Distinctive Retreats
Properties

The next level of the already popular Private Retreats, Distinctive Retreats would be the second destination club introduced by Rob McGrath. Members would now have access to a global collection of luxury real estate valued at approximately $3 million each. Like Private Retreats, Distinctive Retreats would be capped at 400 total members.

Distinctive Retreats outlined their club residences by stating, "The Company’s Proprietary Capacity Model is designed to make one Distinctive Retreats ('DR') residence available for every 3.1 Members (i.e. 130 homes per 400 Members). This total includes one 'Club Owned Home' for every 6.1 Members (i.e. 65 'Club Owned Homes' per 400 Members) and one 'Club Managed Home' for every 6.1 Members (i.e. 65 'Club Managed Homes' per 400 Members). With 29 destinations in DR, a mix of 130 homes provides an average of 4.5 homes per destination (2.25 'Club Owned Homes' and 2.25 'Club Managed Homes')."

"When DR reaches 400 Members, the Company expects to continue to expand its Membership and Asset base beyond 400 Members by opening Distinctive Retreats II ('DR II'). Full reciprocity of use across DR I and DR II which will allow for an expansion beyond an average of 4.5 homes per destination. For this reason, the Club currently owns, in certain destinations, more residences than are planned for just DR I. Typically, where such a situation exists, residences are in the construction stage."

Distinctive Retreats would surpass Private Retreats and become the most popular club under the Tanner & Haley umbrella, including the ultra-luxury offering Legendary Retreats. Distinctive Retreats would be created and the combined two clubs would reach 510 total members.

The allocation of the club's real estate assets were planned to adhere to the following break down:

  • Beach: 40%
  • Mountain: 25%
  • Golf: 20%
  • City: 15%

Many other destination clubs have adopted a fairly similar structure over the years, but all have restructured the overall business model employed by the collective Tanner & Haley.

As a result of a "guaranteed" access policy that required the club to give members comparable accommodations if a property was in use by another member, all of the Tanner & Haley clubs entered into countless short-term leases to satisfy demand. This would quickly erode the club's first mover position and in 2006 the club filed for bankruptcy.

According to the bankruptcy reports, Distinctive Retreats totalled 77 properties in several popular destinations, including:

  • Kiawah Island, South Carolina
  • Maui, Hawaii
  • Scottsdale, Arizona
  • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
  • Cayo Espanto, Belize
  • Telluride, Colorado

Ultimate Resort would eventually be named the winning bidder during the bankruptcy proceedings, acquiring a portion of the club's real estate and members. In time, Ultimate Resort would acquire Private Escapes to create the master brand Ultimate Escapes, with many of Distinctive Retreats' properties and members still a part of the club.