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Defining a Legacy

With 17 new residences in six destinations added to the Vacation Collection, Exclusive Resorts' next chapter honors the past while evolving a prescient Member vision.

In 2003, Exclusive Resorts CEO Cathy Ross strolled the shore of Pauoa Bay on the Big Island in Hawaii, imagining what could be. Back then, Ross was leading The Club’s real estate team, tasked with scouting new destinations for potential development and acquisition. Exclusive Resorts launched its travel legacy in Hawaii with seven homes in Kapalua Bay, Maui, and Kohala Coast, Hawaii.

Today, on the heels of The Club’s 15th anniversary, Exclusive Resorts has 380 residences in its Portfolio, a team of outstanding global resort partners, and 31 residences on three Hawaiian islands.

The definition of legacy travel may vary with each curious explorer. For some, it may mean returning to a destination year after year for a multi-generational retreat. For others, it may be sharing moments of hair-raising adventure in far-flung locales. Yet the common thread is how travel connects us — to nature, new cultures, our families, and to ourselves. Exclusive Resorts always evolves with Member interests and desired pursuits top of mind. With the recent announcement of 17 new luxury residences across six destinations — Kaua’i, HI; Kiawah Island, SC; Nantucket, MA; Nassau, Bahamas; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; and Nevis, West Indies—The Club is poised to begin an exciting next chapter.

“This is the biggest announcement of new residences in recent years,” Ross explains. “We’re getting back to our roots with the Residence Collection. Our continued legacy is about growth and forward movement of The Club, adding to our homes and partnerships, and making sure The Club works for our Members and their families.”

So where to in 2019? Let these new residences in exclusive destinations further define your family’s own travel legacy.

Nantucket

MASSACHUSETTS

There are plenty of reasons Nantucket has been the most requested destination among Members. The charming “Town” district is peppered with mom-and-pop boutiques and locally owned seafood restaurants vying for the best chowdah in the States. Nantucket’s fishing history is celebrated most everywhere, transporting visitors to bygone eras and reconnecting us to our roots. Here, time slows. Quaint cedar-shingled buildings line cobblestone streets. Boats of all shapes and sizes grace the harbors. Many locals rise with the tide, and simplified demands of the day include fishing and weather reports. Tour lighthouses by bicycle or savor a fresh lobster roll before returning to three five- to six-bedroom residences — all new to The Club’s Portfolio.

Stay: Each expansive residence is historically inspired, with interiors exuding seaside sensibility and a modern aesthetic. Shared amenities include fireplaces, spacious communal areas, en suite bathrooms, and beautiful outdoor spaces — all ideal for large friend groups or multi-generational families.

Number of Residences: 3 | Square Feet: 2,600-5,500 | Bedrooms/Baths: 5-6/5-5

See: More than 800 structures island-wide predate the Civil War, and the Town is defined by only-in-Nantucket shops and restaurants, museums, and historic homes. Don’t miss the many picturesque lighthouses in Sconset or a local microbrew at Cisco Brewery.

Dine: Start your day with a latte at Handlebar Café. For lunch, try Lemon Press, located right on Main Street, you will find fresh, organic local fare throughout the day. Come evening Galley Beach is a top table where sunset and fine dining are the events of the evening

Nassau

BAHAMAS

This Caribbean hotspot has long been a go-to for discerning travelers. Ernest Hemingway used to frequent Nassau, seduced by its colonial downtown streets, local characters, and the laid-back “Brilander” lifestyle. Baha Mar is made up of three separate resorts — Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, SLS Baha Mar, and Rosewood Baha Mar. With three new two-bedroom residences at the ultra-posh Rosewood, Members can now access the finest of this Caribbean capital.

Stay: The most secluded of Baha Mar’s three resorts and a short walk to the beach, each Rosewood residence features en suite bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and resort views from private balconies. Members have VIP access to all three resorts and amenities, including Sense, A Rosewood Spa®, casual and fine dining options, seven large pools, and Baha Mar’s grand casino. Additional benefits include VIP check in, high tea service in-residence, and exclusive offers for spa treatments, golf, and tennis.

Number of Residence: 3 | Square Feet: 2,000 | Bedrooms/Baths: 3/2.5

See: A private 39-foot power boat can whisk Members off to secluded beaches and to see the famous swimming pigs. Intrepid adventurers can also feed the Bahamian rock iguanas or swim with reef sharks. When returning to the Rosewood, book a locally inspired therapeutic body treatment at Sense, A Rosewood Spa®.

Dine: Sapodilla Estate’s sophisticated island-style and colonial influence is set among lush gardens and beautiful Bahamian artwork. Begin your evening with a glass of wine in the cocktail lounge, then dine indoors in one of four charming rooms, or opt to eat under the stars. Members can also enjoy a secluded cabana for two, with personalized chefs and butler service. Post meal, unwind in the cigar lounge or sip artisan cocktails at the Kamalame Bar, which features live steel pan music and percussion.

Kaua'i

HAWAII

If you haven’t been to this tiny Hawaiian island, now’s the time. With an ethereal landscape of emerald green jungle, a kaleidoscope of ocean hues, and the unforgettable moment when first experiencing the incredible Nāpali Coast, Kaua’i is unlike any other Hawaiian island. You may spot big wave surfer and Hanalei resident Laird Hamilton pulling up to The Dolphin sushi restaurant on a paddle board. Or travel inland and discover the depths of Wailea Canyon, also known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. You may be hard pressed, however, to leave your new home at the Timbers Kaua’i Ocean Club & Residences. The cliffside resort community hugs the coast and frames indelible views of the Garden Isle. The Club’s four new three-bedroom residences are finished with contemporary Hawaiian architectural elements, including custom cabinetry, natural stone counters, floor to ceiling windows, and three private lanais. Resort amenities include easy access to Kalapaki Beach, two pools (one with an infinity edge and one with a waterfall), two on-site restaurants, and The Ocean Course, a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course.

“The best developers in the world wanted us to be a part of their projects, and that’s how we ended up being a buyer in Wailea, a joint venture partner in Kapalua, and developing on the Big Island,” Ross says. “Our expertise and relationships in the market allowed us to partner with The Timbers Club in Kaua’i.”

Stay: Timbers Kaua’i is off the tourist path and an ideal hideaway (just five minutes from Lihue airport) to discover the whole island. To the south, Old Koloa Town and Poipu’s family-friendly beaches are just a 30-minute drive, while Kilauea lighthouse, Princeville, Hanalei, and the North Shore are accessible in an hour. The Club features four three-bedroom units in the Maliula building, all with views of the lagoon or ocean from lanais extending nearly the entire length of the residence. What’s more, there’s plenty of action on property, including two pools, a spa and fitness center, and two dining options. Plus, the Keiki Adventure Club educates children about Hawaii’s traditions and culture.

Number of Residences: 4 | Square Feet: 2,378-2,843 | Bedrooms/Baths: 3/3.5

See: Take a day trip to Hanalei. Here you’ll find the world’s top surfers testing their mettle at Hanalei Bay or The Bowl. Adventurists will enjoy stand-up paddle boarding the gorgeous Hanalei River, while fashionistas can hit local boutiques. Foodies should book a table at Bar Acuda, while Tahiti Nui (the “Nui”) restaurant is the locale of the famous George Clooney scene in The Descendants.

Dine: Back at the Timbers Kaua’i Ocean Club & Residences, eat at Hualani’s Restaurant and Nalu’s Pool Grill, where the catch of the day is a must. Additionally, the famous Duke’s Kaua’i is nearby, where the Seven Spice Ahi is a local favorite.

Nevis

WEST INDIES

The diverse culture of Nevis, considered one of the best-kept secrets of the Caribbean, is seen in the local community, which celebrates dance, art, drama, and food. With 40 dive sites located 20 to 45 minutes from shore, Nevis is a diving paradise. This tiny island lies about two miles southeast of St. Kitts, across a shallow channel called The Narrows. Diving is diverse, with caves, mini-walls, ledges, and deep holes teeming with tropical fish. The area is best known for its ship wrecks, as more than 400 vessels sank in The Narrows between 1493 and 1825. Nevis Peak, the dormant volcano the island was created from, is Nevis' focal point and is the source of the famous black-sand beaches. The Club now offers two- and four-bedroom residences at Paradise Beach Nevis, each with identical decor and similar floor plans.

Stay: This intimate, villa-only resort (comprised of just eight four-bedroom villas and five two-bedroom beach houses) is the only one on the island just steps from the beach. The Beach Bar is a short walk from your residence and is exclusive to Paradise Beach guests, while a resort concierge and butler are on hand to address every whim. For Members preferring more intimate units, The Club has also secured two-bedroom beach houses.

Number of Residences: 5 | Square Feet: 1,190-3,400 | Bedrooms/Baths: 2-4/2-4.5

See:  Hike to Nevis Peak, zoom through the jungle via zip line, visit historic plantations, and take an island tour with a local driver. Additionally, don't miss Lover's Beach, a mile-long secluded spot offering loads of privacy and views of neighboring St. Kitts, while Nisbet Beach is a palm-lined stretch  of white sand ideal for swimming and sunbathing.

Dine: After leaving Mumbai to open a restaurant in the Caribbean, Vikas Pariani introduced Indian Summer after debuting two successful restaurants on St. Martin and St. Kills. Vik, as he's known to his clientele, serves authentic Indian cuisine and plenty of charm.

Eden Roc at Cap Cana

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

A vibrant country with a playful personality, the Dominican Republic is a trending vacation hot spot. Spanning two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola (Haiti occupies the western portion), the “DR” is credited with inventing merengue and is steeped in music and dance. Aqua adventure awaits, while zip-lining, sailing, and kayaking are also on tap. The Club features two, two-bedroom luxury residences located on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic.

Stay: Members vacationing here have access to the oceanfront Eden Roc Beach Club. Eden Roc at Cap Cana features lush gardens, lagoon-style pools, and overlooks the neighboring Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, Punta Espada. The resort also features a world-class kids’ club, full-service spa, fitness center, three restaurants, and three bars.

Number of Residences: 2 | Square Feet: 1,786 | Bedrooms/Baths: 2/2

See: Tour Altos de Chavon, a 16th-century replica of a Mediterranean village located just 30 minutes from the Club residences. Perched atop the Chavon River in La Romana, it's a main attraction for good reason, with a cultural center, archaeological museum, and amphitheater.

Dine:  Bamboo, one of the most requested restaurants in the area, features an eclectic menu blending locally sourced food with Mediterranean influences in a cozy, chic setting designed by style icon Oscar De La Renta.