San lameer golf estate, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

San Lameer is located on the beautiful South Coast of South Africa's Kwazulu-Natal Province. This area, well known for its lovely year-round tropical climate, stunning beaches, and picturesque rolling green hills, is without a doubt one of South Africa's most popular family holiday destinations for. San Lameer is just off the N2 highway, 160 kilometers or 90 minutes from Durban International Airport.

The Estate is only minutes away from the popular resort town Margate with its own airport, and just 20 minutes from the Wild Coast Casino.Experience the magnificent San Lameer Conservancy through the spectacular hiking trails, practice your skills on the world-class 18-hole golf course set in an exquisite nature reserve, or simply relax on our exclusive blue flag beach.

San Lameer's lovely white beach, protected by shark nets and with life guards on duty, stretches for over a kilometer and also features a tidal swimming pool. Should you wish to spend the day on the resort you have the choice of open action cricket, squash and tennis courts, a play park for children, rowing boats, canoeing, fishing, a bowling green and nature trails.

San Lameer's natural wonderland extends way beyond your wildest dreams. The 4-star Mondazur hotel has just undergone a spectacular multi-million rand renovation to enhance its reputation as one of the most desired holiday destinations in South Africa. The Mondazur hotel, Situated within the San Lameer estate - offers 8 elegantly appointed Classic rooms, 26 Deluxe rooms, 2 Superior rooms, 2 Executive rooms and 2 Suites.

With decoration greatly influenced by our fruits, flowers, colours and silky materials, your room envelopes you in an Indian Ocean dream. The fresh, minimalist style of decor provides a harmonious and relaxing ambiance. The emphasis has been firmly placed on providing maximum in-room comfort and space. Rooms have an international direct dial telephone, colour TV with Cable and movie channels, a bath and shower, an electric room safe and 18-hour room service.

Q&A with Alex Bosch

The former Timeshare Institute of Southern Africa (TISA) recently re-branded to VOASA – Vacation Ownership Association of Southern Africa, why was this?

[AB] The Timeshare Institute of Southern Africa (TISA) was officially landed in 1993 with the mission and object intention to govern business practices within the Timeshare industry through a Code of Conduct to protect the interest of both consumers and the industry and promoting an equitable, negotiated balance between these interests.  The industry in 1993 consisted of conventional timeshare week modules utilised by timeshare owners.

The industry has since evolved through the introduction of new products based on the underlying timeshare structures such as timeshare points, vacation clubs, destination clubs and fractional ownership, giving the consumer greater flexibility and choice.  In 2007 TISA created a business strategy plan in terms of which these new products would be incorporated in the industry which had evolved to a model of shared vacation ownership products and to re-brand the industry, hence the name change and re-branding to Vacation Ownership Association of Southern Africa (VOASA) to embrace all stakeholders in the shared vacation ownership industry.

SAAFI also merged with VOASA - Does this imply that VOASA are the only shared vacation ownership body in Southern Africa?

[AB] VOASA is the only shared vacation ownership body or association with a code of conduct agreed with and mandated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – other informal associations may exist but are not known by VOASA.

Is VOASA a voluntary organisation?

[AB] VOASA is a self-regulated non-profit association funded through it's membership base with no governmental subsidy

How many members does VOASA have?

[AB] The current membership of  VOASA totals 197 members; the greater majority thereof being corporate entities

What services does your organisation offer vacation ownership companies and individuals?

[AB] VOASA offers guidance on legislation affecting the industry; ensuing that accommodation schemes are, structured correctly in terms of the required legal framework; attending on general enquiries or complaints received pertaining to the industry and an alternative dispute resolution through mediation.

What membership categories do you offer?

[AB] VOASA offers membership in Developer, Exchange Organisation, Owners Association, Brokers and managing agent categories.

What events to VOASA have planned for 2010?

[AB] VOASA will attend a stand at the Annual Indaba Exposition, various workshops for members as well as the Annual VOASA Conference 29 to 31 August 2010 in Durban, South Africa.

Has your organisation assisted resorts with offering accommodation for the 2010 FIFA world cup visitors?

[AB] VOASA assisted a number of timeshare resorts and vacation clubs to engage in discussion with MATCH, the accommodation arm of FIFA 2010, and to enter into agreements endorsed by VOASA.

What major changes do you for see for the shared vacation ownership industry over the next 12 months?

[AB] As in all property related industries, the shared vacation ownership market has been negatively affected by the current economic downturn.

Indications are positive that the economy and thus the property market will pick up later in 2010. Against this, our industry is faced with the challenges of the new Companies Act 2008 and the Consumer Protection 2008, both statures of legislation coming into effect during 2010; to balance the effect and the sustainability of the industry to positively grow.