Timeshare Consumer Guide
Monthly News Letter

March 2006

Welcome to the March edition of the Travel and Leisure Group monthly newsletter. The aim of the newsletter is to provide current information that may be of interest not only to buyers, owners and sellers of timeshare but to the consumer in general. We aim to provide information regarding exchanges, resorts and up to date OTE News and other reliable sources.

IN THIS EDITION

HGVC Affiliation Renewal – Good News For RCI Members

Hilton Grand Vacations Club (HGVC) has renewed its RCI affiliation agreement for a five year term to incorporate a range of business services from the exchange company.

Through the agreement, RCI will support HGVC with programmes that include customised access to traditional weeks’ and points’ schemes, call centre assistance and custom publishing services.

Indian Companies Focus on Middle East & Southeast Asia

Leading timeshare companies in India are evaluating options for overseas acquisitions in south-east Asia and the Middle East. They include Club Mahindra Holidays, Sterling Holiday Resorts and Avalon Holidays, according to regional press reports.

Sterling is looking to acquire resorts in south-east Asia and the Middle East by the end of the year.  Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore are among the preferred destinations of Indian tourists.

In 2005 some 7.5million visited these countries and the number is growing by about 25 per cent a year.

Club Mahindra would like to extend the opportunity to its members of overseas holidays by expanding to Thailand and Malaysia.

Starwood Growth ‘Healthy’ & Now Plans to Expand

The Starwood group reports that contract sales rose 17.8 per cent in 2005 over the previous year.

The average price per timeshare unit sold increased approximately 11.8 per cent to $22,868 and the number of contracts signed was up 5.3 per cent year on year.

Currently Starwood is working on new phases at resorts in Maui, Hawaii, Scottsdale, Arizona, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Orlando.

In addition Starwood’s timeshare division is in the pre-development phase of several new timeshare resorts including one on the island of Kauai (Hawaii).  It is also working on a third St. Regis-branded fractional resort in Punta Mita, Mexico.

Club La Costa - News

Club La Costa Resorts & Hotels (CLC) is actively looking to expand its resort portfolio in the UK and mainland Europe.

It is in active negotiation for three properties in Scotland, Wales and south-western England.

Recently it completed the construction of 55 lodges at Duchally Country Estate in Perthshire.  Set in 27 acres of national parkland, the property is only an hour’s drive from the main airports of Edinburgh and Glasgow.

When CLC acquired Duchally in 1998, it was a small, country house hotel with 12 bedrooms and outline permission for the lodges.  With construction of the lodges now complete, CLC has also added a leisure centre with swimming pool and sauna.

In mainland Europe, the company is also engaged in a strategy of expansion by acquisition.  In recent months it has had lengthy and detailed discussions about potential properties in Turkey and Cyprus – destinations popular with UK holidaymakers.

Anfi Tauro - News

Anfi Tauro is the latest project in Gran Canaria to be developed by the Anfi Group.  Some five kilometres from its four other developments – Anfi Beach Club, Club Puerto Anfi, Club Monte Anfi and Club Gran Anfi – this latest resort will comprise 1,500 timeshare units as well as an 18-hole golf course, commercial centre, private marina and freehold properties.

The first 119 timeshare units at Anfi Tauro will be ready for occupancy in September. Some 35 per cent of the units are already sold. Forecast completion for sell-out is 2012.

Currently the owner base of all Anfi resorts totals 30,000. Some 40 per cent comprise British nationals; most of the remainder are German and Scandinavian.

Seasons Holiday - News

Seasons Holidays has announced the completion of 29 new holiday cottages at Whitbarrow Village in England’s Lake District.  Last summer official ceremonies marked the formal opening of this £3million development.

The cottages have all been sold 'off plan' through a national advertising campaign.

The concept for the new Kirkstone Cottages allowed owners to purchase them as holiday homes on the basis that they could enjoy exclusive accupancy for four weeks each year for the first 10 years.

The remaining time is being hired out to Seasons 18,000 – member base as well as to the travel company Hoseasons to provide owners with rental income.

Eye On……..De Vere Belton Woods  - In brief

Set like a jewel in almost 500 acres of tranquil Lincolnshire countryside, Belton Woods is home to a rich diversity of wild animals, birds, trees and flowers.
The luxury lodges enjoy commanding views towards Grantham and the fertile farmland beyond. The contemporary interior styling is accented with designer rugs, etched mirrors and specially commissioned artwork. Living areas include Italian glass tables and table lamps, while bathrooms are luxurious oases of cool marble and porcelain.
A new standard in self-catering accommodation
The lodges at Belton Woods are quite simply stunning.
Inside, we’ve created a contemporary but timeless ambience using pure colours and simple lines, accented by designer rugs, etched mirrors and specially commissioned artwork.
Each of these unique holiday homes is tastefully decorated in a timeless yet distinctive style and equipped with top of the range leather upholstery, home entertainment, and kitchen appliances, and the highest quality linen, china and glassware. This is self-catering accommodation at its ultimate best, offering every kind of comfort and convenience – including a private sauna.

Living areas include striking floral displays, Italian glass tables and table lamps, with state-of-the-art television, dvd and hi-fi system, while bathrooms are luxurious oases of cool marble and porcelain, featuring double-sized body jet shower and whirlpool bath.

Delicious food choices – from early morning to late at night
At the heart of Belton Woods there’s a four-star De Vere hotel – so you know you’re guaranteed an enticing choice of dining options.
Warm and welcoming, The Manor Restaurant provides the perfect ambience for romantic dinners or entertaining friends, whilst Stantons Brasserie offers a generous carvery-style menu in a smart but family-friendly atmosphere. You can come and take breakfast here, and morning coffee and afternoon teas are served in the adjoining Stantons Lounge.
The comfortable conservatory at Tapps Bar is the perfect spot to enjoy a drink or a light meal whilst admiring the view over the golf courses.
The area surrounding Belton Woods is bristling with traditional English pubs, tea-rooms and charming restaurants, but if you prefer to eat ‘at home’ your luxury lodge includes a superbly-equipped modern kitchen.

Each of the subjects in this publication are based on various facts provided by trusted sources including the OTE.

Editor: David James

Previous Editions:
July 2005 Newsletter
June 2005 Newsletter
August 2005 Newsletter
September 2005 Newsletter
October 2005 Newsletter
November 2005 Newsletter
January 2006 Newsletter
February 2006 Newsletter