Vacation clubs. Timeshares. They are options in the world of travel and holidays, but is buying a timeshare or vacation club programme for you? Does it suit one type of traveller over others? Are you a planner, arranging your trips a year in advance, or are you a more impulsive traveller, looking for last minute deals on your favourite online travel site? Believe it or not, vacation clubs can appeal to many different types of holidaymakers.

Whether you are a solo vacationer getting away every weekend or you are in charge of organising extended family holidays every year, you may find that a vacation club offers a worthwhile solution for you.

Full disclosure

Of course, this is a vacation club website, so you may expect this article to say that timeshares and vacation clubs are for everyone. While it is true that this article may provide a positive outlook, we do accept that vacation clubs and timeshares are not for everyone. All we ask is that you read on with an open mind.

Please note that this article is a general discussion about timeshares and vacation clubs and is not a specific explanation about the structure or offerings available at Anantara Vacation Club.

What is a vacation club?

A vacation club is a type of timeshare. A traditional timeshare is where you buy “time” in a condo or resort unit, giving you the right to use that unit. That time could be a specific week every year until the timeshare agreement expires. For example, you could “buy” access to a pool villa at a resort for the first week of every August for 50 years.

Vacation clubs expanded on the traditional timeshare concept, often adding more versatility and choice for buyers. Typically, rather than focusing on “time”, many vacation club programmes now revolve around points. So, instead of focusing on a fixed period of time at a fixed location, vacation club points allow you to book one big trip or a combination of small and longer trips, often with more resorts to choose from, along with a variety of accommodation options.

These are usually upscale or luxury resorts, with amenities that go beyond a restaurant, gym, and swimming pool. Many timeshares and vacation clubs offer apartment-style suites and villas that include full kitchens and laundry facilities to make you feel at home. To complement this, the resorts often will have kids' and/or teen clubs; sports areas for tennis, pickleball, and more; and a full activity schedule to make sure there's something for everyone.

Are vacation clubs expensive?

It depends on how you look at it. Yes, vacation clubs and timeshares may seem to be a significant expense. But consider it a prepayment for years of holidays to come. With vacation clubs, you are paying now, usually at today's prices as well, for future resort stays.

If you compare buying a vacation club or timeshare programme now to paying for two weeks at a resort this year, then of course it is more expensive. But if you plan on going on holiday every year, especially with family and friends, wouldn’t knowing that you’ve got the accommodations sorted give you peace of mind? More than that, wouldn’t it encourage and inspire you to take holidays and spend well-deserved leisure time with your loved ones?

Does this mean I never have to pay for my holidays ever again?

Not quite. Timeshares and vacation clubs are for accommodations, so you’ll still have travel and dining expenses, although some programmes do offer added extras like breakfast and discounts on airport transfers, meals, and spa treatments.

Also, most timeshare and vacation clubs will have annual fees that their members/points owners must pay. This goes to the upkeep and maintenance of accommodations, amenities, and servicing of the club. These annual fees are similar to condo or homeowner association fees, ensuring that you have the best vacation experience during every stay.

So, I don’t have to go to the same resort at the same time of year?

You should make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your timeshare or vacation club. You may have priority access to one or more resorts, but you should confirm that the locations and properties you prefer are part of the programme you buy. Some programmes may have tier systems where higher tiers, which probably cost more, have a bigger selection of locations and accommodations.

Many vacation club and timeshare programmes also take part in timeshare exchanges. These exchanges allow access to other programmes, thereby increasing the selections available. So, between the resorts in your programme and those offered in the exchange programme, you could book holidays in different destinations at different resorts every year.

Then, this isn’t a real estate investment, is it?

Some timeshare products are investments, and some are governed by investment legislation. Furthermore, they can be an investment in creating cherished memories that last a lifetime for you, your family, your friends. It can be a way to help you fulfil that promise you made to yourself or to your family to take vacations together.

Rather than looking back and regretting not spending time with those you love, you can look forward to sharing experiences with your nearest and dearest, adding to the wonderful memories you’ve already made with your vacation club.

Can a vacation club really do all that?

That’s the plan! Vacation clubs and timeshares want to provide people with the perfect opportunities to enjoy life, from a weekend relaxing at a pristine beach to a week exploring an iconic city and everything in between.

But as with any purchase, it is up to you to make the most of your timeshare or vacation club. Most programmes provide seemingly endless possibilities for family fun, romantic getaways, and more. You just need to ensure you are fully informed and know what your benefits and privileges are, as well as any limitations.

Is Anantara Vacation Club the right choice?

It is very possible. This article covers the broad strokes of vacation clubs and timeshares. It is meant to shed a little light on how these programmes work and clear up some potential misunderstandings. It is by no means a full picture.

So, if you are interested in finding out more about our vacation club, Anantara Vacation Club would love to show you a fuller picture of our programme. Please contact us so that we can arrange a personalised presentation, just for you!