Ciel
Notes From The Club

Founded by J. Joseph Ricketss, Founder of Ameritrade, Ciel catered to the ultra-luxury destination club audience.

The club was limited to just 100 members. Membership deposits were $1 million and the club's annual dues were higher than many other destination clubs's membership deposits.

Despite the large price tag, Ciel was most noted for trying to acquire the assets of the bankrupt Tanner & Haley. Just days after a $98 million bid from Ultimate Resort was accepted, Ciel submitted a $108 million bid. The club wanted to acquire the assets as a "mid-range complement" to the rest of Ciel offering. Ciel would increase their bid to as high as $112 million with Ultimate Resort increasing their bid to $100 million before Judge Alan H.W. Swiff would maintain his decision to side with Ultimate Resort.

Following the failed bid, Ciel would announce a model change in 2007. The club would purchase large tracts of land and dedicate themselves to conservation. Members would serve as trustees and have access to homes in the portfolio and land in addition to enjoy the tax benefits associated with conservation easement.

2008 was planned to be a year to establish the model, but no news emerged from the club as the year concluded and it appears that the club is no longer in operation.