Timeshare Information

Much Good News to Share

Entire Communities Benefit from Timeshare Owner and Guest Stays

Interval International’s Second Quarter Growth Supports ARDA Report

Keep the Momentum Going

Exchange Companies

RCI

Interval International

DAE

Trading Places International

Internal Exchange

Interval International, a prominent worldwide provider of vacation services and an operating business of Interval Leisure Group, announced the affiliation of Encontro Das Águas Thermas Resort, in Caldas Novas, Goiás.

The city is home to one of the largest hot-spring aquifers in the world, making it a very popular destination in central Brazil.

“We’re excited to enter the shared ownership industry and collaborate with Interval, a company known for its quality network and consumer benefits,” said Ricardo Assuncao, partner in RMEX Construtora e Incorporadora Ltda., developer of the resort.

“Our objective is to make our resort one of the area’s finest and we look forward to hosting Interval members who will be able to enjoy the many treasures of Caldas Novas,” Assuncao said.

Encontro Das Águas is currently under construction and expected to be completed early next year. Plans call for the resort to include 384 one- and two-bedroom units in three buildings. Each will feature elegant modern décor, contemporary furnishings, fully equipped kitchen, and high-end electronics.

“It’s a great pleasure to be working with Ricardo and his partners who have been active in real estate in Goiás for many years,” said Marcos Agostini, Interval’s senior vice president of resort sales and business development for Latin America.

“We welcome them to shared ownership, which is playing an increasingly important role in resort development in Brazil,” Agostini said.

Among the wide range of amenities and services the resort will offer are a gourmet restaurant, 24-hour room service, spa and sauna, fitness center, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and cinema.

Activities available nearby include boating, jet skiing, and hiking.

Notable attractions in Caldas Novas are a Japanese Garden built in the Buddhist tradition, the 47 square-mile Serra de Caldas Novas State Park, and the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, which dates from 1850 and is one of the oldest buildings in Caldas.

Interval International operates membership programs for vacationers and provides value-added services to its developer clients worldwide. Based in Miami, Florida, the company has been a pioneer and innovator in serving the vacation ownership market since 1976.

Interval International, a prominent worldwide provider of vacation services and an operating business of Interval Leisure Group, has announced the addition of Azul Beach Hotel by Karisma on Mexico’s Mayan Riviera.

This property joins Azul Sensatori and Azul Fives Hotel & Private Residences, also part of the Azul
brand of Gourmet Inclusive® properties operated by Karisma Hotels & Resorts, in Interval’s global exchange network.

“We greatly value the relationship we’ve enjoyed with Interval over the years and look forward to working with the company on other projects,” commented Rinaldo Fernandez, senior vice president of administration for Karisma Hotels & Resorts.

“With each resort that we affiliate, we strengthen our vision for the future — providing our members outstanding vacation experiences at our resorts in Mexico and at Interval’s resorts throughout the world,” said Fernandez.

Situated in the tranquil village of Puerto Morelos, Azul Beach has 144 units with views of the turquoise waters of Bahia Petempich or lush vegetation.

Among the on-site amenities are five restaurants with a choice of Latin American, Asian and Italian cuisine, multiple outdoor swimming pools, full-service spa with treatments for adults and kids, fitness center, and a wide selection of day and evening entertainment and activities.

The resort also features an Azulitos Play House with a Fisher-Price® designed play space, the latest educational toys, and a baby equipment and toy loan program.

Older children can participate in activities such as mini-yoga, face painting, and beach treasure hunts.

“We are delighted to expand our partnership with Rinaldo and his team with the addition of Azul Beach,” said Marcos Agostini, Interval International senior vice president of resort sales and business development for Latin America.

“This spectacular boutique property offers visitors an unbeatable location midway between Cancun and Playa del Carmen and a host of upscale, family-friendly amenities and services,” Agostini said.

Puerto Morelos has a laidback atmosphere where you are invited to slow down and spend time together. Explore the Mayan Temples and the coral reef in Arrecife de Puerto Morelos National Park, or walk the two-and-a-half-mile trail through Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marin Botanical Garden, which is the last patch of conserved forest on this stretch of the Mayan Riviera.

Azul Beach Hotel by Karisma is approximately 25 minutes from downtown Cancun and 35 minutes north of Playa del Carmen.

Interval International, a leading global provider of vacation services and an operating business of Interval Leisure Group, has affiliated Hotel Savoy on the Portuguese island of Madeira to its global exchange network.

Upon completion in 2014, it will include 246 timeshare apartments, ushering in the second chapter of the vacation ownership product for Siet Savoi SA, the developer of the successful Royal Savoy, affiliated in 2002.

“We’re very happy to be able to offer more exchange options to Interval members who want to visit this magnificent island, known for its stunning scenery and spring-like temperatures,” said Darren Ettridge, Interval International senior vice president of resort sales and business development for Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

“There are nearly 5,000 vacation owners at Royal Savoy who enjoy consistently high standards at this award-winning property. We’re sure that Siet Savoi will build on its outstanding success to deliver another truly wonderful holiday experience,” Ettridge said.

All of the Hotel Savoy timeshare apartments will be air-conditioned, offer Internet access, and have ocean-facing balconies or terraces. One-bedroom apartments will have separate lounge and dining areas, a full kitchen and master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet. 

The two- and three-bedroom lock-off apartments will be ideally suited to holidays with friends or family sleeping up to six and eight guests respectively. Studio units will have a kitchenette and a spacious lounge area.

Hotel Savoy guests also will have access to a full-service spa with sauna; fitness center, heated indoor, outdoor, and children’s swimming pools; whirlpool; tennis court; and restaurants and bars on the grounds of the resort. Other amenities will include 24-hour reception service, room service, and underground parking.

“Hotel Savoy is the newest generation of a small family-run hotel first opened at the beginning of the 20th century,” said Isabel Cristina, project director of the Savoy Group.

“We’re proud of our reputation for hospitality and very pleased to have Interval International as an exchange partner, so that we can introduce many more people to our beautiful home.”

Closer to the coast of North Africa than Europe, the volcanic island of Madeira is just 35 miles long by 13 miles wide, studded with dramatic ravines and rocky headlands.

The island that many call “the floating garden of the Atlantic” is a 90-minute flight from Lisbon and the Hotel Savoy is 15 minutes from Madeira’s Funchal International Airport and a five minute walk to the historical center of Funchal.

Interval International, a prominent worldwide provider of vacation services and an operating business of Interval Leisure Group, has announced that its U.S.-resident members traveled approximately 24 nights per year for leisure purposes during the last 12 months, and report average annual household income of $121,550, more than twice the median household income according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

In addition, approximately 18 percent indicated that they are likely to purchase additional vacation time in the future. These are some of the findings from the Interval International 2013 U.S. Membership Profile, which was prepared to assist Interval in developing benefits, products, and services.

The observations from the online survey detailed in the report may also be useful to resort developers and prospective industry entrants in designing their products and sales and marketing strategies.

“We’re very pleased to share these positive results that are reflective of an improving U.S. economy,” said Bryan Broek, Interval’s senior vice president of resort sales and business development for the U.S., Canada, and Caribbean.

“We’re seeing member income levels hold steady and an increase in the nights they’re traveling for leisure, and in length of stay,” Broek said

More than half (53.5%) of respondents own more than one week of shared vacation ownership time or its equivalent. Of those likely to purchase more vacation time, approximately one in three (33.2%) indicated that they would be most interested in buying in Florida.

The next most desired states are Hawaii (26.5%) and California (20.8%). Those wanting to purchase additional vacations remain most interested in the two-bedroom configuration, with nearly two-thirds (67.2 percent) citing that preference.

Other notable findings from the 2013 U.S. Membership Profile include: Leisure travel nights during the prior 12 months have increased from an average of 22 in 2011 to 24 in 2013. Approximately 65 percent of total annual leisure nights were domestic (15.9 nights) and 35 percent international (8.4 nights).

The number of members owning points-based products increased to 35 percent in 2013, as compared to 22 percent in 2009. Nearly four in 10 (38.8%) cite Bermuda, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean as the leisure destination of choice within the next two years. 36.5 percent plan to visit Europe and almost one in four (24.6%) plan to travel to Mexico during the same period.

Interval International operates membership programs for vacationers and provides value-added services to its developer clients worldwide.

Interval International, a leading global provider of vacation services and an operating business of Interval Leisure Group includes Ocean Two Resort and Residences in Barbados in its exchange network.

The beachfront resort is situated on the south coast of the island, known for its natural beauty and warm year-round climate.

“We are delighted to be in a business relationship with Ocean,” said David Gilbert, executive vice president of resort sales and marketing for Interval International.

“This was one of the newest properties to open on the island when we affiliated with it in 2011, and it is representative of the quality product that Interval members expect.”

Ocean Two’s 70 residences feature a tropical chic décor, modern furnishings, stainless steel appliances and granite countertops, WiFi high-speed Internet access throughout the resort, flat-panel televisions, and ample terraces with ocean views.

On-site amenities include a serpentine 150-foot pool with a swim-up bar, private cabanas, rooftop infinity-edge pool and deck, spa services, fitness center, restaurant, lobby bar, concierge lounge, and meeting room.

“Our affiliation with Interval International has afforded our owners opportunities to vacation at high-quality resorts all over the world, adding great value to their ownership experience,” said Patricia Affonso-Dass, group general manager of Ocean Hotels.

“And we enjoy hosting Interval members and guests at Ocean Two, which combines the luxury and comfort of a full-service resort in an idyllic tropical island paradise.”

The property is within walking distance of the well-known St. Lawrence Gap area shops, restaurants, and night spots. Barbados has a vibrant culture that blends English, African, and West Indian customs and traditions.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of local events, such as cricket matches, festivals, and carnivals that combine food, music, and dance. Nature lovers will appreciate the botanical gardens, sanctuaries, and underground caves on the island. Other recreational activities include windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, and horseback trail rides.

Interval International, a prominent worldwide provider of vacation services and an operating business of Interval Leisure Group offers Pinamar Family Resort and El Aljibe Casas de Campo in Argentina in its exchange network. The properties are situated in the exclusive beach resort town of Pinamar, in the Buenos Aires Province, and the scenic Traslasierra Valley, in Cordoba.

“These resorts offer memorable vacation experiences in two popular Argentinean destinations and we are very pleased to have them in our global network,” said Marcos Agostini, Interval’s vice president of resort sales and service for Latin America.


Located in a lush wooded area, Pinamar features three-bedroom villas with beamed ceilings, paned windows, tile floors, and private patios. Onsite amenities include an indoor swimming pool, gym, sauna, and clubhouse.

Among the area attractions are miles of unspoiled beaches, sand dunes, and acres of forests. Nature and sports enthusiasts can engage in bird-watching, horseback riding, water sports, golf, and tennis.


El Aljibe Casas de Campo has one- and two-bedroom adobe houses designed in a traditional country ranch style. Distinctive architectural elements consist of a pitched roof, lodge pole columns, and patio with open oven. Amenities available at the resort are a swimming pool, mini-golf course, tennis, soccer and volleyball courts, gym, and solarium.

Food tastings, folkloric dance, and equestrian shows allow guests to take part in authentic “gaucho” cowboy activities. Visitors can also schedule trips to natural parks or Nono city and its Rocsen Museum.

“We invite Interval members to experience the cultural richness and beauty of Argentina,” said Mariano Astoreca, president of A. Cumbres Condominio S.A. and Pinamar Resort S.A.

“Both of these properties are family oriented and ideally suited for guests to spend time with relatives and friends, either relaxing or participating in a wide range of outdoor activities,” Astoreca said.

Interval International, a prominent worldwide provider of vacation services, recently presented The Grande Bay Resort and Residence Club, a vacation ownership property in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, with the Interval International Premier Boutique Resort® award for 2013.

The annual award recognizes resorts that provide outstanding vacation experiences with excellent accommodations in desirable locations.

“Grande Bay features a unique setting just steps from all of the attractions of downtown Cruz Bay and offers luxurious accommodations in one of the most exclusive Caribbean destinations,” explained Neil Kolton, Interval’s director of resort sales and service for the Caribbean.

“We’re delighted to recognize the property and its wonderful team with this well-deserved award.” Kolton said.

“Our success is a testament to the hard work of our management and staff who dedicate themselves to continually providing unforgettable vacations for our valued owners and guests,” said Paul Helson, general manager of The Grande Bay Resort and Residence Club, and a 35-year veteran of the hospitality industry.

Tucked into a hillside, the Mediterranean-style property offers panoramic views of neighboring St. Thomas to the west and the British Virgin Islands 15 miles to the east.

The resort features one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas, ranging in size from 550 to1,680 square feet. Spacious interiors feature living areas surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies, elegant wood furnishings, fully equipped kitchens, and state-of-the-art electronics.

On-site amenities include a heated pool, hot tub, fitness center, wireless Internet access, and underground parking.

Members and guests also can take advantage of pre-arrival grocery shopping, complimentary pick-up from the ferry terminal, twice-weekly housekeeping, and a full-time concierge that can arrange a variety of excursions.

The Hotel Savoy on the Portuguese island of Madeira is affiliated with Interval International, a leading global provider of vacation services and an operating business of Interval Leisure Group.

Upon completion in 2014, the Hotel Savoy will include 246 timeshare apartments, ushering in the second chapter of the vacation ownership product for Siet Savoi SA, the developer of the successful Royal Savoy affiliated in 2002.

“We’re very happy to be able to offer more exchange options to Interval members who want to visit this magnificent island, known for its stunning scenery and spring-like temperatures,” said Darren Ettridge, Interval’s senior vice president of resort sales and business development for Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

 “There are nearly 5,000 vacation owners at Royal Savoy who enjoy consistently high standards at this award-winning property. We’re sure that Siet Savoi will build on its outstanding success to deliver another truly wonderful holiday experience.”

All of the Hotel Savoy timeshare apartments will be air-conditioned, offer Internet access, and have ocean-facing balconies or terraces. One-bedroom apartments will have separate lounge and dining areas, a full kitchen and master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet. The two- and three-bedroom lock-off apartments will be ideally suited to holidays with friends or family sleeping up to six and eight guests respectively. Studio units will have a kitchenette and a spacious lounge area.

Hotel Savoy guests also will have access to a full-service spa with sauna; fitness center  heated indoor, outdoor, and children’s swimming pools; whirlpool; tennis court; and restaurants and bars on the grounds of the resort. Other amenities will include 24-hour reception service, room service, and underground parking.

“Hotel Savoy is the newest generation of a small family-run hotel first opened at the beginning of the 20th century,” said Isabel Cristina, project director of the Savoy Group.

“We’re proud of our reputation for hospitality and very pleased to have Interval International as an exchange partner, so that we can introduce many more people to our beautiful home.”

Closer to the coast of North Africa than Europe, the volcanic island of Madeira is just 35 miles long by 13 miles wide, studded with dramatic ravines and rocky headlands. Along the roadways that wind their way through sleepy hamlets and larger villages, the man-made watercourse “levadas” appear to be ribbons of water meandering through the countryside sparkling in the bright sunlight that bathes the area.

The island that many call “the floating garden of the Atlantic” is a 90-minute flight from Lisbon and the Hotel Savoy is 15 minutes from Madeira’s Funchal International Airport and a five minute walk to the historical center of Funchal.

Located in the heart of Beaver Creek, Colorado, is the dual-affiliated mixed-use resort St. James Place, which enjoys both II Premier, and RCI Gold Crown status.

Accommodations range from large hotel units to an incredible 4-bedroom that sleeps 12.

This is one of those great places where you can walk out of the condo door and up the heated plaza (less than 100 yards) to the main ski lift, and ski-in access trails pass right by it.

Among other things, St. James Place has a full exercise facility, large indoor pool, sauna, steam room, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, meeting rooms, 24 hour front desk, concierge, and heated underground parking.

The open air ice skating facility and the Vilar Center for the Performing Arts, with live entertainment, are also just yards from the front door.

Also right outside the front door are shopping and dining, hiking, horseback riding and golf, all on site, and tennis is only two blocks away.

This elegant and luxurious resort consistently gets very high ratings from everyone who visits, and can be difficult to exchange into, especially at the height of the winter season.

Keep St. James Place in mind for other times of the year, too. The region is always beautiful, always full of activity, and you might have a better chance of getting in.

Interval International, a prominent worldwide provider of vacation services and an operating business of Interval Leisure Group announced the addition of six Village Center resorts located in four regions of France: Normandy, Dordogne, Languedoc, and the Oriental Pyrenees.

All are new, purpose built properties primarily concentrated in the southern part of the country that borders the northern Mediterranean coastline.

“Village Center has been developing and operating great holiday accommodation in popular destinations throughout France for more than 35 years,” said Darren Ettridge, Interval's senior vice president of resort sales and business development for Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

“We’re thrilled that they have expanded into shared ownership and chosen Interval to provide exchange and leisure benefits to their owners.”

The resorts have gained the distinguished Clef Verte label, the global Green Key eco-rating, in recognition of the developers’ efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.

Each destination is strategically located to allow visitors easy access to the cultural activities of the surrounding region, as well as the natural landscapes and sporting activities.

The four properties that opened this summer include:
1. Le Clos du Rocher is situated in Les Eyzies de Tayac, the heart of the Dordogne, an area renowned for its dramatic landscape and UNESCO World Heritage prehistoric sites.

2. Les Demeures Torrellanes is less than two miles from Saint-Cyprien in the Oriental Pyrénées between Spain and Andorra — close to prime beaches on the Mediterranean.

3. Côte Vermeille, Les Demeures de la Massane is Located at the southernmost point of France, within 20 minutes of Perpignan, at the foot of the Albères mountains.

4. Côté Green (see photo) sits on an 18-hole golf course in the 444-acre Domaine de Fontcaude greenbelt located in the town of Juvignac in the Languedoc-Roussillon region.

Scheduled to open in 2013:
5. Le Domaine de la Corniche will be situated in the Calvados region of Normandy, famed for its cider and gastronomy, as well as beautiful landscapes, sandy beaches, and historic sites. Located minutes from the town of Deauville, it will be convenient to the iconic Mont St. Michel and other points of interest.

6. Domaine de Bacchus will be located steps from the centre of the town of Saint Christol in the Languedoc region. The Provençal-style resort is situated less than half a mile from Saint Christol’s winery cooperative.

Interval International, a prominent worldwide provider of vacation services and an operating business of Interval Leisure Group, is affiliated with Velence Resort on the shore of Lake Velence, 37 miles (60 km) south of Hungary’s capital, Budapest.

“Velence Resort is a one-of-a-kind property midway between Budapest and the popular resort town of Lake Balaton,” said Darren Ettridge, Interval’s senior vice president of resort sales and business development for Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

“Our members who are looking for a rejuvenating holiday off the beaten path will enjoy the resort’s private beach and impressive wellness facility.”

The timeshare units have private balconies, fully equipped kitchenettes, satellite TVs, and Internet access. From the grassy beach and boardwalk of the resort, guests have panoramic views of Lake Velence, Hungary’s third largest lake. Covering 10 square miles (27 sq km), it is one of the warmest natural lakes in Europe, with an average water temperature of 80oF (27oC) during the summer, and is renowned for its healing properties.

The wellness facility features three mineral pools filled from the resort’s own thermal spring. For intense detoxification, there are many types of saunas as well as steam cabinets, plunge pool, and an invigorating ice cascade. A whirlpool bath provides extended relaxation and a Tepidarium, a high humidity salt chamber, and Kneipp Bath, a pool of knee-high cold water lined with round pebbles, are available for treating specific aliments.

Guest also may book water-based thalassotherapy body treatments and facials and choose from a dozen styles of massage. The on-site facility also hosts a full schedule of classes along with personal training services.

In addition to the spa, the resort has a number of on-site amenities such as a bicycle trail, clubhouse, marina, restaurant, and beach bar.

The child-friendly environment includes playrooms, a children’s pool, a playground, and children’s programs during peak season.

“We’re proud to add our unique imprint to Interval International’s quality worldwide exchange network,” said Gabor Toth, managing director of Inseln Kft, the developer of the resort.

“We pride ourselves in taking relaxation and rejuvenation to a new level. In this peaceful and natural environment, we invite Interval members to indulge in a spectrum of healing treatments and special services at our resort and spa.”

Photo Credit: velenceresort.com
Photo Credit: visit-hungary.com

Interval Leisure Group (ILG) has announced that it has acquired Vacation Resorts International (VRI).

"With the acquisition of VRI and ILG’s existing management interests, Interval Leisure Group becomes the largest independent provider of resort and homeowner association management services to the shared ownership industry,” said Craig M. Nash, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Interval Leisure Group.

“ILG companies now deliver these services to more than 180 timeshare resort and club locations and 325,000 owner families. The purchase supports our strategic focus on asset-light, fee-for-service businesses and further positions us as a leading source for shared ownership management and membership expertise,” said Nash.

Headquartered in Laguna Hills, California, Vacation Resorts International (VRI) has provided resort and homeowner association management services to the shared ownership industry for 30 years. VRI has four regional offices and manages more than 140 resort and club locations in North America for the approximately 250,000 families who own at VRI-managed properties.

Interval Leisure Group (ILG) is a leading global provider of membership and leisure services to the vacation industry. ILG is headquartered in Miami, Florida, and has more than 2,800 employees worldwide.

The company’s primary business segment is Membership and Exchange, which offers travel and leisure-related products and services to approximately 2 million member families who are enrolled in various programs.

Interval International, the segment’s principal business, has been a leader in vacation ownership exchange for 35 years. With offices in 15 countries, it operates the Interval Network of more than 2,600 resorts in over 75 nations. ILG delivers additional opportunities for vacation ownership exchange through its Trading Places International (TPI) and Preferred Residences networks.

Interval International, a prominent worldwide provider of vacation services and an operating business of Interval Leisure Group, announced the affiliation of The Resort Group Vacation Club based in Cape Verde, a group of 10 islands in the Atlantic Ocean 350 miles off the coast of Western Africa.

The first resort to be included in the multi-site club is the Tortuga Beach Resort & Spa (see photos) on Sal, one of the islands in the Cape Verde archipelago. Two other resorts are currently under construction, both on Sal Island.

The Resort Group Vacation Club comprises spacious two-bedroom apartments at the Tortuga Beach Resort and Spa that also includes a hotel managed by Melia Hotels & Resorts, together with additional apartments and private villas. Each vacation club apartment has a private terrace or balcony, an Italian kitchen, and an open-plan living area with a 42-inch TV.

“The Cape Verde islands, already a favorite destination of British, Portuguese, Italian, and German tourists, are gaining renown as an international destination,” said Darren Ettridge, Interval’s senior vice president of resort sales and business development for Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

“Sal is the most developed of the islands and the setting of Tortuga Beach Resort & Spa makes the most of the island’s natural beauty.”
In addition to spectacular ocean views and a pristine white-sand beach (a nesting site for turtles), the lushly landscaped resort offers a range of luxury amenities, including an adult pool with a swim-up bar, a children’s pool, YHi Spa, a state-of-the-art gym, and several restaurants and bars.

Guests can choose from AQUA – a gourmet restaurant specializing in Italian and Mediterranean-style cuisine, Spices – the resort’s main restaurant featuring an international buffet, and O-Grille Beach Club Bar & Restaurant, included in CNN’s “World’s 50 best beach bars,” which offers some of the island’s best seafood and is the ideal place to watch the sunset. There is also the stylish Late Bar, the first and only Champagne Bar in Cape Verde.

“Sal Island is one of the world’s most idyllic locations,” said Adam Ellis, marketing director of The Resort Group Vacation Club. “Tortuga Beach Resort & Spa has been designed to the highest standards, weaving luxury and impeccable service into a true oasis of tranquility. We look forward to sharing it with Interval International members.”

Tortuga Beach Resort & Spa is five minutes from restaurants and shopping in the town of Santa Maria and only 15 minutes from the Sal airport.

Interval International has been a pioneer and innovator in serving the vacation ownership market for 35 years. Today, Interval has an exchange network of approximately 2,600 resorts in over 75 nations.

Photo Credits: tortugabeachandspa.com

Interval International, a prominent worldwide provider of vacation services and an operating business of Interval Leisure Group, and Welk Resorts, a well-established leader in the vacation ownership industry, have announced the renewal of their master affiliation agreement.

The multi-year contract extends the relationship established in 2004 and comprises six existing properties in four sought-after markets, as well as future development.

“Our commitment to excellence is seen in everything we do at our resorts, beginning with the design and amenities to delivering the best service to our owners,” said Jon Fredricks, president of Welk Resort Group.

“Renewing our partnership with Interval ensures that we will also be able to continue providing industry-leading programs and benefits to members, including the opportunity to exchange their vacations through Interval’s renowned resort network to some of the most highly demanded destinations around the world.”

“We’ve greatly enjoyed working with Jon and the Welk team, who are among the most respected professionals in the shared ownership industry,” added Craig M. Nash, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Interval Leisure Group. “We’re very proud to enhance our relationship and offer our members many more years of exceptional experiences at the outstanding Welk locations.”

The resort portfolio includes Welk Resort San Diego, where it all began in 1964 with legendary bandleader Lawrence Welk’s purchase of hundreds of undeveloped acres in Southern California. Today’s high-quality vacation community spans 450 acres and contains three projects: Welk Resort Villas (see photos), Villas On The Greens, and Mountain Villas.

Designed in a low density, suburban style, the flagship resort offers one- and two-bedroom units with high-end features and finishes, each with golf course or mountain views. Owners appreciate an array of on-site amenities: rounds of golf on two 18-hole courses, both listed on Golf Digest magazine’s list of “Best Places to Play”; five recreation centers with pools, water slides, and splash pads; tennis courts; and a restaurant, market, and deli.

True to Welk’s entertainment heritage, visitors can also take in live Broadway-style shows at the 300-plus seat theater.

Founded in 1955 by Lawrence Welk, the late entertainment icon, Welk Resorts is one of the most respected independent brands in the vacation ownership industry today. Welk remains a privately held, family-owned company led by President Jon Fredricks, who is the grandson of Lawrence Welk.

The company has developed and/or operated more than 1,100 luxury vacation units, villas, and hotel rooms in San Diego; Maui, Hawaii; the Palm Desert area; Branson, Missouri; and Cabo San Lucas. The corporate offices are located in San Marcos, California.

The mission of the company, “Our family creates vacation memories to cherish for a lifetime,” is reflective of the strong company values that promote both tradition and family

Interval International, a prominent worldwide provider of vacation services and an operating business of Interval Leisure Group has appointed Christopher McGill as director of resort sales and service for the western region. He is based in the Las Vegas office and reports to David Callaghan, vice president of resort sales and service.

In this role, McGill oversees Interval’s presence and directs the day-to-day sales and service activities in the states of Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. He is responsible for providing service to Interval’s existing affiliated resort clients, as well as building Interval’s developer client base in those markets.

“We are extremely pleased that Chris has joined our resort sales and service team. His sales and marketing experience in the timeshare industry has already proven to be a considerable asset, as we continue to grow our business in the western region,” said Callaghan.

McGill began his sales career with QM Resorts, where he was employed from 2001 to 2004. He then served as a staffer, campaign manager, and executive director for a number of Nevada public officials. Most recently, McGill was president of Lingkt Public Relations and Business Development, a consulting firm in Las Vegas.

He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science from the University of Nevada in Reno.

Interval International operates membership programs for vacationers and provides value-added services to its developer clients worldwide. Based in Miami, Florida, the company has been a pioneer and innovator in serving the vacation ownership market for 35 years.

Today, Interval has an exchange network of approximately 2,600 resorts in over 75 nations. Through offices in 15 countries, Interval offers high-quality products and benefits to resort clients and approximately 2 million families who are enrolled in various membership programs.

Photo Credit: perspectivemagazine.com

Interval International, a leading global provider of vacation services and an operating business of Interval Leisure Group, has expanded its global resort network with the addition of Jinfeng Yinhua Holiday Hotel, part of the Shengteng Vacation Club.

In the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lijiang City, China, the vacation ownership apartments offer the ideal vantage point from which to explore the history and customs of the Naxi people, who have lived in Yunnan Province for 800 years.

“Lijiang City is one of China’s most popular destinations, renowned not only for its cultural heritage, but also for its stunning surroundings and unique festivals,” said Joe Hickman, Interval’s executive director for Asia Pacific. “The hotel’s authentic Naxi architecture, distinguished by sloping tile roofs, gates, and classical courtyards, blends seamlessly with the historic hotels and farms of the Old Town, while offering up-to-the-minute style and amenities.”

Tucked into cobbled Guailiu Lane in the willow-shaded Shuhe Old Town, Jinfeng Yinhua Holiday Hotel has a restaurant and separate tea and wine bars on site. All units have sleek, modern decor. Nearby, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain provides a majestic backdrop for the Moon Embracing Pavilion (see photo), a frequently visited tourist site at Black Dragon Pond. Other popular attractions include Dongba hieroglyphs and the Mosuo people at Lugu Lake, known as the “last kingdom of women on earth.”

Legendary Lijiang City is situated in the mountains of Yunnan Province, in the far southwest of China. Due to its low latitude and high elevation, the climate is generally mild year-round.

“Lijiang City is a harmonious combination of old traditions and a fashionable new city,” said Wang Xinming, President of Shengteng Resort Development Co. Ltd. “We are pleased to welcome Interval members to this part of China and to offer our Vacation Club members the quality and worldwide scope of Interval International operates membership programs for vacation owners and provides value-added services to its developer clients worldwide. Based in Miami, Florida, the company has been a pioneer and innovator in serving the vacation ownership market for 35 years.

Today, Interval International has a timeshare exchange network of approximately 2,600 resorts in over 75 nations. Through offices in 15 countries, Interval International offers high-quality products and benefits to resort clients and approximately 2 million families who are enrolled in various membership programs. Interval is an operating business of Interval Leisure Group, Inc., a leading global provider of membership and leisure services to the vacation industry.

(Photo credit - travelblog.com)