DC4MS

Ultimate Escapes Announces Luxury Travel Partnership With To Escape To

UE now offers highly experiential, fabulous African safaris and stays in game reserves

Orlando, FL – July 29, 2008 - Ultimate EscapesSM is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with To Escape To, a luxury excursion travel service that provides inspirational experiences to travelers. This partnership pairs one of the world’s ultimate luxury destination clubs with one of the top African luxury travel specialists.

To Escape To will not only guide Ultimate Escapes members on incredible excursions in unique locations throughout Africa and the Indian Ocean, but it will exclusively give Members a Complimentary Secret Envelope. This means To Escape To will give each member that signs up for a To Escape To vacation their own sealed envelope containing personalized vouchers with a variety of surprises -- such as breakfast in the African bush, personal dhow cruises to deserted beaches, and room upgrades.

“We are in the business of delivering luxury travel experiences that are memorable and enduring,” said Jim Tousignant, President & CEO of Ultimate Escapes. “We offer our members distinctive experiences in beautiful locations that create a sense of awe and leave a lasting impression. Today’s luxury travel consumers are not just looking for the best homes in the best places — they are looking for one-of-a-kind travel excursions that To Escape To can provide.”

These To Escape To travel experiences include options like private 5-star hotel-style villas in Seychelles and Mauritius that are fully staffed and have gardens that spill straight onto white sand beaches. Or they include stays in Safari bush homes in acres of game reserve in South Africa, Zambia and Kenya that come with private 4x4 game vehicles, rangers and chefs. To Escape To offers holidays to 13 countries throughout Africa and the Indian Ocean, and their selection of properties is truly unique. Ultimate Escapesis the ultimate in luxury travel, and combined with To Escape To, it can now offer highly experiential, one-of-a-kind destination trips that allow members to “Experience the Vacation of a Lifetime, Every Time.

“Like Ultimate Escapes, our African and Indian Ocean adventures combine quality accommodation, attentive service and inspirational lifestyle choices,” said Ingram Casey, Director of To Escape To. 'We are looking forward to extending our unique offering to Ultimate Escapes members and enabling them to experience the very best that Africa has to offer. The special extras we have organized -- exclusively for Ultimate Escapes Members -- are a first for us, and will really help us show off these incredible locations.”

About To Escape To:

To Escape To specializes in bespoke vacations to South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, Rwanda, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Mauritius, Maldives and Seychelles. With first-hand knowledge of all the destinations and accommodations featured, the company has hand picked its portfolio of unique and luxury accommodations that include private villas, boutique hotels, and safari lodges, with concierge service. The concept of To Escape To evolved from the idea of providing an inspirational travel experience, not just the standard holiday in the sun. It is for people who want to see the full glory of the country they are visiting, and not the interior of a lackluster hotel room.

TarheelTraveler

Is this a one-for-one exchange of nights or a separate service or offering that UE books for you and you separately pay for?

TarheelTraveler

The answer to the question from Halogen:

Halogen Guides | Destination Club Ultimate Escapes Builds Out Travel Partnership

Nights are not exchangable for the tours. UE member representative is the liaison between the member and the travel company and help make the arrangements for you.

jam

So what is the advantage? Why wouldn't I just book the trip with another operator such as A&K? They are a better known safari operator.

Kagehitokiri

there are also offerings like virtuoso and FHR in terms of getting upgrades and other property specific benefits.

Desties

The partnership translates into discounts and special offers that are available. I doubt we're talking La Buscadora-sized discounts, but any discount is a good one on a pricey trip like a safari expedition.

Kagehitokiri

not discounts, but benefits like those offered by virtuoso/FHR/etc >

willmyclubmakeit

I am still a bit skeptical of the value of this to members but if and when we are ready to take a safari I will figure it out--I am sure it is another co-branding/partnership opportunity to leverage their combined strong membership lists. Another prudent business decision for UE's owners at least and not bad for us (just not nearly as attractive as ER's travel options).