The New Abercrombie & Kent Destination Clubs Master Brand

By: Destination Club News
Date: February 2, 2004

Now with two distinct clubs in operation, Private Retreats and Distinctive Retreats, Rob McGrath has announced the new collective master brand for his destination club: Abercrombie & Kent Destination Clubs.

"Our new name creates a distinct presence in this growing industry evolving from the private club, travel and fractional ownership sectors," says McGrath. "With the positive response to our first club, Private Retreats by Abercrombie & Kent, and the initiation of our second club, Distinctive Retreats by Abercrombie & Kent, Abercrombie & Kent Destination Clubs looks to further strengthen its leading position and continue to provide exceptional service to our Members."

The pioneer of the destination club model, Private Retreats launched in 1998 and have memberships available beginning at $250,000 with annual dues of $8,750. Distinctive Retreats, a new higher level than Private Retreats with larger and more expensive properties, began late last year with memberships available from $445,000 with accompanying annual dues of $12,750.

Members of both clubs have unlimited annual access to their club's collection of vacation properties, what Abercrombie & Kent Destination Club calls "a guaranteed second home in multiple location."

"Abercrombie & Kent Destination Clubs will continue to surmount the challenges of other industries, as it did with its destination club concept and Proprietary Capacity Model, with more offerings that better match consumer expectations and needs, and guarantee a member’s accommodation request 365 days a year," McGrath would continue.

Members are also able to travel with A&K on their famed tours and safaris, spanning more than 60 locations across all seven continents, adding to the total destination club experience.

The new Abercrombie & Kent Destination Clubs are coming off a banner year in 2003. Total membership sales reached nearly $60 million, a 362% increase from their 2002 figures. This rapid growth bodes well for other destination clubs. Exclusive Resorts, Abercrombie & Kent's primary rival, recently took the club to court over "cyber-squatting" on their website. Private Escapes is still in their charter membership phase but is created by a former Private Retreats member and executive, Richard Keith.

Please check back frequently for more news on every destination club and request a free copy of our Destination Club Guide for additional insight into the destination club industry and how it compares to other luxury travel options.