DiscoveryClub

May 17, 2012

The fall of traditional timeshares and rise of destination clubs

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Rachel

The rise of such travel trends as eco-tourism, adventuring and babymooning over the past five years might not be entirely surprising for those in the industry, the fall of timeshares and subsequent rise of vacation club memberships took many experts by surprise.

“The 2008 recession was a huge factor in the fall of many traditional vacation programs and clubs” said Kevin Walker, owner and founder of The Discovery Club, a new-age luxury travel club. “But, more than that, travellers became more discerning, settling for nothing less than total flexibility and convenience. The blackout dates and use-it-or-lose-it attitude associated with timeshare and fractional property ownership no longer met the mark.”

The Discovery Club represents the new trend in vacation club destination travel. With a one-time investment and low annual dues, The Discovery Club gives members unparalleled access to more than 2,700 international resort and luxury accommodation affiliates. Affiliate properties include locations around the world in some of the world’s most recognizable brands from Fairmont Hotels & Resorts to Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons as well as unique boutique properties including the Jade Mountain in St Lucia, the Rosewood Hotel Georgia in Vancouver, BC and the Grand Colonial Hotel in La Jolla, CA. In recent years, The Discovery Club has expanded to include adventure travel, such as African safaris, Italian Ferrari tours, Australian deep-sea diving and Arctic Circle polar bear watching.

“With us, there’s no returning to the same destination year after year,” said Walker. “Every vacation is a new experience. And really, isn’t that what travelling is all about?”

Learn more about what our luxury destination club can do for you.

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April 24, 2012

Green Travel

Posted on April 24, 2012 by Rachel

Santa Terese, Costa Rica

Since opening its doors, guests from around the world enjoy the amazing hospitality that Latitude 10 provides.  A private beach retreat in Costa Rica that offers sun, sand, tropical rainforest matched with some of the best surfing in the world all comes together in this “home away from home.”  Designed to be just that, Latitude 10 offers private casitas where guests can feel like they exist on their own private retreat.  This entire Eco-resort was created around the principles of sustainability so that guests can enjoy themselves knowing that surrounding wildlife and nature is being protected.  Did you know that not a single tree was cut down to build Latitude 10?! I think that is pretty impressive!

If this is not enough to lure you into this beautiful retreat, check out the amazing video they have produced to give you an idea of just how beautiful and sacred this property is.

Green Season at Latitude 10

 

So now that your bags are packed and ready to take your trip to a greener destination, here are a few tips on how you can travel green before, during and after your trip!

Before you go:

- Pull the plug on an unnecessary appliances such as TV, DVD player, stereo, toasters and microwaves.  (These items can still use energy in the off mode)

- Set your thermostat and water temperatures at low settings

- stop your newspaper or magazine subscriptions while you are gone, or donate them to a local school or hospital

-when arranging flights… choose environmentally friendly airlines.  (Virgin Airlines has gone one step further and takes measures like towing away planes to a take off grid which helps to save fuel and reduce carbon omissions.

While you’re there:

- If the hotel participates in an environmental program, try to get involved

- never leave lights on when you are not in the room

- lower the thermostat when you leave the room for long periods of time

- Adjust your drapes and blinds according to the weather (ie: if it is warm and sunny, close them to prevent heat from entering in)

- leave unopened shampoo, soap, and other items in your hotel unless you are taking them home

- use water sparingly

- rent a bicycle or walk to get around instead of a taxi

- avoid having your towels and sheets be cleaned everyday

- grab only the maps and brochures you will actually use

- Take pictures and leave the location as you found it

 After your trip:

- Write a letter or email to your hotel or tour guide telling them that you appreciate their efforts to minimize the impact on the environment. This will encourage them to promote and institute more environmentally friendly activities.

 

Posted under: Explore. Dream. Discover.,Uncategorized
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Our Recommendation

Posted on April 24, 2012 by Rachel

Nothing at all to do but relax… take in the views… and contemplate the sweeping architecture, design and oceanfront at this Victoria hotel.

Decks give way to gardens.  Glass walls invite natural light. Museum-quality art graces hallways, and wide open space gives you room to breathe.

Whether you choose a room, a suite or the deluxe penthouse, this Victoria BC accommodation invites body and mind to unwind, relax and recline. Once you enter into this hotel be prepared to soak in some of the best views of Victoria’s inner harbor.  This isn’t just a beautiful hotel however, there is much more to Laurel Point than meets the eye.  Behind this hotel lies many green initiatives that have taken place over the years such as:

•    All levels of staff participate in an annual harbor front cleanup
•    Paperless check-in and Eco-friendly room keys
•    Ocean Wise, organic menu in AURA Restaurant & Waterfront Patio
•    Organic herb and vegetable gardens for use in AURA
•    Waste reduction, including composting, compacting garbage and baling cardboard
•    Sustainable marketing materials on recycled, FSC stock
•    Secure bike racks for staff and guests
•    Supporting patients undergoing treatment at the BC Cancer Treatment Center

Not only does the Inn at Laurel Point strive for excellence on a large scale, but they’ve also thought consciously about what their guests use in the showers.  In September 2011, The Inn at Laurel Point launched a new line of signature guest amenities, celebrating BC’s pristine Great Bear Rainforest, Coastal First Nations and Silk Road. (They’re great- Ive tried them!)  “These amenities help further our message of sustainability importance, showing guests what it means to stay at an authentic, Earth-friendly hotel, while, at the same time, helping our local community and people” says Manager Ian Powell.  Adhering to the Inn at Laurel Point’s policy of being an Earth-friendly and carbon neutral hotel, these products are plant-based and biodegradable.  The hotel is also further-reducing its carbon footprint by sourcing locally from Silk Road, avoiding excessive, long distance shipping.

The Inn at Laurel Point was the first carbon-neutral hotel in BC and, Conde Nast Traveler has rated the Inn as one of the top 25 hotels in Canada.

Now you can feel good about bathing!

Posted under: Our Recommendation

Team Spotlight: Frank Berke

Posted on April 24, 2012 by Rachel

By Frank Berke

 

Spring is in full bloom here in beautiful Victoria.  An interesting transition from my recent trip to Fort McMurray, Alberta, where the weather was surprisingly pleasant for this time of year although with a scattering of the white stuff.  Having lived in the city back in the 90’s it was amazing to see the changes over the past 15 years. You can just feel the business enthusiasm and excitement as the city continues to grow at an outstanding pace. I was pleased to have the opportunity to speak to the luncheon meeting of the Rotary club of which I am a past member. It was great to reconnect with several old friends. The Discovery Club presentations were based at the Sawridge Hotel on Thursday and Friday evening and were very well received. The attendees were enthusiastic and had a great variety of questions about the club. We expect several memberships to result from our visit and no doubt we will be back again to this vibrant city, where vacation time is a priority. A Discovery Club membership is the perfectly convenient way to get away and treat yourself and your family to a lifetime of luxury travel, where your accommodation is free and the arrangements and concierge service amenities are easy and worry free.

Yours in Luxury Travel,

Frank Berke

Director of Business Development

Posted under: Team Spotlight
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New Affiliates: Hotel Bellingham

Posted on April 24, 2012 by Rachel

Hotel Bellwether is Western Washington’s premier, intimate, upscale waterfront-destination hotel providing exceptional accommodations, attentive service, and personalized amenities that pamper the leisure traveler, support the business traveler, and facilitate great meetings and outstanding events.

Nestled in the quaint cove of Bellingham Bay in Bellingham, Washington, this full-service luxurious waterfront hotel offers the subtle charm of an elegant European Inn, along with all of the contemporary comforts that the guests of today require. Hotel Bellwether is a 65-room oasis that links the mountains to the sea. So whether your stay is intended for business or pleasure, we guarantee a visit without boundaries.

Hotel Bellwether is honored to have been voted “Best Luxury Hotel in Western Washington” in 2010 by the viewers of KING-5 “Evening Magazine.”

Posted under: New Affiliates

March 15, 2012

Vacations that last the test of time

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Rachel

This year The Discovery Club is celebrating its five-year anniversary. After five years of providing members with access to the world’s finest hotels, resorts and experiences, personal concierge service and many of the same perks offered by loyalty programs, it’s safe to say that our membership club model has lasted the test of time..

In exchange for a one-time membership fee and low annual dues, members of The Discovery Club receive elite guest access to more than 2,700 worldwide hotels, resorts and travel experiences (each rated with four or five stars). And to take away the stresses of vacation planning, a team of member service representatives is available to club members 24/7, ready to create customized itineraries based on the desired destination, length of trip and individual travel style.

Some of The Discovery Club’s hotel and resort affiliates include trusted luxury brands such as Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, and JW Marriott, in addition to having a selection of luxury boutique or independent hotels, such as Jade Mountain in St Lucia, The Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino, and many more Travel experiences range from heli-hiking in Banff, Alberta to a 14-day African safari tour and a Ferrari driving tour through Tuscany’s hill towns.

Another advantage of club membership is that we offer the same level of service as many chain loyalty programs, yet our guests don’t have to remain committed to the same brand. Our years of hospitality experience helped us create the membership benefits  that we felt would resonate the most with travellers who don’t want the hassles of owning real estate but do want the flexibility to experience  travelling the world on their own terms.

Catering to all types of travellers, The Discovery Club offers a range of membership plan options, with a one-time membership fee starting at $49,000. All membership benefits are transferable and can be willed within an estate.

For more information about The Discovery Club, contact Frank Berke, director of business development at fberke@discoveryclub.ca.

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March 14, 2012

New Affiliates: Grande Colonial

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Rachel

Ideally situated in the beachfront village of La Jolla, California, the Grande Colonial Hotel is a 2012 AAA Four Diamond Award winner and a historic beauty that honors its traditions yet offers contemporary amenities and services beyond other La Jolla hotels near San Diego. Built in 1913 as the Colonial Apartment and Hotel, the Grande Colonial was a trailblazer in its day.

Its original white wood-framed building was the first lodging facility in downtown La Jolla and saw today’s tourist town grow around it. The hotel is footsteps away from lovely beaches, including Blacks Beach, La Jolla Cove, La Jolla Shores, and Windansea Beach, and is the preferred choice of boutique hotels near San Diego attractions such as Torrey Pines Golf Course and State Park. The Grande Colonial hotel has played an integral role in the La Jolla beach community for nearly a century.

Posted under: New Affiliates,Uncategorized
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Our Recommendation: Barcelo Formentor

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Rachel

Situated on the romantic and famous Formentor headland (Pollença, Mallorca), this beautiful hotel offers unforgettable views of the bay. Ideal for guests who are looking for an idyllic and peaceful place to visit.

The Barcelo Formentor Hotel stands in an extraordinary setting which offers a hotel on the beach, with amazing Mediterranean gardens and stunning views. Guests will be bowled over with its outstanding cuisine and excellent service. The hotel also offers facilities for meetings and outdoor sports.

Located just over 2 miles from the Barcelo Formentor hotel, “Les Cases Velles” are part of the hotel complex and a testimony to traditional Majorcan lifestyle. There are 5 twin rooms, 4 of them on the first floor and the other on the ground floor, each equipped with a fully-fitted, ensuite bathroom with hair-dryer, satellite TV, minibar, telephone, air conditioning and heating. The building also boasts some communal areas including a hall, a common room with toilet, a kitchen complete with all appliances and crockery, a pantry and dining room.

Access to the rooms is through a typical, old-style, cobbled courtyard featuring a bust statue of distinguished poet Miguel Costa I Llobera, who lived in this house until he died in 1922.
The house is complemented with an outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, in a haven of peace and tranquility set among pines and indigenous vegetation, wild animals, birds and hundred-year-old trees, for a true taste of typical Majorca. “Les Cases Velles” also offer visitors the opportunity to admire the museum-like displays in some of the rooms, like the kitchen with its traditional utensils, the stable and the chapel, which have remained untouched by the passing of time.

Wishing you were there now? Call your MSR to book…

 

 

Posted under: Our Recommendation,Uncategorized
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At Your Service…

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Rachel

By Frank Berke, Director of Business Development

Warm Greetings Everyone, in an on-going effort to improve everything we do here at The Discovery Club, a survey was recently sent to all our members.  The response was fantastic and a big thank you to everyone who responded.  The feedback was very helpful and we’re pleased to see that we are doing a lot of things right and where we need to improve we will.  The overwhelming standout in the survey was our excellent member services.  Our senior Members Services Representative (MSR), Rachel Freeman works very hard to insure our members receive the Concierge level service that is so important to our success.  It can be challenging staying on top of all the responsibilities that come with the position but Rachel and the MSR team work 24/7 to insure our members are well taken care of and it’s great to hear their efforts are highly regarded.  We will soon be up in Fort McMurray introducing the club to new member prospects there, so if you have friends or family in the city, please encourage them to contact us for details.  Until next month keep dreaming, discovering and exploring.

Posted under: At Your Service
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Spain by Foot: Camino del Santiago

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Rachel

By Rachel Freeman, Member Services Representative

Imagine walking through a 1,200 year long cultural, spiritual and religious history. “The way of St. James” otherwise known as the Camino de Santiago is the pilgrimage route to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain where it is believed that the remains of the Apostle Saint James are buried.

Over a century ago a hermit living in Galicia, Spain had a vision that a falling star led him to what proved to be an ancient tomb containing three bodies. He immediately reported this to the local bishop,who declared the remains to be those of Santiago and two of his followers, and who in turn reported the find to the King of Asturias, Alphonso II, who declared Santiago to be the patron saint of Spain, or of what would eventually be Spain. A small village named Campus de Ia Stella (Field of Stars) and a monastery were established on the site. News of the discovery spread and a trickle of pilgrims began to arrive. Miracles came to be attributed to the site, and the miracles encouraged pilgrimage and pilgrimage elicited more miracles.

You can take one of any number of pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela. Traditionally the Way of Saint James began at someone’s home and ended at the pilgrimage site. During the Middle Ages, the route was highly traveled. However, the Black Death, the Protestant Reformation and political unrest in 16th-century Europe led to its decline. By the 1980s, only a few pilgrims arrived in Santiago annually. Since then however, the route has attracted a growing number of modern-day pilgrims from around the globe. The route was declared the first European Cultural Route by the Council of Europe in October 1987; it was also named one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

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