The interest in European destination clubs continues to grow. The Oyster Circle , founded in December 2005 by a group experienced in high end travel, offers luxury properties in the $4 million range. While most of their villas, chalets and apartments are in Europe – they were the first club to offer homes in Portugal and Spain – they also offer sites in the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East.

The Oyster Circle supplies year-round access to a range of activities including golf, shopping, relaxing at the beach, sightseeing, and skiing. They also provide a range of services such as daily maid and pressing service, personal assistants, and concierges. Their aim is to make luxury vacationing as trouble free as possible.

Three types of membership are available:

• a corporate option (with up to 5 users from one company) with 35 days of usage – $37,000 annual subscription cost
• an individual membership with an option for 28 days – $26,000 annual subscription cost
• an individual membership with 35 days usage – $31,000 annual subscription cost

Members pay a preference share subscription fee upon joining, which is refundable upon exit after the first year. Share prices are $388,000 for individual memberships and $466,000 for corporate. In addition, the Oyster Circle has placed a cap at 400 members to keep a ratio of one property to every six members

Currently, the Oyster Circle has 11 properties located in France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, South Africa, The Bahamas, The Caribbean, Dubai, Miami and New York. According to Chief Executive Paul Crowe, they are currently pursuing sites in:

• Paris
• Lake Garda
• Majorca
• Bordeaux
• Sardinia
• Verbiers
• Barbados
• Sicily
• Napa Valley
• Cyprus

Two European destination clubs have recently launched. As early developments, they’re not without risk. Yet both have good backers, premium real estate, and ambitious plans for growth. For someone who wants a heavy European focus for their vacation travels, The Oyster Circle and The Hideaways Club should make your shortlist. If you’re talking to either of these clubs, send us an email at tips@heliumreport.com and tell us what you’re learning.

To learn how to evaluate and analyze destination club offerings, download our Decision Guide to Destination Clubs.

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