DC4MS

BANYAN TREE PRIVATE COLLECTION, THE FIRST PERPETUITY DESTINATION CLUB, LAUNCHES IN ASIA

Singapore, January 2008 – Banyan Tree Private Collection announces the launch of the first asset-backed destination club in Asia offering perpetual and transferable membership.

This signals the success of Banyan Tree’s brand building - pursuing product line extensions consistent with the brand philosophy, romance of travel. Complementary Banyan Tree-branded product offerings such as hotels, resorts, spas and galleries have remained top-of-mind with consumers. Building diversification and growth within a central strategy, Banyan Tree has expanded into Banyan Tree Private Collection, to meet the demand for new lifestyle needs and desires with the Banyan Tree experience.

Targeting affluent baby boomers and high net worth individuals seeking to secure a lifetime of future vacations at today’s prices, the current membership is attractively priced at a one-time joining fee of US$120,000 upwards with annual dues at US$3,000. The club boasts one of the lowest annual fees in the destination club industry, yet offers the most discerning brand experience at exotic destinations.

Besides avoiding the costly purchase and maintenance of holiday homes, Banyan Tree Private Collection members have at hand a portfolio of destinations that removes the monotony of spending holidays at a fixed location.

Fast Expanding Portfolio

Banyan Tree Private Collection has a portfolio of more than 20 destinations, with properties in several destinations currently under development. In the initial phase, Banyan Tree Private Collection will comprise a selection of two-bedroom villas in Banyan Tree resorts located in Phuket, Thailand; Seychelles; Bintan, Indonesia; and Shangri-La and Lijiang in China; a private four-bedroom villa each in Tuscany, Itlay, and Provence, France and a two bedroom apartment in London. Going forward, Banyan Tree Private Collection will have villas located in exciting destinations such as Bali, Indonesia; Marrakech, Morocco; Punta Diamante and Mayakoba, Mexico; Kerala, India and Pilos, Greece.

In addition, members of Banyan Tree Private Collection also enjoy a unique selection of holiday experiences in the form of private and external villas and apartments worldwide. Future gateway cities may include key ones in Europe, Asia and USA.

Multi-faceted, Destination-specific Experience

Complementary product offerings, ranging from resorts, spas, and galleries to golf courses, allow Banyan Tree Private Collection to deliver multi-faceted, destination-specific experience and hospitality services. For those who desire convenience, the club offers an a la carte menu of destination-specific experiences that can be prepaid. Exclusive travel experiences range from gourmet dinner on the rocks and spiritual temple treks, to diving with marine laboratory scientists.

Banyan Tree Private Collection members receive a lifetime of special privileges at Banyan Tree’s award-winning villas and spas, complete with impeccable service standards, amenities and facilities. Club members are entitled to seven nights of villa use annually and hassle-free travel with dedicated membership services and resort hosts, providing vacation-planning services such as airport transfers, dining reservations and spa appointment bookings.

More information on Banyan Tree Private Collection may be found online at Banyan Tree Private Collection.

smtravelor

Am I missing something or is the "one-time joining fee" non-refundable?

vineyarder

Looks like it... although you can sell it "to a loved one"...