By Karen Ashbee
Our first morning at the Exclusive Resorts villa in Real Del Mar, Mexico began with a sound bath and a guided yoga session, as we gazed out over the Pacific Ocean and watched dolphins playing in the waves. So far, so good, I thought. But that was before our breakfast had even been laid out by the villa staff on an enormous wooden table. Fresh tropical fruits, bread from the bakery in the nearby village, huevos rancheros, and slices of ripe avocado were accompanied by such freshly squeezed juices as watermelon, papaya, and orange. This, I said to myself, is something I could get used to. Turns out that this is a normal vacation day for Exclusive Resorts members who have access to more than 350 opulent villas and luxury hotel suites in 75 international destinations as part of their membership.
Founded by Steve Case, former CEO and chairman of AOL, the club’s original concept was simple: offer members access to extraordinary experiences in remarkable villas around the world. Rather than going to the same holiday home each year, members can travel to various locales, where they enjoy the benefits of dedicated concierge teams who plan everything from stocking the fridge to getting children into skiing lessons. Today, 20 years later, the club has expanded far beyond just villas, although the one we are in here in Mexico—located on the desirable Riviera Nayarit—is jaw-dropping. Like many of the Exclusive Resorts villas, it is designed for families and boasts four bedrooms, a media room, a large ocean-facing deck, and an infinity pool. If that is not enough, grab a golf cart and drive to the beach club for chilled margaritas by the ocean.
“A VACATION THAT STARTS THE MINUTE THEY ARRIVE, IN A DIFFERENT EXOTIC LOCALE EVERY YEAR.”
While the villas are spectacular, the club now also offers urban accommodations: dedicated suites in luxury hotel chains in Paris, London, New York, and beyond. Any Canadian who has opened a cottage or cabin after a dusty winter can see the appeal of a vacation that starts the minute they arrive, in a different exotic locale every year. The Club, now 4,300 members strong, is quickly signing up members in Canada. The bucket-list phenomenon is part of the appeal, as Exclusive Resorts members can also choose from 50 exotic curated experiences, such as safaris in Africa, cruises to Antarctica, and even round-the-world trips in a private jet. For now, I am content here at our villa while I get ready for our surf lessons later this afternoon. There is tequila-tasting this evening, and tomorrow we will visit the picturesque little town nearby. If this is Exclusive Resorts living, sign me up.
