Destination Clubs in South Africa

By: Destination Club News
Date: June 11, 2010

In just a few short hours, South Africa will face off against Mexico to kick off the 2010 World Cup, one of the most highly anticipated events around the globe for its long list of storylines. How will host nation South Africa fare against the most elite teams in the first tournament on African soil? Will striker Didier Drogba be able to recover from his broken arm to lead the Ivory Coast into later rounds? Will anyone be able to stop powerhouses Brazil or Spain? Can star Jozy Altidore make it to full strength to help meet high expectations for the USA?

While much of the talk about South Africa will center around these questions in the coming weeks, a growing number of destination clubs have begun to focus on the region for its rich culture heritage, world class golf, and stunning topography.

Just last month, we announced that The Markers Club, America's only golf themed destination club, would soon be launching The Markers Club Africa, a new club with a collection of properties and travel experiences located within South Africa. "Not only will we be courting members throughout Africa, but we believe our core group of US members will also be interested in visiting our residences in South Africa," said The Markers Club CEO Michael Broussard. "In addition to the acclaimed golf, they will be able to safari in the region and go on photography expeditions. Likewise, members of The Markers Club Africa will find our properties in Scottsdale, Las Vegas, and others just as appetizing."

The Hideaways Club has arguably been the most successful destination club of the year, expanding into both Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. Their growing base of members have access to two vacation properties in South Africa, both in use by members at present for the World Cup festivities. "We have arranged World Cup tickets for matches in Capetown in addition to arranging cars and drivers for them," said the club's Michael Sugden. "As an add on, we also set them up with an overnight safari and tour of the wine region at Stellenbosch."

This assortment of activities and attractions is just one of the reasons that The Hideaways Club looked to South Africa. "Excellent value for money; repeated requests from members to have the opportunity to visit Hideaways Club properties in South Africa; a beautiful climate and great escape from European winters; good value for money with regard to living costs – transport, restaurants, shops etc, close proximity to safaris, wine regions and the famed Garden Route," Sugden listed as the club's top reasons for expansion into the region.

The Oyster Circle features one property in South Africa in Pearl Valley, a resort in the heart of the Western Cape. Known for its golf and spa facilities, Pearl Valley is near Franschhoek, one of the country's most highly praised culinary and wine destinations.

While they won't be their for the World Cup festivities, members of Exclusive Resorts will be visiting South Africa later this year as part of the club's Once In A Lifetime program. The world's largest destination club has already unveiled their 2011 Once In A Lifetime collection, letting members visit such destinations as Tanzania, Fiji, Patagonia, and the French Countryside.

One of the primary benefits of joining a destination club is having a collection of vacation properties around the world available at your fingertips, typically including perennially popular destinations such as New York City or Los Cabos, but also more off the beaten path locales such as the Turks & Caicos and South Africa. If you would like to learn more about the benefits associated with joining a destination club, request a free copy of our Destination Club Guide.