 First, there was the second home. Or even the third or fourth home. Then came the time share, and fractional home ownership. All representing different strategies to secure quality time at desirable locations while avoiding the drawbacks and public exposure of hotels or rental properties. Each approach has its advantages – as well as disadvantages. For many individuals and families another alternative – the destination club – delivers all the benefits and few if any of the weaknesses.
“At the end of the day, it is all about living life to the fullest,” says Jim Tousignant, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ultimate Escapes, a Flexjet strategic alliance partner. “Other solutions come with different options – many are beautiful and well-appointed. But ultimately you are buying real estate, with all of the attendant regulatory issues and other constraints.”
JOIN THE CLUB
“That’s the problem that destination clubs solve, because you don’t buy real estate. You join a club. We’re structured much more like a private country club. A member joins the club and they buy a lifetime membership, and that gives them access to the club’s entire portfolio of properties.”
In addition to the one-time membership fee, members pay annual dues. Together, the membership and annual dues add up to considerably less than the cost of the down-payment on a single second home – while opening up a world of travel opportunities. “We structure this to be cost-effective, flexible, and serve people who have a great passion for travel to many different markets at different times of year with their family and friends in beautiful multi-million-dollar homes,” Tousignant says. “And that’s why destination clubs have generated such appeal.”
DEPENDABLY UNIQUE
As with Flexjet, destination clubs know their members well – the relationship goes far beyond simply booking accommodations and handing over a set of keys. “We deliver a complete customized experience for every trip. Based on our relationship with each individual member, we recommend dining or entertainment experiences, we stock the kitchen based on their preferences, arrange transportation if that is desired. We have concierge-level service available 24/7.”
Although major problems are rare, Tousignant says the value of destination club service may be most apparent when issues do arise. One member who suffered a heart attack credits the Ultimate Escapes team’s fast, knowledgeable response with saving his life. Others have chosen to stay on property through events such as hurricanes, confident of the support they would receive.
“Our members desire exclusive accommodations at attractive destinations, with the flexibility to create a unique experience with each trip. They don’t want to own it. They don’t want to maintain it. They just want to enjoy it. We deliver all of that – and more.”
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Ultimate Escapes, Flexjet’s Official Destination Club, offers Flexjet and Flexjet 25 Jet Card owners preferred discounts for club memberships and the opportunity to stay in more than 130 private homes in 40 highly desirable locations in the United States, the Caribbean, Central America and Europe. During stays, members enjoy elegant, well-appointed private homes and the exclusive services of a knowledgeable concierge, dedicated to every detail.
