RC Destination Club (info and survey)
Nov 4, 2008, 6:11 am
#1
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
RC Destination Club (info and survey)
THE RITZ-CARLTON DESTINATION CLUB FACT SHEET
OVERVIEW:
The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club is an equity-based luxury travel program where Members select either a Home Club Membership which provides use of a titled residence at a property they can return to every year, or a Portfolio Membership which affords the opportunity to discover a wide variety of worldwide locations and experiences
With either selection, Members enjoy enhanced amenities and vacation possibilities that are flexible and adaptable to individual needs at some of the most sought-after destinations in the world. Combining an innovative choice for luxury vacationing with the legendary, services and amenities of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club offers an elevated lifestyle tailored to each Member’s expectations
HOME CLUB MEMBERSHIP:
Identical to the current Ritz-Carlton Club fractional ownership offering, the Home Club Membership is designed as a home resort preference for those with an affinity to travel to a specific Club location on a recurring basis. Deeded ownership at a Ritz-Carlton Destination Club property allows Members and their guests to use an allocated number of days per interest. With priority access to their home resort, Members may also use a portion of their time at other home Club locations on a reciprocal use basis in accordance with reservation procedures. Furthermore, Members have an opportunity to reserve supplemental time as space allows.
PORTFOLIO MEMBERSHIP:
The Portfolio Membership provides a beneficial interest in a trust allowing Members to customize their vacation travel. A points-based currency is used to purchase accommodations throughout The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club portfolio. Beneficial interests are sold in increments of 2,500 Club points where the number of points determine the destinations, accommodation sizes and duration of travel available to a Member. A minimum of 5,000 Club points are required for membership
LOCATIONS:
Existing and future locations for both selections are listed below:
HOME CLUB
• Aspen Highlands, Colo.
• Bachelor Gulch, Colo.
• Jupiter, Fla.
• Kapalua Bay, Maui, Hawaii
• Kauai Lagoons, Hawaii*
• San Francisco, Calif.
• Abaco, The Bahamas
• North Lake Tahoe, Calif.*
• St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.
• Vail, Colo.*
PORTFOLIO
• Aspen Highlands, Colo.
• Jupiter, Fla.
• Kapalua Bay, Maui, Hawaii*
• Kauai Lagoons, Hawaii*
• San Francisco, Calif.
• Abaco, The Bahamas
• North Lake Tahoe, Calif.*
• St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.
• Vail, Colo.*
*Future Location
HOTEL EXCHANGE PROGRAM:
Members who enroll within the Portfolio Membership may exchange 25 percent of their points for access to participating Ritz-Carlton hotels and resorts worldwide
DESTINATION CLUB SERVICES:
One of the most differentiating pleasures of membership is the legendary service excellence for which The Ritz-Carlton is renowned. Members are paired with their very own member experience manager who serves as their primary long-term liaison. While in-residence, Members enjoy the privilege of a dedicated concierge staff providing such services as: airport pick-up, pre-arrival provisioning of the residence, unpacking and pressing pre-sent garments, and arranging a complete vacation itinerary. For Members who enroll in the Home Club Membership, the ladies and gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club remove personal items from storage and place them in the residence according to the Member’s specifications. Additionally, most locations offer private, in-residence dining available upon request
RESIDENCE FEATURES*:
Spacious residences range in size from approximately 570 – 2,800 square feet of living space featuring:
• Fully-equipped kitchen with cookware and china
• Casually elegant dining room
• Living room with entertainment center including a gas fireplace, TV, surround-sound receiver, DVD and stereo/CD players
• Master suites with walk-in closets
• Luxuriously appointed bathrooms
• Full-size washer and dryer
• Multi-line telephones
• Wi-Fi or high-speed Internet access
• Balconies or terraces
• Private outdoor splash pool
• Summer outdoor kitchen with barbecue grill and sink
*Residence features vary by location
PARTNERS:
• Business partnerships are established with: American Express and Young Presidents’ Organization
PRICING*:
• Home Club Membership - prices range from the low $100,000s to the low $800,000s per deeded interest
• Portfolio Membership - Beneficial interests are sold in increments of 2,500 Club points with a minimum purchase requirement of 5,000 points. Pricing starts at $120,000
*Pricing subject to change
INFORMATION:
http://www.ritzcarltondestinationclub.com/
OVERVIEW:
The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club is an equity-based luxury travel program where Members select either a Home Club Membership which provides use of a titled residence at a property they can return to every year, or a Portfolio Membership which affords the opportunity to discover a wide variety of worldwide locations and experiences
With either selection, Members enjoy enhanced amenities and vacation possibilities that are flexible and adaptable to individual needs at some of the most sought-after destinations in the world. Combining an innovative choice for luxury vacationing with the legendary, services and amenities of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club offers an elevated lifestyle tailored to each Member’s expectations
HOME CLUB MEMBERSHIP:
Identical to the current Ritz-Carlton Club fractional ownership offering, the Home Club Membership is designed as a home resort preference for those with an affinity to travel to a specific Club location on a recurring basis. Deeded ownership at a Ritz-Carlton Destination Club property allows Members and their guests to use an allocated number of days per interest. With priority access to their home resort, Members may also use a portion of their time at other home Club locations on a reciprocal use basis in accordance with reservation procedures. Furthermore, Members have an opportunity to reserve supplemental time as space allows.
PORTFOLIO MEMBERSHIP:
The Portfolio Membership provides a beneficial interest in a trust allowing Members to customize their vacation travel. A points-based currency is used to purchase accommodations throughout The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club portfolio. Beneficial interests are sold in increments of 2,500 Club points where the number of points determine the destinations, accommodation sizes and duration of travel available to a Member. A minimum of 5,000 Club points are required for membership
LOCATIONS:
Existing and future locations for both selections are listed below:
HOME CLUB
• Aspen Highlands, Colo.
• Bachelor Gulch, Colo.
• Jupiter, Fla.
• Kapalua Bay, Maui, Hawaii
• Kauai Lagoons, Hawaii*
• San Francisco, Calif.
• Abaco, The Bahamas
• North Lake Tahoe, Calif.*
• St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.
• Vail, Colo.*
PORTFOLIO
• Aspen Highlands, Colo.
• Jupiter, Fla.
• Kapalua Bay, Maui, Hawaii*
• Kauai Lagoons, Hawaii*
• San Francisco, Calif.
• Abaco, The Bahamas
• North Lake Tahoe, Calif.*
• St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.
• Vail, Colo.*
*Future Location
HOTEL EXCHANGE PROGRAM:
Members who enroll within the Portfolio Membership may exchange 25 percent of their points for access to participating Ritz-Carlton hotels and resorts worldwide
DESTINATION CLUB SERVICES:
One of the most differentiating pleasures of membership is the legendary service excellence for which The Ritz-Carlton is renowned. Members are paired with their very own member experience manager who serves as their primary long-term liaison. While in-residence, Members enjoy the privilege of a dedicated concierge staff providing such services as: airport pick-up, pre-arrival provisioning of the residence, unpacking and pressing pre-sent garments, and arranging a complete vacation itinerary. For Members who enroll in the Home Club Membership, the ladies and gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club remove personal items from storage and place them in the residence according to the Member’s specifications. Additionally, most locations offer private, in-residence dining available upon request
RESIDENCE FEATURES*:
Spacious residences range in size from approximately 570 – 2,800 square feet of living space featuring:
• Fully-equipped kitchen with cookware and china
• Casually elegant dining room
• Living room with entertainment center including a gas fireplace, TV, surround-sound receiver, DVD and stereo/CD players
• Master suites with walk-in closets
• Luxuriously appointed bathrooms
• Full-size washer and dryer
• Multi-line telephones
• Wi-Fi or high-speed Internet access
• Balconies or terraces
• Private outdoor splash pool
• Summer outdoor kitchen with barbecue grill and sink
*Residence features vary by location
PARTNERS:
• Business partnerships are established with: American Express and Young Presidents’ Organization
PRICING*:
• Home Club Membership - prices range from the low $100,000s to the low $800,000s per deeded interest
• Portfolio Membership - Beneficial interests are sold in increments of 2,500 Club points with a minimum purchase requirement of 5,000 points. Pricing starts at $120,000
*Pricing subject to change
INFORMATION:
http://www.ritzcarltondestinationclub.com/
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Apr 28, 2009 at 10:19 am
Dec 21, 2008, 10:35 pm
#3
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Metro Detroit
Programs: DL Plat, NW Plat
Posts: 708
FYI, if the South Beach property was the Ritz Club Condos at the old Seville Hotel, it isn't anymore. That project is dead. As is Molasses Reef in Turks and Caicos. The credit crunch did 'em both in.
Dec 22, 2008, 9:24 am
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
post about delays moved here >
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/11126877-post62.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/11126877-post62.html
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Jan 22, 2009 at 11:46 pm
Dec 22, 2008, 9:46 am
#5
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Metro Detroit
Programs: DL Plat, NW Plat
Posts: 708
Well, Molasses Reef is officially "suspended", but it doesn't look like it's going to be finished anytime soon: http://www.developerimplode.com/Mola...2-20-2008.html
You are correct about it being almost completed. They're looking for a way to button it up so that it doesn't fall apart.
(same w/ S Beach-suspended, but improbable) http://www.developerimplode.com/Ritz...2-11-2008.html
You are correct about it being almost completed. They're looking for a way to button it up so that it doesn't fall apart.
(same w/ S Beach-suspended, but improbable) http://www.developerimplode.com/Ritz...2-11-2008.html
Last edited by jcherney; Dec 22, 2008 at 9:56 am
Apr 28, 2009, 11:44 am
#7
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Metro Detroit
Programs: DL Plat, NW Plat
Posts: 708
Some thoughts about this destination club...
1. Strange time to roll it out.
2. If there were destinations other than current club destinations, like Paris, London, Rio, etc, this would have some "WOW" factor. As it stands currently, the locations are no different than the club.
3. Call me cynical, but it looks like it's a way to sell unused/foreclosed inventory in the existing clubs. For the existing club members, it pulls availability from inventory. On the other hand, it helps with paying the overhead.
4. I'll be curious to see how they handle the deed, and how saleable it is aftermarket. After all, you're not buying 1 property, you're buying a piece of all of them.
5. Nice to be able to use the hotels in exchange for points, but I don't think people are going to purchase this for that purpose.
6. What are yearly maintenance/dues numbers?
7. It looks REALLY expensive compared to the club numbers, for not a lot of extras (see #2).
1. Strange time to roll it out.
2. If there were destinations other than current club destinations, like Paris, London, Rio, etc, this would have some "WOW" factor. As it stands currently, the locations are no different than the club.
3. Call me cynical, but it looks like it's a way to sell unused/foreclosed inventory in the existing clubs. For the existing club members, it pulls availability from inventory. On the other hand, it helps with paying the overhead.
4. I'll be curious to see how they handle the deed, and how saleable it is aftermarket. After all, you're not buying 1 property, you're buying a piece of all of them.
5. Nice to be able to use the hotels in exchange for points, but I don't think people are going to purchase this for that purpose.
6. What are yearly maintenance/dues numbers?
7. It looks REALLY expensive compared to the club numbers, for not a lot of extras (see #2).
Apr 28, 2009, 11:55 am
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
* the point of a destination club is exchange-free use. the historical success rate of exchanging RC and similar fractionals = terrible.
1. they originally referenced a "mexico 4BR" which would have been a cabo residence. they now do not mention residences (20 locations) anywhere.
2. you can only exchange 25% of your portfolio points to hotels. something tells me this will not be a good value.
3. the up front price per portfolio point has dropped from what they originally suggested, but they do not discuss annual cost or redemption values anywhere. apparently they are putting more up next monday.
FYI andrew harper members >
1. they originally referenced a "mexico 4BR" which would have been a cabo residence. they now do not mention residences (20 locations) anywhere.
2. you can only exchange 25% of your portfolio points to hotels. something tells me this will not be a good value.
3. the up front price per portfolio point has dropped from what they originally suggested, but they do not discuss annual cost or redemption values anywhere. apparently they are putting more up next monday.
FYI andrew harper members >
Andrew Harper provides trusted travel insight, personalized travel planning, and a host of other exclusive benefits to its discerning members. Andrew Harper is excited to offer its members exclusive opportunities to experience The Ritz-Carlton Club on a guest basis.
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; May 31, 2009 at 4:51 pm
May 5, 2009, 3:55 pm
#9
In memoriam
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Near Jacksonville FL
Posts: 3,987
I am a retired lawyer in Florida. Therefore - although I don't know all the answers - at least I know the questions 
. Many programs like this don't give you any interest in the property itself. Therefore - if the project were to fail - you'd wind up as an unsecured creditor (behind lots of people with more priority). If you want to follow some interesting litigation regarding a very high end project that is now belly up in chapter 11 - look up the Yellowstone Club. Moreover - the law that may govern your rights can vary a lot - from the laws of Delaware (where a company may be incorporated) - to the laws of Mexico (where the property is) - depending on the terms of the contract.
So - if the offering seems in any way attractive - it is best to spend a few dollars and hire a lawyer to review any documents before you sign them. Also an accountant to go over the financial statements.
Just my personal 2 cents. These things look like high class time shares - which basically aren't worth a bucket of warm spit under the best of circumstances. If you want to own a vacation home - buy one. If you don't want to buy one (my preference) - rent someone else's (whether it's a house - a condo - or a hotel room). Robyn
. Many programs like this don't give you any interest in the property itself. Therefore - if the project were to fail - you'd wind up as an unsecured creditor (behind lots of people with more priority). If you want to follow some interesting litigation regarding a very high end project that is now belly up in chapter 11 - look up the Yellowstone Club. Moreover - the law that may govern your rights can vary a lot - from the laws of Delaware (where a company may be incorporated) - to the laws of Mexico (where the property is) - depending on the terms of the contract.So - if the offering seems in any way attractive - it is best to spend a few dollars and hire a lawyer to review any documents before you sign them. Also an accountant to go over the financial statements.
Just my personal 2 cents. These things look like high class time shares - which basically aren't worth a bucket of warm spit under the best of circumstances. If you want to own a vacation home - buy one. If you don't want to buy one (my preference) - rent someone else's (whether it's a house - a condo - or a hotel room). Robyn
May 5, 2009, 4:49 pm
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
RC's portfolio membership isnt really set up like a conventional DC. (of course they have huge differences in setup, even including some that are like REITs.) basically RC's is just DC-style, in terms of being exchange-free. RC deeds the portfolio memberships like the regular fractionals.
from another lawyer >
http://www.destinationclubforums.com...html#post24876
more details & discussion over there
edit - point system is a joke. 365 values per accommodation. also, it appears that the current dues will see a very dramatic increase.
from another lawyer >
Very odd legal structure. I've not ever seen a trust concept combined with deeds for those with an interest in the trust. Maybe this is common in Florida. Does RC have part ownership or a beneficial interest in the trust? Can owners of a portfolio membership be assessed?
more details & discussion over there
edit - point system is a joke. 365 values per accommodation. also, it appears that the current dues will see a very dramatic increase.
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; May 31, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Jul 20, 2012, 12:04 pm
#11
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 5
See letter from RCDC received this week.
In short: RCDC members have lost access to the Abaco and Kapalua Bay Ritz Carlton Clubs today--Kapalua Bay was probably the nicest club along with the Bachelor Gulch property. They lost access to the Abercrombie and Kent properties-which included a host of $2-3mm properties-and was a huge perk (while it lasted which wasn't very long).
And "Based on The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club Member feedback," the RCDC members now have the pleasure of being part of the Marriot Vacation Club. So RCDC members who paid $200k+ for their interests now can be part of a program with some resale weeks being sold for $5k.
--------------------
Dear Member,
In the past several years we evolved The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club for the greater enjoyment of our Members. As you are aware, three years ago, we launched a new product offering known as Portfolio, providing a flexible membership option which allows Members to enjoy participating in Ritz-Carlton Destination Club locations within the Portfolio program. As a result of the Portfolio program offering, we also extended Home Club Members the opportunity to enjoy more flexible travel by exchanging their allocated time for points through The Lion & Crown Exchange Company.
In response to Member feedback, we sought ways to provide exceptional usability through a variety of destinations and experiences. As a result, we have some changes to share with you. Not surprisingly, with the decline of the economic climate, some adjustments had to be made but in other areas we are continuing to advance forward. Rest assured that as we advance forward, nothing about your Home Club Membership has changed.
After careful consideration, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club has made the strategic business decision to remove The Ritz-Carlton brand from The Abaco Club at Winding Bay. The unforeseen deterioration of and uncertainty surrounding global economic conditions have not only rendered this location unsustainable from a business perspective, but have limited the prospects of any enhancements in the near term.
On July 10, 2012, The Ritz-Carlton Management Company, LLC, as manager of the property known as The Ritz-Carlton Club, Kapalua Bay, exercised its right to issue a default notice pursuant to its management agreement with the Kapalua Bay Vacation Owners Association. As a result, it is the intention of The Ritz-Carlton Management Company, LLC to terminate its management agreement for The Ritz-Carlton Club, Kapalua Bay and to remove The Ritz-Carlton brand from the property at the conclusion of the applicable notice period, with termination to be effective on September 10, 2012 at 11:59 P.M. HST. Concurrently with the termination of the management agreement for The Ritz-Carlton Club, Kapalua Bay, the Kapalua Bay Condominium will no longer be a Ritz-Carlton Destination Club location. If you have future reservations or waitlist requests for Kapalua Bay, Member Services is available to assist you with making alternate arrangements.
While we understand that it may be disappointing not having The Abaco Club at Winding Bay or Kapalua Bay Condominium within the collection of Ritz-Carlton Destination Club locations, we have determined new ways to provide a variety of experiences.
Based on The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club Member feedback, additional benefits and experiences will be available through a new affiliation with Marriott Vacation Club Destinations. This affiliation will enable Ritz-Carlton Destination Club Members to expand their options.
Affiliation will extend you the opportunity to deposit your Reserved Allocation on an annual basis. Once you deposit, the following will be available for you:
• Secure available Ritz-Carlton Destination Club locations while enjoying the ability to choose the appropriate size accommodation and length of travel
• Secure any of the 51 worldwide Marriott Vacation Club Resorts, including Europe
• Bank unused points into the following year
• Borrow points from the coming year
• Book any experience in the Explorer Collection which includes over 100 experiences to
enjoy.
The Explorer Collection will replace the current affiliation with Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club; however, the new offering will include fully escorted tours, upscale cruises, special events and packages.
To clarify, nothing about the Home Club Membership that you purchased has changed. If you wish to continue to use your Membership as you do today, you maintain the opportunity to:
• Reserve your allocated time
• Exchange your Reserved Allocation with fellow Home Club Members via the existing
The Cobalt Travel Company, LLC
• Retain the ability to purchase additional Space Available Time at the prevailing per diem
fee
• Continue to enjoy The Ritz-Carlton 2012 Hotel Reservation Service
Initially access to the enhancements made available through the new affiliation with Marriott Vacation Club Destinations will be complimentary and easily added to your Membership for you to enjoy. We encourage you to participate, as we feel that you will be delighted with the additional destinations and countless experiential excursions available to you when you choose not to visit your Home Club during your allocated time.
In order to implement these additional options The Lion & Crown Travel Co., LLC ("Lion & Crown") will require the execution of an Addendum to your current Enrollment Agreement. Therefore, pursuant to its reserved rights under your Enrollment Agreement and the Exchange Procedures, Lion & Crown hereby notifies you that effective immediately, it will not accept the renewal of any Enrollment Agreements for which an Addendum is not executed or accept reservations for usage associated with your Allocation which would result in the renewal of any Enrollment Agreements for which an Addendum is not executed. Following December 31, 2012, Lion & Crown will only accept reservations for parties that execute the Addendum (or are otherwise entitled to make reservations, including parties who execute new Enrollment Agreements). Further information regarding how to enroll, details on point values and the Addendum will be provided for your consideration in an email communication this Fall. We encourage you to execute such Addendum to avoid termination of the Enrollment Agreement and take advantage of this exciting new opportunity. Recognizing that this exciting new affiliation may impact your decision to deposit for 2014, we will be opening the deposit windows in Spring 2013 for 2014 usage.
We are enthusiastic about the future of The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club and look forward to assisting you with your travel planning.
Warmest Regards,
Eveleen Babich
General Manager
The Cobalt Travel Company, LLC
628691-7
In short: RCDC members have lost access to the Abaco and Kapalua Bay Ritz Carlton Clubs today--Kapalua Bay was probably the nicest club along with the Bachelor Gulch property. They lost access to the Abercrombie and Kent properties-which included a host of $2-3mm properties-and was a huge perk (while it lasted which wasn't very long).
And "Based on The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club Member feedback," the RCDC members now have the pleasure of being part of the Marriot Vacation Club. So RCDC members who paid $200k+ for their interests now can be part of a program with some resale weeks being sold for $5k.
--------------------
Dear Member,
In the past several years we evolved The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club for the greater enjoyment of our Members. As you are aware, three years ago, we launched a new product offering known as Portfolio, providing a flexible membership option which allows Members to enjoy participating in Ritz-Carlton Destination Club locations within the Portfolio program. As a result of the Portfolio program offering, we also extended Home Club Members the opportunity to enjoy more flexible travel by exchanging their allocated time for points through The Lion & Crown Exchange Company.
In response to Member feedback, we sought ways to provide exceptional usability through a variety of destinations and experiences. As a result, we have some changes to share with you. Not surprisingly, with the decline of the economic climate, some adjustments had to be made but in other areas we are continuing to advance forward. Rest assured that as we advance forward, nothing about your Home Club Membership has changed.
After careful consideration, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club has made the strategic business decision to remove The Ritz-Carlton brand from The Abaco Club at Winding Bay. The unforeseen deterioration of and uncertainty surrounding global economic conditions have not only rendered this location unsustainable from a business perspective, but have limited the prospects of any enhancements in the near term.
On July 10, 2012, The Ritz-Carlton Management Company, LLC, as manager of the property known as The Ritz-Carlton Club, Kapalua Bay, exercised its right to issue a default notice pursuant to its management agreement with the Kapalua Bay Vacation Owners Association. As a result, it is the intention of The Ritz-Carlton Management Company, LLC to terminate its management agreement for The Ritz-Carlton Club, Kapalua Bay and to remove The Ritz-Carlton brand from the property at the conclusion of the applicable notice period, with termination to be effective on September 10, 2012 at 11:59 P.M. HST. Concurrently with the termination of the management agreement for The Ritz-Carlton Club, Kapalua Bay, the Kapalua Bay Condominium will no longer be a Ritz-Carlton Destination Club location. If you have future reservations or waitlist requests for Kapalua Bay, Member Services is available to assist you with making alternate arrangements.
While we understand that it may be disappointing not having The Abaco Club at Winding Bay or Kapalua Bay Condominium within the collection of Ritz-Carlton Destination Club locations, we have determined new ways to provide a variety of experiences.
Based on The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club Member feedback, additional benefits and experiences will be available through a new affiliation with Marriott Vacation Club Destinations. This affiliation will enable Ritz-Carlton Destination Club Members to expand their options.
Affiliation will extend you the opportunity to deposit your Reserved Allocation on an annual basis. Once you deposit, the following will be available for you:
• Secure available Ritz-Carlton Destination Club locations while enjoying the ability to choose the appropriate size accommodation and length of travel
• Secure any of the 51 worldwide Marriott Vacation Club Resorts, including Europe
• Bank unused points into the following year
• Borrow points from the coming year
• Book any experience in the Explorer Collection which includes over 100 experiences to
enjoy.
The Explorer Collection will replace the current affiliation with Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club; however, the new offering will include fully escorted tours, upscale cruises, special events and packages.
To clarify, nothing about the Home Club Membership that you purchased has changed. If you wish to continue to use your Membership as you do today, you maintain the opportunity to:
• Reserve your allocated time
• Exchange your Reserved Allocation with fellow Home Club Members via the existing
The Cobalt Travel Company, LLC
• Retain the ability to purchase additional Space Available Time at the prevailing per diem
fee
• Continue to enjoy The Ritz-Carlton 2012 Hotel Reservation Service
Initially access to the enhancements made available through the new affiliation with Marriott Vacation Club Destinations will be complimentary and easily added to your Membership for you to enjoy. We encourage you to participate, as we feel that you will be delighted with the additional destinations and countless experiential excursions available to you when you choose not to visit your Home Club during your allocated time.
In order to implement these additional options The Lion & Crown Travel Co., LLC ("Lion & Crown") will require the execution of an Addendum to your current Enrollment Agreement. Therefore, pursuant to its reserved rights under your Enrollment Agreement and the Exchange Procedures, Lion & Crown hereby notifies you that effective immediately, it will not accept the renewal of any Enrollment Agreements for which an Addendum is not executed or accept reservations for usage associated with your Allocation which would result in the renewal of any Enrollment Agreements for which an Addendum is not executed. Following December 31, 2012, Lion & Crown will only accept reservations for parties that execute the Addendum (or are otherwise entitled to make reservations, including parties who execute new Enrollment Agreements). Further information regarding how to enroll, details on point values and the Addendum will be provided for your consideration in an email communication this Fall. We encourage you to execute such Addendum to avoid termination of the Enrollment Agreement and take advantage of this exciting new opportunity. Recognizing that this exciting new affiliation may impact your decision to deposit for 2014, we will be opening the deposit windows in Spring 2013 for 2014 usage.
We are enthusiastic about the future of The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club and look forward to assisting you with your travel planning.
Warmest Regards,
Eveleen Babich
General Manager
The Cobalt Travel Company, LLC
628691-7
Jul 20, 2012, 12:16 pm
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
so theyre ending management of abaco fractionals, kapalua fractionals, kapalua residences?
all related to financial situations of developments?
so far website has dropped abaco (and A&K) but not kapalua...
also dropped kauai, wonder if development suspended.
presumably residential suites will be dropped out of kapalua hotel inventory.
the people who are screwed are fractional owners at abaco (if any, or was it suspended?) and fractional/residence owners at kapalua - funny how they dont mention that in the letter, even though recipient isnt one
and yes, kauai did have sales, and lost RC mgmt
***
FS exuma had some condos, and a couple fractional shares, changed to sandals
setai miami dropped GHM mgmt
FS aviara timeshare is still managed by FS, but hotel changed to PH
***
edit - i never followed up, while i did say it isnt a DC, i didnt mention RCDC uses unsold inventory, and RC fractional owners can only deposit up to 2 weeks
all related to financial situations of developments?
so far website has dropped abaco (and A&K) but not kapalua...
also dropped kauai, wonder if development suspended.
presumably residential suites will be dropped out of kapalua hotel inventory.
the people who are screwed are fractional owners at abaco (if any, or was it suspended?) and fractional/residence owners at kapalua - funny how they dont mention that in the letter, even though recipient isnt one
and yes, kauai did have sales, and lost RC mgmt
***
FS exuma had some condos, and a couple fractional shares, changed to sandals
setai miami dropped GHM mgmt
FS aviara timeshare is still managed by FS, but hotel changed to PH
***
edit - i never followed up, while i did say it isnt a DC, i didnt mention RCDC uses unsold inventory, and RC fractional owners can only deposit up to 2 weeks
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Aug 26, 2012 at 5:21 pm
Jul 20, 2012, 2:07 pm
#14
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Mem
Programs: Delta GM, Amex Reserve, Amex Plat, JP Morgan Palladium
Posts: 992
Wow. That is terrible for Kapalua fractional and residence owners. Will they still have use of the hotel amenities. I wonder if another higher end company might take over management?
Jul 20, 2012, 4:35 pm
#15
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 5
It seems that the Ritz/Cobalt (whoever that is) has not been transparent with the RCDC members about this deteriorating situation.
The Abercrombie and Kent relationship was reduced to just four (4) properties months ago-essentially making it worthless. Not only were the RCDC members not ever informed of this cut back (even as of today), on the RCDC website it appeared as if all the A&K properties remained available to the members.
The Abercrombie and Kent relationship was reduced to just four (4) properties months ago-essentially making it worthless. Not only were the RCDC members not ever informed of this cut back (even as of today), on the RCDC website it appeared as if all the A&K properties remained available to the members.