Exclusive Resorts Acquires Start Up The Odyssey Club

By: Destination Club News
Date: December 10, 2003

The sound of ocean waves crashing against the beach intersect with light, soothing orchestral music. A stylized wave crosses the screen, introducing a new travel membership club: The Odyssey Club, Andrew Harper's Collection of Luxury Residences. Coming in January of 2004.

Created by John Pritzker and Thomas Gottlieb, The Odyssey Club's Chairman and CEO respectively, and Andrew Harper, the club's Principal Advisor, won't have to wait the final 25 days as the club has already been acquired by the quickly emerging upstart Exclusive Resorts.

Planning a January 5 launch date, the Park City based private membership club planned to provide members "unparalleled access to a superb portfolio of the finest properties, resort spas, and cruises, complemented by unsurpassed guest services."

Just over three months ago, Exclusive Resorts announced that they had already surpassed the 100 member mark and are thrilled with the new acquisition. "By acquiring worthy competitors, we have not only reinforced and furthered our leadership in the sector, but we have also enhanced our team of outstanding industry professionals," said Brent Handler, Co-Founder and President of Exclusive Resorts. "These acquisitions expand our portfolio of iconic residences, and increase our membership base in an extremely efficient manner."

The Odyssey Club's limited pre-launch members have been given the opportunity to convert their Odyssey Club membership to an Exclusive Resorts membership at a discounted rate or have their fees refunded. From an internal standpoint, The Odyssey Club's Thomas Gottlieb joins the Exclusive Resorts' team as a member of the Board of Directors on January 2, 2004. Other employees of the club may also be transitioned into the Exclusive Resorts' family. al relocation to Exclusive Resorts' corporate headquarters in Denver, Colorado.

"What John Pritzker, Andrew Harper and I have founded and started, will be able to reach its ultimate potential under the auspices of Exclusive Resorts," said Gottlieb. "Brad Handler and Brent Handler are dynamic entrepreneurs who pioneered the luxury residence club industry and made it both feasible and viable by developing a proprietary usage paradigm. Their portfolio of residences is the finest in the world and they provide a member experience that is incomparable. I look forward to serving on the Company's Board of Directors and to contributing to the success of Exclusive Resorts."

And why stop at one? Exclusive Resorts has also announced the acquisition of Mirabella Estates, a high end fractional firm based in Austin. The acquisition brings new properties in Telluride and Snowmass and proprietary marketing assets to Exclusive Resorts worth an estimated $20 million.