also benefit from nanny and babysitting services, children’s activity club, outdoor playground, swimming lessons and indoor activities.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
New Private Residence Club At Doonbeg Launched By Timbers Resorts And Kiawah Development Partners
August 19, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Residential Interests Now Available at Ireland’s Most Exclusive Private Golf Club
Timbers Resorts, the leading developer of intimate luxury resort properties, announced today its partnership with Kiawah Development Partners (KDP), master developer of Kiawah Island and other premier golf course communities, to launch and oversee the new private residence club at Doonbeg in County Clare, Ireland called The Links Cottages at Doonbeg. The Links Cottages will allow residential interest ownership in one of Europe’s most desired golf and lodging destinations, with a setting featuring five-star services and amenities.
“The partnership between KDP and Timbers Resorts allows two of the most successful luxury lifestyle brands to extend their offerings to a new and larger audience both here and in Europe,” says Charles P. “Buddy” Darby, III, CEO of Kiawah Development Partners. “With The Links Cottages now a Timbers Resorts Residence Club, Owners may enjoy residential interest ownership on Ireland’s stunning southwest coast which also allows membership in the prestigious Doonbeg Golf Club plus access to the idyllic locations that the Timbers Collection offers.”
Easily accessible from Shannon airport, Doonbeg is set along one and a half miles of crescent-shaped beach and may be the last true links course built in Ireland and Great Britain. Designed by two-time British Open champion Greg Norman, the course was named Golf Digest’s “Best New International Course” in its opening year. The Links Cottages at Doonbeg are located near the Lodge, which gives Owners access to all of the resort amenities including dining venues from renowned chef and lead judge of Bravo’s “Top Chef” Tom Colicchio, the culinary force behind New York City’s Gramercy Tavern and Craft, an acclaimed spa designed by award-winning Clodagh and an extensive golf program. Membership in the private golf club with purchase, assures full access to the course and members club areas.
“Timbers Resorts is delighted to partner with KDP at Doonbeg and at several other planned locations in the future,” said David A. Burden, CEO & Founder of Timbers Resorts. “We admire the casual sophistication and quality nature of their resorts, as well as their attention to detail in the key areas of comfort and enjoyment that their impeccable operations teams deliver. Timbers Resorts strives to deliver the best experience anyone could envision at each of our locations and with KDP at Doonbeg, this will be surely the case.”
Spanning an average of almost 3,000 square feet, each of the eight Cottages offers four bedrooms and an expansive living space with décor representing a simple yet elegant country style. Each cottage boasts kitchens custom-designed by SieMatic, large living and dining areas, bedrooms each with a private bath that encompass large marble slab showers, stone vanities, and heated towel racks. Owners will enjoy waxed limestone slab and wide-plank old oak floors, timber casement windows, two gas-burning fireplaces, carpets in natural fabrics and reclaimed wooden beams throughout. All Cottages are designed for the ultimate in comfort, convenience, and luxury with stunning views of the fairways and lush Irish countryside from all four bedrooms. The launch price per deeded interest is €165,000.
Over the past 10 years, Timbers Resorts has created an incomparable host of benefits and privileges for Owners to ease and enhance the vacation experience. Owners will become Members in the Timbers Collection and have access to the Timbers Reciprocity Program (TRP) that allows them to trade their vacation weeks and stay at any of the other Timbers Collection properties in the world’s most sought-after ski, golf, beach and countryside destinations. In addition to TRP, Doonbeg Owners will also receive access and services from Sentient Jet, Hertz Car Rental, MedjetAssist, Luggage Forward and more, as well as, savings at hospitality affiliates.
Doonbeg’s coveted location on Ireland’s famed southwest coast makes it an ideal destination for surfing, sailing, hiking, cycling, picnicking, antiquing, fishing, horseback riding, dolphin watching and more. The ancient village of Doonbeg is a short drive up the road, offering an assortment of restaurants and old pubs for vacationers to enjoy.
View The Links Cottages online at www.CottagesAtDoonbeg.com or call toll-free in the U.S. at 888-366-6604 or in Ireland at +353-65-9055666.
About Timbers Resorts
Since 1999, Timbers Resorts, the developer of small, private, luxury resort properties including private residence clubs, boutique hotels, and club communities has established an unrivaled reputation in the real estate industry. Its exclusive collection of intimate prestigious developments unlike any other, reside in the most sought-after destinations in the world.
Current Timbers Resorts properties include The Timbers Club in Snowmass, Colorado; Esperanza in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; The Rocks Luxury Residence Club in Scottsdale, Arizona; Castello di Casole in Tuscany, Italy; The Preserve at Botany Bay on St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands; One Steamboat Place in Steamboat Springs, Colorado; The Orchard at The Carneros Inn in Napa, CA; and The Villas at Rancho Valencia in Rancho Santa Fe, CA.
With these properties, Timbers Resorts has taken the concept of real estate to a new level of luxury, exclusivity and personal service by creating the Timbers Collection which provides reciprocity between resorts through the Timbers Reciprocity Program, as well as, a host of partnerships with purveyors of travel and the art of living well such as Sentient Jets, Backroads, Hertz, Priority Pass and more. For more information, please visit www.TimbersResorts.com.
About Kiawah Development Partners
Kiawah Development Partners (KDP) is the master developer of Doonbeg Golf Club, as well as Kiawah Island, a 10,000-acre sea island located 21 miles south of Charleston, South Carolina. The company’s other subsidiaries include Kiawah Island Real Estate, The Kiawah Island Club, which encompasses the Tom Fazio-designed River Course, the Tom Watson-designed Cassique, The Beach Club by Robert A.M. Stern and Sasanqua, the Members-only spa; Freshfields Village; and Christophe Harbour in St. Kitts. Additional information may be found online at www.Kiawah.com.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
The Village At Izatys Installs TimeShareWare Professional
July 8, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
The Village at Izatys recently installed TimeShareWare Professional 2009. The resort is using the enhanced software and its superior property management functionality to manage all of its timeshare units.
Tom Baltz, Resort Manager at The Village at Izatys, says the support TSW has given him and his staff has been great. “The TimeShareWare staff is very knowledgeable about our business and the industry. Their friendly service, along with their credibility as a company throughout the industry, has been the main reason we have used their software for so long.”
Allen Rice, Chief Marketing Officer of TimeShareWare, says the two companies have a great working relationship. “We are pleased to be working with such a prestigious resort and loyal customer as The Village at Izatys. Izatys exemplifies how success is often measured by a strong relationship between two companies. The Village at Izatys was one of our very first clients and we look forward to a lasting and mutually successful partnership with their people and resort for many years to come.”
The Village at Izatys on Lake Mille Lacs is an exclusive five star resort with year-round activities. Guests at The Village at Izatys enjoy full use of the renowned Izatys Golf and Yacht Club including one of Minnesota’s top golf courses, Black Brook. The resort features a large outdoor pool, sand volleyball, and miles of hiking trails. In addition to golfing, the resort offers boating and fishing during the summer, and snowmobiling and cross-country skiing during the winter.
For more information on The Village at Izatys, please visit their website at www.thevillageatizatysresort.com.
About TimeShareWare & CondotelWare:
TimeShareWare is the industry standard software platform for shared-ownership, mixed use resorts. Since 1993, TimeShareWare serves all sizes and types of vacation ownership associations, fractional ownership properties, and timeshare resorts including multi-site, single-site, and points-based clubs. The TimeShareWare software platform includes solutions for lead and tour management, contract processing, sales and marketing, owner accounting, loan servicing, property management, reservations, and web-based owner servicing.
CondotelWare is the first full-service software solution designed specifically for condominium hotels. The software helps owners and operators master all aspects of condo-hotel management and administration, including owner accounting, billing, rental rotation, inventory management, reservations, owner relations, reporting, and more.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
A New Oasis Is Born In Mexico Caribbean: Introducing Grand Coral Riviera Maya
June 4, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
~ Residences, Exquisite Golf, Hotels, Entertainment and More ~
Grupo Grand Coral, the premier developer backed by prestigious Spanish financial houses including Bancaja and Banco de Valencia, announces the newest world-renowned destination in Mexico: Grand Coral Riviera Maya. Located only 30 minutes from the Cancun Airport and five minutes from the popular coastal town Playa del Carmen, this $2.5 billion investment spans across 561 lush oceanfront acres (227 hectareas), contributing to the great urban expansion of the region. Blending notable brands, hotels, expansive resorts, an 18-hole Nick Price golf course, entertainment and retail/restaurant outposts, Grand Coral Riviera Maya will be an unmatched grand oasis.
“Grand Coral Riviera Maya will truly be the first of its kind in the region,” states CEO Jordi Mercadé. “This master development presents a great opportunity to developers and investors to be in an impressive gated community with multiple real estate options.” The selection includes a variety of land lots, “there is really an opportunity for developers and investors at every level and we will work with each one individually to meet their needs.”
Grand Coral Riviera Maya neighbors downtown Playa del Carmen and its popular Fifth Avenue, a vibrant street lined with fantastic boutiques and restaurants, which actually continues into the grounds of the project. Construction phases are estimated to take place over the next ten years and $700 million has been invested to date. Already underway is Mareazul which includes 300 luxury beachfront condominiums. The development will offer a fine selection of amenities including a spa, Botanical Zen garden with Mayan sculptures, beach club with private cabanas.
The 18-hole golf course will be designed by Hall of Fame golfer Nick Price, who said, “I am very excited with the opportunity to design the golf course for Grand Coral Riviera Maya.” It was the uniqueness of the project that attracted Price to design the course located on the outskirts of Playa del Carmen. “The project will have the feel of an urban resort something that is very unique to the area. For several years I had vacationed here enjoying the fishing, good food and wonderful people and I am happy to be back here now to design a course in the vibrant city of Playa del Carmen,” said Price. The golf course will take approximately two years to complete. In what will be a first for Price, the project will feature the Nick Price Residences, consisting of 123 residences available for full or fractional ownership, located adjacent to the clubhouse with views of the course.
Investors and developers will also be pleased to know that Grand Coral Riviera Maya is incorporating numerous eco-friendly components to protect the surrounding environment as much as possible. More than 75% of the land will be kept in its natural state or turned into recreational parks and gardens in order to contribute to the preservation of the environment.
Furthermore, all greenery removed during construction will be housed in a greenhouse until ready for replanting. “It is very important for us to work in harmony with the land and we will encourage this lifestyle with all developers and future residents of Grand Coral,” adds Mercadé.
Riviera Maya is truly a paradise region in Mexico that welcomes thousands of visitors annually.
Abundant in pristine nature both on land and beyond the shore, this area is home to the world’s second largest barrier reef which lies in the ocean waters bordering Grand Coral. On land, residents and visitors have never-ending recreational activities to choose from including ancient Mayan ruins at nearby Tulum and the famous Chichen Itza (located only two hours away), swimming a magical underground river at Xcaret, adventuring the exotic park at Xel-ha, or simply enjoying a peaceful afternoon soaking in the sun on the white sandy beach. Playa del Carmen’s renowned Fifth Avenue presents numerous stores, eateries as well as a thriving nightlife.
Grand Coral Riviera Maya is the largest investment in Mexican Caribbean and will showcase more than 6,900 residences at its completion. Construction phases will take place over the next ten years. For sales information please email info@grandcoralrivieramaya.com.mx, call +52 998 176 8217 or visit www.grandcoralrivieramaya.com.mx.
About Grupo Grand Coral
Grupo Grand Coral is part of a group of developers from Spain and is backed by prestigious financial houses including Bancaja, Banco de Valencia and Bancaja Habitat. The company’s portfolio features developments in Cancun, Riviera Maya and Los Cabos including Emerald Residential Tower & Spa (Cancun), Mareazul (within Grand Coral in Playa del Carmen.)
Nick Price
Nick Price was elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2003, after competing at the highest level in golf for four decades. Since turning pro in 1977 and joining the PGA tour in 1983, Price’s professional achievements have included three Major championships and 18 PGA Tour wins. Price won 15 PGA Tour tournaments in the 90’s, a remarkable achievement matched only by Tiger Woods. He was ranked number one in the world in 1994, a position he held for 16 weeks. He was the recipient of the 2002 Payne Stewart Award given for upholding the traditions of the game and in the same year, Price was the first recipient of the ASAP Sports/Jim Murray Award, given to a professional player for his cooperation, quotability and accommodation to the media. In 2005, the USGA presented the 2005 Bob Jones Award to Price in recognition of his distinguished sportsmanship in golf. A global icon in golf, Price represents all that is good about the game. Price began designing golf courses in the early nineties and brings to all of his design projects a personal familiarity with the great golf courses of the world and a commitment to provide golfers with a challenge that is interesting and enjoyable for all golfers. He limits his work to two or three projects a year to be able to provide a personal, hands-on approach to designing golf courses with a focus on dedicating time, energy and knowledge to his projects to make each course unique. He has designed courses in the United States, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Europe, Ireland, Dominican Republic and Mexico.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
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