Banyan Tree Private Collection leads nearly all of their press releases with "the first asset-backed destination club in Asia offering perpetual and transferable membership." Launched in 2006, Banyan Tree Private Collection is managed by the Banyan Tree group, a leading resort operator in the Asia-Pacific. Properties within the club's portfolio are safeguarded by an independent company, with shares held by trustee shareholders.
The collection of properties includes destinations around the world, including popular destinations like Tuscany and France and a wide assortment of hidden gems in Japan, Phuket, and the Seychelles. Traditionally private villas and luxury apartments, Banyan Tree also has "associate" one or two bedroom villas available to members in Mexico, the Maldives, and Thailand amongst others.
Membership plans within the club include one to two weeks of travel and begin at $120,000 with annual dues of $3,000.
MEMBERSHIP PLANS
Banyan Tree Private Collection, Asia's first asset backed destination club, provides members access to a growing portfolio of luxury villas owned by the club, a group of "affiliate villas," and discounts at other accommodations and services through Banyan Tree.
These discounts include:
- 20% best available rates in the Banyan Tree website for extensions of stay.
- 20% discount off food and beverages at Banyan Tree Resorts.
- 20% off a-la-carte spa menu.
- Complimentary green fees.
- 15% discount at selected Banyan Tree Gallery outlets.
Unlike the majority of other destination clubs who typically have membership plans that include up to 60 nights of annual access, Banyan Tree Private Collection offers membership plans with lower annual access and lower annual dues.
Individual Membership
Banyan Tree's Individual Membership provides members one week of annual travel to a two bedroom villas for a membership fee of $150,000 and annual dues of $3,000. Members also receive a "privilege card" that gives members discounts on spa treatments, food, beverages, golf, and extended vacations through the Banyan Tree network.
Corporate Membership
As opposed to the Individual Membership where there is only one primary member, the Corporate Membership allows for two nominees that can travel on the membership. The membership fee for Corporate Members is $250,000 and annual dues of $6,000 and provides two weeks of annual usage at two bedroom villas.
Alternate Year Membership
For those who do not travel each year, Banyan Tree offers an "Alternate Year Membership" where members select odd or even years and can travel in the years they select. The Alternate Membership is sold for $80,000 with members only paying annual dues in the years in which they travel.
MEMBERSHIP PRICING
Banyan Tree Private Collection offers two primary membership plans and a third membership plan that allows for travel every other year.
Individual Membership
Banyan Tree's Individual Membership costs $120,000 and provides for one week of annual travel.
Corporate Membership
As opposed to the Individual Membership where there is only one primary member, the Corporate Membership allows for two nominees that can travel for two weeks per year. The membership fee for Corporate Members is $220,000.
Alternate Year Membership
For those who do not travel each year, Banyan Tree offers an "Alternate Year Membership" where members select odd or even years and can travel in the years they select. The Alternate Membership is sold for $80,000.
ANNUAL DUES
Banyan Tree Private Collection offers two primary membership plans with a third plan that allows for travel every other year, all with inexpensive annual dues in comparison to most other destination clubs.
Individual Membership
Banyan Tree's Individual Membership provides members one week of annual travel for annual dues of $3,000.
Corporate Membership
The Corporate Membership allows for two nominees that can travel on the membership for two weeks per year for $6,000 per annum.
Alternate Year Membership
For those who do not travel each year, Banyan Tree offers an "Alternate Year Membership" where members select odd or even years and can travel in the years they select. Those members that select this members only pay annual dues in the years in which they travel.
PROPERTIES
Providing members a global collection of villas, Banyan Tree Private Collection offers access to two sets of properties to members: Banyan Tree Private Collection Villas and Banyan Tree Private Collection Associate Villas.
With offices based in Europe and Asia, the club's property focus is rightly a distinct assortment of properties throughout China, Japan, Thailand, and other stunning destinations.
Banyan Tree Private Collection Villas
- Bintan
- Lijiang
- Phuket
- Ringha
- Seychelles
- Tuscany
- Provence
- Kyoto
Banyan Tree Private Collection Associate Villas
- Mayakoba
- Maldives
- Bangkok
- Lijiang
USAGE
"Banyan Tree Private Collection takes you from Banyan Tree's top category signature villas in exotic locations to spacious standalone properties in some of the world's most sought- after destinations. Year after year, you and your family can enjoy annual getaways and spend precious time together."
Launched in 2006 as "the first asset-backed destination club in Asia," Banyan Tree Private Collection provides members access to a portfolio of luxury villas throughout Asia and Europe in addition to discounts on accommodations, food, and services available through Banyan Tree corporate.
While the majority of destination clubs offer a wide array of membership options, ranging up to 60 nights of annual access, Banyan Tree Private Collection limits their members to 14 nights of base plan access each year. Members can extend their stay if they wish by paying the discounted rates afforded to them through their membership.
Members are able to make reservations through phone, fax, or e-mail with their Member Services representatives. "We have no restrictions on length of stays," writes Catherine Feliciano-Chon from the club. "As long as its within their entitlement."
Banyan Tree Private Collection is one of the few destination clubs that rents out unoccupied nights to non-members. These rental revenues are used to "subsidize annual dues" and keep year over year costs low for members.
There are multiple usage structures used throughout the destination club industry, each with their own uniques benefits and drawbacks.
HOLIDAY ACCESS
Asia's first "global destination club," Banyan Tree Private Collection offers members access to a portfolio of villas and discounts at Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, Banyan Tree Spas, and other Banyan Tree related products.
Created in 2006, Banyan Tree Private Collection includes villas in Phuket, Bali, Kyoto, and Ringha amongst others and as a part of their Eastern focus, the club includes a more traditional Eastern holiday schedule that includes:
- Christmas Week
- New Year's Week
- Chinese New Year's Week
- Easter Week
Unlike other the majority of US based destination clubs that use a wide array of structures regarding holiday travel, including points based, lotteries, and best fit scenarios, Banyan Tree Private Collection uses a first come, first served model. This type of structure rewards those who make their reservations far in advance.
"Members are encouraged to make their requests for dates within peak periods at least 12 months in advance," writes the club.
MEMBERS
Based in the attractive Asian market, an area that leading destination clubs such as Exclusive Resorts, Ultimate Escapes, and The Hideaways Club have all expressed interest in entering, Banyan Tree Private Collection offers members a portfolio of villas located throughout Asia and Europe.
Introduced in 2006, Banyan Tree Private Collection has grown to nearly 200 members since inception.
In addition to a collection of "own villas" available to members, a group of "affiliate villas" can be accessed as part of the membership. Members also receive discounts at other luxury travel options through the Banyan Tree family, including:
- 20% off internet rate for extension of stays
- 20% off stays at Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts
- 20% off food and beverages at Banyan Tree Resorts
- 20% off a-la-carte spa menu at Banyan Tree Spas
- 15% off purchases at selected Banyan Tree Galleries
- Free green fees at Laguna Phuket & Laguna Bintan Golf Clubs
Unlike other destination clubs who typically have membership plans of various levels, often with up to 60 nights of annual access, members of Banyan Tree Private Collection can choose between 7 and 14 nights annually. As such, Banyan Tree Private Collection also has some of the lowest annual dues in the sector.
RESIGNATION
If you read a Banyan Tree Private Collection press release, you will likely see phrases like "asset-backed assurance" or "Asia's first asset-backed destination club."
While learning more about the properties available to members and the amount of time you can travel per year as a member is reason that most people look into the destination club model, understanding the resignation and redemption policies and how you will receive your money back is arguably the most important component to your destination club evaluation.
EXECUTIVES
"What is Banyan Tree Private Collection?" the club asks in their frequently asked questions. "The Banyan Tree Private Collection is Asia's First Global Destination Club, whereby you purchase a membership and receive annual use rights at the properties under Banyan Tree Private Collection. BTPC is the first destination club to offer asset backed perpetual and fully transferable membership."
Launched in 2006, Banyan Tree Private Collection would introduce themselves to the destination club industry with properties in Tuscany, London, and Provence and quickly expand to include luxury villas in popular destinations such as Bintan, Ringa, and Bali.
Also mentioned in the club's frequently asked questions is the query "Who manages the Banyan Tree Private Collection?"
"BTPC is managed by Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts, a leading niche resort developer and operator in Asia-Pacific with strong global hospitality management and resort development experience," the club responds. "It has won more than 300 awards and accolades, all within a short time span since the first resort was opened in 1994. Banyan Tree provides BTPC members with travel experiences that are consistent with its brand philosophy—the Love of travel. Leveraging on the complementary product offerings, ranging from resorts, hotels, spas, galleries to golf courses, BTPC delivers multi-faceted, destination-specific experiential services that are of exceptional standards and quality."
Dedicated to efficiency and responsible spending, Banyan Tree Private Collection includes a rather small executive team. The most notable include:
Marina Kleiman
Managing Director
Margaret Koh
Marketing Manager
Charles Leong
Director Membership Services
PARTNERSHIPS
Part of the Banyan Tree family, Banyan Tree Private Collection gives members access to a collection of "own villas" in addition to a group of "affiliate villas."
In addition to the travel options through the club, members also enjoy discounts on accommodations, dining, and other services through Banyan Tree including:
The flagship Banyan Tree Resort was launched in 1994 in Laguna Phuket.
If you are considering destination club membership, evaluating the partnership network and the benefits offered to members can greatly influence your decision. Clubs like Banyan Tree Private Collection and the Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club have built in travel affiliations through their corporate brand while other destination clubs branch out to other travel providers to augment the membership.
PRESS RELEASES
Publicly introduced in October of 2006, Banyan Tree Private Collection was launched as the "first asset-backed destination club in Asia." Members have access to a collection of luxury villas for up to 14 nights per year and discounts on accommodations, food, beverages, and spa services at other Banyan Tree ventures.
Banyan Tree Private Collection Pioneers With First Asset-Backed Destination Club In Asia
Date: March 18, 2009
Banyan Tree Private Collection offers members bespoke travel experiences as well as the luxury of a second home without the hefty expense or hassles of owning a property as Asia's first asset-backed destination club in Asia.
Banyan Tree Private Collection Launches In China and UK
Date: June 1, 2007
Banyan Tree Private Collection has made its first official foray into mainland China with their launch in Shanghai. An event with 150 guests kicked off the launch as the club plans to further their market share in Asia, currently accounting for 40% of their memberships.
Banyan Tree Private Collection Launches First Asset-Backed Destination Club In Asia
Date: October 31, 2006
Banyan Tree Private Collection today announces the launch of the first asset-backed destination club in Asia offering perpetual and transferable membership, starting at $120,000 with annual dues of $3,000.