Contrary to the more standardized destination club model where members join by paying a fairly substantial membership deposit and subsequent annual dues to continue accessing the club's amenities, Capricorne Villas utilizes a model where members only pay for what they use.
"Capricorne’s platform is unique from that of other travel and destination companies: zero start up fees, no annual retainers and no membership costs," writes the club. "You simply pay as you go, providing clients with exceptional accommodations and services with minimal financial risks."
Members pay a variable per night cost based on the property they select. This model is much more catered to members who do not have a set travel pattern each year and are comfortable paying a higher per night cost than other destination clubs in exchange of contributing a large up front deposit.
Launched in 2005 by Lars Molin, Marcus Haglid, and Jonas Barck, the club puts their personal stamp of approval on properties available to members. As of 2007, every property the club had made available had been vistited and vetted by either Haglid or Barck and only about 40% of the properties that were submitted to the club for access were selected for use.
Members enjoy the same service level provided to other destination club members including a personal planner and on-site concierge services.
NEWS
An out growth of the standard destination club model, Capricorne Villas is often compared more closely to a luxury rental company as members pay a variable per night cost for every night they travel with the club.
The main advantages to this type of design is that members only pay when they are traveling and do not have to pay a large, up-front membership deposit. The primary drawback is that the per night cost is significantly higher than other destination clubs.
The Claims of Destination Clubs
Date: December 19, 2009
In an increasingly competitive market, some destination clubs have added their own "marketing spin" to make themselves compare favorably to others in the sector. Read more to learn who claims to be the second largest destination club and who has the best homes, prices, and services in the industry.
Capricorne Villas Lets Members Set Their Own Prices
Date: December 11, 2009
Capricorne Villas has introduced a "one-time experiment," letting members set their own terms and pricing for select properties within their portfolio for the months of March and April of 2010, joining a growing list of attractive membership offers throughout the destination club industry.
Capricorne Villas Offers Discounts To Newly Weds
Date: September 6, 2009
Capricorne Villas is looking to make a couple's wedding day, and the days following, even more memorable with the introduction of a new promotion, allowing couples the opportunity to have a destination club wedding of their dream and a free Capricorne Villas' membership.
Capricorne Villas Marcus Haglid Appears On Fox Business
Date: February 13, 2008
Following an Olympic Gold Medalist and twin models, Capricorne Villas' Co-Founder Marcus Haglid discussed his destination club on Fox Business's Happy Hour, discussing their unique business model and property collection.
MEMBERSHIP PLANS
While the standard destination club model traditionally requires a fairly substantial up-front membership deposit and lesser annual dues, Capricorne Villas turns the model on its head and charges no membership deposit and higher related usage costs.
In early 2010, Capricorne Villas adopted a new structure where members would not have to pay any up-front costs or annual dues. Instead, members would simply pay a per night rate for every day they traveled with the club.
"Capricorne’s platform is unique from that of other travel and destination companies: zero start up fees, no annual retainers and no membership costs," wrote the club. "You simply pay as you go, providing clients with exceptional accommodations and services with minimal financial risks."
The per night rate varies based on the property desired and the dates of travel, with more highly sought after seasons like holidays requiring a larger per night cost.
Prior to their no membership deposit structure, Capricorne Villas charged a small fee to members joining the club. Learn more about these previous prices below.
Globetrotter Membership
Despite being Capricorne Villas highest membership plan, the Globetrotter Membership still only cost $4,000 to join.
Jet Setter Membership
Half of the Globetrotter Membership price, Capricorne Villas' Jet Setter Membership cost $2,000 to join the club.
Voyager Membership
One of the cheapest entry points in the destination club industry, the Voyager Membership could be purchased for a mere $100 and would provide the member monthly emails that offered up to 50% off near term stays in Capricorne Villas portfolio.
The nightly fee for each property varies based on the membership plan, property, and season.
MEMBERSHIP PRICING
Contrary to the vast majority of other destination clubs, Capricorne Villas does not require a large, up front membership deposit to join the club or annual dues to remain with the club, but simply charges members a pay as you go structure.
Based on this structure, many consider Capricorne Villas should be classified as a rental organization more than a destination club, but the club does provide services most commonly associated with destination club travel, including pre-travel planning, on site concierge access, and stocking of the property with selected grocery items.
Based on the property selected and the dates desired by the member, a corresponding per night fee is charged with higher accessed properties and peak season travel requiring a larger per night cost.
This type of membership is ideal for members that do not wish to place a large, refundable membership with the club and are willing to pay higher per night fees in return.
Prior to their no membership deposit structure, Capricorne Villas offered three different membership options, each with their own benefits. We invite you to learn more about each below.
Globetrotter Membership
Capricorne Villas highest membership plan, the Globetrotter Membership still only required a $4,000 fee to join. Members were entitled to better pricing than members of the Jet Setter and Voyager options.
Jet Setter Membership
Half of the Globetrotter Membership price, Capricorne Villas' Jet Setter Membership cost $2,000 to join the club. Members received discounts on club properties, but not to the extent of the Globetrotter Membership.
Voyager Membership
One of the most inexpensive entry points in the destination club industry, the Voyager Membership could be purchased for just $100. Members would receive monthly emails that offered up to 50% off near term stays in Capricorne Villas portfolio.
ANNUAL DUES
Instead of charging annual dues to access the amenities available to Capricorne Villas' members, nightly fees are charged for every night in occupancy. Since the club also does not require a large, up front capital contribution in the form of a membership deposit, these per night rates are typically higher than those used at other destination clubs.
These per night fees vary by the property and season. This type of membership structure is best for members who typically have different vacation schedules each year and do not have a predetermined number of nights of usage they plan to travel each year.
As you can expect, members that travel during off-peak seasons enjoy the best per night cost, followed by higher per night costs for peak travel seasons, and the highest per night rates for members wishing to travel during holidays.
Since the genesis of the destination club model late in the 1990s, a large number of different structures have emerged. Traditional destination clubs such as Exclusive Resorts require members to pay a refundable membership deposit to join and annual dues for each year they remain a member. Capricorne Villas charges no up-front fees but higher per night rates. Weighing the benefits and risks of the various models will help you determine which club will be best for you and your family.
PROPERTIES
Providing members access to a global collection of villas, Capricorne Villas takes a slightly different approach than other destination clubs.
Rather than charging large, up front fees, Capricorne Villas' memberships do not require a large, up-front membership fee or annual dues. Instead, members pay higher per night costs in comparison to rival clubs.
This type of membership structure is designed for travelers who don't travel with a set schedule each year and only want to pay when they are on vacation.
Like many other destination clubs, Capricorne Villas has a distinct US focus, with the majority of the club's available properties based in North America, but with a growing interest in European villas.
- Maui, Hawaii - 13 Villas
- San Diego, California - 1 Villa
- Miami, Florida - 6 Villas
- Cabo San Lucas, Mexico - 15 Villas
- Tuscany, Italy - 5 Villas
- Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - 7 Villas
- Park City, Utah - 3 Villas
- Beaver Creek, Colorado - 1 Villa
- Telluride, Colorado - 1 Villa
- Costa Rica - 10 Villas
- London, England - 2 Villas
- Naples, Florida - 3 Villas
- St. Barts - 2 Villas
- Sandpoint, Idaho - 1 Villa
- Anguilla - 7 Villas
- Bahamas - 6 Villas
- St. Thomas - 3 Villas
In the interim, please visit the rest of our Capricorne Villas pages to the right.
USAGE
Most destination clubs offer membership plans that provide members a predetermined number of nights of access per year, with each membership plan having its own membership deposit and annual dues.
Capricorne Villas lets members travels as many or as few nights as they wish each year.
Rather than paying a refundable membership deposit and annual dues, as is the case for the majority of the industry's leading clubs, Capricorne Villas charges no up-front costs or annual dues. Instead, members pay a variable per night fee for every day they travel. Prices vary based on the property and dates that a member wishes to travel. With this cost structure depending solely on per night fees, members can travel every day or not travel at all.
Many compare this type of model more to a rental organization since no membership deposit is required, but Capricorne Villas does supply members with many of the same benefits that destination clubs provide to members, including:
- Pre-travel planning
- On-site destination hosts
- Villa pre-stocking
- Meet and greet
- Expeditions and activities
As can be assumed, members that travel during the low season receive the best pricing, members traveling during higher seasons pay increased rates, and members wishing to travel during holiday seasons pay the highest per night costs.
These per night costs are demonstrably higher than the rates charged at other destination clubs, but members at Capricorne Villas do not have to pay annual dues or any up-front membership fees. Based on your own travel needs, a club structure like Capricorne Villas may work well if:
- Your amount of travel varies greatly from year to year.
- You are unsure about the security of paying a refundable membership deposit.
- You travel primarily during low peak seasons.
HOLIDAY ACCESS
A takeoff from the traditional destination club model, usually requiring an up-front membership deposit and annual dues for each year a member remains with the club, Capricorne Villas utilizes a pay as you go program.
"Additionally, each accommodation undergoes a strict qualification process and is walked by a member of our team to ensure that only the finest villas, hotels and resorts are represented. Through this added precaution, as well as our high level of service, Capricorne is able to eliminate the possibility that a client is anything but satisfied during their trip."
Capricorne Villa member pay a per night cost for each night they travel with the club, allowing members the ability to travel as little or as much as they please each year.
Based on the dates desired by members and the property selected, different prices are charged during the high season, low season, and holidays.
Members that travel during the low season pay the least per night, followed by high season travelers, and members traveling during holidays pay the most on a per night basis.
This type of club structure may or may not fit your unique travel needs. Obviously, with no introductory costs or annual dues, joining Capricorne Villas requires little work on the front end. While joining Capricorne Villas is far less expensive to join than other more traditional destination clubs, the per night costs to travel are far greater than the costs associated with other clubs.
If you are considering destination club membership, weighing these types of pros and cons is often a time consuming process. Would you rather pay a large, up-front membership deposit that you may or may not get refunded to you at a later date and enjoy lower per night travel costs, or not pay a membership deposit and pay much higher nightly rates?
MEMBERS
Unlike the vast majority of other destination club models, Capricorne Villas charges members no up-front costs to join the club nor any annual dues to remain a member. Members instead pay higher per night fees to access the club's portfolio of luxury villas.
This type of membership is designed for travelers who don't travel the same number of nights each year and only want to pay when they need the club's amenities.
"Founded in 2005, Capricorne Villas is a private membership club dedicated to providing exquisitely appointed, private luxury villas and superlative services in the world’s most desirable locations," writes the club. "The company offers luxury living in elegant villas at a price performance better than that of most luxury hotels, marrying unparalleled quality and access with minimal financial risk for members."
Based on the property and season desired by a member, an accompanying per night cost is attached to the stay, with higher accessed properties and more desired times, such as holidays, charging a higher per night cost.
Since members do not have to pay any up-front fees or annual dues, members can travel as often or as little as they wish per year. Also as a result of this no fee model, Capricorne Villas has also been quoted as the second largest destination club in the world, a title that most within the sector attach to Ultimate Escapes.
RESIGNATION
Members of Capricorne Villas, a destination club based in California, do not have to pay any up-front membership fees or annual dues to join. Instead, members pay a per night cost for every night they travel with the club.
"Capricorne is a luxury travel group whose relationships give us access to unique properties and experiences around the world."
"We create memorable and rewarding travel experiences for clients by combining the very best in accommodations and services. Our top priority is to be your travel advocate."
"Capricorne’s platform is unique from that of other travel and destination companies: zero start up fees, no annual retainers and no membership costs. You simply pay as you go, providing clients with exceptional accommodations and services with minimal financial risks."
Most traditional destination clubs require members to pay a refundable membership deposit to join. After a certain amount of time with the club, typically three years, members are able to leave the club. After the member expresses their interest in leaving the club, they are put on a resignation list and as new members are acquired by the club, members on the resignation list are repaid. Depending on the club, members typically are refunded 75% of their original membership deposit, but a growing number of clubs repay members a percentage of the then current value of their membership, sometimes paying members more than they originally contributed to join.
Since members of Capricorne Villas do not pay a refundable membership deposit when they join, no money is obligated to them if they would elect to leave the club. Since the club does not require any annual dues payments from members, resigning from the club would most likely indicate that the member simply no longer uses Capricorne Villas' services rather than officially leaving the club.
There are dozens of different redemption and resignation policies throughout the destination club sector.
EXECUTIVES
The international appeal of Capricorne Villas is joined with an international assortment of executives.
"Founded in 2005, Capricorne Villas is a private membership club dedicated to providing exquisitely appointed, private luxury villas and superlative services in the world’s most desirable locations. The company offers luxury living in elegant villas at a price performance better than that of most luxury hotels, marrying unparalleled quality and access with minimal financial risk for members."
"In creating Capricorne Villas, founders Lars-Henrik Friis Molin, Marcus Haglid and Jonas Barck set out to deliver an exquisite luxury travel experience at an intelligent price. Their mission was simple: create truly memorable and rewarding vacations for members by combining the very best in locations, villas and services, with flexibility for today’s luxury traveler."
"Now poised for dramatic growth, Capricorne Villas is setting new standards for villa vacations with a dynamic management team that has decades of experience in the travel, leisure and hospitality sectors with companies known for service, excellence and success."
Capricorne Villas takes a far different approach to their travel club than most other destination clubs. Rather than charging a refundable membership deposit and annual dues, Capricorne Villas simply charges members a per night fee for every night they use the club's residences. Rates vary based on the property selected and the dates of travel, with higher accessed and popular residences and peak travel dates, especially holidays, requiring a larger per night fee.
Lars Molin
Co-Founder and Chairman
Marcus Haglid
Co-Founder and President
Jonas Barck
Co-Founder and Vice President
PARTNERSHIPS
Capricorne Villas provides members a global assortment of luxury villas for far less than the cost of standard rental rates.
Currently, Capricorne Villas list no partnerships with other vacation providers or any ancillary services for members.
PRESS RELEASES
Capricorne Villas offers members discounts on dozens of luxury villas around the world. Founded in 2005, the young club continues to grow in terms of both members and properties.
Capricorne Villas Adds 12 Ultra-Luxurious Villas in Maui and Park City
Date: January 22, 2008
Capricorne Villas has announced the injection of 12 new villas to their property portfolio, bringing the club's total to over 70 in some of the world's most desirable destinations.