Category Archives: Best time share company

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ARDA just released the March results of the AIF Vacation Ownership Sentiment Index. This closed out the first quarter of 2024 and showed a positive travel attitude from timeshare owners. This index was first launched in February 2023 to provide monthly updates on the timeshare owner sentiment and give insight on anticipated behaviors relative to the larger traveler market. It also measures the overall health of the timeshare industry on a regular basis.

In the March index, it showed that timeshare owners are more than twice as likely than the average traveler to strongly agree that “there are some excellent travel deals to be found now.” Additionally, they are found to believe that the US economic conditions improved over the past month. Other takeaways from the March 2024 index include:

• 63% of individuals who own timeshares firmly believe that nothing will deter them from taking a vacation, in contrast to 43% of all travelers expressing the same sentiment. This reflects a positive trend, with 51% of timeshare owners holding this belief in January and 57% in February.
• Those who perceive timeshare ownership as excellent value and would recommend it have experienced significant increases for the third consecutive month. Both metrics have risen by +20 points since January.
• 71% of timeshare owners intend to upgrade their existing timeshare or acquire additional timeshare products within the next two years, marking a +23% improvement over February’s figures.
• Timeshare owners are over 50% more inclined than the general traveler population to invest more time and money into vacations over the next six months. They are also 65% more likely than the broader traveler group to have already booked their next planned vacation.

“Our Vacation Ownership Sentiment Index has provided us with data and insights that we have always known to be true – timeshare owners travel more, prioritize leisure time, and are very happy with their ownership,” said Jason Gamel, president and CEO of ARDA. “It’s no surprise that timeshare owners are inclined to travel more often, given the quality of accommodations and flexible booking options. As we look ahead to the summer travel season, the frequency of their travels isn’t just a plus for our industry – it’s also a win for other sectors, such as airlines, restaurants, and more.”

ARDA also produced insights regarding yearly trends:

• The March Index surged by +17 points to reach 126.3, marking its highest level since August of the previous year. Indices exceeding 100 signify optimistic sentiments.
• The AIF Vacation Ownership Index has consistently demonstrated seasonal highs in March and August, maintaining resilience and positive scores throughout its inaugural fourteen months of monitoring.
• For the tenth consecutive month, over 70% of timeshare owners expressed strong satisfaction, believing their latest vacation significantly surpassed the usual experience.
• The number of timeshare owners strongly affirming their determination to vacation without hindrance has reached its highest point in six months.

Read the complete Vacation Ownership Sentiment Index results from Quarter 1 of 2024 here.

State of disaster declared by Texas Governor Greg Abbott

In response to the threat to property damages and loss of life posed by high winds, destructive tornadoes, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding in parts of the state,  on January 26, 2023, Texas Governor Gregg Abbott formally declared the following state of disaster.   

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME:

WHEREAS, I, GREG ABBOTT, Governor of the State of Texas, do hereby certify that severe storms and tornadoes pose a threat of imminent disaster, including widespread and severe property damage, injury, and loss of life, due to damaging winds, tornadoes, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding in Harris and Orange Counties;

NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with the authority vested in me by Section 418.014 of the Texas Government Code, I do hereby declare a state of disaster in the previously listed counties based on the existence of such threat.

Pursuant to Section 418.017 of the code, I authorize the use of all available resources of state government and of political subdivisions that are reasonably necessary to cope with this disaster.

Pursuant to Section 418.016 of the code, any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of state business or any order or rule of a state agency that would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with this disaster shall be suspended upon written approval of the Office of the Governor.  However, to the extent that the enforcement of any state statute or administrative rule regarding contracting or procurement would impede any state agency’s emergency response that is necessary to protect life or property threatened by this declared disaster, I hereby authorize the suspension of such statutes and rules for the duration of this declared disaster.

In accordance with the statutory requirements, copies of this proclamation shall be filed with the applicable authorities.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and have officially caused the Seal of State to be affixed at my office in the City of Austin, Texas, this the 26th day of January, 2023.  

GREG ABBOTT

Governor

ATTESTED BY:

JANE NELSON

Secretary of State

View the proclamation.

Timeshare owners across the US remain concerned about severe weather 

TimeSharing Today Magazine has reported on the continuing impact extreme weather has had on timeshare resorts, timeshare Associations, and timeshare owners.  We welcome your comments about your experiences in dealing with the impact the extreme weather conditions are having. Email: [email protected]  

By TST January 28, 2023 24 Comments

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Dramatic black lava beaches, verdant golf courses and ocean-view hiking trails are just some of the sights to see while driving around the Island of Hawai’i.

According to the Hawai’i Tourism and Convention Bureau, the Big Island has the world’s tallest mountain, Maunakea. Its altitude is 13,796 when measured from its base on the seafloor.

Visitors can drive 266 miles of coastline to five National Parks, botanical gardens and an array of casual beach dining, fine dining and immersive luau shows.

Top 10 Big Island Restaurants

Here are the best Big Island restaurants to experience food, drink and atmosphere while on vacation in Hawaii.

Best Celebrity Chef Restaurant

Acclaimed Chef, Tyler Florence, recently opened a second Miller & Lux restaurant in Kailua-Kona at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. Overlooking the 18th green of the oceanfront Hualalai Golf Course, Miller & Lux received its name as an homage to two immigrants; Henry Miller and Charles Lux. Founders of a butcher shop in the 1850s, they grew the business into one of the largest cattle ranches in America, gaining the title “The Cattle Kings of California”.

Miller & Lux is a steakhouse with a Hawaiian ambiance. Chef Tyler and his team source the highest quality steaks providing impeccable flavor from the best ranches in America. They also offer a fresh raw bar; just-caught seafood; and farm-direct vegetables and fruit.

Start with a Mai Tai cocktail, Bigeye Tuna Tacos, Steakhouse Wedge Salad and Crispy Lobster Louie served in a Kona lobster shell. Select a Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon to pair with the smallest steak, a Wagyu Skirt “Steak Au Poivre” or live it up and order the 52 oz. Prime Sustainable Australian Wagyu.

Golfers can sit at the bar after 18 holes to enjoy an M&L Burger with a local Kona Beer. Save room for the seven-layer coconut and white chocolate cake.

The price point at Miller & Lux is high.

James Beard Award-Winning Chef

Roy’s Waikoloa is located in the King’s Shops. This high-end restaurant is by notable James Beard award-winning chef Roy Yamaguchi. He is a founding father of Hawaiian fusion fare in a contemporary setting. With his success, he has opened Roy’s – Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine worldwide.

Some favorite menu items include a Pupu Platter featuring Szechuan-style Baby Back Ribs and Hawaiian Kai-style Crab Cakes. Fresh fish entrees include Roy’s Misoyaki Butterfish with sizzling soy, bok choy, and Forbidden rice.

There is also Hibachi Grilled Salmon and Macadamia Nut Crusted Hawaiian White Fish. Finish with Roy’s iconic Melting Hot Chocolate Souffle or Pineapple Upside Down Cake.

The price point at Roy’s Waikoloa is high.

Stellar Hawaiian Oceanview Breakfast

Also at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, the ‘Ulu Ocean Grill offers a lavish breakfast buffet featuring fresh juices, sliced tropical fruit, a made-to-order omelet bar, sushi, plus an array of Hawaiian indulgences. These sweet treats include hot Macadamia Nut Cinnamon Rolls and Malasadas sprinkled with sugar.

Sip local Kona Coffee while enjoying breakfast and brunch items on the scenic outdoor terrace overlooking the beach and ocean beyond. There are also gluten-free items at this buffet.

The price point of the buffet is high, yet visitors can also order from the a la carte menu for a more reasonable price.

Best Sushi On The Island

During sunset, at the Four Season Resort Hualalai ‘Ulu Ocean Grill, diners will hear a conch shell being blown and a fire lighter runs throughout the resort lighting the tiki torches.

In the evening, ‘Ulu Ocean Grill is transformed into an elegant sushi lounge and seafood dinner venue. Beautiful wood and glass doors and windows open to allow the ocean breeze inside.

Guests sip a cocktail or glass of wine while looking over an extensive list of freshly made-to-order Maki Sushi, Nigiri Sushi and Sashimi. Specialty items include a Toro Rice Bowl, Chef’s Assorted Nigiri, Hamachi Carpaccio and an assortment of Sashimi.

Read More: Experience the Flavors of Hawaii on a Food Tour in Honolulu

Dine With Your Toes In The Sand

In Anaeho’omalu Bay near the Waikoloa Beach area, about 16 miles from the Kona International Airport, is the Lava Lava Beach Club. Kick off your shoes and feel the sand between your toes as you enjoy menu items at this casual and lively Hawaiian hot spot.

Known for their Pupus (appetizers), the Ahi poke is served with sweet potato chips, and the Black Lava Lava Salt Ceviche on a crispy tostada. Servers will pass by tables with a hot sizzling Skillet of Shrimp served with garlic bread.

Other popular items include Pineapple Fried Rice, Fish and Chips and a half rack of slowly cooked on low-heat baby back ribs with coconut slaw. The fresh off-the-boat Fish Sandwich, Straight Up Island beef burger and Smoked Kalua Pig sandwich are also popular items ordered.

The price point at Lava Lava Beach Club is medium.

Sunset Luau

Nearby at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is a Sunset Luau on Monday and Wednesday evenings. On the morning of the luau around 10 am, guests can watch the pig being prepared for a traditional blessing behind the pool area. Resting on hot rocks, the pig is covered with wet banana leaves and water-soaked muslin to steam and bake all day.

As the sun sets into Anaeho’omalu Bay, guests sip tropical drinks from the full open bar, while listening to classic Polynesian live music. While feasting on fresh Kalua pig and other traditional Hawaiian fare, guests watch traditional dances of the South Pacific.

The three-hour dinner, drinks and show starts at $158.

Feast and Fire Luau

The Outrigger Kona Beach Resort and Spa is an immersive storytelling evening on the grassy lawn. Guests dine at sunset and watch a spectacular live show under the stars.

The sit-down authentic Hawaiian dinner includes tropical drinks, beer, wine and sodas. Instead of the traditional luau buffet, guests receive a plate filled with slow-roasted Kalua pig, Hawaiian purple potatoes, fresh pineapple, papaya, huli-huli chicken and a basket of warm malasadas sprinkled with sugar.

After the show guests can meet the performers and have their picture taken with them.

The price point of this Luau is high.

Kona Coffee Drive-Thru

Stop by HiCO Hawaiian Coffee for 100% Hawai’i-grown coffee and Hawaiian-flavored teas. Two locations support local coffee grown throughout the island.

The island-inspired interiors are a community place for locals to hang out, grab a drink after surfing or work on projects. It’s an easygoing place to get a 100% Big Island espresso, Ube Sweet Cream Cold

Brew, Wai Meli Honey + Bee Pollen Latte and Superfood Lattes. The cafe also makes a variety of breakfast treats such as a feta and spinach bagel, avocado toast and chia oat pudding.

During lunch, they make a variety of wraps and sandwiches, plus have vegan options. The South Kona location is an ideal spot to stop at on the way to the Captain James Cook Monument.

The price point at HiCo Hawaiian Coffee is reasonable.

Best Mai Tai Happy Hour

The bartenders at Billfish Poolside Bar & Grille at the Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel make a refreshing Mai Tai and other tropical drinks. Guests staying at the hotel receive their first Mai Tai free after checking in.

This casual al fresco dining spot is open for lunch, happy hour and dinner. Select from an array of pupu appetizers including crispy calamari and wild ahi poke. Sit under a grass hut by the swimming pool and watch the sunset behind the resort.

The price point at Billfish is reasonable.

Read More: Where to Stay in Hawaii: Our Editors’ Top Picks

Seafood and Steak Buffet

On Saturdays at Honu’s on the Beach at the Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel displays an abundant Prime Rib and Seafood presentation. The buffet includes salads, poke, tempura vegetables and shrimp, sliced-to-order Prime Rib, baked island fish and long crab legs.

Arrive early to watch the sunset torch lighting ceremony at 6:15 pm, at the resort and lawn area. The ceremonial blowing of the conch shell and the lighting of the torch signifies the end of another glorious day in Kona.

The price point at Honu’s is medium.

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Author Bio: As an award-winning travel journalist and influencer for over 20 years, Jill Weinlein has shared her culinary travel experiences about destinations all around the world. Some of her favorite spots include Hawai’i, Bora-Bora, Peru and Croatia. Over 300 articles have been featured in various websites, newspapers, and magazines.

Is it really much of a surprise that Florida is one of the most popular timeshare destinations in the world? Orlando, Miami, and Cocoa Beach are so many cities all over the state that provide visitors with unforgettable vacation memories. With this many beloved vacation spots comes a wide range of stellar timeshare resorts. If you’re planning on visiting one of the best vacation spots in America, why not stay at one of the best resorts there? RCI’s collection of Gold Crown resorts represents the very best locations Florida has to offer. Keep reading to find out more about RCI and to learn about some of the top RCI Gold Crown resorts in Florida.

About RCI Gold Crown Resorts in Florida

RCI is the largest vacation exchange network in the timeshare industry, and it has thousands of resorts in its portfolio. While RCI doesn’t have ownership over any resorts, some of the biggest names in timeshare are affiliated with RCI. Some of the most recognizable affiliates are Club Wyndham, Hilton Grand Vacations, and Holiday Inn Club Vacations. Owners within these brands, along with many other vacation clubs, have access to join RCI and trade their points/weeks for vacations at any RCI-affiliated resort. This flexibility has changed the way that people use their timeshares! Owners can experience new resorts, timeshare brands, and locations all around the world without having to buy a new timeshare!

RCI gives the distinction of Gold Crown to the resorts that prove to be of superior quality. This distinction is based on customer feedback, so the Gold Crown title is determined by past guests who have experienced the excellence of the resort firsthand. Customers rate the resort on hospitality, accommodations, amenities, and more. There are over 1,500 RCI Gold Crown resorts around the world, including many within Florida! So, if you’re planning your next trip to Florida, there is most likely a Gold Crown resort that will make your timeshare vacation unforgettable.

Top RCI Gold Crown Resorts in Florida

Florida is home to some of the best Gold Crown resorts in RCI’s network. These resorts can take you to the theme park capital of the world, to one of the country’s most electrifying cities, or to a quiet beach town. Whatever you’re looking for in a Florida timeshare vacation, RCI will have a Gold Crown resort nearby. Here are some of our top picks for Gold Crown resorts in one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations.

An Overview of the Top RCI Gold Crown Resorts in Florida

• Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek
• Hilton Grand Vacations at McAlpin-Ocean Plaza
• Club Wyndham Beach Street Cottages
• Holiday Inn Club Vacations Panama City Beach
• Legacy Vacation Club Indian Shores
• The Galleon Resort
• The Resort on Cocoa Beach
• Holiday Inn Club Vacations Cape Canaveral Beach Resort
• Wyndham Santa Barbara
• The Fountains, a Bluegreen Resort

Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek

Club Wyndham’s Bonnet Creek Resort is conveniently located within minutes of all of Disney World’s top attractions. Bonnet Creek provides shuttles to the Disney parks, so guests can relax knowing that transportation to Disney is taken care of! The resort’s one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom suites are perfect for travel parties of all sizes. This sprawling resort features five pools, two lazy rivers, and many other amenities that will keep guests busy during their visit. This centrally-located resort is the perfect jumping point for any Orlando vacation.

Hilton Grand Vacations at McAlpin-Ocean Plaza

Another amazing RCI Gold Crown resort in Florida is Hilton Grand Vacations at McAlpin-Ocean Plaza. This resort is in the heart of Miami’s sizzling South Beach, where Art Deco glamour meets the palm tree-lined beaches. This timeshare resort is historically registered and is as beautifully designed on the inside as it is on the outside. Every one- and two-bedroom suite is stylish and has all of the modern amenities you’ll need to feel at home. The resort’s rooftop hot tub is a great place to relax while enjoying the views of the beautiful beaches of Miami.

Club Wyndham Beach Street Cottages

For the next of our top RCI Gold Crown resorts in Florida, we have to head to the state’s Panhandle to Wyndham’s Beach Street Cottages. This resort is in Destin, a quiet beach town located in northwest Florida that offers white sand beaches and views of the emerald Gulf waters. This town is also known for being the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” so this is a fisher’s paradise! The Beach Street Cottages offer spacious suites that are just minutes from amazing shopping, dining, and recreation!

Holiday Inn Club Vacations Panama City Beach

Holiday Inn Club Vacations Panama City Beach Resort is in a city famous for its beautiful sugar-white sand beaches. This HICV resort is just steps from the beach, so it’s easy to spend all day in the sand soaking up the sun. The resort also has a beachfront pool, hot tub, and fire pit. Panama City Beach also has a lot of fun attractions like Wonderworks and Ripley’s Believe It Or Not that you’ll have to see to believe!

Legacy Vacation Club Indian Shores

Legacy Vacation Club Indian Shore sits on the Intracoastal Waterway just minutes from both Clearwater and St. Pete Beach. This resort has direct beach access and a fishing dock, so getting out into the open Gulf waters is easy! The resort offers a quiet getaway with stunning views and modern amenities. Each studio, one-, and two-bedroom suite is spacious and offers all of the comforts of home that you’ll need.

The Galleon Resort

The Galleon Resort overlooks Old Town Key West’s marina and is within walking distance of many of the island’s attractions. This resort offers a private beach, so you can enjoy some of the most incredible views without the crowds. There’s also a beachfront pool with a tiki bar, perfect for enjoying the sights with a refreshing drink in hand. You can catch one of Key West, Florida’s world-famous sunsets while enjoying the amenities of this RCI Gold Crown resort.

The Resort on Cocoa Beach

Located directly on the Atlantic Ocean, The Resort on Cocoa Beach promises an exciting vacation on the beach. The area boasts an endless array of outdoor activities like surfing, fishing, and golfing. This RCI Gold Crown Resort in Florida offers fully equipped two-bedroom villas with a full kitchen. Plus, there’s a 50-seat movie theater for when you want to stay inside. Whether you want fast-paced excitement or indoor relaxation, the resort on Cocoa Beach is a great place to stay.

Holiday Inn Club Vacations Cape Canaveral Beach Resort

Whether you want to lie on the beach or learn about space exploration, this RCI gold crown resort in Florida is sure to have something for you. Holiday Inn Club Vacations Cape Canaveral Beach Resort is just a short drive away from the Kennedy Space Center, as well as the beach it’s named after. The resort has studio as well as one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom villas, so you’ll have plenty of space to stretch your legs in. No matter the occasion, this resort has you covered.

Wyndham Santa Barbara

Another gorgeous RCI resort location, Wyndham Santa Barbara, is a beachfront property with easy access to the intercoastal waterway, making it an excellent location for boating, jet skiing, and other fun aquatic activities. Both kids and adults will love being able to hit up the beach from the comfort of a studio, one, or two-bedroom suite. Want to have fun in the water without leaving the resort? No problem! The property has a swimming pool and hot tubs available right on-site.

The Fountains, a Bluegreen Resort

The Fountains is Bluegreen’s flagship property, and it’s easy to see why! This RCI location has on-site dining, a fitness center, and even an arcade! On top of these great amenities, the Fountains boasts a massive water area that kids and parents will both have a blast in. There are two water slides, interactive water fountains, a children’s pool, and hot tubs. Plus, it’s just minutes away from I-Drive, Orlando’s premier entertainment district. What’s not to love?

How to Join RCI and Stay at Gold Crown Resorts

If you already own a timeshare and want to trade to visit an RCI Gold Crown resort in Florida, the next steps are simple! You may know that your timeshare ownership week is at an RCI-affiliated resort, so you can easily start an RCI membership on their website. If you aren’t sure whether or not you own an RCI-affiliated timeshare, contacting your developer directly is a great way to find out. Once you’ve registered with RCI, deposit your weeks and then begin exploring what amazing vacations await you!

Are You On the Fence About Owning a Timeshare at an RCI Resort in Florida?

Not quite sure if you want to own a timeshare at an RCI Gold Crown resort in Florida? Not a problem! We understand that timeshare ownership can be a big commitment. That’s why our marketplace features plenty of timeshare rentals! These rentals allow you to see what it’s like to stay at a timeshare without actually owning one. You get the same stellar amenities, services, and accommodations, without any of the commitment. This makes timeshare rentals a fantastic way to try before you buy!

Buy a Timeshare at an RCI Resort

On the other hand, if you know you want to be able to travel the globe and enjoy the wonders of owning a timeshare at an RCI Gold Crown Resort in Florida, we can help you too! Our marketplace is also packed with stellar timeshares in RCI locations. If you have any questions, feel free to email us at [email protected] or call us at 1-800-610-2734. We’re always happy to help!

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Marriott Vacations Worldwide is granting its 100th wish through the company’s two-year partnership with Make-A-Wish. Through this sponsorship, Marriott has provided incredible vacation experiences to wish kids and their families within their family of Vacation Club resorts.

Make-A-Wish celebrates World Wish Month in April. As part of the celebration, Marriott Vacations Worldwide welcomed nine-year-old Layla Catts and her family to the Sheraton Vistana Resort in Orlando. There, she was treated to a VIP pool party and took a private pony ride through the petting zoo staff had brought in.

Marriott Vacation Worldwide first partnered with Make-A-Wish in February 2022. The company is proud to support the mission of bringing children’s wishes to life. Since the partnership began, over 20 Marriott Vacations Worldwide resorts has welcomed with kids and their families to enjoy special vacation experiences.

“At Marriott Vacations Worldwide, we know how meaningful vacations can be,” said John Geller, President and CEO, Marriott Vacations Worldwide. “It’s incredible to see the difference our teams make in the lives of these children and their families through this partnership.”

With Layla’s recent wish stay, Marriott Vacation Worldwide’s Orlando properties have hosted seven wish stays since 2022 and have two more planned. Companywide, there have been over 25 wish families welcomed in 2024 alone, with more scheduled to be fulfilled throughout the remainder of the year.

Learn more about Marriott Vacations Worldwide on the company’s website.