Featured Property: Banyan Tree Private Collection Madivaru

By: Destination Club News
Date: March 27, 2011

Just steps from the beach, Banyan Tree Maldives Madivaru marries modern day luxury with the time-tested concept of falling asleep within earshot of the crashing nighttime waves. Part of the Banyan Tree Private Collection affiliate network, members have access to the six tented pool villas in the Maldives, making for one of the most novel accommodations in the destination club industry.

Each tented pool villas comprises three individual tents, distinctively equipped to function as living, sleeping, and bathing areas. The bath tent includes a pair of spa beds for in-villa treatments, including the signature Banyan Tree Spa massages and facials. The tropical ambience outside is replicated within, as the interiors include timber flooring, rattan and teak furniture, handcrafted wooden and canvas accents, and ceiling canopies.

While outside of the destination club norm, these luxury camping experiences aren't entirely foreign within the industry. Members of The Discovery Club, a Canadian based club that provides access to four and five star resorts and hotels, established a relationship with Clayoquot Wilderness Resort in British Columbia. Within, members can stay at one of the 20 white canvas tents, each built on raised wooden platforms. Described as "Swiss Family Robinson style," the resort includes off-site generators for hot water and private showers and electricity for wireless internet connection.

As evidenced by the tented villa options available to Banyan Tree Private Collection members, destination club are continuing to expand to include more extreme and customized travel plans. Quintess has recently partnered with andBeyond to create QuintessBeyond, a new program that allows members to safari in Africa. Members of the Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club can exchange a portion of their nights for their own safaris, European getaways, or a number of Extreme Adventures that range from following the footsteps of Genghis Khan to conquering the last degree of the South Pole.

The comfortable confines of a multi-million dollar vacation home will always be available to destination club members, but safaris, expeditions, and even tents seem to be gaining interest as it appears that experience is beginning to supersede comfort at the luxury level.