Just imagine your next time share resort resale experience as the following; the sun setting over coastal marshes where mainland Georgia dissolves into muck, spartina grass and saltwater, then re-forms as barrier islands. The tide is out, and below the Jekyll Island Club Wharf the water has receded… A shrimp boat motors past, bulging nets hanging from its arms. Birds swarm around it; circling the masts…this is the scene off of Cumberland Island, Georgia; and yes, a very different vacation experience than what we might think of for Florida; but non-the-less, just as gratifying, relaxing and enjoyable. 

Georgia’s barrier islands are nothing like those some are accustomed to having experienced time share resort resale vacations in South Florida. They are low-key, void of high-rises and freeways and separated from the mainland by ecologically rich marshlands and wildlife refuges.  The sea is simultaneously friend and foe, depositing sand to form delicate dunes in one spot while viciously eating away the land in other spots; each island is unique and memorable offering its own style of vacation experiences.  There are luxury resorts, inns and bead and breakfasts marine research stations, protected Indian shell mounds, wild horses, fishing piers that double as social venues and old forts that have been turned into parks.  Some of the islands along Georgia’s 150-mile coastline are wildlife sanctuaries or research stations not open to the public and others are private.  For the next trip you are planning, consider a vacation time share rental at one of Georgia’s luxury resorts on one of the many barrier islands.

The year 2011 is here and time share resort resale activity is booming.   In less than a month after travelers returned from Christmas and New Year vacations, the time share resale market activity is pointing us to some of the key destinations that are a must for 2011 travel and vacation plans.  Check the 10 destinations suggested below for your planned or un-planned time share vacation:

Maui, Hawaii

A prominent part of the Hawaiian archipelago, Maui tops the choice of leisure travelers in United States.  The island in the US state of Hawaii offers leisure and adventure travel experiences such as; whale watching, active volcano site seeing , snorkeling, water skiing, golf courses, cruises and many more authentic attractions. West and South Maui are supposedly the best tourism spots with west embracing shopping places, fine restaurants and resorts, while south woos with its miles of sandy beaches and underwater adventures. Maui’s major airport is Kahului Airport that connects to the major islands.  Check the time share resale market, BuyAtimeshare.com for price and availability of time share resorts throughout the island. 

Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai is the oldest island in Hawaii and has been featured in over seventy Hollywood films and is gaining popularity for its landscapes, valleys, beaches and many picturesque locations.  Some of the time share resorts here are of the utmost breathtaking and of absolute pure serenity; this is part of paradise.  

Big Island, Hawaii

The largest island in the United States, Big Island is also called the Island of Hawaii and is an volcano island, which attracts tourists to its magnificent aura and mystique.

New York, New York

New York City attracted almost 49-million tourists in 2010, about 7 percent up from 45.5 million the previous year. According to the city’s mayor Michael Bloomberg, last year’s figure firmly places the city on a pace to draw 50 million visitors in 2011. Some special attractions to consider that are special to the year 2011 are; The Statue of Liberty’s 125 birthday and the inauguration of the National September 11 Memorial devoted to the 9/11 tragedies…two events that are sure not to be missed.

Napa Valley, California

Napa Valley in California is noted for viticulture…the Valley has numerous wineries that attract over five million people every year; it could get you sideways, but a great choice amongst the time share resale market.   

Orlando, Florida

Home to Disney World and some of the worlds leading time share destinations!

Colorado Mountains

The Southwest region of Colorado, which has the dominating presence of mountains in throughout the United States, is blessed to receive early season snowfall every year, attracting skiers and snowboarders. The region that is home to the Rocky Mountains as well, is in abundance of ski resorts including; Monarch Mountain Resort, Durango Mountain Resort to name a few. Ranges such as Echo Mountain near the city of Denver are the most sought after areas for cheap skiing and snowboard activities in Colorado. Steamboat Springs, is an internationally known town for winter resort holidays, and happens to be the spot for many of the world’s professional and amateur skiing competitions.  This is a time share resale resort destination that has been resort options to choose.    

Las Vegas, Nevada

The popularity of Las Vegas as a major worldwide city notorious for gambling, casinos and night life is not unknown to most time share resort resale owners and renters.  The Las Vegas Strip, a stretch of Las Vegas Blvd., housing some of world’s major casinos, largest hotels, restaurants and the like will continue to embrace the city as one of the most popular time share resort destinations in the US and abroad. 

Miami South Beach, Florida

South Beach is a section of city on the Atlantic coast of Miami, Florida. Nightclubs, hotels, restaurants and the like keep time share and resort enthusiasts hooked to the place. Miami itself attracts over 12 million time share owners and renters every year. 

San Francisco, California

The Golden Gate Bridge, China Town and cable cars have given fame to San Francisco, and as much the same to the city’s architecture, museums, and art and entertainment culture wooed tourists. The city is also a popular spot for gay tourism.

2011 is gearing up to be fantastic year for time share travel.  The time share resale market has a tremendous amount of resort selection, and time share prices are sure to be an advantage over the resorts direct.  If you are looking to sell or rent your time share the time share resale market reaches millions of targeted prospective buyers on a daily basis.  And if you are looking to buy or rent a time share destination at any of the above destinations, be sure to check the availability on the time share resale market.  Leaders such as BuyAtimeshare.com and Vacation Property Resales can help.

The enhanced synergy between the two organizations begins with the renaming of the spectacular 41-acre Grand Pacific MarBrisa Resort as “Hilton Grand Vacations Club at MarBrisa. Built in 2008 and situated on 41 prime acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Hilton Grand Vacations Club at MarBrisa is located near the quaint coastal village of Carlsbad and offers year-round appeal as a symbolic vacation destination. The classic Spanish Mediterranean-style resort features luxurious studio, one, two and three-bedroom vacation villas, each with a private patio or balcony offering panoramic ocean or park views.  Major theme parks in vicinity include LEGOLAND® California and SEA LIFE™ Aquarium, SeaWorld, the Wild Animal Park and the San Diego Zoo.  The many theme parks are great for visiting and offer up activity options; included is a golfers delight, as there are dozens of excellent nearby courses; including The Crossings at Carlsbad Championship Golf Course just adjacent to the resort. 

Grand Pacific MarBrisa Resort and Hilton Grand Vacations have announced the expansion of their relationship. Building upon the strength of an affiliation agreement that began in 2007, Hilton Grand Vacations will now assume responsibility for Grand Pacific MarBrisa timeshare sales and marketing, as well as many resort management services.  Co-presidents of Grand Pacific Resorts, David Brown and Tim Stripe suggest that the new structure combines Grand Pacific’s long tenure as the leader in the Southern California timeshare marketplace with the global strength and hospitality expertise of the Hilton Worldwide timeshare brand.

As a managed property in the Hilton Grand Vacation resort collection, Hilton Grand Vacations Club at MarBrisa will welcome owners and guests in the signature tradition of Hilton hospitality. HGV will also market and sell Grand Pacific MarBrisa ownership intervals onsite and through its distribution network.

“With 32,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space, our Clearwater hotel and resort will be the area’s premier resort for functions…to have our resort be recognized by both industry veterans and those who will do business at our property is a true acknowledgement of our hard work,” said Nancy Longstreth, director of sales and marketing, Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa.
 
ABOUT HYATT REGENCY CLEARWATER BEACH RESORT AND SPA
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa opened in February 2010. The resort’s 250 guest suites blend tropical elegance and a luxurious carefree experience like none other on Florida’s west coast. Breathtaking Gulf views provide the backdrop for expansive floor plans ranging from deluxe to one- and two-bedroom beach suites. Each suite features a full kitchen and balconies or rooftop terraces. Amenities include a swimming pool with 20 air-conditioned poolside cabanas, an exclusive beach club and multiple dining options offering local seafood and Pan-Latin fusion dishes to healthy grab-and-go items. The resort also offers a full-service Hyatt Pure Spa, Camp Hyatt kids club as well as 12,000 square feet of indoor and 20,000 square feet of outdoor function space for premier beachside events. 
 
“Our goal in establishing Elite Certification was to compile a peer-rated resource that recognized those properties that represent the best of the best, independent of affiliation…we’re proud to offer Elite Certified status to this Clearwater hotel and resort…our endorsement reflects our belief in the exceptional standards that visiting groups can expect”, say EMI CEO, Kelly Foy.  Elite Certified status is granted by EMI’s Elite Meetings Advisory Board, a distinguished body comprised of corporate meeting planners and hospitality executives. The board considers the resorts and hotels based on a demonstrated commitment to providing an exceptional group experience. A number of criteria factor into the advisory board’s assessment, including the arrival experience, accommodations, meeting and event facilities, activity options, food and beverage, and most importantly, service.

Omni Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods NH

History shows that over 250 skilled master craftsmen built the Mount Washington hotel in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. A grand masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance architecture; this state is one of the most popular autumn getaways – while en-route be sure to travel throughout the area (main highways 93 and 89) are majestic with fall foliage and nature at her best.

Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa, Gatlinburg TN

Adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Westgate in picturesque Gatlinburg becomes even more euphoric to be around when draped in fall foliage. Enjoy the resort’s world-class spa, villa amenities, and their numerous pools and hot tubs.

Silverado Resort, Napa CA

Fall in Napa is prime wine season, and the beautiful Silverado Resort is the perfect place to stay when experiencing everything the region has to offer – fine dining, wine tours and tastings…Napa is to the West Coast what New Hampshire and Vermont are to the East Coast during the fall season; in some opinion there is no better way to enjoy a seasonal wine than surrounded by fall foliage and smells of the seasonal change.

Claremont Hotel Club & Spa, San Francisco CA

The Claremont Hotel Club & Spa mixes a rich history with modern amenities, award-winning cuisine, live entertainment and stately accommodations, with unforgettable views of the San Francisco Bay. An urban oasis – near the city, nestled in the Berkeley Hills – the Claremont lets you get away from it all without being too far from anything. Boasting what locals call “Indian Summer,” the season brings perfect temperatures to the San Francisco bay area. Book a suite at the Claremont Hotel for your San Francisco trip and indulge in their top-notch services.

Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, Montreal QC

At the center of Montréal’s vibrant cultural and commercial district sits the city’s grandest and most gracious hotel – Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth. Located above the train station and connected to the extensive underground city of thousands of boutiques, restaurants and cafés, and within walking distance of sports and cultural attractions, this Montreal hotel reflects the city’s distinct elegance and charm. Host to over 40 festivals annually, the city offers entertainment for the whole family in summer or winter! Nothing is more awe-inspiring than Montreal’s Mont-Royal speckled with the vivid colors of fall – and you can see it all from the The Queen E, one of the city’s most cherished hotels.

Whiteface Lodge, Lake Placid NY

The Whiteface Lodge, a Lake Placid Resort, was envisioned as a return to the grandeur of the “Great Camps” of the Adirondacks with the luxury amenities of today’s finest resorts and private residence clubs. Completed in June 2005, it is the vision of a former Olympian and developer who used his decades of building experience to create one of the grandest properties in the region. Much of the timber for this Lake Placid Resort was hand-milled on site and accents such as handcrafted Adirondack furnishings may be found throughout, creating a wonderfully authentic ambiance. Whiteface Lodge invites guests to return to the grandeur of the “Great Camps” of the Adirondacks – and with beautiful color tinting the surrounding landscape, Lake Placid becomes the perfect fall destination.

Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Charleston SC

Kiawah Island is Ten miles of wide, immaculate, ocean beach…soothing by day, utterly romantic by night, the beach is complemented by the island’s river, meandering lagoons, and pristine marshlands; and closes each sun washed day safe beneath its own star studded southern sky. Nestled along ten miles of pristine beaches and with a number of world-class golf courses to choose from, The Kiawah Island Golf Resort in Charleston is another ideal fall destination.

Barton Creek Resort and Spa, Austin TX

Like the Hill Country that surrounds this luxury resort hotel, Barton Creek is known for its distinctive combination of peaceful beauty and gracious warmth. From the moment you arrive, both the aura of Hill Country and the welcoming staff will invite you to relax and immerse yourself in a variety of desirable amenities. Nestled within 4,000 secluded acres of rolling hills just outside Austin, Texas, you’ll discover our full-service spa, four championship golf courses among many other fantastic amenities. Everything is bigger in Texas, and fall is no exception when you stay at the Barton Creek Resort in Austin.

Chateau Cartier, Ottawa ON

Located in Gatineau on peaceful, natural surroundings, this majestic convention centre offers the most beautiful 18-hole golf course in the Ottawa-Gatineau region.  Discover the new Ekko restaurant Lounge and bar that offers casual yet elegant atmosphere, or try the first class Health Club & Spa and a splendid indoor swimming pool. Canada’s capital region is alive with color during the fall season, and you’ll feel like international dignitaries when you book a room at the Chateau Cartier located just outside of Ottawa in the Gatineau Mountains.

Camelback Inn, Scottsdale AZ

Located near Grand Canyon National Park, the Camelback Inn in Scottsdale offers outdoor activities like canoeing, river-rafting, and hiking, which are best enjoyed in autumn.  This landmark resort, set on 125 acres of lush desert landscape, gives guests an authentic Southwestern experience. Nestled at the base of Mummy Mountain and overlooking the famous Camelback Mountain, this is a place where luxury comes naturally.

The Muskokan Resort Club has recently introduced an exciting new concept in boat ownership with The Muskokan Resort Boat Club.  The Muskokan Resort Club is the first fractional development company to launch such a carefree boat-ownership concept. With the new program, the resort club is able to provide fractional owners the opportunity to enjoy all the benefits of owning a boat, minus all the hassles and high costs associated with boat ownership- allowing turnkey sailing at a fraction of the cost and with no maintenance.

Managing the Muskokan Resort Boat Club will be Pride Marine Group, and timeshare owners will have access to the company’s boats on a reservation basis. The developer will pay the initial boat club fee and the first year’s annual dues of the two year renewable membership, leaving members to pay only for the annual dues for subsequent years. Boat club dues are $1,000 to $2,000 per year and include three weeks of boating use.  The marine group has served Ontario’s cottage country for 25 years and is known for its highly regarded service of five locations. Muskokan Boat Club members can select from the club’s fleet of desirable high-end boats, such as Nautiques, Chapparal Xtreme and EdgeWater. Boats will be rotated through the program at an interval of three years or less, guaranteeing members the ultimate in safety and comfort. Each boat has an average purchase price of $65,000.

Currently, Muskokan Club owners can dock their personal boats at the resort but have to deal with the hauling, launching, maintenance and the inconvenience of removing their boats at the end of each stay. However, the company’s boats will be available for members use from May 15th through to October 15^th.  “Just as shared ownership vacation properties offer a luxurious vacation lifestyle at a fraction of the price of whole-ownership; shared boat ownership also redefines the meaning of affordable leisure lifestyle. Fractional ownership is the smartest way I know to own a second home, and now in Muskoka, to own a boat,” added Walter Prychidny, Muskokan Club owner.  

The Muskokan Resort Club is a fractional ownership development of luxury villas on the shores of prestigious Lake Joseph, in the heart of Muskoka, Canada. Membership at the club is included with the purchase of a Muskokan Resort Club shared ownership interval.

Source: CyberGolf, August 2010

Located on approximately 200 acres of the property, nurtured by the El Yunque and blanketed by warm ocean breezes and bright sunshine, Trump International Puerto Rico’s two courses are an integral part of a complete tropical destination.  Playing golf at the Tom Kite-designed Trump International Golf Club Puerto Rico is like the island experience in a microcosm; thanks to two courses differentiated by four distinct nine-hole routings; The Lakes, Palms, Mountain and Ocean nines, were combined to form various combinations of 18 holes.

In 2005, a move was made by Sydney Wolf, president of the Puerto Rico Golf Association, to lure the PGA Tour back to the island. As a result, Kite redesigned the courses in 2007 to be defined as two distinct 18-hole tracks, while the Trump branding replaced the original name.

The Lakes and Ocean nines have been combined to form the Championship Course, chosen by the PGA Tour as the site for the 2008-2010 Puerto Rico Open presented by Banco Popular; while the Mountains and Palms nines have been brought together as the International Course.

Trump International Puerto Rico, set some 30 minutes east of the capitol city of San Juan in Rio Grande, originated in 2004 as the Coco Beach Golf & Country Club.  The courses’ unique design is distinguished by the use of a punta extending into the Atlantic Ocean as the course’s backbone.  Trump International was the first design project for Kite outside the mainland United States.  The world-class designer routed the courses around protected wetlands, through the jungle, over foothills of the ever-present El Yunque rain forest and along the beach.

“Quite honestly, I am pleased with the golf courses and how the two have come together,” Kite said. “The four nines each have their own personality, but pairing them as we have doesn’t seem forced. They are all fun to play and, most of all, they are fair but challenging”.  

Nearby Resort:  Gran Meliá Golf Resort Puerto Rico – Set within Coco Beach Resort in Río Grande, home of the PGA Tour’s Puerto Rico Open, the resort’s luxury accommodations span six villas, including a two-bedroom Presidential Villa, and 480 suites in 20 two-story bungalows.

The Hyatt Regency Newport Hotel and Spa has undergone $35 million worth of renovations to maximize the seaside property’s fantastic views. The updated rooms mirror the ocean with relaxing beachy hues, and the theme continues throughout the hotel with watery spirals echoed in the spa and pool windows and the hotel’s lighting and carpeting.  From years past to years ahead, the Hyatt Regency Newport Hotel and Spa continues its annual clambake for guests.  The annual feast features Executive Chef Martin Quinn unveiling wooden trays of lobster, corn, potatoes, steamers and mussels amid a distinctively smoky, salty scented whirl of steam.  The strong fragrance of the seafood and the earthy aroma of baked rock seaweed fill the air as the traditional Wampanoag Indian clambake is disassembled, of which is a true New England experience.  New England lobster bake originated with the Wampanoag Indian tribe in the 1700s. The three-hour long process started with rocks heated for an hour and half over burning wood. As the embers of the wood burn away, the rocks are covered with wet rock seaweed, which gives up its moisture as the pods burst on the sizzling hot rocks.  Non-seafood lovers also have several options that are served along with the clambake including steaks, grilled chicken, grilled veggies and others.  The feast is capped off with peach cobbler served with vanilla ice cream.    

Although the clambake is only available to groups this summer, the Windward Restaurant, one of three dining venues at the hotel that are open to the public, offers a complete New England style seafood menu, including the Aquidneck clam chowder, which won second place at 2010’s chowder festival in Newport, RI.  Also, the Windward offers a traditional New England seafood feast featuring a sweet 1 1/4-lb lobster with drawn butter, steamers, shrimp, haddock and cod.  The tapas menu also features several seafood options such as the calamari, grilled artichoke and crab potato pancakes, Atlantic lobster medallions and Malpaque oysters.  Other restaurants include; the newly created Five33 Lounge, adjacent to the lobby and outdoor deck offers signature drinks and lighter fare, and the Bay restaurant, serving-up summertime specialty drinks.     

Other resort notables:

The Stillwater Spa was completely redesigned and offers spa treatments on the deck overlooking Newport harbor.   An old parking area at the back of the property was demolished in order to create a lush, green-lawn where volleyball and yoga are common activities. A gas fireplace on the patio also offers families plenty of cooking options over the cozy seaside fire.   
For guests who prefer to spend more time on the property enjoying the island hotel’s salt-water outdoor pool and other amenities, a recently hired activities director is continously arranging activities such as watercolor painting classes, outdoor yoga and movie nights on the great lawn.

The Hyatt Regency Newport Hotel and Spa is pet friendly.

There are two Hyatt resorts in Newport area serving as many as 75 clambakes a year starting in April and ending as Autumn begins to yield to winter in early November.

Of course you can travel wherever you want whether you are gay, lesbian or heterosexual; but it may be of interest to know that after the G Worldwide, a New York-based gay luxury travel brand that promises beautiful hotels around the world, some Disney properties in South Florida are developing communities that are creating quite a buzz in the wealthy gay and lesbian communities.

G’s is a 700,000 square-foot property and is expected to wrap-up construction in 2011 and have both hotel and timeshare options available.

Walt Disney World will be offering the chance to live inside the park, with residences starting at $1.5m and is initially planned to span 980-acres and carry the name of The Golden Oak development.  Ultimately buyers will only purchase lots, and the construction of a home is their responsibility.

source: Calgary Herald, June 2010

Thailand Golf and Timeshare Destination

It has been said that there are good golf destinations and there are great golf destinations. If you haven’t heard, Thailand happens to be one of the Great Ones.  Whether or not you have experienced the wonderful culture of Thailand, it will quickly become evident that Thais love their golf, and as many as two million of the 64 million play the game; unlike many Asian countries where golf is mainly for tourists, there are more than 250 golf courses in Thailand.     

At the center of it all sits Bangkok, a city of 10 million people and a modernized, thriving city that is quite welcoming.

If you haven’t completely fathomed Great Golf and Thailand, some notables are; Tiger Woods claiming victory during a PGA Tournament in 1999 at the Thai Country Club.  The LPGA Tour has made several stops in the past three years, and there are multiple Asian Tour events and golf exhibitions continuously being scheduled featuring some of the game’s top names.  In sync with the Thai culture and the strength within the people, the majority of the Great Courses are resort tracks open to the public.    

There is no shortage of five-star accommodations to choose from in choosing a golf destination.  Consider some of the following; Pattaya, Hui Hin and Bangkok.  In Bangkok, luxurious rooms and plenty of other amenities await at places like the Westin Sukhumvit and Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa.  Marriott runs a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River that winds through downtown where you will be surrounded by some of the countries renowned temples and palaces. In places like Pattaya, 90 minutes southwest of Bangkok, the Woodlands Resort offers terrific rooms, and in places like In Hui Hin, the Marriott Hua Hin features a hotel right on the beach and just down the road sits the Anantara, a cluster of villas, beach-front setting and numerous amenities.  You may be curious to know that the beaches in Thailand are phenomenal…warm, blue-green waters stringing a long articulated coastline.

Play well and relax in some of the many warm and peaceful settings Thailand has to offer.