The Discovery Club Adds Former Monastery To Portfolio

By: Destination Club News
Date: August 27, 2010

Once a medieval village and monastery, Castel Monastero is now the very definition of a Tuscan retreat and one of the newest additions to The Discovery Club and their collection of affiliate residences spanning the globe.

Unlike other destination clubs that traditionally purchase the homes available to members, The Discovery Club partners with a multitude of resorts and luxury vacation residences, continually adding new properties such as Castel Monastero to their roster.

Castel Monastero is part of the new exclusive Italian brand of luxury hotels, Eleganzia Hotels & Spas. Since the 11th century, Castel Monastero has been a fixture on the hills of the Chianti region. With 75 rooms and suites of various sizes and an independent villa, a 1,000 square meter spa with indoor water area, sauna, emotional showers, and two indoor pools are also available to guests.

Castel Monastero is joined by an assortment of other new affiliate properties joining The Discovery Club this month. The Hotel Eden was founded in 1889 and has recently received a comprehensive refurbishment, now giving members of the club a new vacation option in Rome between the Via Veneto and the Spanish Steps. Based out of Canada, The Discovery Club also has added several properties to their portfolio for their Canadian members. The Pantages Hotel Toronto Centre is found in the city's finance, entertainment, and shopping districts, giving travelers easy access to one of the world's most popular destinations. The Cosmopolitan Toronto Centre Hotel and Spa is crafted utilizing the number eight and can be found repeatedly throughout the building. Le Méridien King Edward has been in Toronto for over 100 and features nearly 300 spacious guest rooms and suites. In the Chic-Chocs mountain massif is the Chic-Chocs Mountain Lodge in Gaspésie, Québec. Travelers will find an abundance of hiking, cycling, wildlife, and more at this retreat with over 600 cabins, 8,000 campsites, and close to 250 hotel rooms.

The distinct advantage that this model has over other destination club structures is the countless properties that can be added to the portfolio. While other clubs build their property roster in tandem with new membership growth, clubs like The Discovery Club can build their collection in anticipation of growth, giving members numerous vacation options. On the other hand, properties available to The Discovery Club are also available to the general public, taking away some of the exclusivity that other destination clubs offer where properties are available solely for members.

If you would like to learn more, request a copy of our Destination Club Guide, a free manual that will help you better understand the destination club concept with contributions from members, executives, and industry insiders.