Ultimate Escapes Destination Club

Ultimate Escapes, the fusion of leading destination clubs Ultimate Resort and Private Escapes, respectively the second and third largest clubs in the industry, established a stranglehold as the second largest club in the industry behind industry giant Exclusive Resorts. Announced in September of 2007, the combined club counted approximately 1,200 members and over 25 percent of industry's market share.

The $200 million merger made Ultimate Escapes the largest destination club in the $1 million and $2 million home value category and the largest club in terms of total destinations. The clubs also married two rather divergent growth models together.

Launched in February of 2005, Ultimate Resort was lead by President and CEO Jim Tousignant. After growing organically through successful charter membership plans, Ultimate Resort completed the acquisition of the assets of the bankrupt Tanner & Haley Destination Club in May of 2007 for approximately $100 million. Now including the vast majority of Tanner & Haley's 874 members, Ultimate Resort instantly became the second largest club in the industry. In February of 2008, just months after announcing the merger with Private Escapes, Ultimate Resort acquired the assets of Ventures Equity Vacation Club, adding a handful of members and properties to the club.

Former Private Retreats COO and member, Richard Keith founded Private Escapes in October of 2003, looking to provide a more economical solution to the destination club audience. "As outstanding as the Private Retreats experience is, it is an expensive option," Keith wrote. "Membership requires a $250,000 deposit, which limits access to a more affluent audience. I was convinced that the wonderful benefits of this concept could be extended to a more value-conscious market as well. It was in this spirit that we founded Private Escapes." Private Escapes blossomed and soon grew to well over 400 members. Following the Private Retreats model that eventually included higher priced clubs Distinctive Retreats and Legendary Retreats, Private Escapes launched companion clubs Private Escapes Platinum and Private Escapes Pinnacle.

The collective Ultimate Escapes operated three distinct club levels with multiple membership plans within each. The Premiere Club offered a collection of homes valued at $1,000,000 and average approximately 2,000 square feet. The Signature Club's collection of $2,000,000 homes averaged 3,000 square feet and three to four bedrooms in most locations. The Elite Club, Ultimate Escapes' highest club level, showcased a global portfolio of $3 million homes, averaging four to six bedrooms and 4,000 square feet.

In September of 2009, the official merger was completed, just weeks after the club made the announcement that they had signed an agreement with Secure America Acquisition Corporation, effectively making the club a publicly traded company.

In 2010, Ultimate Escapes defaulted on a loan agreement with lender CapitalSource. Unable to make their monthly interest payments, the club approached members with the message "we are in crisis." Several proposals were outlined for club members to review, but Ultimate Escapes would be forced to file for bankruptcy protection in September of 2010, citing between $10 million and $50 million in assets and $100 million to $500 million in liabilities.

Demeure a new exchange based destination club, was selected the winning bidder of the club's assets a month after the Ultimate Escapes bankruptcy announcement.

NEWS

The undisputed second largest destination club in the world in terms of members and the first publicly-traded destination club, Ultimate Escapes would also be the world's largest destination club bankruptcy in September of 2010, estimating between 1,000 and 5,000 creditors, $100 million to $500 million in liabilities, and just $50 million to $100 million in assets.

The union of Ultimate Resort, the world's second largest club, and Private Escapes, the third largest club, the master brand Ultimate Escapes would be several years in the making. Originally announced in September of 2007 as the industry's largest merger, in fact it was effectively an acquisition of Private Escapes. The actual acquisition would not take place until two years later, infuriating many club members.

While the destination club sector is built on size and scope, Ultimate Escapes would only decline after the combination of their two respective clubs. In early 2009, the club charged members a one-time assessment of $16 million to stay in operation. Not even two years later, the club had filed for bankruptcy.

Like other destination club bankruptcies prior to Ultimate Escapes, the club's filing isn't the end of the story as the fate of the club's properties, members, and legal obligations will continue to play out in the courts for several years to come.

Ultimate Escapes Committee of Unsecured Creditors Appointed
Date: October 5, 2010
A group of members and other creditors have been appointed to Ultimate Escapes Committee of Unsecured Creditors as the club continues to work its way through its bankruptcy filing, with the Committee already objecting to the proposed timeline.

Destination Club News Recap: September 2010
Date: October 1, 2010
Read all of the breaking news that took place in the destination club industry during September, including the Ultimate Escapes bankruptcy filing, a new promotion from the Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club, and the termination of a long-time destination club executive.

Ultimate Escapes CRO Sheon Karol Updates Members On Tousignant Departure
Date: September 30, 2010
With Jim Tousignant no longer serving as Ultimate Escapes' CEO and President, Chief Restructuring Officer Sheon Karol updates members about many club matters, including his role with the club, solicitations from other clubs, and upcoming travel plans.

Holly Felder Etlin Comments On Her Philosophies For Restructuring A Destination Club
Date: September 30, 2010
Holly Felder Etlin, the Chief Restructuring Officer at Tanner & Haley, remarks on her philosophies for restructuring a destination club as her former colleague Sheon Karol takes control of the day to day operations of the bankrupt Ultimate Escapes.

Jim Tousignant Out At Ultimate Escapes
Date: September 29, 2010
Jim Tousignant has been relieved of his duties as Chief Executive Officer and President of Ultimate Escapes for cause following the club's recent bankruptcy filing, with the announcement coming just hours before the club makes their way into court to continue their bankruptcy proceedings.

Exclusive Resorts CEO Jeff Potter Comments On Market Developments
Date: September 28, 2010
Jeff Potter, Chief Executive Officer at Exclusive Resorts, comments on the recent bankruptcy filings at Ultimate Escapes and Sea Island Company and discloses how the two will impact the world's largest destination club.

Ultimate Escapes Voted Biggest Destination Club Bankruptcy By Readers
Date: September 26, 2010
In a wide margin, Ultimate Escapes has been voted the biggest destination club bankruptcy by our readers, surpassing the failures at Tanner & Haley and High Country Club. Just days into their filing, much more at Ultimate Escapes has yet to be revealed.

Ultimate Escapes Bankruptcy Q&A With Sheon Karol
Date: September 25, 2010
Ultimate Escapes and Chief Restructuring Officer Sheon Karol answer some frequently asked questions pertaining to their recent bankruptcy filing, including details about upcoming travel, members' redemption amounts, and what will happen to the club.

The Discovery Club Crafts Custom Offer For Ultimate Escapes Members
Date: September 24, 2010
On the heels of offers from Exclusive Resorts and Quintess, The Discovery Club has made their own offer to members of the now bankrupt Ultimate Escapes, giving them the opportunity to travel to any of their 2,700 affiliate properties.

The Potential Buyers Of Ultimate Escapes
Date: September 24, 2010
Ultimate Escapes and restructuring firm CRG Partners have contacted over 400 potential buyers for the now bankrupt destination club and are now in advanced discussions with a small handful of interested parties who have already submitted letters of interest.

Ultimate Escapes CRO Sheon Karol Reaches Out To Members About Bankruptcy
Date: September 22, 2010
Ultimate Escapes Chief Restructuring Officer Sheon Karol writes the 1,200 club members to discuss the club's recent bankruptcy filing, his outlook for the club over the next month, and his role as the Ultimate Escapes CRO.

Exclusive Resorts Makes Trial Offer To Ultimate Escapes Members
Date: September 21, 2010
Exclusive Resorts, the world's largest destination club, has crafted a new limited offer specifically for members of the now bankrupt Ultimate Escapes, letting them travel with the club for 10 days for $14,900 and having 100% of this fee credited towards their purchase if they elect to join.

Ultimate Escapes Contacts Members About Bankruptcy Filing
Date: September 21, 2010
Ultimate Escapes has reached out to their disheartened group of members about their Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, detailing the substantial cuts to the club's property portfolio, the continued exploration of strategic alternatives, and how long members can expect to continue traveling.

Ultimate Escapes and Quintess Lock Horns Over Membership Offer
Date: September 21, 2010
One of the many points that will be addressed at Ultimate Escapes bankruptcy motions tomorrow will be an offer made by Quintess to Ultimate Escapes members, giving members of the bankrupt destination club the ability to join Quintess via a customized membership option.

Ultimate Escapes Files For Bankruptcy
Date: September 20, 2010
Ultimate Escapes, the world's second largest destination club, has today filed for bankruptcy protection, estimating liabilities of between $100 million and $500 million. With several options still being considered, the fate of the club, its members, and executives remain in question.

Ultimate Escapes Does Not Authorize Quintess Offer To Members
Date: September 16, 2010
Just hours after Ultimate Escapes members received an offer from Quintess, Ultimate Escapes has reached out to their members stating that they did not authorize such a proposal and advice members not to take any action on any such offers.

Membership Loyalty Erodes Amidst Ultimate Escapes Crisis
Date: September 16, 2010
The cancellation of multiple travel reservations, a lack of communication with members, and a growing concern regarding the club's leadership team have all contributed to the declining support by members of Ultimate Escapes, the world's second largest destination club.

Renovations Completed At Trump International Hotel & Tower New York
Date: September 15, 2010
The Trump International Hotel & Tower New York has recently completed a $30 million renovation project for its 176 guest rooms and suites, including personal touches from Ivanka and Donald Trump themselves, delighting many destination club members.

Ultimate Escapes Members Vote Down Member Owned Option
Date: September 15, 2010
Members of Ultimate Escapes have voiced their opinion on the member-owned structure that the club laid out last week, voting overwhelmingly against such a proposal by a two to one margin, forcing the club to consider other options such as a potential acquisition or bankruptcy.

Ultimate Escapes Members Join Together To Form Member Only Group
Date: September 14, 2010
A group of Ultimate Escapes members have joined together to form a "member only" e-mail distribution list, dedicated to exploring other options not yet considered by the Ultimate Escapes leadership team in an attempt to rescue the struggling destination club.

Ultimate Escapes Bankruptcy Filing Option Overview
Date: September 11, 2010
The last option identified by Ultimate Escapes CEO and President Jim Tousignant during his recent webinar, a bankruptcy filing for the destination club could come as soon as Monday and would impact everyone from members to lender CapitalSource.

MEMBERSHIP PLANS

The fusion of Ultimate Resort, the second largest destination club in the world, and Private Escapes, the third largest club, Ultimate Escapes cemented themselves as a leader in the destination club industry since their merger announcement in September of 2007. The club would adopt the philosophy used by Private Escapes to include multiple club levels, Premiere, Signature, and Elite. Each club offers the same membership plans, ranging from 14 to 60 nights of annual access, but each has their own portfolio of luxury residences available exclusively to members.

The Premiere Club offers members access to a collection of vacation properties valued at $1,000,000 on average. Residences typically average approximately 2,000 square feet with two to four bedrooms in most locations. Like the other two clubs, Signature and Elite, each member has a dedicated Escape Planner who assists them in all of their pre-travel needs, including making airline reservations and creating travel itineraries, and access to world class concierge services during each of their vacations with the club.

All Premiere Memberships can add corporate and extended family usage benefits to their membership by paying a 10% premium on their membership fee and annual dues.

Bronze

Premiere Club members joining at the Bronze Plan receive 14 nights of annual access to the club portfolio for a one time membership fee of $70,000, the lowest entry point into the Ultimate Escapes family.

Bronze members pay $8,000 each year in annual dues which entitles them to one advanced reservation and space available reservations inside of 90 days. Every other year, Bronze members can make an advanced holiday reservation.

Silver

The Silver Plan provides members an additional week of access, totaling 21 nights each year. Members pay a refundable, one time membership fee of $95,000.

Members pay $9,500 per year in annual dues and can hold up to two advanced reservations, including one advanced holiday reservation. The space available window is also extended for Silver members, allowing these reservations to be made up to 120 days in advance.

Gold

With four full weeks of club usage each year, Gold Plan members within the Premiere Club pay a one time membership fee of $105,000 to join.

Gold members are allotted three advanced reservations, one of which can be an advanced holiday reservation. Members also can make space available reservations within 150 days for annual dues of $11,000.

Platinum

Platinum level members can spend up to 42 nights each year traveling with Ultimate Escapes for a one time membership fee of $115,000.

Members pay $12,000 per year in annual dues and can make up to four advanced reservations, two of which may be advanced holiday reservations. The space available reservation window is also extended to 180 days in advance, the greatest of all club memberships and equal to the Platinum PLUS Plan.

Platinum PLUS

The highest membership plan at all three clubs, Platinum PLUS gives members 60 nights of annual access to the club for a one time membership fee of $150,000 at the Premiere Club level.

Memberships include up to five advanced reservations, including two advanced holiday reservations. Like the Platinum Plan, members are able to make space available reservations up to 180 days in advance. Annual dues for the Platinum PLUS Plan total $17,000 per annum.

Of the three club levels within Ultimate Escapes, the Signature Club is the most popular option amongst club members. The club's ever growing collection of $2,000,000 vacation properties typically include between three and four bedrooms and 3,000 square feet.

All Signature Memberships can add corporate and extended family usage benefits to their membership by paying a 10% premium on their membership fee and annual dues.

Bronze

The introductory level for the Signature Club, Bronze members receive 14 nights of access to the club's portfolio each year by paying a one time, membership fee of $125,000.

For $10,500 each year in annual dues, members receive one advanced reservation and can make space available reservations inside of 90 days. Every other year, Bronze members can make an advanced holiday reservation.

Silver

Silver Memberships provide 21 nights of usage each year to the club's growing real estate portfolio. Members pay a one time membership deposit of $195,000 to join.

Members pay $15,000 per year in annual dues and can make up to two advanced reservations, including one advanced holiday reservation. The space available window is extended for Silver members, allowing reservations to be made up to 120 days in advance.

Gold

The middle tier of the Signature Club, Gold Memberships are available for $205,000.

Members enjoy 28 nights of access to the club's properties for $18,500 each year in annual dues. Members can make up to three advanced reservations, including one advanced holiday reservations. Space available reservations can be made up to 150 days in advance.

Platinum

For a one time membership fee of $215,000, Platinum members enjoy 42 nights of club usage every year.

Members pay $24,500 per year in annual dues and can make up to four advanced reservations, including two advanced holiday reservations. Space available reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance, the same as the Platinum PLUS Plan.

Platinum PLUS

The newest club option for all three clubs, Platinum PLUS offers members up to 60 nights of club usage every year. Members currently pay a one time membership fee of $300,000 to join.

Platinum PLUS members can make up to five advanced reservations, including two advanced holiday reservations. Like the Platinum Plan, members are able to make space available reservations up to 180 days in advance by paying annual dues of $34,000.

At the Elite Club level, members enjoy exclusive access to a collection of $3,000,000 residences typically averaging 4,000 square feet with four to six bedrooms. Properties are located in some of the world's most sought after destinations at all three club levels, but Elite homes are usually on the golf course, offer ski-in, ski-out access, or with beach front access. Members enjoy the same storied services that Premiere and Signature members enjoy, including access to a dedicated Escapes Planner for pre-travel needs and on site concierge services while traveling.

All Elite Memberships can add corporate and extended family usage benefits to their membership by paying a 10% premium on their membership fee and annual dues.

Bronze

Bronze members within the Elite Club receive 14 nights of access to each year for a one time membership fee of $200,000.

Members pay $17,500 each year in annual dues to make one advanced reservation and space available reservations inside of 90 days. Every other year, Bronze members can make an advanced holiday reservation.

Silver

Silver Memberships provide 21 nights of usage each year to the Elite property portfolio for a one time membership fee of $300,000.

Members pay $25,000 per year in annual dues and can make up to two advanced reservations, including one advanced holiday reservation. The space available window is extended for Silver members, allowing space available reservations to be made up to 120 days in advance.

Gold

For a one time membership fee of $325,000, Gold members enjoy 28 nights of club access every year they remain a member.

Members receive three advanced reservations, including one advanced holiday reservations and can make space available reservations within 150 days. Members pay $27,500 per year in annual dues.

Platinum

At the Platinum level, members are able to travel up to 42 nights per year by paying a one time membership fee of $350,000.

Platinum members pay $32,500 per year in annual dues and can make up to four advanced reservations, including up to two advanced holiday reservations. The space available reservation window is also extended to 180 nights, the same as the Platinum PLUS Plan.

Platinum PLUS

Launched in September of 2008, the Platinum PLUS Plan would offer a new level of luxury to members. Including 60 nights of annual access to the club's portfolio of $3 million properties, members pay a one time membership fee of $450,000.

Platinum PLUS members can hold up to five advanced reservations, including two advanced holiday reservations. Like the Platinum Plan, members are able to make space available reservations up to 180 days in advance. Members pay $46,000 per year in annual dues.

ANNUAL DUES

Within Ultimate Escapes Destination Club, three unique clubs exist, each with their own real estate portfolios available to members: Premiere, Signature, and Elite. All three offer the same five membership plans, ranging from 14 to 60 nights of annual access to the club's growing collection of luxury vacation properties.

The differentiating factor between the three clubs is the real estate collections. The Premiere Club offers members access to a portfolio of $1,000,000 properties all over the world. The Elite Club provides members more spacious residences, often with ski-in, ski-out access or just steps from the beach, averaging $3,000,000 each. The Signature Club finds a happy medium between the two companion clubs.

An undisputed leader in the destination club industry, Ultimate Escapes counts well over 1,200 members throughout their three club levels. We invite you to learn more about the club and their annual dues structure below. To learn more about the associated membership fees associated with joining the club, visit our Ultimate Escapes Pricing page.

A popular option for many Ultimate Escapes' members, the Premiere Club offers travelers exclusive access to a collection of vacation properties valued at $1,000,000. Properties typically average approximately 2,000 square feet with two to four bedrooms in most locations. Like the other two clubs, each member has a dedicated Escape Planner who assists them in all of their pre-travel needs and access to world class concierge services during each of their stays.

Bronze

The introductory level for the Premiere Club, members receive 14 nights of annual access to the Premiere Club portfolio for $8,000 annually. Members can make one advanced reservation and can make space available reservations inside of 90 days. Every other year, Bronze members can make an advanced holiday reservation.

Silver

The Silver Plan provides members another week of access, totaling 21 nights of usage each year within the club. Members pay $9,500 per year and can make up to two advanced reservations, including one advanced holiday reservation. The space available window is also extended, allowing members the ability to make reservations up to 120 days in advance.

Gold

Adding yet another week of access to the membership plan, Gold members enjoy 28 nights of access to the club's properties for $11,000 annually. Members are alloted three advanced reservations, including one advanced holiday reservations. Gold members can make any space available reservations within 150 days.

Platinum

Members of Premiere Platinum can spend up to 42 nights each year traveling with Ultimate Escapes. Members pay $12,000 per year in annual dues and can make up to four advanced reservations, two of which may be advanced holiday reservations. The space available reservation window is also extended to 180 nights, the greatest of all club memberships.

Platinum PLUS

The newest membership plan to Ultimate Escapes, Platinum PLUS members enjoy 60 nights of access to club properties every year for $17,000. Members can make up to five advanced reservations, including two advanced holiday reservations. Like the Platinum Plan, members are able to make space available reservations up to 180 days in advance.

The most popular option for Ultimate Escapes members, the Signature Club features a growing collection of $2,000,000 properties spanning the globe. Residences typically average 3,000 square feet with three to four bedroom configurations. Like the Premiere and Elite Clubs, Signature members have a dedicated Escape Planner to assist them on all of their pre-travel needs and five-star concierge services while in residences.

Bronze

The base level for the Signature Club, Bronze members receive 14 nights of annual access to the club's portfolio for $11,500 annually. Members are alloted one advanced reservation and can make space available reservations inside of 90 days. Every other year, Bronze members can make an advanced holiday reservation.

Silver

Including another week of access beyond the Bronze Plan, Silver Memberships provide 21 nights of usage each year. Members pay $15,500 per year and can make up to two advanced reservations, including one advanced holiday reservation. The space available window is also extended for Silver members, allowing reservations to be made up to 120 days in advance.

Gold

Gold members enjoy 28 nights of access to the club's properties for $18,500 each year in annual dues. Members are provided three advanced reservations, including one advanced holiday reservations and can make space available reservations within 150 days.

Platinum

Platinum members can spend up to 42 nights each year to the Ultimate Escapes Signature portfolio. Members pay $25,500 per year in annual dues and can make up to four advanced reservations, including up to two advanced holiday reservations. The space available reservation window is also extended to 180 nights, the same as the Platinum PLUS Plan.

Platinum PLUS

Introduced in September of 2008, the Platinum PLUS Plan is the newest plan in the club's catalogue of memberships. Members enjoy 60 nights of access to club properties every year for $35,500. Platinum PLUS members can hold up to five advanced reservations, including two advanced holiday reservations. Like the Platinum Plan, members are able to make space available reservations up to 180 days in advance.

The most elite club level within Ultimate Escapes, members enjoy exclusive access to a collection of $3,000,000 residences. Properties typically average 4,000 square feet with four to six bedrooms in most locations. Like the Premiere and Signature Clubs, properties are located in some of the world's most spectacular destinations, but Elite residences are traditionally on the golf course, offer ski-in, ski-out access, or just steps from the beach.

Bronze

The inaugural membership plan for the Elite Club, Bronze members receive 14 nights of access to each year for $16,000 in annual dues. Members can make one advanced reservation and can make space available reservations inside of 90 days. Every other year, Bronze members can make an advanced holiday reservation.

Silver

Silver Memberships provide 21 nights of usage each year to the Elite property portfolio. Members pay $23,000 per year in annual dues and can make up to two advanced reservations, including one advanced holiday reservation. The space available window is extended for Silver members, allowing space available reservations to be made up to 120 days in advance.

Gold

Gold members enjoy 28 nights of access to the club's properties for $27,500 each year in annual dues. Members receive three advanced reservations, including one advanced holiday reservations and can make space available reservations within 150 days.

Platinum

Granting up to 42 nights of access each year to the Ultimate Escapes Elite portfolio, Platinum members pay $35,500 per year in annual dues. Members can make up to four advanced reservations, including up to two advanced holiday reservations. The space available reservation window is also extended to 180 nights, the same as the Platinum PLUS Plan.

Platinum PLUS

Launched in September of 2008, the Platinum PLUS Plan remains the newest plan in the club's catalogue. Members enjoy 60 nights of access to club properties annually for $49,000. Platinum PLUS members can hold up to five advanced reservations, including two advanced holiday reservations. Like the Platinum Plan, members are able to make space available reservations up to 180 days in advance.

PROPERTIES

One of the leading clubs in the destination club industry in terms of members and properties, Ultimate Escapes owns the record for most total destinations available to members.

While Ultimate Escapes has three different clubs, Premiere, Signature, and Elite, each with their own collection of vacation properties, members have access to all through the club's reciprocity program. According to the club, "the difference between Elite Club, Signature Club and Premiere Club is in the square footage, features and specific locations of the residences. For instance, an Elite residence may have five bedrooms, private pool and wine cellar and be on the beach. Alternatively, a Signature residence could be a three-bedroom condominium with terrace and hot tub just minutes from the slopes."

In addition to the Ultimate Escapes properties available to members, well over 100 "affiliated properties" can be accessed through the club's network of strategic alliances.

Premiere Club

Traditionally two to four bedrooms, Premiere Club properties average 2,000 square feet in space and approximately $1 million in value. Members receive the same five-star service across all three clubs, including pre-trip planning including air and ground tranportation and on-site concierge access for an insider's perspective on local attractions and last minute needs.

• Big Island, Hawaii
• Yacht, British Virgin Islands
• Reserva Conchal, Costa Rica
• Hopkins Village, Belize
• Los Cabos, Mexico
• Miami Beach, Florida
• Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
• Punta Mita, Mexico
• Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos
• WaterColor, Florida
• Kiawah Island, South Carolina
• Carlsbad, California
• La Quinta, California
• Lake Las Vegas, Nevada
• Naples, Florida
• Outer Banks, North Carolina
• Reynolds Plantation, Georgia
• Tuscany, Italy
• Beaver Creek, Colorado
• Jackson Hole, Wyoming
• Lake Tahoe, Nevada
• Steamboat Springs, Colorado
• Stowe, Vermont
• Chicago, Illinois
• New York City, New York

Signature Club

The middle tier of the Ultimate Escapes offering, Signature members have access to an ever growing collection of $2 million private residences. Properties average 3,000 square feet typically with three to four bedroom configurations, allowing for family and guests to spread out during their stay.

One of the more popular options in the Ultimate Escapes collection, Signature boasts the most destinations of the three club levels with nearly 40 available to members.

• Abaco, Bahamas
• Big Island, Hawaii
• Yacht, British Virgin Islands
• Candlewood Lake, Connecticut
• Reserva Conchal, Costa Rica
• Los Cabos, Mexico
• Maui, Hawaii
• Miami Beach, Florida
• Nevis, West Indies
• Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
• Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos
• WaterColor, Florida
• Bend, Oregon
• Boca Raton, Florida
• Kiawah Island, South Carolina
• Carlsbad, California
• La Quinta, California
• Lake George, New York
• Naples, Florida
• Orlando, Florida
• Outer Banks, North Carolina
• Reynolds Plantation, Georgia
• Scottsdale, Arizona
• Tuscany, Italy
• Breckenridge, Colorado
• Copper Mountain, Colorado
• Deer Valley, Utah
• Jackson Hole, Wyoming
• Lake Tahoe, Nevada
• Steamboat Springs, Colorado
• Telluride, Colorado
• Chicago, Illinois
• London, England
• New York City, New York

Elite Club

The highest of the three club levels at Ultimate Escapes, Elite Club members enjoy a portfolio of $3 million luxury properties for less than the downpayment on one single vacation home. Residences average 4,000 square feet and feature four to six bedroom each. While Premiere and Signature Club homes traditionally provide easy access to local amenities, Elite properties go the extra mile and are ski-in/ski-out, right on the golf course, or just steps from the ocean.

• Abaco, Bahamas
• Yacht, British Virgin Islands
• Delray Beach, Florida
• Indian Rocks, Florida
• Key West, Florida
• Los Cabos, Mexico
• Maui, Hawaii
• Nevis, West Indies
• St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands
• Kiawah Island, South Carolina
• La Quinta, California
• Lake Las Vegas, Nevada
• Naples, Florida
• Scottsdale, Arizona
• Beaver Creek, Colorado
• Deer Valley, Utah
• Jackson Hole, Wyoming
• Lake Tahoe, Nevada
• Steamboat Springs, Colorado
• Stowe, Vermont
• Sun Valley, Idaho
• Telluride, Colorado
• London, England
• New York City, New York
• Paris, France

USAGE

The world's second largest destination club in terms of members, Ultimate Escapes actually boasts the most total destinations in the industry.

Unlike the majority of the other leading destination clubs, Ultimate Escapes segments their properties into three different clubs: Premiere, Signature, and Elite. Premiere Club homes typically average approximately 2,000 square feet and $1 million, Signature properties approximately 3,000 square feet and $2 million, and Elite roughly 4,000 square feet and $3 million. Based on their preferences, members select the Ultimate Escapes club of their choice with each of the three clubs sharing the same five membership plans.

Memberships range from 14 to 60 nights of annual access, each with their own reservation rules, including the number of reservations allowed and space available reservation window.

"Ultimate Escapes® designed a proprietary reservation network to serve both the advanced vacation planner and the last-minute traveler," the club writes. "There are three types of reservations: Advanced, Holiday, and Space Available Reservations. The Club manages its portfolio of residences to provide excellent availability for all types of reservations."

"An Advance Reservation is described as a reservation booked outside of your allotted space available window and can be booked as far as two years in advance. Space Available Reservations may be made inside 90 to 180 days depending on your membership level. Most destinations can be booked up to two years in advance."

Members of each of the three Ultimate Escapes clubs have access to the other two companion clubs through the Ultimate Escapes reciprocity model. "Reciprocity between Premiere Club , Signature Club , and Elite Club exist to enrich all of the Ultimate Escapes® offerings. Each club affords their affiliate club’s members an opportunity to utilize the homes and residences of the other clubs to experience the full range of Ultimate Escapes® Club membership. For those with larger families, your reciprocal access may be used to accommodate a spectacular family reunion."

Historically speaking, Ultimate Escapes has averaged roughly 70% occupancy, meaning that homes within the club are vacant 30% of the time.

MEMBERS

Some clubs in the destination club sector grow primarily through mergers and acquisitions while others are proud of their organic growth models. Ultimate Escapes has a successful track record of both while establishing themselves as the second largest destination club in the world in terms of members.

The union of Ultimate Resort and Private Escapes, the club that would eventually be known as Ultimate Escapes, was first announced in September of 2007. The two respective clubs brought two vastly different growth models to the combined club, bring each to the new club's growth structure.

Ultimate Resort launched in February of 2005 as "the most affordable luxury destination club on earth." By August, the young club had sold out of their Charter Memberships before acquiring the assets to one of the most prized clubs in the destination club industry.

Tanner & Haley, the club that largely was responsible for the creation of the destination club model, had grown to nearly 1,000 members due in part to a model that allowed for unlimited annual travel, guaranteed reservations, and a low annual dues structure. Unfortunately, to meet the needs of members, a large portion of the club's properties were short term leases with associated costs far above the revenue brought in by member's dues. In July of 2006, Tanner & Haley filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Many rival destination clubs looked into the acquisition of Tanner & Haley with Ultimate Resort edging out the competition with a $100 million bid. Tanner & Haley members were offered preferred membership terms at the new club with the vast majority electing to continue traveling with Ultimate Resort, then the second largest club in the sector.

Private Escapes launched their club in August of 2004, just six months prior to Ultimate Resort. Similar to the club they would eventually join with, Private Escapes branded their club as the "first and only affordable luxury travel destination club." The low cost model proved successful as the club would quickly launch a companion club Private Escapes Platinum to join their initial offering. In time, Private Escapes would also add an elite level club branded as Private Escapes Pinnacle with their total membership base appoaching the 500 member mark.

Following the announcement of the Ultimate Resort and Private Escapes merger, Ventures Equity Vacation Club was acquired with just under 20 members joining the club in February of 2008. In October of 2009, Ultimate Escapes would also announce an agreement with the conservation themed destination club Everlands to provide members of the club preferred membership terms on an Ultimate Escapes membership.

Ultimate Resort's Jim Tousignant and Private Escapes' Richard Keith both continue as leaders at the club, bringing their divergent growth structures to Ultimate Escapes that have combined to establish Ultimate Escapes as the second largest destination club in the world.

EXECUTIVES

The fusion of Ultimate Resort and Private Escapes, two of the longest tenured destination clubs in the sector, Ultimate Escapes executive team features an experienced collection of industry leaders and pioneers.

The combination of the two clubs brought two very different growth structures to the world's second largest destination club.

Private Escapes officially introduced in April of 2004 as the "first and only affordable travel destination club." The former Chief Operating Officer at Private Retreats, Richard Keith, Ed Powers, and Kären Siwek would launch the club in December of 2003. Less than a year after their launch, Private Escapes Platinum would be introduced. The new club would allow members the ability to enjoy a portion of the real estate's appreciation in the form of club credits to offset annual dues and nightly fees. Almost exactly two years following the Platinum launch, the club would introduce their highest club level, Private Escapes Pinnacle. Each club would have their own real estate portfolio, a model that would be adopted by Ultimate Escapes.

Ultimate Resort would pursue a similar audience when they made their introduction to the destination club sector on Valentine's Day in 2005. Branded as "the most affordable luxury destination club on Earth," Ultimate Resort was led by Jim Tousignant. The upstart club would quickly sell out of their Charter Memberships before an industry titan, Tanner & Haley Destination Club would file for bankruptcy. The club's 874 members quickly became a hot commodity for several clubs, including the luxury club Ciel and Private Escapes, as Keith worked several of the club members when the club was known as Private Retreats. Ultimate Resort would make the opening salvo with a $98 million bid for the club assets. As the bid was approved, Ciel would come over the top with a $108 million bid. Ultimate Resort would increase their bid to $100 million with Ciel increasing their maximum offer to $112 million. Judge Alan H.W. Swiff continued to support the Ultimate Resort bid as the best offer for the club. Roughly 650 members of Tanner & Haley would accept an offer to join Ultimate Resort, who went from a brash upstart to industry powerhouse virtually overnight. Ultimate Resort would acquire the assets of Ventures Equity Vacation Club.

This combination of organic growth coupled with mergers and acquisitions has firmly established Ultimate Escapes as the second largest destination club in the world.

The executives behind the club include:

Jim Tousignant
President and Chief Executive Officer

Richard Keith
Chairman

Philip Callaghan
Chief Financial Officer

Ed Powers
Senior Vice President, Operations

Steve Healy
Senior Vice President, Sales

Gregg Amonette
Senior Vice President, Business Development

Tom D'Ambrosio
Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Technology

Robin Spindel
Vice President, Marketing

PRESS RELEASES

One of the largest destination clubs in the industry in terms of both members and available properties, Ultimate Escapes was created by joining the second and third largest clubs together.

Ultimate Resort had seen success early in their tenure in the destination club sector, branded as "the most affordable luxury destination club on earth" when they launched in February of 2005. Growing organically, Ultimate Resort was the winner in a bid to acquire the assets of Tanner & Haley, the world's first destination club, infusing the club with hundreds of members and cementing their stature in the second position behind Exclusive Resorts in the destination club sector.

Private Escapes was created by the former COO of Private Retreats, the club that would eventually be acquired by Ultimate Resort, making the club a low cost alternative to other clubs in the industry. The club would go on to create Private Escapes Platinum and Private Escapes Pinnacle and organically grow to several hundred members.

In September of 2007, the two clubs announced a merger that would soon be known as Ultimate Escapes. In May of 2008, members of the collected club had access to entire portfolio of luxury properties and in September of 2009, the two clubs finalized their union. During their tenure, Ultimate Escapes has also absorbed members from Ventures Equity Vacation Club and Everlands.

One of the most exciting clubs in the sector, we invite you to learn more about Ultimate Escapes through the press release archive below. You might also be interested in accessing our Ultimate Escapes news page for day to day news about the luxury destination club.

Ultimate Escapes Adds New Destination In Florence, Italy
Date: January 12, 2010
Ultimate Escapes has acquired a two bedroom, two bathroom residence in one of Europe's most historically significant destinations: Florence, Italy. The new property joins the growing collection of Ultimate Escapes Elite Club residences.

Ultimate Escapes Signs Reciprocity Agreement With Villa Castellamonte
Date: December 17, 2009
Ultimate Escapes has finalized a reciprocity partnership agreement with Villa Castellamonte del Mare, an exclusive five-star ultra-luxury villa in the Dominican Republic, giving members access to the 15,000 square foot villa.

Ultimate Escapes Appoints C. Thomas McMillen Vice Chairman of its Board of Directors
Date: November 13, 2009
Former Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Secure America Acquisition Corporation C. Thomas McMillen has been appointed to Vice Chairman of Ultimate Escapes' Board of Directors, bringing his extensive background in professional sports, politics, and business to the club.

Ultimate Escapes Becomes First Publicly-Traded Luxury Destination Club October 29, 2009

Ultimate Escapes Destination Club Signs Agreement To Acquire Three New Properties In Telluride October 22, 2009

Secure America Acquisition Corporation Files To Approve Combination With Ultimate Escapes October 19, 2009

Ultimate Escapes Announces Exclusive Agreement With The Everlands Club October 15, 2009

Free Airfare For A Year Offered To New Ultimate Escapes Members September 30, 2009

Ultimate Escapes Announces Completion of Acquisition of Private Escapes September 16, 2009

Secure America Acquisition Corporation and Ultimate Escapes Sign Agreement for Business Combination September 3, 2009

Ultimate Escapes Has Reactivated Suspended Members August 11, 2009

Ultimate Escapes Ultimate Giving Partners With Celtics' Coach Doc Rivers June 24, 2009

Ultimate Escapes Announces Luxury Service Partnership With Luggage Express August 24, 2008

Ultimate Escapes Announces Luxury Travel Partnership With To Escape To July 22, 2008

Ultimate Escapes Launches New Brand May 27, 2008

Ultimate Escapes Announces Strategic Agreement With Bombardier May 8, 2008

Ultimate Escapes Signs Exclusive Agreement With University College London April 14, 2008

Ultimate Resort Announces Partnership With FirstAgain March 27, 2008

Rigo Salcio Nominated for CNBC International Property Awards March 20, 2008

Ultimate Resorts Acquires BVG's Ventures Equity Vacation Club February 27, 2008

New Member - NBA Coach George Karl November 30, 2007

Ultimate Resort and Private Escapes Sign $200 Million Merger Agreement September 13, 2007

Prior to the announcement that Ultimate Resort and Private Escapes would join to become Ultimate Escapes, both were leading clubs within the destination club sector. To learn more about the club's prior to their merger, we invite you to access each of their press release pages.

Ultimate Resort Press Release Archive
Private Escapes Press Release Archive