Archive for October, 2007

• An interview with the BelleHavens CEO | Written by Luxury Reporter Staff in Oct 2007

  We recently interviewed the man at the head of the BelleHavens destination club, Darin Gilson, and asked him some of the tough questions prospective members should be asking their destination clubs of interest. Here are Darin’s answers, and some of his thoughts about the industry.



• LUSSO moving into Costa Rica | Written by Luxury Reporter Staff in Oct 2007

  Costa Rica is the latest destination to be added to the LUSSO Collection, with four villas to be constructed in the La Punta Papagayo luxury resort.



• High Country Club price increase | Written by Luxury Reporter Staff in Oct 2007

  High Country Club has announced that it will be increasing its membership deposit requirements from the end of November. The company, which has acquired more than 270 members and 33 properties in its two-year history, has also made some improvements to its booking policies.



• Buenos Aires - The Faena Hotel and Universe | Written by Joseph Foote in Oct 2007

  The Faena really is something special. Widely acclaimed as one of Buenos Aires’ best hotels, if not the best, it was designed by Philippe Starck - and it shows.



• Thailand review trip - we want your input | Written by Luxury Reporter Staff in Oct 2007

  We’re making a review trip to Thailand, and we want you to help us choose which resorts to review. To have your say, please vote in the poll in the righthand column, or email us on reviews@luxuryreporter.com. If you think we should be considering another property, please let us know.



• Solstice announces a price increase | Written by Luxury Reporter Staff in Oct 2007

  Today, Solstice revealed that it will be increasing its prices next month. This is something we’ve seen happen in almost all of the key destination clubs in recent months. Prospective members would do well to hasten their decision-making process, if Solstice is on the short list.



• New Solstice home in Brazil | Written by Luxury Reporter Staff in Oct 2007

  Solstice has added to its collection, with a new residence under construction in Brazil. The home, which should be completed by early 2008, is in Warapuru, a beachfront development in the northeastern quadrant of Brazil, designed by Anouska Hempel Design.



• Nang Yuan Island - Thailand | Written by Cheyenne Morrison in Oct 2007

  The owners of Koh Nang Yuan Resort have created an island retreat unusual in comparison to other resorts of Southeast Asia. Located on a small private island near Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Nang Yuan is a vision of paradise.



• Likuliku Lagoon Resort - Fiji | Written by Cheyenne Morrison in Oct 2007

  Likuliku Lagoon Resort, which opened its doors in April, offers a couple’s only retreat and the country’s first ever over water bungalows. Located 16 miles / 25km from Nadi International Airport, guests can arrive at Likuliku by helicopter or seaplane (10 minutes), 30 minutes by speedboat transfer or 2 hours by regular fast catamaran transfer.



• New LUSSO home in Naples, Florida | Written by Luxury Reporter Staff in Oct 2007

  LUSSO has added another home in Naples, Florida. The new residence has been named Villa Royale, and is just over 5000 square feet. Members will be able to make bookings from November 15, for reservations commencing January 5, 2008.