Inspirato Launches With Exclusive Resorts Founder Brent Handler at the Helm

By: Destination Club News
Date: January 5, 2011

Brent Handler, one of the co-founders of Exclusive Resorts, has launched his latest venture, Inspirato, a new club that blends features of villa rentals with destination club service.

Members pay a one-time initiation fee, currently priced at $9,500, to access the Inspirato portfolio. They then pay a variable per night cost based on the properties they visit and a $2,500 annual renewal fee for every year they remain with the club. Unlike the more traditional destination club model where properties are owned by the club, Inspirato leases properties for multi-year terms. The per night market rates for the properties are dynamic, determined by how far in advance the residence is reserved, travel dates, and the length of the stay. On average, Inspirato properties will be available for roughly $1,000 per night but with some value season rates at just a few hundred dollars.

"We believe that today marks a watershed moment in the luxury vacation industry," said Founder and CEO Handler. "Whereas Exclusive Resorts turned the industry upside down by giving consumers more choice and flexibility, Inspirato is transforming the $24 billion vacation rental market by offering a solution for 'everyday affluent' consumers who want flexibility, luxurious accommodations and amenities, highly personalized service and a consistent experience from one vacation to the next, but without the significant upfront capital commitment required by other luxury travel options."

Members will also enjoy personalized travel planning services and destination concierges akin to a destination club. "Exceptional service is the hallmark of Inspirato and provides a meaningful differentiation compared to existing vacation rental offerings," Handler continued. "Our outstanding team of Personal Vacation Advisors and Destination Concierges seeks to positively impact the vacation experience of each of our members through meaningful relationships and a commitment to memorable, worry-free vacations."

The launch of Inspirato comes just a few short weeks after the introduction of Next Great Place, another luxury travel firm started by a former Exclusive Resorts' executive. Next Great Place is led by Tom Filippini, a fellow co-founder of Exclusive Resorts, and Erik Mitisek, the club's former Director of Business Development.

These new no-ownership models have gained increased popularity over the past year within the destination club industry. Clubs such as Boundless Journeys Club, Demeure, and The Discovery Club also have built their respective models around a similar concept. With the Ultimate Escapes bankruptcy still at the forefront of many luxury travelers' minds, it will be interesting to see how these clubs outside the traditional destination club mold will fare.