The Luxury of Time

As originally published in CURATED Magazine.

When Exclusive Resorts launched in 2003, it was the first vacation club of its kind, featuring eight properties, 38 Members, and 15 employees. It has since become not just a global vacation Club, but a way of life. Today, Exclusive Resorts’ vacation portfolio has grown to more than 350 residences in 75-and-counting destinations, in addition to 50-plus curated experiences spanning all seven continents. It also partners with renowned travel brands for its evolving Hotel Collection.

And while 20 years later The Club is amidst calculated growth, its core passion has remained the same: fostering time and connection with family and friends, delivering intuitive service, and transcending any notion of typical vacationing. “Simply put — we’re a better solution for families who don’t want to travel to just one destination or deal with the daily hassles of running a second or third household,” says Rachel Reagan, SVP of Global Sales.

Even though Member’s travel preferences vary (and are catered to by dedicated Ambassadors), certain properties and destinations are longstanding favorites (with some newcomers, too). A snapshot of these Member go-tos reveals a serious penchant for play, be it in New York City, Jackson, Wyoming, or Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica. Let’s GO!

1. PENINSULA PAPAGAYO, COSTA RICA

BEST FOR: Families and groups of traveling friends who crave the pura vida lifestyle.

WHEN LAUNCHED: Developed in 2004 by Exclusive Resorts’ executive team, this flagship, $70 million property remains the gem of The Club’s portfolio.

RESIDENCE OVERVIEW: Twenty-one four-bedroom, ultra-private residences feature high-end finishes (think marble floors, outdoor showers, hot tubs, plunge pools, chef-grade kitchens, and more), plus expansive living spaces. All offer easy access to the Members-only Poro Poro Beach Club, which features an acclaimed restaurant, bar, pool, and private beach access.

DON’T MISS: Anywhere you stay, expect to see a monkey — or two. This Member favorite is known for its abundant wildlife, including a resident monkey who likes to keep the Beach Club bartenders company.

2. PARIS, FRANCE

BEST FOR: Discerning travelers desiring a sophisticated stay amid the City of Lights’ most majestic neighborhoods.

WHEN LAUNCHED: The Club has offerings in Paris via Hotel Rafael, Majestic Hotel and Spa, La Reserve, and the Residences at Peninsula Paris and Peninsula Hotels. The first Paris residence was offered in 2005.

RESIDENCE OVERVIEW: Just minutes from the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysées in the heart of aristocratic Paris, The Club’s two-bedroom suites at Hotel Rafael are decorated in classic Louis XVI grandeur. Venture one block from Hotel Rafael and you’ll find contemporary two-bedroom Club suites at its sister property Majestic Hotel & Spa. Additionally, large Club suites at Peninsula Paris are housed in a late 19th-century Haussmanian building.

DON’T MISS: The talk of the town is Bourse de Commerce, an 18th-century grain exchange recast as a shrine for billionaire François Pinault’s contemporary art collection. Seasoned shoppers will list Le Bon Marché and La Samaritaine on their hit lists.

3. JACKSON, WYOMING

BEST FOR: Adventurists and nature lovers who cherish old west mining hub meets modern mountain town.

WHEN LAUNCHED: By request, The Club added Jackson to its growing portfolio in Fall 2022.

RESIDENCE OVERVIEW: Four newly constructed three-bedroom homes have fast become a premium destination for The Club, with spectacular mountain views, a convenient central location, and proximity to some of the most sought-after ski terrain in the world.

DON’T MISS: Whether in search of a mellow ride with kids or a rowdy tackle of the famous Lunch Counter or Big Kahuna rapids, rafting Jackson’s scenic canyons is unforgettable.

4. TUCSON ARIZONA

BEST FOR: Those seeking a resort — Tucson is the home of the famed Miraval Arizona Resort and Spa, a retreat for mind, body, and soul.

WHEN LAUNCHED: In 2009, Members began flocking to Miraval’s famous flagship in Tucson, and it has been received so well that The Club also partners with Miraval Austin.

RESIDENCE OVERVIEW: Miraval is the most recognized resort spa in the U.S. The Club features eight three-bedroom villas, all celebrating the magic of the Sonoran Desert and surrounding Santa Catalina Mountains.

DON’T MISS: “All the Buzz” is an unforgettable experience with resident beekeeper Noel Patterson, who takes you through a hands-on bee journey and shares his love of apiculture.

5. NEW YORK, NEW YORK

BEST FOR: Foodies, fashionistas, CEOs, and culture buffs who want to be in on all the action yet retreat to a serene apartment with cityscape views.

WHEN LAUNCHED: The New York residences came on The Club scene in 2003, and today Exclusive Resorts offers its Members residences at both Park Place and Trump New York.

RESIDENCE OVERVIEW: Fourteen two-bedroom luxury residences at Park Avenue Place are located in Midtown East, while five two-bedroom Trump New York residences frame indelible Central Park views.

DON’T MISS: Engage all the senses at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, which recently launched a series of sound works — site-specific original compositions and audio walks designed to experience at your own pace.

6. Sea Island, Georgia

BEST FOR: Multi-generational travel, as large homes are perfectly poised for low country, in-residence dinner parties, where grandparents can make lasting connections with the littles.

WHEN LAUNCHED: Sea Island was announced in 2009 and fast became a sought-after southern charmer.

RESIDENCE OVERVIEW: Thirteen four-bedroom luxury cottages at The Cloister are nestled between the resort and the beach. Kids love Camp Cloister while adults applaud the spa and golf.

DON’T MISS: This timeless Georgia enclave has five miles of private beaches for prime sunset viewing. From The Cloister’s lodge terrace and scenic veranda, enjoy a year-round Scottish sunset serenade performed by a bagpiper — a celebration marking the end of each day.

7. Vail, Colorado

BEST FOR: Mountain lovers who yearn to be in the heart of the Colorado Rockies’ outdoor, culinary, and cultural scene.

WHEN LAUNCHED: A Member favorite since day one, The Club announced its residences at The Arrabelle at Vail Square in 2005.

RESIDENCE OVERVIEW: Nine newly redecorated three-bedroom ski-in/ski-out vacation homes are located right next to the Eagle Bahn gondola. Sit fireside between ski runs or summer hikes and savor epic mountain views.

DON’T MISS: Alpenrose Restaurant transports winter guests to the Alps with three-course feasts in one of its fondue gondolas.

8. Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

BEST FOR: Tranquil beaches, an international boating scene, and the famous Baths. Rosewood Little Dix Bay in the British Virgin Islands has fast become a Member favorite.

WHEN LAUNCHED: Little Dix Bay residences joined The Club in 2016 and quickly became a coveted booking.

RESIDENCE OVERVIEW: The Club’s six high-end four-bedroom residences all feature sweeping ocean vistas and are a short golf cart ride from all resort amenities. Tucked into 500 acres of lush tropical gardens, the ultra-private Rosewood Little Dix Bay is the gem of the BVI.

DON’T MISS: Coco Maya, a beachfront restaurant in Virgin Gorda, known for its delicious Caribbean-inspired cuisine and trendy atmosphere.

9. Lake Tahoe, California

BEST FOR: Those wanting to experience California’s laid-back vibe, where your outdoorsy side can be celebrated all year long.

WHEN LAUNCHED: Due to Member requests, Lake Tahoe joined The Club’s portfolio in 2008, in the highly coveted Mountainside at Northstar neighborhood.

RESIDENCE OVERVIEW: The Club’s five upscale and convenient four-bedroom Trailside residences are located mid-mountain and feature large media rooms, private hot tubs, and fire pits.

DON’T MISS: Any local will tell you an aprés ski session at Le Chamois & Loft Bar — aka “The Chammy” — is a must. This classic hangout is the pulse of Palisades Tahoe.

10. Tuscany, Italy

BEST FOR: Those obsessed with the finer side of sivale (the boot), Casali di Casole is an enchanting enclave celebrating the country’s indulgent nature.

WHEN LAUNCHED: The Club debuted these storybook Tuscan farmhouse villas in 2010.

RESIDENCE OVERVIEW: Located near Siena, San Gimignano, and other major cities, Belmond’s historic Casali di Casole is a destination unto itself. The Club’s four-bedroom luxury villas grace a remote estate among the rolling hills of Tuscany, amid olive groves and vineyards.

DON’T MISS: While vineyard hopping is of top note, truffle hunting in Tuscany is also a must. Scout the grounds with an expert guide and truffle hunting dogs from the Lagotto Romagnolo breed, then visit local osterias for a celebratory truffle-infused meal or enjoy lunch at your Club villa prepared with your finds.