Starwood to Open Luxury Ocean Villas in Kauai

Reservations are already being accepted for the April 2008 opening of a new Starwood Vacation Ownership luxury resort on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas will be the third Starwood property on the islands. Crowning a lush cliff along the north shore of Kauai, the Westin Princeville sits 200 feet above famous Anini Beach, providing spectacular views of the azure Pacific.

"Starwood has a long history in Hawaii, dating back to the early 1960s as Sheraton was the first major hospitality brand on the Hawaiian Islands," said Princeville general manager Denise Wardlow.

The spectacular oceanfront property commands 18.5 acres along the coast and is flanked by two world-class golf courses. Designed in the graceful style of a classic Hawaiian sugar plantation, the elegant resort will include 179 spacious two-bedroom villas, four sparkling pools, three relaxing whirlpools and a stunning two-story clubhouse with full-service restaurant, a well-equipped fitness center, and a general store where guests can pick up fresh produce or gourmet deli items. Particularly helpful will be the nightly rental option for guests desiring to lengthen their stay or in need of larger accommodations for family travel. Guests will enjoy all the luxurious amenities and full services typical at Westin resorts.

Each well-appointed luxury villa will feature all the comforts of home: a fully-equipped kitchen with full-size refrigerator with icemaker, microwave/convection oven, dishwasher, coffee maker, toaster, blender, cookware and dinnerware. Dine in the separate dining area or on the private lanai. Guests can also take advantage of the poolside barbecue grills. At night, sink into Westin's signature Heavenly Bed. Villas also provide a queen sofa bed, bath with whirlpool tub (and fluffy robes and towels), washer and dryer, LCD flat-screen TV with DVD player, Bose AM/FM Wave radio, two dual-line phones with voice mail and data ports and high-speed wired and wireless internet connections.

To keep up on new resort developments and the latest news on the timeshare industry, click here to visit Timeshare Giant.

Grab Hold of Your Life and Start Living!

Would, coulda, shoulda. Everyone has regrets. Regret is universal, spanning age, culture and socio-economic status. Our most common life regrets center on family, romance, career, education and self. For every choice we make, there are countless other possibilities we will never experience. We are forever tantalized by "the road not taken."

I have just read a fascinating article about regret in the current issue of The AARP Magazine. Written by David Dudley, editor of Baltimore's The Urbanite, the article suggests that America has entered an Age of Regret. (Click here to read the article.) Raised on the unobtainable idealism of the 1960s, Baby Boomers are having a harder time coping with life's regrets than previous generations. The explosion of options available for everything from choosing a cell phone to selecting a prescription drug plan is paralyzing our ability to feel satisfied with our choices. I found it interesting that fewer choices diminish regret and that the inability to undo a choice actually makes us more satisfied with our decision.

The number one regret most people have involves family: My spouse and I don't have enough time just to ourselves. I never have enough time for the kids. I'm missing out on my son/daughter's childhood. Family life is a perpetual blur of carpools, homework, activities and projects -- when do we relax and just have fun?

It seems to me that regret is about unfulfilled dreams. The most productive way to put our regrets behind us is to do something about them. Start fulfilling your dreams today. If you aren't spending enough quality time with your spouse or family, make an investment in your family's future. Buy a timeshare property and lock in a couple of weeks a year when you can focus on just being together and having fun. Stop thinking about all the vacations you haven't taken, all the things you haven't done together and put your regrets behind you. Invest in your family's future, invest in a timeshare, and start building some memories today.

New Fractional Ownership Properties to Open in Florida

Florida is the most sought timeshare vacation destination in the United States. The vacation ownership industry is responding to consumer demand with plans to build some fabulous new properties. Here's a peek at what the future holds.

Watson Island on Biscayne Bay off the coast of Miami will be the home of 105 new fractional ownership residences. Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is in the process of developing a 10-acre site on the island with a 147-room hotel, suites and poolside villas. The Residences at Island Gardens (left) will be housed at the top of an impressive 39-story tower designed to resemble a stylized lighthouse. One- to four-bedroom units will be offered in 1/8 shares at prices ranging from $195,000 to $765,000 per fraction.

Designed by architects Eric Kuhne & Associates with interiors by renowned Piero Lissoni & Associati, residences will feature floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows with fabulous views of Miami's skyline and Biscayne Bay. Sangri-La's signature beds and bed linens, luxury bathrooms, wireless internet service and 24-hour butler service are among the planned amenities.

The Shangri-La hotel is part of the $480 million mixed-use Island Gardens project being developed by Flagstone Property Group. Expected to open in 2010, planned features include sophisticated shops and restaurants and a 50-slip super-yacht harbor in a galleried garden setting.

Hyatt Siesta Key Beach Residence Club will rise in place of the demolished Sea Castle motel on the beach of Siesta Key near Sarasota. Hyatt Vacation Ownership will break ground on the 6-story, 44-unit vacation ownership property this spring. Phase I of the Triton Companies development, with expected occupancy in 2009, will offer 11 luxuriously furnished residences of 1,600 to 2,600 square feet to be sold in 1/8 fractional shares at a cost of $200,000 to $750,000.

Like most Hyatt properties, the Siesta Key will offer hotel-like amenities such as full-time front desk and staff, concierge services, pool, fitness center, spa, massage and valet parking. Fractional owners will enjoy privileges at an adjoining beach club.

How Timeshare Ownership Works

Timeshare ownership takes the stress out of vacations. You're not saddled with the mortgage and upkeep of a second home that you may use only a few weeks out of the year. When you purchase a timeshare property, you purchase just the time you need -- and you lock in future vacations at today's low prices. That's a considerable benefit with hotel rates on the upswing.

At a timeshare resort, units are divided into usage intervals, commonly one week. You purchase only the number of weeks you plan to vacation each year, typically one to two weeks. Owners pay an annual maintenance fee to cover maintenance and management of the property so that when you arrive for your vacation, you are guaranteed a care-free, relaxing visit.

Some timeshares are sold on a points system which places a point value on the size and quality of the accommodations as well as the desirability of each week in the year. For example, purchasing weeks at a Vail ski resort timeshare may cost you more during peak January/February ski months when demand is highest than during summer months.

Most timeshare purchases provide you with a deeded real estate interest in the property. In some programs, such as Vacation Clubs, your membership purchases the right to use, but not own the club's properties. (See our January 16 post for a rundown on different types of vacation ownership.) There may be financial and tax advantages to deeded ownership, but it is the desire to invest in leisure time that generally drives timeshare purchases.

A variety of accommodation factors affect the price of timeshare properties, including:

• Square footage of the unit
• Number of bedrooms and baths
• Luxury features such as fireplaces, hot tubs, whirlpool baths, etc.
• Resort amenities
• Location
• Season of use

Traditionally, when you purchase a timeshare property, you are purchasing the use of a particular size unit at a vacation resort for one week during a specific period or season. Points programs allow you to redeem the points at any number of resort locations, for a variety of accommodations and number of days, depending on the restraints of the program. Points programs are often linked to lodging and travel loyalty programs which can expand both your travel choices and purchasing power.

Next time: The advantages of timeshare exchange

Understanding Vacation Ownership Lingo

If you're new to vacation property ownership, you may find the language confusing. Timeshares, fractional ownership, vacation clubs: What do they mean and how do you tell them apart? In choosing the vacation home best suited to your lifestyle needs, budget and vacation goals, it's important to understand the terminology. Timeshare Giant is here to help.

• Timeshares include deeded property, right-to-use and points-based programs. Owners purchase one-week intervals at a property on either a fixed or floating calendar. Properties range from studios to multi-bedroom villas with many timeshares located at resorts that offer a wide variety of amenities. In addition to the one-time purchase price, owners pay an annual property maintenance fee.


• Fractional ownership is the shared purchase of a vacation property with other parties. Each buyer is allotted use of the property commensurate with the portion (fraction) of the property purchased. For example, 50% ownership would allow you to use the property for 6 months out of the year. Fractional properties are generally affiliated with high-end hotel companies so owners enjoy personalized services and other luxury amenities. In addition to the purchase price, owners pay an annual property maintenance fee.


• Vacation club members do not purchase actual property, instead their membership fee and annual dues buy them the right to use any of the vacation properties owned or operated by the club company. Club companies offer members a wide range of vacation properties, most with concierge services.


• Condo hotels sell a portion of their room inventory to the public. For an annual fee, owners may use their room for vacation purposes, corporate housing or rent it to generate income. Rentals are typically managed by the hotel, though proceeds go to the room owner. Buyers and their renters or guests enjoy hotel services and amenities.

What Do Timeshare Owners Know That You Don't?

What do 4 million Americans know that you don't? The joy of owning a timeshare vacation property. People who purchase timeshares are making a well-considered investment in their future. Timeshare owners understand the value of leisure time. They understand the need to relax, change environments and recharge their batteries. They value quality time spent vacationing with their family. Timeshare owners are more likely than non-owners to (1) actually take all their vacation days and (2) spend them vacationing, as opposed to staying home and working around the house.

Some of the major benefits that attract savvy vacationers to timeshare ownership include:

• Luxury accommodations. Timeshares consistently provide spacious, high-quality accommodations. When you own a timeshare, you acquire a home away from home. Accommodations typically include spacious floor plans furnished with home-like amenities, including fully equipped kitchens with dining areas, stereo, TV, DVD/VCR players, washer and dryer, etc. Timeshares come in a variety of configurations to fit the many needs of owners from studio units to 3-bedroom villas.


• Resort-style amenities. Timeshares provide the resort amenities that make for a fun and relaxing vacation: swimming pool, tennis courts, Jacuzzi, hot tub, spa and fitness facilities, playground and planned activities for your children. Nearby you'll generally find championship golf courses, boating, skiing, water sports, amusement and theme parks, fabulous restaurants, fun shopping and much more. On a timeshare vacation you won't hear, "I'm bored;" you'll hear, "What's next!"


• Fabulous locations. There are timeshare properties everywhere you want to be. In the U.S., you'll find timeshares in every desirable vacation location from exciting big cities to serene mountain hideaways to sunny, sandy beaches to prime ski resorts. No matter what your preferred vacation environment, you'll find a timeshare resort waiting for you. From Alaska and Hawaii to the Florida Keys and from Maine to Southern California, there are timeshares across the length and breadth of America. If you crave international travel, you'll find timeshares in 100 countries around the world.


• Flexibility. The unique advantage of timeshare ownership is its exchange potential. Timeshare owners can trade their vacation time at their home resort for vacation time at more than 5,000 resorts in nearly 100 countries around the world. You can ski the slopes of Aspen one year, then bask on the soft coral sands of the Caribbean the next. You can vacation at the same time every year or change your vacation dates each year to accommodate your schedule. You can even control the size of your vacation space through the exchange system. Enjoy a cozy, romantic vacation with your spouse in Hawaii, then exchange for a villa in Fort Lauderdale and host the whole clan for a family reunion blowout on the Gulf Coast.

Timeshare ownership takes the work out of vacation planning so you can spend all your time relaxing and enjoying yourself. The timeshare industry enjoys an 80% approval rating. Maybe it's time you found out what timeshare owners know. Click the post title and start enjoying and looking forward to your vacations!

New Marriott Vacation Resort to Offer Oceanfront Luxury

Marriott Vacation Club International just announced the development of a luxurious new timeshare resort, Marriott's Oceana Palms, in the exclusive Riviera Beach community of Singer Island, Florida. The oceanfront resort is scheduled to open in 2010 and will offer 169 two-bedroom, two-bath villas. Pricing starts at $25,900 per week, depending on the season and view selected. The Oceana Palms will be Marriott's second resort in the Palm Beach Shores community. The company's Ocean Pointe resort has been in operation for 10 years.

Pairing sun-drenched oceanfront living with the luxurious Palm Beach lifestyle, Marriot's Oceana Palms will create a lush, tropical landscape beside the magnificent, broad, white-sand beach. Two magnificent 19-story towers will flank a brick-paved porte-cochere, welcoming visitors into a fabulous tropical paradise.

Featuring more than 1,100 square feet of living space, spacious villas will offer attractive traditional furnishings with contemporary accents in a lush tropical color pallet of vibrant blues, golden sands and fresh greens. Generously proportioned living and dining areas, large balconies with stunning ocean views, multiple flat-panel televisions with DVD players, washer and dryer, wireless high-speed internet access, gourmet kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, and an oversized shower with multiple shower heads in the master bath are among the plush features you'll find in each Oceana Palms villa. Villas will accommodate up to 8 guests.

For more information on Marriott's Oceana Palms, click the post title.

Condo Hotels: Does This Timeshare Hybrid Have a Future?

When SUVs appeared on the scene, some people got excited, and some turned up their noses. There were debaters who questions and championed their usefulness, while some people just stayed on the fence. We wondered: are they a fad or are they here to stay?

This is also the case with another hybrid: the condo hotel or condotel, as some call it. As hybrids go, this one combines many of the good and bad features of both ancestors.

Because they combine the luxury of high-end hotels and the spaciousness of a condo, you can expect to be more than comfortable. You get the conveniences of a home, like appliances, that don’t get in every hotel. You can also take advantage of services-like a concierge, restaurant, and spa-that few people have at home.

One of the prime motivations for buying into a condo hotel is also one of the major factors in all real estate: location, location, location. As the owner of a unit in a condo hotel, you would have access to lodging in the destination of your choosing. You also reap the benefits that come when this same property is rented out to others. Staff is charged with booking reservations for your property. A prime location means that your prospects for sizeable rental income are very good.

On the flip side, the popularity of the destination means that you may not be able to use your unit whenever you want. If someone else has booked the time slot you want, you have to choose another, even though you are the owner. Travel hot spots attract business and developers, so if similar condo hotels go up, you may find your rental income actually decreasing when travelers have more choices.

There is a condo association and you will have to pay fees. However, the staff coordinates repairs, so you don’t have to worry about that. The good news is that you do not have to pay hotel taxes when you stay in your own unit.

Municipalities are still not sure how to regulate them, although some are starting to put limits on how much time an owner can spend in their own unit (typically 60-90 days).

Wrapping Up Your Timeshare Gift

A timeshare vacation property makes the perfect holiday gift, but how do you wrap something that is definitely bigger than a breadbox? Don't worry; this is the fun part. It's time to unleash your creative muse and craft a magical holiday moment that will live forever in the annals of family storytelling.

A timeshare vacation property is the ultimate WOW! gift. When you present your gift, you want your children's eyes to light up and give you a smile that stretches from ear to ear. Here are a few suggestions:

• Arrange a timeshare vacation with your children at the new property. As you're all gathered around that first evening, pop open a bottle of champagne, make a toast and casually hand them the keys to their new timeshare.
• If the timeshare is somewhere warm and sunny, give your grandkids beach buckets and shovels and give your children beach wraps. Tuck the keys to the timeshare in the pocket.
• If you're giving your children a ski country timeshare, make up an apres ski gift basket of gourmet coffee and hot chocolate, fancy cookies, nut bread and other tasty goodies. Hang the timeshare keys from the basket handle with a big bow.
• Create a mini road rally for a timeshare within driving distance. Give your children a marked map and a series of envelopes to open at different points along the way. Clues or riddles inside each envelope might direct them to stop at an interesting sight along the way or do something fun or silly. Place the key to their new timeshare in the last envelope.
• Will your children be flying to their new timeshare? Wrap up a carry-on bag. Inside place airline tickets and the key.

Be creative! Have a little fun giving your gift. For tips on timeshare gift giving, read our posts over the past two weeks and visit the Timeshare Giant website (just click the post title). Happy Holidays!