In the world of botany and genetics, hybrids are the offspring of genetically dissimilar animal or plant stock, and they derive their strength from combining two robust DNA strains. The destination club industry has its own version of so-called hybrids, clubs that veer from the traditional membership model by offering use of luxury homes without the requirement of a larger, yet refundable, deposit.

While membership deposits are still the norm in the industry, these hybrids are beginning to gain traction, with the rollout of new clubs adopting this model and even industry stalwart Ultimate Resort dipping its toe into this market with the its Ultimate Discovery membership.

One Key was the first to market with this hybrid model. Its Travel Card program has no upfront deposit. Instead members buy a card with 15, 25 or 45 nights to use at a portfolio of more than 300 residences and villas ranging in value from $2 million to $4 million. One Key card prices ring in at $34,900 for 15 nights, $49,900 for 25 nights, $84,900 for 45 nights, with concierge and pre-trip planning services. Not surprisingly, the larger the card, the lower the cost per night.

Norm Katz, director of sales for One Key said that the typical One Key member isn’t interested in a long-term contract and has often looked at other destination clubs and done the math. “When they add up the amount spent on the membership deposits as well as the annual dues of destination clubs, [they] have difficulty making the numbers work,” he said.

is another spin on the hybrid club.  Michael Friedman founder and CEO of Elite Shares has adopted a sort of all you can eat approach to the club and vacation industry, combining the cost of a car, jet and residence together without any long term commitment.  “Instead of being part of a residence club where you pay extra for cars and planes, ours is a club where you pay one fee, and everything is included,” said Friedman. “From a fiscal position and a comfort level, it is easier. And our members appreciate this.”

Elite Shares uses a Bank of America debit card account, where the member can add to the card as needed. The initial cost of becoming an Elite Shares member is $200,000, $188,000 of which is deposited into the debit account. The remaining $12,000 goes directly to Elite Shares for annual dues. Currently the club has access to 28 residences and strategic alliances with major luxury real estate brokerages, car and jet companies. Readers however should be cautioned that this is a new club with a limited track record. We will of course be taking a closer look at its model as it evolves.

Perhaps the biggest splash in the hybrid pool was the announcement by Ultimate Resort at the Ragatz Fractional Industry conference last month that it would be foraying into this type of model with its Ultimate Discovery plan. The membership is structured similarly to One Key’s offering. Members can purchase 15, 30 or 45 days of use at the club from anywhere from $13,500 to $112,500. The fee is non-refundable, and it remains to be seen how this model will be received by travelers. If it does well, then perhaps these hybrids will truly come to be seen as strong destination club offspring.

Next up: A look at a few new destination clubs that hit the market recently, including Private Trade Winds, Equity Estates and Legacy Destination Club.