The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company is inviting its guests to put down roots. The hotel group announced its latest venture, the
Ritz-Carlton Destination Club, which offers guests two choices in membership. The Home Club Membership allows guests fractional ownership of a specific property in the club’s nine-home portfolio. Conversely, the Portfolio Membership allows guests to customize their vacations through a points system, giving them access to the group of destinations, including San Francisco; Vail, Colorado; Kapalua Bay, Hawaii; and St. Thomas, each of which is assigned a different point value. The flexibility is what sets the Portfolio system apart: A couple could choose a four-bedroom residence in the Bahamas for a family vacation, and then later choose a one-bedroom home in Lake Tahoe for a romantic weekend. Pricing for the Portfolio Membership starts at $130,000 for 5,000 club points — the amount needed for almost two months of annual access — but additional interests can be purchased in 2,500 club-point increments. The vacation times available to guests of the Portfolio option are based on the number of points they have purchased as well as the travel dates, location, and the residence size desired. A hotel exchange program will also allow Portfolio Members to use their points at some of the 70 Ritz-Carlton hotels throughout the world. Members of the Home Club receive up to 35 days of pre-reserved access at their specific club annually, although they may use a portion of their time at other destination club locations on a reciprocal basis. Home Club prices range from $100,000 to about $800,000. (
www.ritzcarltondestinationclub.com)
