After the recent announcement of a US$200 million merger between Private Escapes and Ultimate Resort, the former has revealed a membership incentive that will be available for the next 30 days or so.

Ultimate Resort has announced a merger with Private Escapes, creating a destination club with more than 140 properties and more than 1200 members. Including the Ultimate Resort Collection, which comprises more than 60 boutique hotels, members will have access to more than 200 luxury properties around the world.

Private Escapes has announced the opening of its newest Tuscany property, Rigo Salcio. The property is a three bedroom, four bathroom villa on 20 acres, and was fully restored and renovated by architect Fulvio di Rosa.

Private Escapes is offering a $5000 travel perk for new members who join before August 31, 2007. It’s not a huge deal, but a nice sweetener.

Private Escapes has announced an addition to their existing four NYC residences, with two new units at The Link (www.thelinknyc.com) on 52nd Street, between 8th & 9th.

This just in - to take advantage of the 100% refund offer being promoted at present by Private Escapes, prospective members must act quickly.

Private Escapes has three ‘club levels’ - Pinnacle, Platinum and Premiere - with different pricing options and regulations within each of these levels.

We just received word that Private Escapes (www.privateescapes.com) is offering a special incentive to drive sales in June and July, apparently usually their slowest sales period.

Private Escapes has announced new ‘Space Available’ reservations, intended to give greater flexibility for members making last minute travel plans.