Buying Fractional Ownership, Resort Real Estate & Timeshares

If you love to golf, then you either have golfed in many of the locations on the following list – or long to do so at some point in the future. Playing these courses often enough to know the holes and the way each green rolls – well, that probably sounds like a pipe dream. But owning real estate at one or more of these destinations just might help make some of those dreams a reality. For each of the 10 global destinations, we highlight a specific course and a local or nearby shared-ownership property. A tee time might be closer than you think…

1. St. Andrews, Scotland
The course: consensus among golf historians is that Scotland is the birthplace of golf, and St. Andrews is its cradle. The Old Course is the most famous, but there are seven courses in total with varying degrees of difficulty at St. Andrews. While reservations may be made for the Old Course, the Old Course Ballot is a daily lottery held each day for tee times the next day.

The real estate: The Markers Club is the premier lifestyle club with a portfolio of luxury homes situated among some of the world’s most legendary golf destinations and with private club access. One such place is the Royal & Ancient Residence #9 The Links. Perfectly situated with two balconies overlooking the 18th green and 1st tee of The Old Course, #9 The Links may well be the most desirable private residence in world golf. Arranged over three floors, this luxury residence boasts over 3,000 square feet and provides five bedrooms, comfortably accommodating eight people. If the view alone isn’t enough, the accommodation also has a designer kitchen, private courtyard, seven washrooms, golf bag mud room, Wi-Fi, and Bang & Olufsen home entertainment system.
www.themarkersclub.com

2. County Down, Northern Ireland
The course: Royal County Down is just one of many golfing options in this part of Northern Ireland. Royal County Down’s Championship Course (one of four there) features the narrowest of fairways and “bearded” bunkers with overhanging lips of marram, red fescue and heather.


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For the athletes travelling to British Columbia this winter, it’s all about the focus of competition. For the rest of us, though, it’s all about the fun. From the deep snows of the mountains to the bright lights of the city, the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are going to be a celebration for the ages. It’s been called “the biggest potlatch the world has ever seen,” and the good news is that you don’t need a ticket to feel the Olympic rush. While there are hundreds of events with free and open access, here are 10 best bets to get into the spirit of British Columbia’s world-welcoming bash.

1. Go to Granville Island

With its vibrant arts scene and bustling public market, Granville Island has always been one of Vancouver’s favorite attractions. Come Games time, the island promises to showcase the city’s flair for cultural convergence as host of Atlantic Canada House, Place de la Francophonie and the House of Switzerland. Over the course of an afternoon you can kick it up at an Atlantic-style kitchen party, sample some of the country’s best culinary traditions and sip a perfectly-poured Swiss espresso. For more fun in February, check out the island’s annual Winterruption Festival – an eclectic blend of musical beats, performance art and local menus.
www.atlanticcanadahouse.com
www.placefranco2010.ca
www.houseofswitzerland.org
www.granvilleisland.com

2. Honor Aboriginal Heritage in Canada
On the Plaza of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in the heart of downtown Vancouver, the 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion promises to be an incredible showcase and celebration of Aboriginals from across Canada. With contemporary performances, multimedia shows and stunning Aboriginal art, the white-domed five-story pavilion will prove one of the signature buildings of the Games; a site that both honors the past and looks towards the future, the 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion is a must-see for visitors and Vancouverites alike. Here, you’ll have a chance to nibble contemporary Aboriginal cuisine—think musk ox prosciutto and wine from Nk’mip Cellars—on the traditional territory of the Four Host First Nations. The pavilion will be open to the public February 12 – 28 from 11 a.m. to midnight.
www.fourhostfirstnations.com

3. Enter the O Zone
Home to the speed skating events for the 2010 Winter Games, the city of Richmond, just south of Vancouver, will also be home turf to another anticipated draw: the O Zone. A short walk from the new Canada Line rapid transit system, this official celebration site for the Games boasts 24 hectares (60 acres) of free activities, exhibits and entertainment.


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Novaterra Resorts today announced that Arcos Gardens Golf Club & Country Estate in Cadiz, Spain, has affiliated with The Registry Collection® exchange programme, the world’s largest luxury exchange network.

Located among the Andalusian hills and adjacent to the famed white village of Arcos de la Frontera in the province of Cadiz, the Arcos Gardens Golf Club & Country Estate is an exclusive low-density golf community designed for upscale luxury living. The 440-acre property was a former olive grove that was transformed through the transplanting of over 2,000 olive trees into a leading golf destination featuring a championship 18-hole course.

With planning permission for a total of 535 homes, the first three residential phases comprising 80 townhouses and 43 villas have already been completed. Ten of the development’s premium Jacaranda villas will initially be sold on a fractional basis and be affiliated with The Registry Collection affording owners a luxury holiday exchange option in a selection of the programme’s exclusive associated properties worldwide, together with many other benefits including a 24/7 concierge service.

These four-bedroom villas, which boast 381 square metres of built space and front line golf plots of over 3,000 square metres, will have a starting price of €199,900 for an eighth fractional ownership share of the property allowing for an annual six-week occupation. As well as offering an authentic Spanish experience in a rustic community, the residential resort boasts a Landmark-designed golf course (recently listed in Europe’s Top 100 courses) and will be sold with two golf memberships and two sets of Calloway golf clubs.

“The Registry Collection offers a unique exchange programme for our fractional owners,” said Regan Berger, sales director, Arcos Gardens. “The level of service and exclusivity that The Registry Collection programme provides is precisely what our owners are looking for. We are very pleased to be working with them.”

The multi-award winning development incorporates the highest build quality and is raising the bar for high-end golf and spa resorts in Spain. Since the limited release of properties at the development, demand for homes at Arcos Gardens has been high and they have attracted the attention of several UK celebrities. Among those who have purchased properties and become part of the Arcos Gardens community are Bernard Gallacher, former captain of the European Ryder Cup winning team, and rugby world cup winner Matt Dawson. More than a first-class golf resort, Arcos Gardens is a unique low-density community designed exclusively for upscale luxury living offering first-class service, world-class amenities and a diversity of experiences, all surrounded by a naturally beautiful landscape.

The newly inaugurated Club House and Day Spa, beautifully complements the on-site boutique hotel, while many other facilities are under development including an equestrian centre and floodlit tennis and paddle tennis courts.

The development’s ‘green’ credentials are first-class with several eco-friendly initiatives incorporated into the build, including the recycling  of all water, solar panels to heat the water and the transplanting of 2,000 olive trees growing on the site which have been relocated and continue to be harvested.

“We are very proud to add this calibre of development to The Registry Collection,” said Jonathan Back, managing director, RCI EMEAI. “Our goal is to offer our members the finest vacation destinations in the world. Working with affiliates like Novaterra and Arcos Gardens ensures that our members receive exactly the world-class luxury travel experience they desire. The style, feel, design and location of these properties are in essence what The Registry Collection is all about. The province of Cadiz has long been distinguished as a very special holiday destination by its spectacular landscapes and beaches, historical milestones and a capital city embodying a unique culture, diversity and sophistication that is enduringly attractive to the international traveler.”

For more information on the Arcos Gardens Golf Club and Country Estate, please visit www.arcosgardens.com.

On selected eastbound Transatlantic Crossings, Cunard are offering a spectacular itinerary for jazz lovers.

Cunard have forged a partnership with The Juilliard School of music to bring their passengers both classical and contemporary jazz performances featuring a whole host of celebrated musicians including renowned trumpeter Eddie Henderson, who’s first trumpet lesson was given to him by the legendary Louis Armstrong.

The performances are being held on the luxurious Queen Mary 2 in the ship’s Royal Court Theatre commencing in April and continuing through to October 2010.

Queen Mary 2 is one of the finest ocean liners ever built, providing the most discerning of passengers a voyage replicating the by gone era of cruising in elegant style and opulence, along with all the latest modern technologies demanded by today’s cruise passengers.

The ethos of Cunard Cruises to provide the finest to all their passengers continues to be at the forefront of their itineraries, the partnership with The Juilliard School demonstrates their commitment for bringing only the very best entertainment for their passengers, whilst retaining their unique presence of treating their passengers to the Golden Age of Ocean Travel which is synonymous with Cunard’s reputation.

Full itineraries of The Juilliard School’s forthcoming performance on board Queen Mary 2, including the musicians who will be performing on each voyage can be obtained from Cunard Cruises.

To find out more visit: http://www.cruise1st.co.uk/

As Luggage Shipping Goes Mainstream, Travelers Should Select Provider Carefully

Sharp increases in checked baggage fees have caused many people to explore the option of shipping their luggage ahead. This trend has dramatically increased as U.S. airlines collected nearly $3 billion in checked baggage fees in 2009 while, according to last week’s Department of Transportation report, still mishandling more than 2.1 million bags.

Rates, reliability and services offered by different luggage forwarding solutions can vary greatly and consumers should be careful to select the right company for their next trip. Asking the following questions will ensure that you gather enough information to make the right choice for luggage free travel.

PRICING: Is the pricing all-inclusive? Ask whether additional fees will be added to the base shipping rate that you are quoted. Often times a pickup fee, particularly for same day pickups, or fuel surcharge is applied after the fact. Major package shippers always have these additional fees and some luggage shipping companies charge upwards of $50 for pickup. Unless you understand the complete cost up front, it is impossible to accurately compare the alternatives.

GUARANTEE: Do you offer an on-time guarantee? If a company does not provide at least a full money back guarantee for late arriving shipments, you should look elsewhere. Reliable companies will not only offer a full money back guarantee, but will also cover any additional expenses that you might incur due to any late-arriving bags. Of course, you should ask to see this in writing before booking.

PACKAGING: Is additional packaging required? Traditional shipping companies require luggage to be sent in a box if you would like insurance coverage. Even some specialty luggage shippers require wrapping luggage in large plastic bags. The most convenient option is to use a company whose system allows clients to send luggage, insured up to $10,000 per bag, without any additional packaging.

INTERNATIONAL: Do you handle all customs documentation and clearance for my international shipment? Sending your personal items to a foreign country can be an incredibly complicated undertaking and you will want to choose a company who has the experience navigate the process on your behalf. If the country-specific customs regulations are not understood, lengthy delays and costly duties and taxes can result. Using a company that has proven specialization in forwarding luggage internationally can save you time, money and aggravation.

RELIABILITY: How do I know that you provide a reliable luggage delivery service? In addition to the guarantees mentioned above, look beyond marketing material or selected client testimonials for objective, independent verification of the company’s credibility. How long a company has been in business, partnerships with leading travel providers and positive press coverage are all good indicators of a reputable company.

You are likely to have the best experience with a company that specializes in shipping luggage. An established provider will offer a first class service level and more comprehensive guarantees for the same price or less than you would pay a traditional shipping company.

Come Ashore from Your Sailboat to Savor a Gourmet Lobster Meal or Even to Spend a Night or Two at This Exclusive, Luxury Resort

When hopping from Caribbean island to island on a sailing adventure, take a bit of time to experience the tropical wonders at Lighthouse Bay Resort, an intimate, boutique resort nestled on the largely undeveloped Barbuda, an island known for its soft pink-and-white sand and succulent lobster.

From out on the calm, multi-colored waters that surround Barbuda, sailors can see the peaceful Lighthouse Bay Resort resting on a narrow strip of land – the only picturesque red-roofed buildings for miles in either direction. Make your way to the resort for a stop at the beachside Lagoon Café to savor the gourmet culinary creations of Chef Lenox Cadogan while gazing upon the quiet, 17-mile stretch of beach or watching a rainbow appear across the blue skies.

Breakfast features hearty coconut-crusted French toast and fresh, sweet fruit, a meal that provides enough fuel to explore the tropical countryside for hours. For lunch, savor a tasty lobster salad, with vegetables grown in the resort’s own garden. Stay for dinner and feast on more sweet, Barbuda-caught lobster or pan-seared teriyaki mahi-mahi, complemented by freshly made, wonderfully scented bread rolls. Be sure to try a tempting dessert like heavenly chocolate mousse or key lime pie.

Relax at the Lighthouse Bay Bar and enjoy a classic Caribbean cocktail or a refreshing glass of Fresh-inspired wine – all just steps from the beach, a gently swaying hammock and the relaxing lounge chairs and umbrellas. Ascend to the top of the bar with cocktail in hand for a panoramic view of the Lagoon and the Caribbean, separated by only 400 feet of tropical paradise, or to see iridescent tiles twinkle in the moonlight under the amazingly clear night sky.

Visitors are welcome to stay in one of the resort’s nine, exclusive rooms, all with stunning views of the Caribbean to the rear of the suite and the lagoon to the suite’s front. Elegantly decorated with dark, mahogany woods and luxurious furnishings, the ocean-front suites feature soft, plush linens that soothe guests into a deep, restful sleep. In the morning, slip into a bathrobe and slippers, and enter your private bath, with blue Bahia granite counters, elegant polished fixtures, an illuminated make-up mirror and a marble-lined shower. If you must, stay connected with the resort’s complimentary direct-dial international calling, wireless Internet and an in-room laptop, flat-screen TV with satellite reception, or iPod compatible surround-sound stereo.

Room rates start at $1,099 a night from Jan. 11 through March 28, and includes breakfast, lunch, dinner as well as beverages. (Taxes and service charges are not included.)

For more information about Lighthouse Bay Resort, or to make a reservation, please call (888) 214-8552 or (212) 616-5032, or e-mail info@lighthousebarbuda.com. You can also visit our website at www.lighthousebarbuda.com.

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