Global exchange for Private Residence Club owners

Source: fractionalownership.co.za

There are some 300 Private Residence Clubs in the world, and it is estimated that more than 60% of these are in North America. Mac van der Merwe, CEO of the Zorgvliet Private Residence Club, says that a great bonus for South Africans is the large price difference between similar products in the international arena and in South Africa. “The local market offers incredible value and value-added supporting amenities, and the opportunity to be part of an efficient global exchange programme based on value for value offerings.

“These are what distinguish a private residence club from fractional ownership. The purchase basis is very similar, but that is where the likeness ends. A true private residence club usually offers a range of value-added amenities enhancing the owner’s experiences, a credible hospitality backbone, formal management arrangements, a global exchange programme - and above all, an international five-star standard offering.”

Van der Merwe has just returned from visiting a number of properties in the USA that are affiliated to The Registry Collection, with which Zorgvliet Private Residence Club has an exchange programme. “As a South African vacation investor affiliated to The Registry Collection, a member of the Zorgvliet Private Residence Club can exchange a residence club option bought with ZAR currency for an offering in the USA of a similar standard – but which costs much more than the share in a local destination! For example, a 28-day fraction at Dinkweng Safari Camp costs less than half the price of one at The Cottages at National Golf Club in Pinehurst, North Carolina. When you use your weeks at Dinkweng, you get unique bush safari facilities with various added amenities including a Zorgvliet Spa, self-drive and accompanied game drives, mountain hikes, a tennis court, Zorgvliet wine at cellar prices and access to the big five Ka’Ingo private reserve and Spa at preferential consideration.

“When you choose to exchange some of your time at Dinkweng with The Cottages in the USA, you will get to enjoy a pristine golf resort with luxurious 250 m2 houses and a top 50 golf course. Members can play as often as they wish without any additional costs – and the normal cost per round on this type of course can exceed R1000. A 28 days per year fraction in this prestigious Private Residence Club is priced from $135 000 (R1 282 500) – whereas our introductory offer at Dinkweng is only R420 000 for 28 days – which you can then exchange for time at The Cottages or one of The Registry Collection’s other five-star destinations all over the world!”

Van der Merwe says that the introduction of the first South African multi-destination five-star product offering, the Zorgvliet Private Residence Club, has created opportunities for “global grandeur vacations”. There are more than 100 similar destinations that Zorgvliet Private Residence Club members can exchange with through the affiliation with The Registry Collection, ranging from Canadian mountain lodges to a secluded chateau in France and magnificent seaside resorts in Mexico.

“Being affiliated with The Registry Collection opens doors to the world at South African base prices. During discussions in the USA it became clear that South Africa is becoming of interest to the American market. More promotion will see Americans buying into South African private residence clubs - and as a result of the price differentiation even using a South African share as the basis for exchanging back into the USA destinations. African game safaris are an attractive option, and the Baby Boomers are about to discover South Africa as a new destination of choice. The spill-over will see an increase in local prices as the demand grows.”

Contact Zorgvliet Private Residence Club Hettie Botha on 082 268 4559; E-mail: residence@zorgvliet.com. See www.zorgvlietprop.co.za