Amy Gunderson, the editor of Halogen Guides, recently wrote an article “How to Join a Destination Club“. She highlights the benefits of a destination club as well as what to look for. In summary:

• (1) make sure the properties are in great locations,
• (2) understand the pricing structure,
• (3) figure out if you can book the times you want and
• (4) lastly know how to get out.

Great information for those investigating Destination Clubs. When conducting your due diligence make sure to read up on the DestinationClubForums.com. There you will find information, news and opinions on all the major destination clubs.

As you look at the different Destination Club offerings, don’t overlook the option of renting vacation homes. TheSociety.com has partnered with the finest property managers and agencies in various destinations. We work closely with each partner and promise to have each home reviewed by a Luxe Alliance Member.

Amy created a great list of 15 due diligence questions when considering a DC. I took the liberty to answer a few on behalf of rentals and The Society.

Selected Due Diligence Questions

2. Is there a waiting list to resign, and if so, how many people are on the resignation list?

• No membership fees at TheSociety.com so there are no people trying to get out.

5. What is the allowable increase for annual dues? and 15. Can a member rollover unused days from one year to the next?

• No annual dues for rental units. Pay for the home you stay in and nothing more.

As the Democratic masses and protestors descend on Denver it looks like some locals are surprised by the chaos while others are taking it in stride.  A few articles from the local news stations give varying accounts of the early activity.  9News ran a story yesterday capturing some great local comments as the hysteria is just underway.  Channel 4 had their take and Channel 7 reported on the protesters who prefer to spend the night.

Why not take the week off or work from peaceful surroundings?  The high-country is bekoning!!  Go to www.thesociety.com/dnc for more details.

A few days ago we posted about our promotion for Colorado residents looking to escape during the Democratic National Convention.  We sent out a news release and even polled a few locals to get their thoughts on the effects the convention would have on their commutes, leisure time and lives in general.

The folks over at 9News in Denver sent their always entertaining, mountain reporter Matt Renoux to Vail to meet with Mike McFadden of The Society and Mike Connolly at Peak Properties Inc to get some details.  The piece aired on the 5 o’clock broadcast.

Additionally, the very cordiall Scott Miller of the Vail Daily wrote a great article for us including some nice quotes from another of our local property manager partners Prudential Colorado Vail.  Jon Eskin provided some excellent support comments.

Finally, we had a write-up in Denver’s Rocky Mountain News that features the detilas of the promo.  Thanks to all the editors and reporters for the press coverage!

In life and in business receiving negative feedback is never a crowning achievement. For many, the first instinct is to quickly sweep it under the rug and minimize the damage to your reputation as quietly as possible. The problem with that approach is often failure to acknowledge and resolve the issue at hand.

Many property managers have expressed some concern (and rightly so) over how negative feedback is handled at The Society. In brief, we feel it’s our privilege and obligation to provide our affluent travelers the most trusted information available regarding our luxury rental properties. If negative comments should arise, it’s the responsibility of the property manager to address the concerns quickly for two reasons:

1. The particular problem will be fixed. A negative comment suggesting your hot tub was cold could alert you to an ongoing issue sure to influence future guests.
2. Each time you publicly respond to a past guest, you are advertising your responsiveness and willingness to resolve problems to future guests.

Carrie Hill from Blizzard Internet Marketing Inc. had a few suggestions when responding to poor reviews in a recent article titled, “A Guide to Answering Negative Online Reviews”. Additionally, Andy Beal from MarketingPilgrim.com blogs on managing reviews, click here to read.

“Are Luxury Hotels Recession Proof?” In an article by Market Metrix posted by HospitalityNet, Jonathan Barsky and Lenny Lash provide evidence that suggests Luxury Hotels are not falling victim to price sensitivity during the economic downturn. This news bodes well for luxury vacation rentals and the luxury travel market in general, as it appears, “Affluent buyers aren’t particularly affected by rising interest rates and mortgage related problems. So luxury hotel (and vacation rental) guests have the ability to absorb the cost increases rather easily.” See some insightful excerpts below, and read the full story here.

Price Sensitivity by Hotel Segment

“Luxury hotels typically cater to a distinct kind of guest, often wealthy individuals to whom price is less of a factor in selecting a hotel.”

“At least part of the price strength of luxury hotels can be explained by the size of this segment - there are not many luxury hotels and the number of guests able to afford luxury accommodations has risen dramatically in the past few years. This positive relationship will continue as long as the number of new luxury properties does not grow faster than the number of persons willing to pay their premium prices.”

“International tourists, taking advantage of a weakening US dollar, are looking to the US as a prime vacation spot and are spending more money, often upgrading to higher-end, luxury accommodations.”

“A lack of price sensitivity should not be viewed as a green light to raise luxury hotel prices. Excessive pricing in this fragile economy can create ill will and tarnish a brand.”

With warm weather upon us, our thoughts have turned to summer vacations, hitting the links and enjoying the outdoors with friends and family. There’s something to be said about lounging on the deck or patio with good friends, a great view and a cold beverage of your choosing. A great deck makes all the difference whether you seek a private refuge to relax or are looking to entertain the masses.

The Society recently unveiled its Top Decks found on www.thesociety.com. The decks combine luxury conveniences with the world’s most spectacular views. From the press release Kathy Peterson, a celebrity design and lifestyle expert, gives her nod of approval, “These lavish decks featured on TheSociety.com embody the attributes necessary for the best outdoor living experience.”

So go ahead and plan that summer vacation to include some of the best ocean, mountain and desert views available.

Occasionally, The Society brings in industry experts to report on the latest in trends and tips to keep you “in the know” when it comes to luxury travel. This blog post marks the first of many insightful submissions brought to us by Marjorie Rothstein, our resident luxury lifestyles consultant and spa trends expert.

Her work has been featured in Malibu Magazine, Celeb Life/Celeb Staff and  online with La2Day.com, Chictoday.com and Justluxe.com. We are proud to bring her luxury expertise to you. Get your imagination in gear and enjoy, as she will guide you on a path to “Living the 5-Star Life.”

Secret Hideaway: Haven-Cal-a-Vie
by Marjorie Rothstein

What do Paula Abdul, Kirstie Alley, Tim Daley, Sharon Gless, Angelica Huston, Julia Roberts, Uma Thurman, Kathleen Turner and Claire Danes have in common? If you’ve guessed that they’re all celebs, that’s true. But what makes this bunch even more unique is that they all love to escape to a secret hideaway in the hills of Vista, Ca. What is this place? It’s a haven for the very rich and famous, or anyone who wants to be pampered beyond words.

This is so exclusive, only 25 guests can be there at the same time. It is so private, you cannot even find the place without explicit directions. You can’t enter this hilltop sanctuary without an invitation and there is no access except an electric gate. What is the name of this place that looks like an authentic village in Provence, with real antiques and original artifacts? It’s called Cal a Vie and it is located on Spa Havens Way.