DiscoveryClub

February 21, 2012

At Your Service…

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Rachel

By Frank Berke, Director of Business Development

The Discovery Club membership initiative is on the move with a trip to Fort McMurray planned for mid March.  The fundraiser for the Northern Lights Health Foundation Spring Fling Gala is taking place on March 24th.  A chance for my wife Wendy to support their cause and I to reconnect with many friends and meet some new ones in preparation for a presentation tour in the city on April 12,13 and 14th.  If you have friends or family in the region be sure and let them know we’re on our way in April and would love to introduce the club to them.

The dynamics of Fort McMurray are such that we strongly feel we can add new friends to our family of members to continue strengthening the resources and influence of the club.  Keep your eyes and ears open as we may soon be coming to a visit your cities and towns as well.  I am looking forward to the opportunity to meet our many members one on one and talk about your experiences and travels within the club and new suggestions and ways in which we can improve are always welcome during this exciting time of growth and new adventures in The Discovery Club.

Yours in Luxury Travel and Concierge Service,

Frank Berke – Director of Business Development

Posted under: Team Spotlight
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Announcing a new team member to The Discovery Club

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Rachel

The Discovery Club welcomes Frank Berke to the team.

With a passion for travel and more than 35 years of diversified business experience, Frank Berke has just been named the new director of business development for The Discovery Club, a luxury travel destination club that offers its members elite guest access to the world’s finest hotels and resorts without the restrictions and responsibilities associated with timeshare or fractional vacation ownership.

“Frank is the perfect man for the job, and definitely a rare find,” said Kevin Walker, co-owner and founder of The Discovery Club. “In addition to having strong business acumen and experience in the management, development and sales of luxury resort property and high-end retail stores, Frank is a seasoned world traveller and has firsthand experience with the highs and lows of owning a vacation property.”

Berke comes to The Discovery Club as the former 24-year owner of Brilliant Ideas Canada Ltd., a collection of retail stores located throughout British Columbia and Alberta, operating under such trade names as Jewelry International, Berke’s Jewellers, Gold Crafters, Diamond Imports, 17th Ave. Berke’s, The Pierced Ear, Bernard Callebaut Chocolates and Soapberry Shop.

Berke also spent six years managing a luxury Caribbean resort, including developing and selling beachfront vacation homes. In addition, Berke has been involved with the ownership, sales and marketing of a number of land development initiatives in Western Canada.

“Today’s luxury traveller wants total flexibility and convenience,” said Berke. “I’m honoured to take the role of business development director for The Discovery Club, a company that’s very much in tune with client needs, offering exceptional value, stress-free travel and superior customer service.”

With a one-time investment and low annual dues, Discovery Club members have unparalleled access to more than 2,700 international and luxury accommodation affiliates – and the club pays member’s hotel bills for life. In recent years, This luxury destination club (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.

“Having lived and worked in four different countries, Frank has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to luxury travel,” said Walker. “It’s a pleasure for all of us here at The Discovery Club to welcome Frank to the team.”

For more information about The Discovery Club, visit www.discoveryclub.ca.

 

 

About The Discovery Club
Owned by Walker Hospitality, The Discovery Club offers members elite guest access to the world’s finest hotels and resorts. In addition, members can indulge in first-class travel and once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as private aircraft, luxury train, specialty cruises and more. With a one-time investment and low annual dues, Discovery Club members have unparalleled access to exclusive holidays selected from the club’s extensive collection of international affiliates – and the club pays member’s hotel bills for life. Featured affiliates include select Fairmont hotels, Pan Pacific Hotels in Vancouver and Whistler, the Four Seasons Dublin, Hiltons, Shangri-La, Marriotts and many other luxury brand hotels and resorts worldwide. For more information, visit www.discoveryclub.ca.
Note to editors: A head shot of Frank Berke is available.

Media Contacts:
Brian Cant, Tartan Group: 250-592-3838 or brian@tartangroup.ca <mailto:brian@tartangroup.ca>
Deirdre Campbell, Tartan Group: 250-592-3838, 250-882-9199 (cell) or deirdre@tartangroup.ca <mailto:deirdre@tartangroup.ca>

 

 

Posted under: Team Spotlight
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February 14, 2012

Our Recommendations: Jade Mountain

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Rachel

Rising majestically above the 600 acre beach front resort of Anse Chastanet, Jade Mountain St.Lucia is a cornucopia of organic architecture celebrating St Lucia’s stunning scenic beauty. The bold architectural design – individual bridges leading to exceptional infinity pool sanctuaries and rugged stoned-faced columns reaching towards the sky – makes Jade Mountain St.Lucia one of the Caribbean’s most mesmerizing resort experiences.

Expect grand sweeping spaces where bedroom, living area and an extravagant private infinity pool glide into one another to form extraordinary platforms floating out into nature. With the fourth wall entirely absent, Jade Mountain’s sanctuaries are stage-like settings from which to embrace the full glory of St Lucia’s Pitons World Heritage Site, and of course, the eternal Caribbean Sea. A wide range of spa services can be enjoyed in the privacy of the Jade Mountain sanctuaries or at Kai en Ciel, Jade Mountain’s boutique spa and fitness studio.

The Jade Mountain St.Lucia sanctuaries are deliberately techno-free; there are no telephones, radio or television. Internet access is available at reception and upon guest request, internet can be made available in the individual sanctuaries also. The resort major domos and a dedicated resort team ensure outstanding service around the clock.

Enjoy the exclusivity and privacy of Jade Mountain with all of sister resort Anse Chastanet’s restaurants, bars, boutiques, art gallery, spa, scuba, bike and watersports facilities as well as 2 soft sand beaches available to Jade Mountain guests at all times.

Posted under: Our Recommendation
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New Affiliates: Andronis Santorini Luxury Suites

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Rachel

Andronis Luxury Suites is a breathtaking all-suite boutique hotel that offers 21st century comforts and amenities in a timeless island setting. The main philosophy behind Andronis Luxury Suites is to stimulate the senses of the guests and create an unmatched experience that conveys refined hospitality and local culture while preserving the natural environment and architecture. A panoramic view of the caldera coupled with facilities such as the property’s Mare et Sanus Spa, organic restaurant, distinguished local wines and personalized service make Andronis Luxury Suites the preferred choice for elite travellers from around the world.

Posted under: New Affiliates,Uncategorized
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Explore. Dream. Discover.

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Rachel

By Rachel Freeman, Member Services Representative

It’s no surprise that Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora has topped the list as the most romantic hotel on Trip Advisor’s “Top 10 Hotels for Romance in the World.” I was lucky enough to visit the beautiful island of Bora Bora on my honeymoon and romance is definitely the word i would use to describe this surreal setting.  Turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and palm trees as far as the eye can see all help to set the scene for the most romantic vacation you’ll ever take.

Take a look with us at some of The Discovery Club’s most romantic hotels in the world…

Four Seasons Hotel and Resort- Bora Bora, French Polynesia

http://www.fourseasons.com/borabora/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wrapped by majestic views, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is surrounded by sand-fringed islets on an outer coral reef that encloses a turquoise lagoon. Steep yourself in the island’s traditions, activities and authentic cuisine.
Escape to spacious hideaways nestled around Bora Bora lagoon and its outer beaches. The over-water bungalows perch on stilts above the turquoise lagoon. On-shore villas stretch along a semi-private beach. Enjoy panoramas of turquoise waters and majestic Mount Otemanu.

 

Capella Ixtapa Resort & Spa- Zihuatanejo, Mexico

http://www.capellahotels.com/ixtapa/default-en.htm

 

 

 

 

 

From the moment you arrive at this Mexico luxury hotel, you will be immersed in the Capella Ixtapa experience. An open-air reception area welcomes you to this luxury Mexico retreat, where warm breezes from the Pacific soothe you immediately, transitioning you to the extraordinary adventure of a vacation at Capella Ixtapa.
On your way to your sophisticated, yet relaxed suite, you’ll notice the wonderful intermingling of modern and traditional Mexican touches at Capella Ixtapa. The texture of handmade clay and stone meets sleek marble and polished hardwoods. This method of construction, honoring the vast heritage of the locale, while making a cosmopolitan statement of their very own, has become a Capella Resort trademark.

 

Jade Mountain Resort- Soufriere, St. Lucia

http://www.jademountain.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rising majestically above the 600 acre beach front resort of Anse Chastanet, Jade Mountain St.Lucia is a cornucopia of organic architecture celebrating St Lucia’s stunning scenic beauty.
Architect owner Nick Troubetzkoy has expanded upon his philosophy of building in harmony with Caribbean nature in his creation of Jade Mountain St.Lucia. The bold architectural design – individual bridges leading to exceptional infinity pool sanctuaries and rugged stoned-faced columns reaching towards the sky – makes Jade Mountain St.Lucia one of the Caribbean’s most mesmerizing resort experiences.

 

 Andronis Luxury Suites- Santorini, Greece

http://www.andronis-suites.com/

 

 

 

 

 

Reflecting traditional Aegean architecture and overlooking the island’s volcanic crater or caldera, the Andronis Luxury Suites represents the most luxurious, dreamy escape in a Mediterranean setting beyond compare. The multi-villa property gently cascades down the side of this unparalleled Greek island, forming part of the traditional landscape yet with Zen-like sophistication and discrete luxury that transform these 22 award-winning suites into a lifetime experience for its elite visitors.
Elements of minimalist design combine with stunning island sunsets, while multi-level balconies blend with a predominantly white assortment of furniture and finishes, awoken occasionally by touches of red and blue to tickle the senses.

 

Posted under: Explore. Dream. Discover.
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February 1, 2012

Our Recommendation

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Rachel

Villa Del Arco - Los Cabos, Mexico

http://www.villadelarcocabo.com/

Villa del Arco Beach Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico is on world-famous El Médano Beach. The 5-Star luxury beach resort features spacious units with beautiful ocean views and looks out on the famous Land’s End “El Arco”, after which the resort is named.

Villa del Arco is family oriented with an ample selection of deluxe amenities, services, and activities, including several restaurants, bars, live entertainment, mini-market, gym, sauna, sailing facility, scuba diving, swimming pool, and tennis courts. Other attractions such as water sports, fishing, golf, and horseback riding are available nearby.
The Desert Spa at Villa del Arco is designed as the largest and grandest in the entire Los Cabos’ area. Many treatments and specialties are available in the 3-level health Spa. A complete hydrotherapy center includes a giant Jacuzzi, body temperature pool, cold plunge pool, steam room, cold pressure showers, Swiss showers and sauna. Also, private Jacuzzi’s and treatment areas, and a full-service beauty salon pamper guests. All this is designed to give health, beauty, decompression and rejuvenation.

 

 

Posted under: Our Recommendation
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Team Spotlight: Frank Berke

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Rachel

By Frank Berke, Director of Business Development

I am very excited and thrilled to be a new member of The Discovery Club team here in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia.  I have an extensive background ranging from Retail business ownership to Resort Management & Project Development and Sales.  After extensive research I found that the business model that The Discovery Club presents, fits perfect for today’s busy luxury vacation traveler and when offered the position as Director of Business Development for the Club, I jumped at the opportunity.

My wife and I own a Vacation home in another country, so I am well aware of the highs and lows of owning deeded vacation property.  Today the new trend in luxury travel is truly The Destination Club.  Ultimate customer service with the choice of thousands of world class vacation resort destinations and all without the hassle of ownership responsibility, is the Mantra of The Discovery Club.

It’s great to be on board with this wonderful organization, so feel free to contact me anytime and for our existing members I will personally be in touch soon to ensure that we are doing everything possible to make your membership experience even better.

Kind Regards,

Frank Berke

1-250-818-0723
1-800-668-7758
fberke@discoveryclub.ca

Posted under: Team Spotlight,Uncategorized
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Top 5 Celebrity Destinations

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Rachel

1. Barcelo Formentor-Mallorca, Spain

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.barcelo.com/BarceloHotels/en-GB/Hotels/Spain/Majorca/Formentor/Home.htm

Breathtaking stay at Cape Formentor. Located at the romantic and famous Cape Formentor (Pollensa, Majorca), this emblematic hotel boasts breathtaking views over the bay. It is ideal for those looking for an idyllic and calm atmosphere.

The hotel Barcelo Formentor is surrounded by an extraordinary environment which offers: on-site beach, great mediterranean gardens and spectacular views. Retreat within its remarkable gastronomy and excellent service and enjoy a truly memorable stay.  Additionally, facilities for meeting rooms and outdoor sports are also available.

 

2. Boscolo Exedra Nice-Nice, France

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://nice.boscolohotels.com/

This five Star Boscolo Nice hotel is also known as the Boscolo Exedra Nice, a luxury pearl of the Côte d’Azur in France. Luxury Boscolo Nice’s central boulevard, gives you the most sumptuous welcome to the pearl of the Côte d’Azur: historical architecture alongside bold and refined design solutions, distinctively modern, after a large-scale renovation work of this prestigious building.

The bar, with a futuristic atmosphere, La Pescheria, an ‘à la page’ restaurant, the large Fitness, SPA & well-being area, with swimming pool and Hammam, and the avant-garde meeting area are all certain to become reference points for those who love this city’s fashionable life, for events, conferences and business meetings.

 

3. Barchetta Excelsior-Lake Como, Italy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.hotelbarchetta.it/en

The Barchetta Hotel is situated on the lake, right in the centre of Como. The large windows look out onto the hustle and bustle of the city, there’s no need to even go out.

Each season has something to offer, mirrored in the beautiful square outside: strolls and concerts in the summer, Christmas markets and children ice skating in the winter.

Picture the lake with boats sailing dreamily away, while in the background the yellow funicular cab climbs the mountain up to Brunate. The boats leave from close by the hotel.

Upstairs you’ll find the peaceful rooms overlooking the lake, with balconies overhanging like the deck of a boat. The cathedral seems so close that you could almost reach out and touch it.

You’re in the centre of the most famous landscape in the world, in the centre of the city, and what’s more, you’ll be at the centre of their attention. We’re sure you’ll find this hotel welcoming and informal. The staff are there to cater to your every need.

 

4. Trump International Beach Resort-Miami, Florida

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.trumpmiami.com/

Trump International Beach Resort is a world of indulgent pleasures waiting for you on the shores of beautiful Miami Beach. Ideally located in the exclusive enclave of Sunny Isles, this Miami Beach hotel masterpiece, created by Donald Trump and Dezer Properties, rises as a striking landmark to luxury amidst the white sands of Miami Beach.

Enjoy this resort’s commitment to personal service that is distinctly European within a carefree tropical oasis of pampering and palm trees. Relax and rejuvenate with a soothing massage in a private oceanfront cabana. Dine at the fabulous Neomi’s, where All-American cuisine meets culinary influences from places near and far. Fall into a chaise lounge at the grotto-style pool. Unwind to breathtaking views of the ocean and Intracoastal Waterway from your private balcony. Shop on site and at nearby boutiques that rival those of the world’s fashion centers or spend a relaxing day at our spa. There is no shortage of indulgences here and you can rest assured that every need and every request you have will be promptly seen by the most attentive staff at this Miami Beach hotel resort in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida.

 

5. Villa del Arco-Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.villagroupresorts.com/resorts/villa-del-arco

Stress melts away the minute you walk into the Villa del Arco Beach Resort & Spa in Cabo San Lucas, a calming and comfortable retreat where the staff is committed to ensuring you get the best of the 3 Rs: Relaxation, recreation and romance.
This irresistible venue, often referred by past guests as calming, beautiful and comfortable, offers secluded stretches of beach where you can shut out the world and relish in the surroundings. Even better: These comfortable rooms feature unbeatable views of sand and sea including the exotic rock formation El Arco, the official symbol of Los Cabos.
This sophisticated five-star, family-friendly all-suite property, with an at your service spa and colorful and imaginative full-scale Pirate Ship in the main pool, is located smack dab in the center of El Medano Beach, yet is only 1 mile away from the action of downtown Cabo San Lucas.

Posted under: Explore. Dream. Discover.
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New Affiliates: The Royal Playa Del Carmen

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Rachel

Newly redesigned, The Royal, Playa del Carmen has risen on the foundation of The Royal Porto Real, one of the most successful resorts on the Riviera Maya. Like its sister property, The Royal Cancun, guests will discover true luxury around every corner, all provided in an atmosphere of casual elegance boasting a perfect beachfront location, mere steps from Playa del Carmen’s famed Fifth Avenue. Discover hip night spots, trendy cafes, colorful shops and local color while experiencing The Royal’s flawless hospitality. The resort’s interior is as impressive as its palatial exterior, where the use of textures, fabrics and natural materials reflects sophisticated seaside grace. All suite categories designated “Royal” boast the new enhanced Royal Service® treatment.

All guests have access to Real’s new innovative (and Mexico’s first) online check-in within 48 hours of arrival; plus this cutting edge technology allows guests in Royal accommodations to preview suite interiors and 180º panoramic terrace views before selecting their specific available suite. The exceptional Royal Service® and Royal Housekeeping® most definitely raise the bar on personal service complemented with warm Mexican hospitality, and the top suite categories offer a number of exciting extras plus unlimited complimentary domestic and international phone calls.

In this joyful, adults only atmosphere guests will be treated to a Royal vacation experience guaranteed to Exceed Your Expectations!

Posted under: New Affiliates
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November 22, 2011

New Affiliates- Sokha Angkor Resort

Posted on November 22, 2011 by Rachel

This luxury 5 star Resort is conveniently located in the heart of Siem Reap and within walking distance to world famous Angkor Wat, the stunning 12th-Century temple. Sokha Angkor Resort is located within the city centre of Siem Reap, a fascinating town with Chinese-style architecture, an Old French Quarter and local markets. Popular tourist features include the Angkor National Museum, the Cambodia Landmine Museum, the royal city of Angkor Thom and the temple of Angkor Wat, built for King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city.

The Sokha Angkor Resort offers 276 rooms and 36 suites where our members are sure to enjoy these spacious rooms decorated in traditional and modern Khmer designs. First opened in 2003, the Sokha Angkor Resort offers a range of beautiful facilities including a fitness centre with a signature spa and outstanding in-house dining, both inside and al fresco.

This resort provides the friendly Khmer hospitality and service excellence which aims to exceed the expectations of our Discovery Club members.

Posted under: New Affiliates
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