Everlands

One of the many destination clubs adversely affected by the market climates of late 2008 and early 2009, Everlands had a unique and philanthropic vision to their club's operating model. "Our vision in creating Everlands was to bring together a global community of likeminded individuals who share a love of people and family and a passion for nature and the great outdoors, defined by a desire to preserve and protect it," said Everland's Co-Founder and Chairman, Bob Burch. "Everlanders have the opportunity to experience the world's most magnificent destinations while preserving them for future generations."

Punctuating Everlands' focus on preservation was the Everlands Conservation Prize. "The Everlands Conservation Prize is awarded annually to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the conservation and stewardship of nature. Their actions sustain the land, conserve its natural resources, restore its air and water, and inspire others to take action. Their example is contagious and can be replicated across the landscape."

Catering to an ultra-luxury audience, the invitation only club's membership fee was $1 million to join and annual dues of $40,000. Everlands unique model asked members to put down a 15% deposit at the time of commitment and the full membership deposit would come due once the club reached 100 members.

The residences that were sought were large resort like properties. The club's flagship property in the portfolio was The Point, a former Rockefeller estate in Saranac Lake, New York. The luxurious resort features eleven distinct guest quarters between four buildings.

In the interim as the club approached 100 members, the club would keep the resorts running and available for use by non-members, providing a stream of revenue into the club. Once the club reached 100 members, the resorts would be closed to the public and available only to members.

Joining Burch was James Millership, with extensive experience in the fractional sales industry, and Kenneth May, a former Disney Vacation Club President. The trio hoped to grow Everlands to over 1,800 members within five years and operate 45 resorts around the world available exclusively to members.

Unfortunately, Lehman Brothers was a major financial backer of the club, and their collapse towards the end of 2008 removed a great deal of capital from the club. In March of 2009, the club elected to scale back operations significantly. While the resorts remain in operation and staffed, the club elected to halt new membership programs and let their approximately 60 members and the public enjoy their properties until the economy begins to show signs of recovery.

Following some rumblings that the club was looking to find a home for their members, in October of 2009, Everlands and Ultimate Escapes, one of the industry's largest clubs in terms of members, properties, and destinations, announced an agreement. Everlands members would be "offered the opportunity to join Ultimate Escapes under preferred membership terms."

To learn more about Everlands, please visit the club's quick links found to the right or request a free copy of our Destination Club Guide.

You Might Also Be Interested In...

Ciel
Ultimate Escapes