Ventures Equity
Members

Ventures Equity Vacation Club would be one of the destination club industry's earliest equity based clubs and would grow to approximately 20 members before being acquired by Ultimate Resort in February of 2008.

"What could be more ingenious," the club's literature began. "A small group of like-minded investors coming together to purchase not just one, but a portfolio of luxury vacation homes? Exquisite in concept and execution, Ventures boasts true equity ownership – the prospect of a return on your investment plus years of lavish getaways. Unlike other investments, which may languish in a safety deposit box, these are magnificent livable homes in some of the world's most desirable destinations. Homes to revel in, play in, laugh in – and to build memories in. The Ventures team makes it all-too easy. Property management, concierge and travel-planning experts anticipate your every need – as mundane as securing dining reservations, as personal as placing family photos on your nightstand – and relieve all the tedium of second-home maintenance."

Members were "Equity Partners" in the club, entitled to a share of the proceeds when the club planned to liquidate the properties eight to 12 years after their launch.

Due to this structure, Ventures Equity was limited in their marketing efforts and wasn't able to keep pace with the leading non-equity destination clubs in the industry.

Ultimate Resort, who had just completed the acquisition of Tanner & Haley and announced a merger with Private Escapes, would acquire the club and their estimated $17 million property portfolio early in 2008. In addition to the properties, 19 members of Ventures Equity would join with Ultimate Resort, who would quickly be known as Ultimate Escapes. These members remain a part of the world's second largest destination club.

If you are a former member of Ventures Equity and would like to comment on your experience with the club, please feel free to contact us at contribute@destinationclubnews.com.