Destination Clubs

Destination clubs provide their members with access to multiple luxury vacation homes, located all over the world. The homes are typically multi-million dollar residences, and are sited in major cities, at beaches, in mountains and leisure locations.

Membership of the clubs is an alternative to buying a second home. The clubs are sometimes also compared to, or even mixed up with, private residence clubs, but there are several key differences between the two.

If you're just starting out learning about the clubs read the overview and the glossary. Then you can start to compare them in the comparison table. One way to financially compare them is using a cost per night calculation and we've provided downloadable spreadsheets for these calculations.

And for a real in-depth look at the clubs, their homes and services, comparisons to alternatives and questions to consider before joining, download our Guide for Prospective Members.

The map shows some of the main destinations where the clubs have homes. Click on the markers to see the actual homes.

The latest news and research on the clubs is included below.

Details: Written by Nick Copley; Published: 07 March 2011

SherpaReport asked people who had joined a destination club, “which factors made you choose that destination club?” Respondents were able to list as many reasons as they liked, and on average these members provided three main reasons. Here are the results of this survey.

Details: Written by Nick Copley; Published: 03 March 2011

In a novel development for the destination club sector, the largest club, Exclusive Resorts, has just launched a new type of membership option with a non-refundable membership fee.

Details: Written by Nick Copley; Published: 22 February 2011

The Alberta based second home fund has just bought its first European property, a restored two-bedroom two-bathroom residence in Borgo di Vagli.

Details: Written by Nick Copley; Published: 15 February 2011

When asked to describe HomeWaters Club, Founder Donny Beaver, quips, “We’re a throwback to the weekend driving excursions our family took when I was a kid.” Beaver goes on to recall his happiest memories growing up in the 1950s and 60s, “Most weekends we’d drive to my grandfather’s camp along the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River. It was there that I first fell in love with God’s great outdoors.”

Details: Written by Nick Copley; Published: 03 February 2011

In a sign that the economy is starting to rebound, the largest destination club announced that sales of new memberships and membership upgrades totaled $66 million in 2010, an increase of more than 50 percent compared to 2009. The club told us that over 200 people joined and over 130 members upgraded their membership plans last year.

Details: Written by Nick Copley; Published: 25 January 2011

The equity destination club is cutting the dues for each of its three membership levels by over 10%. Last year the club reduced the initial membership fees by almost 20% across the board and held the annual dues steady.

Details: Written by Nick Copley; Published: 21 January 2011

The new club, which provides access to hundreds of vacation homes around the world, now offers three membership levels. The main difference between each is the amount of discounts available: the longer your term, the greater your discounts.

Details: Written by Nick Copley; Published: 17 January 2011

Membership in the Equity Estates Fund grew to over 130 families in 2010. The fund has a portfolio of multi-million dollar vacation homes, which the member investors use for their family friendly vacation experiences.

Details: Written by Nick Copley; Published: 13 January 2011

The new destination club has recently added two new three-bedroom residences in Vail, Colorado, within walking distance of the Eagle Bahn Gondola.

Details: Written by Nick Copley; Published: 04 January 2011

The first fund launched by The Hideaways Club offers ownership and use of beautiful vacation villas around the world. This new City Collection fund provides members with a portfolio of luxurious global city apartments.