Solstice Collection

A three time winner of both Robb Report's Best of the Best and Business Britain's Best Internationally awards, the Solstice Collection was widely regarded as having an unmatched portfolio of luxury vacation homes available to members.

Launched in 2004 by Graham Kos, Solstice Collection virtually created the ultra-luxury destination club demographic with a portfolio of $6.5 million homes and membership deposits north of $1 million to join. "Solstice was born of a passion for style and luxury with a sense of being 'home' when you are away from your primary residence," Kos wrote. "Solstice is on the leading edge of what I believe to be the most important new trend in real estate in the coming decade. I believe this trend will redefine the way that people use and evaluate second home lifestyle options. With this belief, I have developed a shared-use concept in 'ultra-exclusive' properties which allows members to maximize their luxury and variety while at the same time minimizing their expense and inconvenience so that they may retain and invest the bulk of their investment capital into higher return/lower hassle venues."

Originally planned to include just seven elite level properties and a yacht and just 42 full members, the club saw success during their early years and eventually expanded beyond Kos's original vision. The club offered two different membership plans that provided 28 and 56 nights of annual travel. Solstice branded themselves as an "Equity Membership" as redeeming members received 80% of the then current value of the membership, theoretically allowing members to receive more than they paid in.

Early in 2006, Kos was introduced to Tim Wolff, Co-Founder of Parallel, Solstice Collection's main competitor at the ultra-luxury price point, through a mutual friend. Agreeing that neither could ever dominate the space, the two began discussions on joining their respective clubs together. In November of 2006, the formal merger was announced.

The new club featured an all-star cast of destination club executives including Chad Morse, Graham Kos, Tim Wolff, Jeffrey Scult, Mark Cibik, Mark Cain, and Michael Ducamp.

In May of 2008, Kos and an unnamed outside investor purchased a controlling interest in Solstice and took over the role of CEO. Wolff and Morse stepped down from their management positions but remained members of the club, but the coming year would prove difficult for the elite club.

As real estate prices began to drop and interest in the club lessened, momentum came to a stop. A $23.6 million debt owed to Fortress Investment Group came due and the club was unable to pay. By March of 2009, Solstice voluntarily petitioned for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, estimating assets, including 14 properties and yacht, of $1 million to $10 million and liabilities of $10 million to $50 million.

Carolynn Rockafellow, an outspoken Solstice Collection member who had praised Solstice's offering to our friends Susan Kime and Fractional Life, was appointed to Chief Executive Officer. Since the filing, the club has continued to to seek out a way to continue operations, but the ultimate fate of the club and its members are still undetermined.

MEMBERSHIP PLANS

A multiple "Best of the Best" award winner in Robb Report and "Best Internationally" recognition in Business Britain, The Solstice Collection virtually created the ultra-luxury segment of the destination club sector.

Originally conceived as an exclusive, invitation only destination club limited to just 42 members, Solstice would grow organically and approach their membership capacity when an opportunity became available late in 2006.

"What began as casual conversations between two respected industry peers quickly elevated to recognition of complimentary assets," the club would write, "that when combined, would create the undeniable elite destination club in the world."

These conversations were between Solstice Collection's Graham Kos and Chad Morse, Co-Founder of an up and coming elite club Parallel. Solstice and Merger would announce their merger in November of 2006 and establish themselves as the leading club in the ultra-luxury sector.

The two clubs would approach the 80 member mark and move forward with three membership plans available to members: Signature, Platinum, and Sky.

Each of the three would offer two different deposit options, allowing members the opportunity to select a refundable structure that paid a 100% refund on their membership deposit when chose to resign or a membership that refunded 80% of the future value of their membership.

The club would close in on the 100 member mark after undergoing several price increases, including an announcement to increase the membership deposits for the Platinum and Sky Memberships on January 1, 2009. Unknown to the outsider, but Solstice was just months away from filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Learn more about the three club options the club offered below.

Signature Membership

More expensive than most other destination clubs' highest priced options, the Signature Membership was the introductory plan at Solstice. Members paid a refundable $615,000 to join and had access to 14 nights of advanced access each year. Like all Solstice membership plans, members could also travel on an unlimited basis. Signature members could do so within 45 days in advance. Members could allow extended family members and guests the ability to use their membership for up to 100% of their advanced access nights, but the primary member and/or life partner was required to be in residence for space available stays.

Members paid $34,000 annually in club dues at the time of the bankruptcy announcement.

When the club announced their price increases late in 2008, Solstice announced that they would suspend sales at the Signature level.

Platinum Membership

Platinum members of The Solstice Collection paid a refundable $975,000 to join and had access to 28 nights of advanced access each year. Like the other Solstice membership plans, members could also travel on an unlimited basis with Platinum members able to make these space available reservations up to 60 days in advance. Members could allow extended family members and guests the ability to use their membership for up to 100% of their advanced access nights, but the primary member and/or life partner was required to be in residence for space available stays.

The associated annual dues for the club totaled $54,000 per annum.

When the club announced their price increases, it was released that the Platinum Membership would climb to $1,125,000.

Sky Membership

The highest tier of the industry's most established upper end club, members paid $1,950,000 to join. Members had 56 nights of annual access to the club's portfolio on an advanced access basis and unlimited access within 75 days in advance. Members could allow extended family members and guests the ability to use their membership for up to 100% of their advanced access nights, but the primary member and/or life partner was required to be in residence for space available stays.

One of the highest annual dues structures in the industry, members paid $86,000 per year when the club announced its bankruptcy.

When the club announced their price increases in October of 2008, it was disclosed that they planned to increase the cost of club membership to $2,250,000.

MEMBERSHIP PRICING

Cesare Pavese wrote "Every luxury must be paid for, and everything is a luxury, starting with being in the world."

The Solstice Collection, the largest ultra-luxury destination club in the industry, originally modeled their club to consist of just 42 members. Using an invitation only structure, the club quietly grew through referrals and would eventually merge with rival luxury club Parallel late in 2006.

Following the "merger of equals," the club would move forward with three membership options. "Solstice offers flexible access based on personal travel demands, membership deposit return structures and annual dues. There are three membership plans offered to meet the member’s desired flexibility for travel: Signature, Platinum, and Sky."

Each of the three plans offered two different deposit options, letting members have the opportunity to pick their own redemption structure based on their risk aversion. Members could choose between a 100% refund on their membership deposit if they wished to resign or 80% of the future value of their membership, allowing members the opportunity to receive more than they originally paid if the club was able to increase prices. Learn more about these terms at our Solstice Collection Resignation and Redemption page.

One of the most expensive options in the destination club industry, Solstice continued to market their three membership plans up until the club's bankruptcy filing in 2009.

Just months prior to the announcement, the club disclosed that they would be increasing prices of two of their three membership options and suspending sales on the third. We invite you to learn more about the pricing of Solstice Collection below.

Signature Membership

While the least expensive option at The Solstice Collection, Signature Memberships were more expensive than most other destination clubs' highest priced options. Members paid a refundable $615,000 to join and were given 14 nights of advanced access each year to the club's properties. Like all Solstice membership plans, members could also travel on an unlimited basis. For Signature members, these space available reservations could be made up to 45 days in advance. Members could allow extended family members and guests the ability to use their membership for up to 100% of their advanced access nights, but the primary member and/or life partner was required to be in residence for space available stays.

When the club announced their price increases late in 2008 for the Platinum and Sky Memberships, Solstice announced that they would suspend sales at the Signature level.

Platinum Membership

Platinum members of The Solstice Collection paid a refundable $975,000 to join, receiving either 100% of their original deposit or 80% of the future value of their membership back when they resigned, depending on their deposit choice. Members had access to 28 nights of advanced access each year with unlimited travel benefits on a space available basis up to 60 days in advance. Members could allow extended family members and guests the ability to use their membership for up to 100% of their advanced access nights, but the primary member and/or life partner was required to be in residence for space available stays.

When Solstice announced their price increases in October of 2008, it was disclosed that the Platinum Membership would climb to $1,125,000 in January of 2009. Despite the notice, it appears that the club never actively marketed memberships at this price point and continued selling at the $975,000 point until the bankruptcy announcement.

Sky Membership

The pinnacle of The Solstice Collection's membership plans, the Sky Membership was available for $1,950,000. Members would have 56 nights of annual access to the club's portfolio on an advanced access basis and unlimited access within 75 days in advance. Like each of the other club options, members could allow extended family members and guests the ability to use their membership for up to 100% of their advanced access nights, but the primary member and/or life partner was required to be in residence for space available stays.

When the club announced their price increases in October of 2008, the Sky Membership was planned to increase to $2,250,000. Like the Platinum Membership, the club appears to have never actively sold at this price point, continuing to sell at the $1,950,000 level until their bankruptcy announcement.

ANNUAL DUES

The most successful elite level club in the history of the destination club sector, The Solstice Collection provided members access to a collection of luxury vacation properties worth $6.5 million each on average.

The ultra-luxury destination club offered three different membership plans, providing between 14 and 56 nights of base access each year.

Solstice would enjoy the most success of any ultra-luxury club as rivals Yellowstone Club World and Ciel were unable to generate any significant momentum in their respective clubs.

As the market began to tumble in 2008, so did interest in the destination club sector. With sales dwindling and a loan due, Solstice Collection defaulted and were forced to file for bankruptcy.

Signature Membership

Signature members received 14 nights of base plan access each year for $34,000 annually in club dues. Members could give up to 100% of these base plan nights to friends, family, and business colleagues at their discretion.

Within 45 days in advance, members were able to make unlimited "spontaneous use" reservations. These reservations required the primary member and/or life partner to be in residence while traveling.

Platinum Membership

Members of the Platinum club level received 28 nights of base plan access each year for $54,000 annually in club dues. Members could give up to 100% of these base plan nights to friends, family, and business colleagues as they wished.

Within 60 days in advance, members were able to make unlimited "spontaneous use" reservations. These reservations required the primary member and/or life partner to be in residence while traveling.

Sky Membership

The most elite membership option in the industry's most elite club, Sky members were able to make 56 nights of base plan reservations each year for $86,000 annually in club dues. Like the other two membership plans, members could give up to 100% of these nights to friends, family, and business colleagues at their discretion.

Sky Members also enjoyed the greates "spontaneous use" window. Members could make unlimited reservations within 75 days in advance. These reservations required the primary member and/or life partner to be in residence while traveling.

PROPERTIES

"From the beginning, Solstice Founder Graham Kos believed that members would be attracted to a more financially attractive solution to owning second homes. He also knew that access to a variety of experiences in the very best global destinations would satisfy a diverse, international membership base. As a result, Graham spent hundreds of hours researching and planning, and then traveled thousands of miles to comb the streets of Paris to find Beau Rivage, to explore the hills of St. Barth to uncover L’etoile du Berger, to discover the landmark Basque Retreat of Telluride and Silver Skies in tony Aspen, and finally to procure a jewel—Villa Dolce in Florence, the only Michelangelo-designed and constructed home—ever."

"Graham still uses his Collector’s Mentality today to benchmark all real estate acquisitions. Instinct and planning are complemented today by key principals and member travel analysis that further ensures that Solstice provides its members with a growing international portfolio of highly available homes for the exclusive enjoyment of our members."

From the Solstice Collection club literature, the undisputed leader of the ultra-luxury segment of the destination club industry looked to "wow" members at every destination. When Solstice and Parallel merged late in 2006, a frequently asked question stated "What Sets Your Homes Apart From Those Offered By Other Providers?" Solstice's reply: "The Solstice collection of one-of-a-kind, architecturally significant homes are artfully styled and tastefully decorated. Attention to design detail is paramount at any of our homes. Whether it is our Florence home that is part of the landmark building designed by Michelangelo or the Cabo San Lucas residence that offers sunset ocean views from every room and its own secluded beach, every Solstice home tells a unique story and upholds the highest levels of style and grace."

A popular option for many luxury travelers, Solstice would approach the 100 member mark before filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy early in 2009. At the time of their filing, the club consisted of the following 12 residences, including one private yacht.

• Aspen, Colorado - Silver Skies
• Itacarè, Brazil - Warapuru
• Cabo San Lucas, Mexico - Casa Estrella
• Florence, Italy - Villa Dolce
• Kona Coast, Hawaii - Hale Nanea
• London, England - Soho Hotel Suite
• New York, New York - Coltrane
• New York, New York - Ellington
• Paris, France - Beau Rivage
• British Virgin Islands - Solstice I
• St. Barth's, French Caribbean - L'Etoile du Berger
• Napa Valley, California - Indian Gap

USAGE

The leader in the ultra-luxury segment of the destination club industry, The Solstice Collection would approach the 100 member mark before filing for bankruptcy early in 2009.

Solstice would offer three different membership plans, each providing members unlimited annual access to the club's property portfolio.

Signature Membership

The least expensive membership option within the Solstice Collection catalogue, the club's Signature membership still was more expensive than nearly all of the options at other leading destination clubs. Members received 14 nights of advanced access each year and unlimited spontaneous reservations, subject to the reservations not exceeding 45 days in advance of the first date of travel.

Platinum Membership

The middle tier in the Solstice Collection family, Platinum members received 28 nights of advanced access each year. Like the other Solstice Collection memberships, unlimited spontaneous use reservations were allowed up to 60 nights in advance.

Sky Membership

The highest membership option at Solstice and still one of the highest memberships in the history of the destination club industry, Sky memberships were available for over $2 million late in the club's history. Members were entitled to 56 nights of annual occupancy in terms of advanced reservations and unlimited spontaneous use reservations, made up to 75 days in advance of the first night of the stay.

"Solstice provides virtually unlimited use of the portfolio by using a combination of Advance Access and Spontaneous Use days," wrote the club. "All plans provide the flexibility to choose the right mix of Advance Access and Spontaneous Use days based on your personal travel preferences. Now, for the planners who prefer Advance Access planning or for those who enjoy spontaneous getaways, you can customize a membership to fit your lifestyle."

According to the club, Solstice was modeled to have "an occupancy average of less than 50% while most clubs average nearly 70% occupancy."

Like many other destination clubs in 2008 and 2009, sales at Solstice would rapidly decline as a result of the economy. In addition, the club defaulted on a loan with Fortress, leading to the club's bankruptcy announcement in March of 2009.

HOLIDAY ACCESS

Long the leader in the ultra-luxury segment of the destination club industry, The Solstice Collection would offer membership options up to $2 million to join and charge annual dues higher than some other destination clubs would charge to join.

Solstice would have three membership plans, each allowing unlimited annual travel to the club's collection of vacation residences. The primary difference between each would include the number of advanced reservations and spontaneous reservations that could be made as a member. The club's Signature level, the lowest of the three plans, included 14 nights of advanced reservations and unlimited spontaneous use access within 45 nights of the first night of travel. To make comparisons, the Sky membership, the highest within Solstice, allowed for 56 nights of annual advanced access and unlimited spontaneous reservations within 75 days of travel.

Solstice identified the following special dates as Holidays:

• Christmas
• New Year's
• Spring Break
• Thanksgiving

All three of the club's membership plans included access to these holidays through a lottery system that members could participate in. Traveling during the Christmas and New Year's holidays also required an additional surcharge.

Unfortunately, early in 2009, Solstice filed for bankruptcy. The ultra-luxury club had grown to just shy of 100 members at the time of the filing.

With membership sales slowing throughout the destination club industry in 2008 and 2009, membership growth at Solstice was even slower as a result of their high prices. In addition, the club defaulted on a loan with Fortress for approximately $23.6 million.

MEMBERS

When Solstice Collection launched, the club would target just 42 members who would share exclusive access to a portfolio of seven multi-million residences and yachts.

The invitation only club would grow through referrals, slowly matriculating through word of mouth with little interest in following the lead of the industry's dominant players Exclusive Resorts and Abercrombie & Kent Destinations.

The club's organic growth structure would prove successful as Solstice would approach the 40 member mark by the end of 2006 when a meeting with an industry rival would force the club to rethink their membership capacity.

While Solstice was the dominant player in the ultra-luxury segment of the destination club industry, Parallel was quickly gaining momentum. Both realizing the advantages of joining forces, Solstice's Graham Kos and Parallel's Chad Morse began working together to eventually lead to a "merger of equals" in November of 2006.

"What began as casual conversations between two respected industry peers quickly elevated to recognition of complimentary assets that, when combined, would create the undeniable elite destination club in the world," the club wrote, referencing a meeting between Solstice Collection's Graham Kos and Parallel's Tim Wolff. "We believe that the premier destination club should deliver architecturally significant and uniquely appointed homes, backed by a high level of personalized service, financial transparency and member deposit protection. The new Solstice marries Solstice’s growing collection of remarkable homes with Parallel’s best-in-class services, resulting in a member experience unmatched by any club model, or for that matter, outright ownership. Further, Solstice continues its commitment to provide the highest standards of financial transparency to its members, and now introduces, for the first time in the industry, a choice between two deposit reimbursement models based upon each participant’s financial goals."

The collected club would now feature roughly 70 to 80 members and cement themselves as the leading luxury player in the industry as Ciel, Yellowstone Club World, and Everlands entered at similar price points but were unable to dethrown the Solstice and Parallel combination.

The club would continue to grow and approached the 100 member threshold before filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2009. According to court documents, the vast majority of members were near equally split between the club's Platinum and Signature offerings with a hand full of members in the near $2 million Sky level.

As lower priced clubs such as LUSSO Collection and High Country Club saw virtually no material sales, the upper tier Solstice face a similar problem, exacerbated by defaulting on a loan secured by the club's properties.

Club member Carolynn Rockafellow was appointed as CEO for the bankruptcy, bringing her experience as a Credit Suisse investment banker to the club.

RESIGNATION

The leading ultra-luxury destination club in the industry for most of their tenure, Solstice Collection offered two different resignation policies, allowing members the ability to choose their own redemption structure.

At the time a member joined the club, they would choose which option would be best for them.

Future Value

Members joining under the future value model received just that: the future value of their membership at the time of their resignation. The club would determine the value of their membership by averaging the most four recent comparable membership sold. The member would receive the averaged amount of those four, less a 20% transfer fee.

Many other destination clubs use similar models, in effect rewarding members of the club who purchase their membership early and stay through several price increases. Obviously, once the club increased their prices by 25%, they would be breaking even on their membership, receiving 100% of their original deposit.

Fully Refundable

And for those who simply wanted their membership deposit returned, members could elect to receive 100% of their deposit refunded when they elected to resign their club membership. Rather than enjoying any additional proceeds on their membership, these members were simply refunded the same amount that they initially contributed to the club.

This type of structure benefits members who do not intend to remain with the club for an extended period of time, not yet fully sold on the concept or club, or unsure about the significance of the potential upside. For example, when Solstice increased their prices early in 2007, the three membership plans averaged approximately a 6% increase. For a member with a future value membership, it would take five comparable price increases to achieve any gains on their membership. During this time, the member would be continuing to contribute non-refundable annual dues for the potential gains.

Unfortunately, very few got the opportunity to go all the way through the resignation process as Solstice filed for bankruptcy early in 2009 as a result of the financial climate and decreased interest of 2008.

EXECUTIVES

In November of 2006, Solstice and Parallel, the two leading luxury destination clubs in the industry announced a merger that would create the undisputed leader in the elite level of the sector. Called at the time "a merger of equals," the collected club would move forward with the Solstice Collection brand name but with a management team composed primarily of Parallel executives.

At the time of the merger, the club announced the leadership team that would be guiding the club's growth moving forward.

• Chad Morse (Parallel) - Founder and Chief Executive Officer
• Graham Kos (Solstice) - Founder
• Tim Wolff (Parallel) - Founder
• Jeffrey Scult (Solstice) - Founder and Managing Director, Membership & Alliances
• Mark Cibik (Parallel) - Managing Director, Membership
• Mark Cain (Parallel) - Managing Director, Marketing
• Michel Ducamp (Parallel) - Managing Director, Hospitality

The destination club would add Timothy Weller to serve as CEO and President and grow at a steady pace until May of 2008 when Founder Graham Kos and a group of outside investors purchased controlling interest in the club. Kos would retake his role as Chief Executive Officer and President as Chad Morse and Tim Wolff, the two founders of Parallel, would step down alongside Acting CEO and President Weller.

Morse and Wolf would remain with the club as members while the club transitioned some current executives into new titles. Jeffrey Scult would serve as Managing Director and Michel Ducamp would take over as Chief Operating Officer.

The ultra-luxury club would also heavily market their distinguished Advisory Board, including:

• Ronald R. Snyder - Chief Executive Officer at Crocs
• Dr. Hank McKinnell - Retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Pfizer
• Dennis C. Carey - Senior Client Partner at Korn/Ferry International
• Dr. Laura L. Carstensen - Chair, Psychology Department, Stanford
• Christopher Colfer - Chief Executive Officer at Dunhill
• Andrew Harper - Founder and Editor-in-Chief at Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report

As sales slowed, the club filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy early in 2009. Carolynn Rockafellow, a longtime outspoken member and advocate for the club, took the role of Chief Executive Officer of Solstice for the filing.

NOTES FROM THE CLUB

The Solstice Collection modeled their club to satisfy members through white glove services and one of the most prized collections of vacation properties in the destination club sector. "We believe that the premier destination club should deliver architecturally significant and uniquely appointed homes, backed by a high level of personalized service, financial transparency and member deposit protection," said wrote the club following a merger with rival luxury club Parallel. "The new Solstice marries Solstice’s growing collection of remarkable homes with Parallel’s best-in-class services, resulting in a member experience unmatched by any club model, or for that matter, outright ownership. Further, Solstice continues its commitment to provide the highest standards of financial transparency to its members, and now introduces, for the first time in the industry, a choice between two deposit reimbursement models based upon each participant’s financial goals."

Once planned to include just 42 members, Solstice would continue their growth past their original capacity, leading to praise from club members including:

• "Unparalleled quality of living"
• "Emphasis on quality over quantity"
• "Each of the houses is spectacular. Beautifully designed, built, and finished. They feel like home. Or, more accurately, homes. Very, very nice homes. And the service is impeccable."
• "Solstice has changed the way we vacation; the way we live."
• "The quality, size and sheer impact of Solstice homes make staying in the homes a totally unique experience."

The club would grow to over 70 members with the merger with Parallel and continue to grow primarily through referrals and word of mouth marketing.

The industry's leading ultra-luxury club would grow to nearly 100 members but as the economic climate of 2008 claimed rival clubs High Country Club, LUSSO Collection, and multiple others, Solstice would face a similar fate. Interest in the club came to a halt and a loan payment was defaulted on secured by club properties. In early 2009, the club filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

PARTNERSHIPS

Members of the ultra-luxury destination club Solstice Collection had several extended travel benefits through the club's partership network.

Many destination clubs offer a combination of strategic alliances to augment the membership experience, often including private jet access or concierge services to members as needed. While Solstice's partnership network did have an established collection of notable affiliates, all of the four major partnerships they listed were or at one time had been partners with rival destination clubs.

For transportation, Solstice partnered with Savoya Global Car Services. "Solstice Members arrive with the same elegance and comfort as they expect in their home experience. Savoya Global Car Services is widely considered the elite provider in the area of luxury ground transportation. Solstice Members receive a personal Elite Services VIP card and services from Savoya which includes ground access privileges." Members had access to the "white glove" service available through Savoya even when they weren't traveling with the club.

Savoya is also attached to Exclusive Resorts, the world's largest destination club.

Like Solstice, Sentient was repeatedly recognized in Robb Report as a "Best of the Best" winner. Solstice members could access the jet service on a pay as you go basis, a benefit that traditionally would cost between $100,000 and $250,000.

Havens, a small destination club that would eventually be absorbed by BelleHavens, would also procure a partnership with Sentient Jet.

For medical emergencies and accidents that took place while on vacation, Solstice members could be evacuated by Medjet Assist. Available 365 days per year, members could be transported to urgent care centers whenever they were more than 150 miles or more away from their primary residence. Like Savoya, members did not have to be traveling with Solstice to access the service.

The other "collection" in the industry, members of LUSSO Collection also had access to Medjet Assist as part of their membership.

Members of Solstice would receive a complimentary five-year Andrew Harper Membership, providing them a subscription to the newsletter, Hideaway Report, and access to Andrew Harper Travel.

Harper had been associated with several other destination clubs, beginning with The Odyssey Club, a club that would be acquired by Exclusive Resorts prior to even launching. He would then go on to work with Parallel before partnering with Solstice following the Parallel and Solstice merger.

PRESS RELEASES

One of the most elite level clubs in the history of the destination club sector, The Solstice Collection was originally planned to include just 42 affluent members. Members would have access to $6 to $7 million properties and a private yacht on an unlimited basis. Growing the club organically, Solstice would soon reach their membership cap before merging with fellow luxury club Parallel to create the undisputed leader at the top of the destination club industry.

As other ultra-luxury clubs entered the space, including Ciel, Yellowstone Club World, and Everlands, Solstice continued to grow with virtually no competition.

Unfortunately, as a loan came due and luxury travel interest dropped, Solstice was forced to file for bankruptcy early in 2009. Home to some of the most extravagent vacation properties in the industry, Solstice was a popular option throughout their time in the industry.

Solstice Continues to Shine Brightest Among Destination Clubs
Date: June 12, 2008
For the third time in four years, the ultra-luxury destination club Solstice has been recognized by Robb Report as a Best of the Best award winner for their "unique second home experience as a vacation category unto itself."

Solstice Announces Ownership Restructuring
Date: May 15, 2008
Founder Graham Kos and outside investors have purchased a controlling interest in the club from the founding investors of Parallel, the club that merged with Solstice late in 2006. Kos will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer and President from resigning President Timothy Weller.

Solstice Adds Ski-In, Ski-Out Chalet in the Swiss Alps to its Luxury Collection
Date: November 28, 2007
Solstice Collection, the world's leading ultra-luxury destination club is pleased to announce a ski-in, ski-out chalet in the Swiss Alps available exclusively to members for the upcoming sea season. The new home is just steps from the famed "Four Valleys" ski area with 35 lifts for all skill levels.

Solstice Increases Membership Prices to Access Its Collection of Private Homes October 18, 2007

Solstice Adds Exotic Brazilian Beach Villa to Private Home Collection October 18, 2007

Solstice Expands with Portfolio Additions in Mexico and New York September 25, 2007

Solstice Collection Repeats As Best Internationally September 5, 2007

Crocs CEO Joins Solstice Advisory Board August 15, 2007

Solstice Awarded Best of the Best 2007 May 23, 2007

Dr. Hank McKinnell Joins Solstice Advisory Board March 13, 2007

Solstice and Parallel Merger Frequently Asked Questions November 22, 2006

Solstice and Parallel Merge to Form Leader Atop Ultra-luxury Segment of Destination Club Industry November 22, 2006