Since 2004, Elite Alliance has been operating a luxury exchange program, allowing owners of private residence clubs to swap time at their various locations. The company has gone on to other projects within the real estate and hospitality industry, including their recent launch of a series of private residence clubs. SherpaReport spoke with them recently about these new clubs.
Who are Elite Alliance?
It all started thirty years ago with the creation of the world’s first residence club – the Deer Valley Club in Park City, Utah. One of the brains behind the development was Steve Dering, later a founding partner of Elite Alliance. The club proved successful, offering an innovative fractional model of ownership which was profitable for developers while beneficial to those seeking an alternative to full ownership of a second (or third) luxury vacation home. DCP International, the developers behind the Deer Valley Club replicated the model with residence clubs at a range of different locations, offering luxury accommodations in cities as well as near the beach and in ski resorts. At the same time, other companies noticed the fractional residence club model and followed suit, creating a new segment within the vacation home industry.
The Elite Alliance Exchange was created to let owners of residences, within the DCP family, share and swap vacation time with other owners. The network started in 2004 with 8 properties and 400 members but has since grown to more than 120 properties and over 8,000 members. Company vice-president Colt Kramell explains their difference: “We only work with professionally managed resorts, residence clubs, destination clubs. We do NOT work with individual homeowners with a vacation rental on AirBNB for example.”
Move to Real Estate
Steve Dering and Elite Alliance President Rob Goodyear then formed Elite Alliance Real Estate. After working with property developers, they have five clubs currently in the launch stage, with several more potential announcements in the near future. These amount to an estimated $387,000,000 in projected sales revenue. Goodyear says, “The evolution of the Elite Alliance brand is the result of recognizing our partners needs and adapting our offerings to ensure the success of any development.”
Meanwhile, Kramell adds “Demand for luxury fractional real estate is gaining popularity due to the rise of real estate prices coupled by the increasing ability to work remotely and a thriving shared economy culture. We are proud to be at forefront of the fractional marketplace, introducing new products in 3 countries.”
New Elite Alliance Residence Clubs
The developments announced so far are:
• The Residence Club at Rancho La Puerta. Billing itself as the world’s first wellness residence club, Rancho La Puerta features 15 residences, each with 8 owners, in Tecate, Mexico. Two, three, and four-bedroom options are available, all with top of the line air and water purification systems and circadian lighting. Other features in each residence include a salt-water dipping pool and jacuzzi, spa shower, private patio, heated bathroom floors, and bicycles for personal use. The 4-bedroom villas also include a private wine cellar. Owners have access to a range of onsite amenities, including gym, tennis courts, winery, meditation area, and more. Pricing begins at $179,000.
• Quimera. San Miguel de Allende in the heart of Mexico has proved popular with many American expats who enjoy its classical architecture, beautiful climate, and rich array of cultural activities. Now Elite Alliance members can own property there while also gaining access to their portfolio of other properties around the world. Quimera is a set of 9 luxury residences at the Ventanas Golf Club. Each home has 4 bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, swimming pool, jacuzzi and other amenities, not to mention full membership at the golf club. Enormous sliding windows make the most of the natural light and landscape. Prices start at $145,000 for a 1/10 share.
• 12 Ridges Residence Club. Located within the 350-acre estate of 12 Ridges Vineyard in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, this club’s stunning properties include 2- and 3-bedroom townhouses as well as 4-bedroom homes complete with hot tubs and wraparound patios. The designs blend into the surrounding landscape while offering spectacular views across the mountains. Owners have access to Skylark House, a communal lodge with a gym, outdoor pool, spa facilities, and a golf simulator. They can also enjoy discounts and privileges at the winery. The onsite concierge service can plan trips and other outdoor activities. Each residence at 12 Ridges will be shared by 8 owners. Prices start at $278,500.
• Quinta Tenerias. Elite Alliance’s second club in San Miguel Allende consists of 5 luxury 2-bedroom homes in the heart of the town. Museums, art galleries, and the town’s thermal hot springs are all within easy walking distance. Each residence will have 8 owners. There are 2 styles of residence, differentiated by size, but both styles have private terraces that overlook the interior gardens. Prices start at $73,000.
• Palazzo Ricci. The most-recently announced club is located in the medieval town of Casoli, up in the hills of Abruzzo, Italy. The 18th century Palazzo has been carefully renovated into 14 fully-furnished luxury residences. According to the recent press release: "Casoli … lies in the heart of the Abruzzo region of Italy, which has been declared by various media outlets as Italy's next “best destination”. The cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and vintage architecture, epitomized by an iconic 9th-century castle, create authentic Italian ambiance."
Each residence enjoys views of the Italian countryside and of the Adriatic Sea. The palace also has a full range of amenities, including Roman bath, rooftop observation deck, outdoor pool, and more. Residence options within the palace include one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom residences, as well as a three-bedroom penthouse/cottage. Each residence will be shared by 9 owners. Prices start at $89,759 for a 1-bedroom residence.
Elite Alliance says they have additional residence clubs in the pipeline which will be announced within the coming months. It's good to see so many new clubs being launched, after a relatively quiet period in the fractional home sector.