Ritz-Carlton raises the bar with the unveiling of a new way to enjoy an inspiring vacation lifestyle: The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club.

An evolution of The Ritz-Carlton Club, this equity-based private membership program offers two choices – either a Home Club Membership (identical to the successful fractional ownership offering) which provides use of a titled residence at a property they can return to throughout the year, or a deeded, Portfolio Membership which affords the opportunity to discover a wide variety of premier destinations and accommodations.

An industry defining vacation option, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club offers an unparalleled experience tailored to each Member's needs and expectations.

"The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club provides the discerning few with a new level of privilege and freedom when they travel," said Peter J. Watzka, executive vice president and chief operating officer for The Ritz-Carlton Development Company, Inc. (an affiliate of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company). "Over the last decade of establishing a second home alternative for our current Ritz-Carlton Club Members, we developed intimate and rewarding, one-to-one relationships. With this commitment to deliver luxury vacation experiences, we evolved the brand to the new Ritz-Carlton Destination Club by blending the attributes of luxurious vacation homes with a heightened, flexibility while also maintaining the exclusivity our Members have come to expect."

For example, Members with a Home Club preference enjoy up to 35 days of pre-reserved access at their specific Club annually, and can also use a portion of their time at other locations on a reciprocal use basis in accordance with reservation procedures. Home Club prices range from the low $100,000s to the low $800,000s per deeded interest.

Conversely, Portfolio Memberships offer a beneficial interest in a trust where Members can customize their vacations through a points-based currency. This annual allotment of currency is used to reserve accommodations based on their travel dates and residence floor plan best suited for their trip. An initial membership grants 5,000 Club points, but additional interests can be purchased in 2,500 Club point increments.

Portfolio Membership pricing starts at $120,000 for 5,000 annual Club points. The Portfolio Membership option allows the ultimate flexibility for the Member who prefers a different experience each time they travel. For example, a Member may decide to use a four-bedroom residence in Abaco, The Bahamas for a family celebration and use a one-bedroom in San Francisco for a romantic getaway. When choosing from the collection of residences, each is assigned a varying nightly point value. The new Hotel Exchange Program also enables Members who purchased a Portfolio Membership to utilize a portion of their Club points at participating Ritz-Carlton hotels and resorts worldwide.

With locations in San Francisco; Aspen, Colo.; and St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. to name a few, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club offers the legendary service for which The Ritz-Carlton is renowned. Members benefit from a heightened level of service as they are paired with their very own member experience manager who will serve as their primary liaison. Additionally, Members will enjoy the privilege of a dedicated concierge staff providing services that include everything from airport pick-up and pre-arrival provisioning of the residence, to unpacking and pressing pre-sent garments and arranging a complete vacation itinerary.

The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club is an equity-based luxury travel program where Members select either a Home Club Membership which provides a titled residence and usage at a property they can return to every year, or a deeded Portfolio Membership which affords the opportunity to discover a wide variety of locations and experiences. Combining an innovative choice for luxury vacations at some of the most sought-after destinations in the world and coupled with the legendary services of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club offers an inspirational vacation lifestyle tailored to each Member's expectations.