A recent trip to the Los Angeles area gave us the opportunity to visit Malibu and the latest addition to the home portfolio of destination club, One Key. At the invitation of clubs, Helium Report occasionally has the opportunity to try out such homes for one- or two-night stays. While we aren’t under the illusion that our visits are a complete representation of how a club member might experience a property, these firsthand looks do help capture the level of luxury and style of homes that destination clubs are aiming for in this competitive sector.

One Key is a fairly recent entrant to the destination club category, and its business model is different from other clubs on several levels. It does not require that members pay a large upfront deposit or annual fees. Instead, members members purchase a travel plan with 15, 25 or 45 nights. Rather than owning the homes in its portfolio, the club leases its properties on a short term basis making One Key more of a hybrid between a destination club and a luxury villa rental agency. The homes, valued at $2 million to $4 million, are located throughout the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico.

The Malibu property, named Pacific Bluff, is certainly impressive. Situated behind two private gates and 183 steps above a semi-private beach, the seclusion, contemporary décor and panoramic ocean views make the property a welcoming oasis from the madness of nearby Los Angeles.

Renovation of the entire property was just wrapped up last month. New features include flat-panel televisions and speakers throughout the house, a Viking range, a wine refrigerator and an outdoor fire pit. The house also got an interior décor upgrade with 620-thread-count linens on brand new mattresses, contemporary white leather sofas and shag rugs complemented by dark wood and Asian-influenced accents. The house also included extra toiletries like dental supplies and L’Occitane beauty products.

Of course all of that paled in comparison to the one amenity that wasn’t man-made: the view. The house sits just steps from the beach and overlooks a stunning stretch of the Pacific that becomes even more striking at sunset.

Two weeks before our arrival, the One Key Director of Hospitality contacted us and asked what activities we had planned, what we would like stocked in the kitchen and if we had any special requirements such as massages or a personal chef. We passed on most offers, but notified them we would be barbequing on Saturday afternoon.

On our way to catch our departing flight, the same One Key representative contacted us to notify us that our plane was delayed. This turned out to be very helpful—and a simple, but important testament to the “extra mile” that One Key is striving for.

Upon arrival at the home, a sophisticated, professional concierge was there to greet us (even though our arrival was two hours late). She gave us a tour of the house, explaining all appliances, electronics and fixtures, and recommended nearby shops, restaurants and activities. Not only was there fresh organic fruit, coffee, eggs and juice in the fridge, but there was a welcome gift of bbq sauces and cedar planks to use on the grill. It was a simple touch that spoke to the thoughtfulness of the concierge.

While visiting the property, we invited family from Los Angeles to enjoy the sunset with us, and it was agreed that Malibu is truly a place with its back to L.A. If fact, they commented that it seemed like a real vacation, even though they were less than 30 miles from home.

No Helium Report review is complete without a look at any of the downsides of a visit. The biggest One Key faux pas? The new six-person hot tub did not work for us. It was a small hassle but for a vacationer with their heart set on watching that incredible Malibu sunset from the comfort of a hot tub, it could be a major disappointment. Also there was no light on the grill, making it nearly impossible to see what we were cooking in the dark. We shared these sentiments with staff at One Key and both issues have since been remedied.

Pacific Bluffs is one of four properties in the greater Los Angeles area in One Key’s portfolio. It also has homes in Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades and Hermosa Beach. Due to their flexible model of short term leases, One Key is now up to nearly 15 properties in California, Oregon, Hawaii and Mexico so west coast member are never more than few hours away from a good mix of beach and mountain destinations.