Capricorne Villas Lets Members Set Their Own Prices

By: Destination Club News
Date: December 11, 2009

Capricorne Villas, a luxury villa rental destination club based out of California, is offering a new "experiment" for some of their select properties, letting members set their own per night prices.

"As the CEO of Capricorne Villas, I have a travel offer you can't refuse," began Capricorne Villas CEO Brian Kasbar. "How do I know this? Because you will set the terms and the price of my offer."

"In an effort to get as many of our members traveling to the tropics as possible, we are launching a one-time experiment for our villas in Kauai and Puerto Vallarta/Punta de Mita during the month of December. Here is the deal: You tell us what you would pay for a luxury villa vacation during March or April 2010..."

"...and if we can fill our villas up with travelers, we are confident we will be able to meet your requested price. It will be a win-win for everyone. We will have full occupancy, and you will have a vacation that easily fits into your budget."

Members can choose any open dates and then submit the amount they would pay per night. Each member is allowed only one bid as part of this special offer and the club will accept the highest offers, but Kasbar writes "Offers that are a small fraction of the regular price will probably not be accepted."

Capricorne Villas blends the line between destination clubs and villa rentals. While travelers are members in the club, Capricorne Villas does not require "the outrageous upfront costs associated with destination clubs." Instead, members only pay for the nights they access each year with no annual minimum travel requirements.

The destination club industry is currently full of attractive benefits available to potential members. Ultimate Escapes, the world's second largest destination club, has two different promotions currently available. New members can choose between flying for free for their first year of membership to any club residences or can receive free annual dues during their first year as a member.

The Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club, the largest equity destination club, is also offering two different membership options. For those looking to enjoy the destination club experience without having to commit to members, Abercrombie & Kent is offering a two year trial membership that only requires annual dues. Members pay a 10% premium on each year's dues, with the additional funds applied to the full equity membership price if the trial member elects to upgrade following the conclusion of their two years. Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club reduced prices 40% on full equity memberships yesterday, allowing new members to save nearly $200,000 on the club's 45 Night Membership.

The destination club industry is beginning to show signs of life again after a tumultuous 2009, and clubs across the industry continue to try to lessen the barriers that potential members may have. Look for other destination clubs to continue courting new members with new and exciting membership terms in the coming months. If you would like to learn more about the current promotions offered throughout the destination club industry, please request a free copy of our Destination Club Guide.