Trendy Getaways: Home Suite Home
PRIVATE ESCAPES
Privateescapes.com
Billing itself as the only affordable destination club, Private Escapes, established in 2003, offers its basic members a “sensible luxury experience,” with access to $750,000-dollar homes in desirable destinations (say, a two-bedroom condo on a Caribbean beach). The club recently introduced “Pinnacle” membership, which, at four times the cost, is slightly less sensible.
What you pay: For basic “Premiere” membership, there’s a fully refundable entry fee of $105,000 and annual dues of $7,700, plus nightly fees of $82 for unlimited access based on availability. For the top-tier “Pinnacle” membership, you pay a fully refundable $350,000, plus $22,000 annually and $185 nightly.
Where you go: It depends on your investment. “Premiere” members choose from 28 residences in 25 locations, and “Platinum” members have access to 17 residences from Punta Cana to Tuscany and Belize to Nevada, while “Pinnacle” members have access to four exclusive residences, a Times Square penthouse, and a historic Charleston mansion, among other properties.
What you get: Concierge service, trip planners. Platinum members also have access to the club’s limousine, jet services and personal sommeliers.
The Markers Club
Themarkersclub.com
This 25-year-old golfers-only destination club is part of the newest trend in the niche: “themed” travel. Wine lovers have the fledgling Vintners’ Club (thevintnersclub.com), fly-fishers have the five-location Flyfishing Destinations (flyfishingdestinationsllc.com), and golfers have Markers, from golf pro Bruce Summerhays.
What you pay: The per-family initiation fee is $285,000, with annual dues of $16,500, for a minimum of 21 days per year in the club’s $1.75 million homes.
Where you go: The club has 10 North American destinations, and has announced plans to open 26 more domestic and international locations. Currently, members vacation on the links in St. George, Utah; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Southern Pines, North Carolina; Kiawah Island and Daufuskie Island, South Carolina; Scottsdale, Arizona; and Lake Las Vegas, Nevada.
What you get: Concierge service, preferred tee times and reduced greens fees, plus invitations to members-only golf-related trips.
