Over 25 Destination Clubs are operating and probably at least another 10 in the pipeline. Some are from established partners, like Leading Residences of the World (backed in part by Cendant). Most are start-ups. Here’s how they do it: develop an experienced management team (hopefully), impressive board of directors/advisors and a handful of charter members. Accomplish this using start-up capital, but usually before home acqusition has started. Then, work their own business and social networks, as well as some affluent market advertising, to get to their charter member target—typically between 25 and 50. At that point, the club has what it needs to commit to buying houses and getting the operations in place. Probably a 12-18 month process.

We just discovered Conservation Havens. Interesting concept (and probably a good idea to differentiate from all the other clubs), and seem to be in that stage of looking for their charter members.