Spinnaker Resorts is highly noted for its properties being located in markets that offer different vacation experiences, Spinnaker Resorts’ signature is evident from the architectural elements that reflect the local landscape to first-rate resort amenities; including state-of-the-art swimming pool areas, health and fitness facilities, and a vast array of recreational programs.  Interval International, a prominent worldwide provider of vacation services and an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group, Inc. recently announced that it has expanded and enhanced its relationship with Spinnaker Resorts.  Spinnaker owners can further enjoy Interval’s vacation exchange services, as well as an array of other leisure programs and benefits.  As a result of the recent agreement, owners and guests can expect a renewed affiliation of two existing resorts in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, with an additional affiliation of its Spinnaker Flex Options program adding three resorts on the island to the Interval Network.  Also included are two resorts in Branson, Missouri, as well as a new project in Ormond Beach, Florida.  Included resorts on Hilton Head Island, SC are; Resort and Marina, The Carolina Club, Egret Point, Southwind, and Waterside.   The popular family entertainment destination; The Bluewater in Branson, Missouri is nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains.  Also included in the Branson, MO network is the Palace View Resort and Palace View Heights, which is currently under construction. Rounding out these wonderful family-fun vacation and timeshare spots is The Royal Floridian South, located right on the beach in Ormond Beach, FL.      

Owners who purchase at one of the Spinnaker Resorts are enrolled as individual members of Interval International, as well as Interval Gold(R), an upgraded level of membership. In addition to the opportunity to exchange accommodations for those at other resorts in Interval’s worldwide network, owners can relinquish resort weeks toward the purchase of cruise, golf, and spa vacations.  Also, take advantage and enjoy an extensive menu of Gold benefits, including; discounts on resort Getaways, ShortStay Exchanges, access to a 24-hour personal concierge service available via phone and e-mail, complimentary Hertz No. 1 Gold(R) membership, and worldwide hotel and dining discounts.

Think of a refreshing contrast to various high-rise hotels on the coast and themed conference centers throughout Florida…there is an entirely new resort concept being introduced to Central Florida. Streamsong Resort promises to provide visitors with a getaway destination that offers amenities and activities that will embrace the landscape of the state’s historic heartland when it opens in the fall of 2013.  The concept Streamsong will be offering guests is a combination of elements similar to other well-known East Coast luxury destination resorts such as; Keswick Hall in Virginia, Blackberry Farm, Tennessee, the Equinox Resort & Spa, Vermont and the Inn at Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina.  The new resort and concept will be located in Polk County, Fla., which sets between Tampa and Orlando.

Situated on 16,000 acres of land, Streamsong will be home to approximately 140 guest rooms, five villas, two highly distinctive 18-hole golf courses, more than 20,000 square feet of meeting space, three restaurants and two lounge areas, a full-service spa, hiking and nature trails, a clay pigeon range and unparalleled Florida bass fishing.  Development plans are leaving for potential expansion to more than 200 rooms as option down the road.  The resort buildings will be constructed with materials that blend with the natural environment and the main facility is being built overlooking a lake, giving every guest room view of the water. Most rooms will be larger than the traditional design, with a layout that feels more like three separate spaces rather than a conventional hotel room. The villa rooms will offer grand views and a more private visitor experience.

The design-plans for the two 18-hole golf courses are fixed to capitalize on the topography of formerly mined phosphate land. The land is structured by rolling hills, dunes, dramatic contours and lakes resulting from the mining process, and will make for challenging, dramatic and aesthetically fulfilling golf.  The courses are being designed by three renowned golf course architects, Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw of Coore & Crenshaw and Tom Doak of Renaissance Golf Design.  Special to the new Resort, this will be only the third location in the world boasting golf course designs by both the Coore & Crenshaw and Doak teams, following highly acclaimed projects in Oregon and Tasmania, Australia.

Spa and treatment facilities are set to be within approximately 15,000 square feet of private treatment rooms, a fitness center, swimming pool, classroom space for personal enrichment programming and a library where visitors can learn more about the rich history of Florida. Outdoor amenities include an infinity pool with food and beverage service, unparalleled Florida bass fishing, and other activities such as croquet, birding tours, sport clay shooting, hiking and nature trails.

Business travelers and/or 1-2 day guests will also be able to immerse themselves in unique personal enrichment programs such as collaborative culinary and wine classes, writing and other skill enhancement seminars, and a performing and cultural arts series that will involve musicians and artists from the region.

Family, fun and travel…the trick is getting all the fun with all of the family; especially when considering kids and the many toys they play with and must have.  Hyatt Resorts has created a program making it much more convenient for the kids to have their toys and for there to be fun with the full family.  “Traveling with children is a unique challenge, and bringing their favorite toys can be even trickier”, said Carlos Cabrera, senior vice president of field operations, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts.  As a continued focus on family travel, Camp Hyatt was one of the first resort programs created especially for kids, which offers fun, hands-on activities focusing on the culture, history and geography of a particular resort’s surroundings. 

In addition to Camp Hyatt, Hyatt Resorts has recently announced the launch of their new Toy Box program, a family friendly amenity designed to remove some of the challenges faced by parents when traveling with children.  The program is such that when arriving at a participating Hyatt Resort in the U.S. and Caribbean, families will be able to review the Toy Box book which lists 24 toys available for complimentary check-out during their stay.  The box is powered by Toy Tips, a leading toy testing group that thoroughly reviews toys independently through their Toy Tips Research Institute.  This program is a great addition to the brand’s already family friendly amenities where programs such as a dedicated Kids Concierge, and partnership with Babies Travel Lite, a program that delivers baby products directly to the hotel and resort(s).

The Toy Box considers the many age groups of children and caters to that age groups interest areas; divided into four different age groups…toddler, preschool, school age and tween.  The Toy Tips Box is filled with everything from LEGO® to Tonka trucks to board games. Each toy is accompanied by a detailed toy-report card with ratings of developmental skills children of the four age groups will be learning during play. With the Hyatt Resorts Toy Box, children of all ages can have a fun-filled vacation with toys at their fingertips, helping parents to alleviate the burden of packing and carrying extra luggage. 

At the end of your families stay, the toys are returned, thoroughly inspected for any broken pieces and are then cleaned with Toy Tips Toy Cleaner, a non-chemical, eco-friendly cleaner, before it is checked out by the next guest.

Since opening in April 2010, The Hyatt Regency Curaco has stolen the thunder from other resorts. Set on 27 acres on the far side of stately Table Mountain (named for its flat top), the Golf Resort Spa and Marina is nestled between Spanish Water Bay and the Caribbean Sea. The manila-colored, 350-guestroom buildings feature 15 suites — and the Spa suites offer daily 90-minute massages. Lying on the beach or swimming in the tranquil hip-height water brings complete serenity. A livelier atmosphere waits at three pools or at the poolside restaurant SWIM.

By day guests can enjoy a gracious round of golf on the 18-hole, par 72 Pete Dye course that runs along the sea and under Table Mountain. If golf is not your fancy, or you feel like tennis, guests can have a lesson with one of the resident pros or match play on the HydroGrid clay tennis courts. After a vigorous workout in the fitness center, aching bodies appreciate the 4,500-square-foot Atabei Spa, where treatments can be conducted indoors or outdoors.  Once relaxed and ready for an evening out; the Willemstad offers plenty of selection for dinner, or have your choice at Hyatt’s SHOR restaurant. The American grill cuisine includes: Prime aged rib eye steak, with tasty lobster macaroni and cheese.

Offering views that are second-to-none, Hyatt Regency Curacao is a full-service Dutch Caribbean resort, perfectly situated on 27 acres of pristine property between the Caribbean Sea and the Spanish Water Bay.  An integral member of the Caribbean trio universally referred to as the ABC Islands, Curacao is located only 35 miles from both Aruba and Venezuela

Omni Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods NH

History shows that over 250 skilled master craftsmen built the Mount Washington hotel in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. A grand masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance architecture; this state is one of the most popular autumn getaways – while en-route be sure to travel throughout the area (main highways 93 and 89) are majestic with fall foliage and nature at her best.

Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa, Gatlinburg TN

Adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Westgate in picturesque Gatlinburg becomes even more euphoric to be around when draped in fall foliage. Enjoy the resort’s world-class spa, villa amenities, and their numerous pools and hot tubs.

Silverado Resort, Napa CA

Fall in Napa is prime wine season, and the beautiful Silverado Resort is the perfect place to stay when experiencing everything the region has to offer – fine dining, wine tours and tastings…Napa is to the West Coast what New Hampshire and Vermont are to the East Coast during the fall season; in some opinion there is no better way to enjoy a seasonal wine than surrounded by fall foliage and smells of the seasonal change.

Claremont Hotel Club & Spa, San Francisco CA

The Claremont Hotel Club & Spa mixes a rich history with modern amenities, award-winning cuisine, live entertainment and stately accommodations, with unforgettable views of the San Francisco Bay. An urban oasis – near the city, nestled in the Berkeley Hills – the Claremont lets you get away from it all without being too far from anything. Boasting what locals call “Indian Summer,” the season brings perfect temperatures to the San Francisco bay area. Book a suite at the Claremont Hotel for your San Francisco trip and indulge in their top-notch services.

Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, Montreal QC

At the center of Montréal’s vibrant cultural and commercial district sits the city’s grandest and most gracious hotel – Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth. Located above the train station and connected to the extensive underground city of thousands of boutiques, restaurants and cafés, and within walking distance of sports and cultural attractions, this Montreal hotel reflects the city’s distinct elegance and charm. Host to over 40 festivals annually, the city offers entertainment for the whole family in summer or winter! Nothing is more awe-inspiring than Montreal’s Mont-Royal speckled with the vivid colors of fall – and you can see it all from the The Queen E, one of the city’s most cherished hotels.

Whiteface Lodge, Lake Placid NY

The Whiteface Lodge, a Lake Placid Resort, was envisioned as a return to the grandeur of the “Great Camps” of the Adirondacks with the luxury amenities of today’s finest resorts and private residence clubs. Completed in June 2005, it is the vision of a former Olympian and developer who used his decades of building experience to create one of the grandest properties in the region. Much of the timber for this Lake Placid Resort was hand-milled on site and accents such as handcrafted Adirondack furnishings may be found throughout, creating a wonderfully authentic ambiance. Whiteface Lodge invites guests to return to the grandeur of the “Great Camps” of the Adirondacks – and with beautiful color tinting the surrounding landscape, Lake Placid becomes the perfect fall destination.

Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Charleston SC

Kiawah Island is Ten miles of wide, immaculate, ocean beach…soothing by day, utterly romantic by night, the beach is complemented by the island’s river, meandering lagoons, and pristine marshlands; and closes each sun washed day safe beneath its own star studded southern sky. Nestled along ten miles of pristine beaches and with a number of world-class golf courses to choose from, The Kiawah Island Golf Resort in Charleston is another ideal fall destination.

Barton Creek Resort and Spa, Austin TX

Like the Hill Country that surrounds this luxury resort hotel, Barton Creek is known for its distinctive combination of peaceful beauty and gracious warmth. From the moment you arrive, both the aura of Hill Country and the welcoming staff will invite you to relax and immerse yourself in a variety of desirable amenities. Nestled within 4,000 secluded acres of rolling hills just outside Austin, Texas, you’ll discover our full-service spa, four championship golf courses among many other fantastic amenities. Everything is bigger in Texas, and fall is no exception when you stay at the Barton Creek Resort in Austin.

Chateau Cartier, Ottawa ON

Located in Gatineau on peaceful, natural surroundings, this majestic convention centre offers the most beautiful 18-hole golf course in the Ottawa-Gatineau region.  Discover the new Ekko restaurant Lounge and bar that offers casual yet elegant atmosphere, or try the first class Health Club & Spa and a splendid indoor swimming pool. Canada’s capital region is alive with color during the fall season, and you’ll feel like international dignitaries when you book a room at the Chateau Cartier located just outside of Ottawa in the Gatineau Mountains.

Camelback Inn, Scottsdale AZ

Located near Grand Canyon National Park, the Camelback Inn in Scottsdale offers outdoor activities like canoeing, river-rafting, and hiking, which are best enjoyed in autumn.  This landmark resort, set on 125 acres of lush desert landscape, gives guests an authentic Southwestern experience. Nestled at the base of Mummy Mountain and overlooking the famous Camelback Mountain, this is a place where luxury comes naturally.

A global leader in vacation exchange and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands, RCI announced that it added 22 new resorts to its vacation exchange network in the second quarter of 2010. This includes resorts added to RCI Weeks, RCI Points and The Registry Collection program, which is one of the world’s largest luxury exchange programs!

The new additions bring the total number of new RCI affiliated resorts for 2010 to 58, further strengthening RCI’s exchange network.  Examples of some of the new resorts added to the portfolio include but not limited to; Branson’s Nantucket Resort, a lakefront property that offers a view of the Table Rock Lake in Missouri, as well as The Village at Machrihanish Dunes located on the stunning southwest coast of the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland.  “These agreements reflect our commitment to offering our members access to the best vacation options around the world, and are a testament to our efforts to provide developers with valuable services to help them increase sales and lower marketing costs”, said Geoff Ballotti, CEO, RCI.   

In addition to adding these new resorts in the second quarter, the company also launched its RCI Points Platinum membership, which offers RCI Points subscribing members opportunities for automatic upgrades, priority exchange privileges and a myriad of exciting new travel and lifestyle benefits. This new membership was rolled out in June, with a similar program for RCI(R) Weeks members planned for the future, once again ensuring RCI offers the most comprehensive and innovative programs in the industry.

RCI’s has recently enhanced the use of technology in order to continuously deliver targeted resort news and information to viewers; RCI TV, an online network of high-definition videos that showcases resorts and gives viewers information and advice on topics ranging from how timeshare works to where to eat at some of the world’s most popular destinations is just an example of how RCI is using technology to enhance member experiences. RCI TV took off quickly, reaching more than 1 million views in less than six months, a significant milestone showing that people are interested in learning more about timeshare.

FYI about RCI

RCI is part of Wyndham Exchange & Rentals, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the European leader in vacation rentals, with access for specified periods to more than 80,000 vacation properties in approximately 100 countries.

The Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is an 18-hole green designed by golfing legend, Gary Player. Surrounded by majestic palm trees and the sparkling waters of the Gulf, the natural beauty surrounding this prestigious club will inevitably make this venue a world premium destination!  A playground for the adventurous, Kathmandu is a bustling city filled with excitement that boasts major shopping districts, beautiful landscapes and tasteful delicacies.  Rich in culture, the museums, temples, national parks, outdoor recreations, and views of the majestic Himalayas have visitors returning time and time again.

The Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, which sits adjacent to Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, is due to be completed early next year. This deluxe five-star property will join forces with Hyatt Residence in providing over 300 deluxe guestrooms, suites, chalets and 44 private villas with views of pristine, golden beaches. The upcoming hotel is located close to the Cultural District which promises visitors spectacular days out at the Musee de Louvre – the first Louvre outside of Paris, The British Museum and the Guggenheim Foundation.

For those with a longing for sun, sea and mountains, Taba Heights Resort in Egypt is set among 368 hectares of landscaped gardens and lagoons spread out along 5 km of beautiful, roving coastline. Breathtaking views of mountains and the Red Sea provide guests with a vacation experience that will be difficult to forget.  With a backdrop of Sinai Mountains, Taba Heights’ championship 18-hole golf course overlooks Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the azure waters of the Red Sea and was designed by John Sanford, a member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects. 

“Whether it’s a weekend trip, a business trip, or holidays such as these make the perfect vacation. Golf lovers get to spend time on first-class courses, while having the option to discover all the other glorious things Egypt and Nepal has to offer”, said Thierry Bertin, VP Sales and Marketing, Hyatt International, South West Asia.  Egypt and Nepal boast world-renowned hotels with first-class golf courses.  Local attractions such as Red Sea diving and special spa treatments are also available.

Challenging golf courses boasting a Himalayan backdrop is what travellers can come to expect at the Hyatt Regency Kathmandu, Nepal. The 280-room property provides guests with the chance to play the 6,715 yard Gokarna Golf Course in perfect year-round weather.

Travel and Timeshare Inexpensively to the Caribbean

Just because the economy has forced us into reeling back our spending habits, doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice timeshare and vacation trips to get the much deserved fun and relaxation we are all entitled to.  If you are a vacationer traveling out of the US, there are premier timeshare destinations around the world where the US dollar is buying “more”.  Travelers wanting to play the dollar to their advantage in sunnier spots should fare well in the Caribbean. Compared with two years ago, U.S. currency now buys you more throughout the region, from Jamaica, which has its own dollar, to islands like St. Bart’s and Martinique, which use the euro. In addition, the dollar has gained on the Mexican peso, and in doing has enhanced some of the already sweet timeshare vacation package deals there.  But if the US Southern neighbor’s Caribbean coast isn’t fitting your fancy, the Mayan Riviera, located less than an hour south of the Caribbean coast has had an influx of luxury resorts being built.

Regardless of the economy, we all have to reward ourselves for the hard work we do every day; take a trip, use that timeshare…relax in the sun and know that the Caribbean is thinking about you!

When most people initially try to sell a timeshare they bought from a developer, they fail to realize that the re-sale value of their timeshare is only a fraction of the price they paid to the developer.  Because there are typically more sellers than buyers, the Re-sale market becomes an effective buyers market offering availability, same packages as buying direct, and discounted prices.  As a rough guide, re-sale prices closely reflect fifty percent of the original buy price; this is a direct correlation to the elaborate marketing programs developers roll-out for new developments and expanded units, thus driving a substantial difference in Developer/Resort Sell Prices verse Re-sale Market Sell Prices.  In some instances prices for units or villas at exceptional resorts have held near there original sell price; these are usually top quality resorts in locations with high demand and limited supply.  In many cases, these resorts also operate re-purchase programs to maintain higher resale values.  Conversely, some timeshare units are essentially worthless.

Generally, individual owners are limited to how they can sell their ownership, and just as the resort/developer deployed mass advertising programs to find you, the buyer, re-sellers must practice the same strategy; and that is to reach as much of the worldwide market as possible, and inform buyers your timeshare is available at a reasonable asking price; in essence, the lower the asking price the quicker the sale!

Through extensive marketing research some re-sale companies have earned a very positive reputation for finding buyers for individual re-sellers.  Their success is driven around extensive advertising campaigns and value-added services.  Other companies may do a portion of advertising, but there are only a select few who have the ability to reach over 250 million people a day, both nationally and internationally.  In addition to worldwide web advertising, effective companies will gain exposure in periodicals targeted to specific markets/resorts.  However, not every potential buyer or renter is searching in periodicals, and the companies that realize this enhance exposure by being on top of all major search engines (Google, Yahoo, etc.).  Being ahead of the competition on the major search engines is costly, but ultimately allowes for a viable timeshare re-sale.  Sellers pay no commissions, closing costs, or hidden fees because their advertising fee has been paid in advance.  eMarketer projects 2010 Internet advertising to be around 35 billion dollars; with 40% of that geared towards search engine optimization and 21% geared towards display advertising.  Let’s face it; we are much more educated as a consumer with 29% of our time spent online.  Buyatimeshare.com and other Re-sale companies are keeping in line with technology and executing sophisticated strategies in place for gaining prominent exposure and searchability under specific resorts, and in essence reaching a huge buyers market with targeted campaigns and SELLING timeshare for-sale-by-owner.