travelguy
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High Country Club recently polled their members on future property destinations that they are considering. Following are my suggested recommendations to High Country Club on future property destinations.
East Coast - I believe that HCC needs more “drive-to” locations on the East Coast.
Outer Banks – Needed! This is a central beach for the entire East Coast. This property must be on the beach and should be 4 bd as members will take family vacations at the beach. The property does not need to be in a “named” Outer Banks town but must be in the mid to lower Outer Banks area.
Hilton Head Island – Additional Location Needed! Hilton Head Island is a staple for an East Coast property portfolio. HCC needs at least one more property on the beach. This property does not have to have the premium of Sea Pines as several other Plantations have as much stature, have better amenities, and are less crowded.
Kiawah Island, Daufuskie Island & Amelia Island – Maybe. These are “fill-in” southern locations after Hilton Head. They are more remote, have less amenities and less golf choices. They may have good property investment potential.
Hamptons, Cape Cod & Martha’s Vineyard – Maybe. These are very accessible beach locations for the Northeast but have a very short season. However, they have high desirability during the season. These properties will get additional use on Holidays. Investment is very expensive also.
New York – No More for Now. HCC has the mandatory Manhattan location, no need for more. HCC does not need any upstate NY locations.
Florida - Florida represents additional “drive-to” locations for East Coast HCC members. Florida’s East Coast is very overbuilt and not really needed for HCC as many other accommodations are available.
Miami – Needed! HCC needs a South Beach location on the ocean (must be SoBe only, no other areas). A second location could be a Sunny Isles, Coral Gables or any of the other upscale beach resorts in and around south Miami Beach.
Gulf coast (Marco, Naples, Bonita Springs, Captiva, Sanibel) – Needed! HCC needs multiple properties along the lower gulf coast. These properties should be on the ocean and close to good golf courses.
Key West – Needed! This is one of the Holy Grail of travel destinations. Key West is one of the most talked about and desired areas to travel to. One mid-size property here is fine.
Palm Beach – Maybe. This would be the only Florida East Coast location I would recommend. This property should be on the ocean in one of the resort areas near the Palm Beach area.
Orlando – No More for Now. HCC has the required resort at Disney. This area is overbuilt and many other affordable luxury accommodations are available.
Mid-West - HCC needs a Chicago property on Michigan Ave. on the Magnificent Mile. Nothing else is needed in the Mid-West.
West Coast - West Coast cities and resort areas represent “drive-to” areas for HCC West Coast members and are destination locations for East Coast members.
Southern CA beach – Needed! This can be a property on the beach in any of the many upscale resort towns between Orange County and San Diego.
Napa & Sonoma Valley – Needed! These areas are great destinations for all HCC members and are different than any other area.
Vegas – Needed! HCC needs multiple properties here. This has become Disney for Adults and will continue to grow. The proposed “W” hotel property is great but HCC needs a property here sooner. Several properties should be on the strip and another could be at one of the outer resorts like Lake Las Vegas, Red Rock or Green Valley Ranch.
San Francisco – Maybe. This is the West Coast city location to go with the HCC New York and Chicago properties. Get a small property in the shopping and theater district or Fisherman’s wharf.
Scottsdale, Tucson, Palm Springs, etc. – Maybe. These should be purchased only as need for the HCC golf members and not as destination locations.
Ski Areas- The primary ski destinations are Summit/Eagle Colorado, Park City and Whistler. The rest of the East and West coast ski areas are well behind these in popularity.
Vail – Needed! A property at Vail is needed to complete the Summit/Eagle Colorado ski areas. Should be ski-in/ski-out but walk-in/out is better than nothing.
Whistler – Needed! This is a mandatory ski resort property and HCC will need several properties here. Furthermore, members will want to use these properties for the 2010 Olympics.
Park City – Needed! This is a very popular ski area and HCC should have several properties in this area.
Sun Valley – Maybe. Less popular but still a major ski area. I’d put this at the bottom of the list.
Tahoe – Maybe. This area is readily accessible with cheap luxury accommodations due to it being overbuilt.
Jackson Hole – Maybe. This resort is limited by it’s terrain and is hard to reach due to limited flights from the East Coast.
East Coast Ski – One more. HCC has the Stowe resort and another possible addition is Killington, VT. These are needed for East Coast members to have “drive-to” ski destinations.
British Columbia – Maybe. There are many new ski resorts being developed in BC due to the success of Whistler and the continued problems with snow pack consistency in the lower 48 ski areas. Several larger planned resorts will be opening soon giving members a new ski venue.
Golf Locations – Not Sure.I’m not a golfer but I suspect golf members will want additional resorts at the top golf locations in Pebble Beach, Doral, etc,
Hawaii - The more Hawaii, the better. Keep in mind that this is an expensive and long trip for the HCC East Coast members who will tend to go to Mexico or the Caribbean instead.
Maui – Needed! (more). Get as close to the water as HCC can afford.
Oahu – Maybe. Honolulu is becoming the hot Hawaiian location with the Beach Walk redevelopment, etc... I’d get a property here only if it’s on Waikiki beach and in the heart of the redevelopment. North Shore presents other possible property locations but I’d only do it after Maui and Kauai.
Kauai – Maybe. This island is a great alternative to Maui and more laid back. The season is slightly shorter but the island is still active most of the year. Do NOT buy a property on the rainy north shore. Poipu beach is a good location.
Big Island – No more. This is the Hawaii that everyone “settles” for when they can’t go to the other islands. There is tons of availability through other travel sources and members will not appreciate the value of additional homes here. HCC has this covered already.
Mexico - HCC is covered with the big 3 Mexican areas (Cancun, Cabo and Puerto Vallarta). Cancun and Cabo are the newer resort areas where everyone wants to go. These three areas are relatively stable and safe and comprise a jungle resort, desert resort and city resort. West coast members will go to Cabo and P.V. and East Coast members will primarily go to Cancun. There is absolutely no need for other, older resort areas like Ixtapa & Acapulco. The premium location in Cabo is a property near a swimable beach and also close to Cabo itself. Cancun provides several desireable areas in Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya and the Cancun hotel strip. HCC should have a property on Playa and Maya at minimum. HCC will also need multiple properties in Cabo. The one proposed HCC Nuevo Vallarta property should be sufficient for the demand of that area. Also consider the new Trump Baja development area when/if it becomes a destination location.
Caribbean & Central America - Chief among consideration in these regions is stability of the government, poverty, crime and outside investment. Over the years, many paradises have been all but abandoned and property values have plummeted due to instability that has resulted in uncomfortable tourist travel. An example of this is the Dominican Republic which has been ruined by the chaos of adjacent Haiti. Many beautiful resorts sit mostly empty because of scared tourists. Another resort island that faded from travel prominence is Jamaica. Word of mouth among travelers and published reports about crime and islanders that are rude and prey upon tourists has ruined this islands appeal. I would also pay close attention to insurance costs on all purchases in these regions as they tend to fluctuate wildly and can even be cancelled by unrest or natural catastrophe. The Caribbean properties will help HCC to recruit East Coast members.
Bahamas – Needed! But only at Harborside (Atlantis) or Abaco– Atlantis is becoming the new Disney World. A property would need to have access to the full amenities of the Atlantis resort. Abaco is also getting good reviews and interest although I personally know little about it. It is close to US for cheaper airfares and lesser flight times.
Grand Cayman – Needed! This island is different than the other islands because of it’s economic base and government (no unemployment, financial industry based economy, no tolerance for crime, etc.) This is number one for scuba and snorkeling members. Furthermore, the island property values are still undervalued due to the hurricane several years ago. Get a least a property on Seven-Mile beach and possibly a larger property on the quiet East-End.
St. John and St. Thomas – Maybe. These are popular islands but are starting to receive negative word-of-mouth due to the crime and negative attitudes towards visitors. I’d stay with the U.S.V.I. as travelers seem to be more comfortable knowing it’s still technically the US.
San Juan – Maybe. This is becoming a luxury resort destination. Many people who take cruises from here will want to extend their trips or come back here.
Costa Rica, Belize, etc. – Why? Very expensive to travel to and significant travel time. Limited travel season due to heat and humidity.
South America - Virtually no demand due to travel costs, crime, poverty and instability. Rio is not the city it once was.
Europe - I’m not personally big on Europe and don’t hear as much about it after 9/11. I’d be concerned about future values if international tourism drops off even more due to instability in Europe, the Mid-East, Africa or Asia. Also, travel cost and time become a major issue for many members. And sightseeing locations are not repetitive unlike beach and ski locations. Obviously, Tuscany has been a good choice.
Paris – Maybe. This gives HCC an international city for the property portfolio. HCC won’t need anymore European cities and this may be empty most of the time.
Greece & Spain – Maybe. I’d stick to the island and beach locations.
England, Germany – Why? Although I love Oktoberfest, there is no reason for properties anywhere else in Europe.
Italian / French Riviera – Why? Bad beach, crowded towns and eccentric people.
East Coast - I believe that HCC needs more “drive-to” locations on the East Coast.
Outer Banks – Needed! This is a central beach for the entire East Coast. This property must be on the beach and should be 4 bd as members will take family vacations at the beach. The property does not need to be in a “named” Outer Banks town but must be in the mid to lower Outer Banks area.
Hilton Head Island – Additional Location Needed! Hilton Head Island is a staple for an East Coast property portfolio. HCC needs at least one more property on the beach. This property does not have to have the premium of Sea Pines as several other Plantations have as much stature, have better amenities, and are less crowded.
Kiawah Island, Daufuskie Island & Amelia Island – Maybe. These are “fill-in” southern locations after Hilton Head. They are more remote, have less amenities and less golf choices. They may have good property investment potential.
Hamptons, Cape Cod & Martha’s Vineyard – Maybe. These are very accessible beach locations for the Northeast but have a very short season. However, they have high desirability during the season. These properties will get additional use on Holidays. Investment is very expensive also.
New York – No More for Now. HCC has the mandatory Manhattan location, no need for more. HCC does not need any upstate NY locations.
Florida - Florida represents additional “drive-to” locations for East Coast HCC members. Florida’s East Coast is very overbuilt and not really needed for HCC as many other accommodations are available.
Miami – Needed! HCC needs a South Beach location on the ocean (must be SoBe only, no other areas). A second location could be a Sunny Isles, Coral Gables or any of the other upscale beach resorts in and around south Miami Beach.
Gulf coast (Marco, Naples, Bonita Springs, Captiva, Sanibel) – Needed! HCC needs multiple properties along the lower gulf coast. These properties should be on the ocean and close to good golf courses.
Key West – Needed! This is one of the Holy Grail of travel destinations. Key West is one of the most talked about and desired areas to travel to. One mid-size property here is fine.
Palm Beach – Maybe. This would be the only Florida East Coast location I would recommend. This property should be on the ocean in one of the resort areas near the Palm Beach area.
Orlando – No More for Now. HCC has the required resort at Disney. This area is overbuilt and many other affordable luxury accommodations are available.
Mid-West - HCC needs a Chicago property on Michigan Ave. on the Magnificent Mile. Nothing else is needed in the Mid-West.
West Coast - West Coast cities and resort areas represent “drive-to” areas for HCC West Coast members and are destination locations for East Coast members.
Southern CA beach – Needed! This can be a property on the beach in any of the many upscale resort towns between Orange County and San Diego.
Napa & Sonoma Valley – Needed! These areas are great destinations for all HCC members and are different than any other area.
Vegas – Needed! HCC needs multiple properties here. This has become Disney for Adults and will continue to grow. The proposed “W” hotel property is great but HCC needs a property here sooner. Several properties should be on the strip and another could be at one of the outer resorts like Lake Las Vegas, Red Rock or Green Valley Ranch.
San Francisco – Maybe. This is the West Coast city location to go with the HCC New York and Chicago properties. Get a small property in the shopping and theater district or Fisherman’s wharf.
Scottsdale, Tucson, Palm Springs, etc. – Maybe. These should be purchased only as need for the HCC golf members and not as destination locations.
Ski Areas- The primary ski destinations are Summit/Eagle Colorado, Park City and Whistler. The rest of the East and West coast ski areas are well behind these in popularity.
Vail – Needed! A property at Vail is needed to complete the Summit/Eagle Colorado ski areas. Should be ski-in/ski-out but walk-in/out is better than nothing.
Whistler – Needed! This is a mandatory ski resort property and HCC will need several properties here. Furthermore, members will want to use these properties for the 2010 Olympics.
Park City – Needed! This is a very popular ski area and HCC should have several properties in this area.
Sun Valley – Maybe. Less popular but still a major ski area. I’d put this at the bottom of the list.
Tahoe – Maybe. This area is readily accessible with cheap luxury accommodations due to it being overbuilt.
Jackson Hole – Maybe. This resort is limited by it’s terrain and is hard to reach due to limited flights from the East Coast.
East Coast Ski – One more. HCC has the Stowe resort and another possible addition is Killington, VT. These are needed for East Coast members to have “drive-to” ski destinations.
British Columbia – Maybe. There are many new ski resorts being developed in BC due to the success of Whistler and the continued problems with snow pack consistency in the lower 48 ski areas. Several larger planned resorts will be opening soon giving members a new ski venue.
Golf Locations – Not Sure.I’m not a golfer but I suspect golf members will want additional resorts at the top golf locations in Pebble Beach, Doral, etc,
Hawaii - The more Hawaii, the better. Keep in mind that this is an expensive and long trip for the HCC East Coast members who will tend to go to Mexico or the Caribbean instead.
Maui – Needed! (more). Get as close to the water as HCC can afford.
Oahu – Maybe. Honolulu is becoming the hot Hawaiian location with the Beach Walk redevelopment, etc... I’d get a property here only if it’s on Waikiki beach and in the heart of the redevelopment. North Shore presents other possible property locations but I’d only do it after Maui and Kauai.
Kauai – Maybe. This island is a great alternative to Maui and more laid back. The season is slightly shorter but the island is still active most of the year. Do NOT buy a property on the rainy north shore. Poipu beach is a good location.
Big Island – No more. This is the Hawaii that everyone “settles” for when they can’t go to the other islands. There is tons of availability through other travel sources and members will not appreciate the value of additional homes here. HCC has this covered already.
Mexico - HCC is covered with the big 3 Mexican areas (Cancun, Cabo and Puerto Vallarta). Cancun and Cabo are the newer resort areas where everyone wants to go. These three areas are relatively stable and safe and comprise a jungle resort, desert resort and city resort. West coast members will go to Cabo and P.V. and East Coast members will primarily go to Cancun. There is absolutely no need for other, older resort areas like Ixtapa & Acapulco. The premium location in Cabo is a property near a swimable beach and also close to Cabo itself. Cancun provides several desireable areas in Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya and the Cancun hotel strip. HCC should have a property on Playa and Maya at minimum. HCC will also need multiple properties in Cabo. The one proposed HCC Nuevo Vallarta property should be sufficient for the demand of that area. Also consider the new Trump Baja development area when/if it becomes a destination location.
Caribbean & Central America - Chief among consideration in these regions is stability of the government, poverty, crime and outside investment. Over the years, many paradises have been all but abandoned and property values have plummeted due to instability that has resulted in uncomfortable tourist travel. An example of this is the Dominican Republic which has been ruined by the chaos of adjacent Haiti. Many beautiful resorts sit mostly empty because of scared tourists. Another resort island that faded from travel prominence is Jamaica. Word of mouth among travelers and published reports about crime and islanders that are rude and prey upon tourists has ruined this islands appeal. I would also pay close attention to insurance costs on all purchases in these regions as they tend to fluctuate wildly and can even be cancelled by unrest or natural catastrophe. The Caribbean properties will help HCC to recruit East Coast members.
Bahamas – Needed! But only at Harborside (Atlantis) or Abaco– Atlantis is becoming the new Disney World. A property would need to have access to the full amenities of the Atlantis resort. Abaco is also getting good reviews and interest although I personally know little about it. It is close to US for cheaper airfares and lesser flight times.
Grand Cayman – Needed! This island is different than the other islands because of it’s economic base and government (no unemployment, financial industry based economy, no tolerance for crime, etc.) This is number one for scuba and snorkeling members. Furthermore, the island property values are still undervalued due to the hurricane several years ago. Get a least a property on Seven-Mile beach and possibly a larger property on the quiet East-End.
St. John and St. Thomas – Maybe. These are popular islands but are starting to receive negative word-of-mouth due to the crime and negative attitudes towards visitors. I’d stay with the U.S.V.I. as travelers seem to be more comfortable knowing it’s still technically the US.
San Juan – Maybe. This is becoming a luxury resort destination. Many people who take cruises from here will want to extend their trips or come back here.
Costa Rica, Belize, etc. – Why? Very expensive to travel to and significant travel time. Limited travel season due to heat and humidity.
South America - Virtually no demand due to travel costs, crime, poverty and instability. Rio is not the city it once was.
Europe - I’m not personally big on Europe and don’t hear as much about it after 9/11. I’d be concerned about future values if international tourism drops off even more due to instability in Europe, the Mid-East, Africa or Asia. Also, travel cost and time become a major issue for many members. And sightseeing locations are not repetitive unlike beach and ski locations. Obviously, Tuscany has been a good choice.
Paris – Maybe. This gives HCC an international city for the property portfolio. HCC won’t need anymore European cities and this may be empty most of the time.
Greece & Spain – Maybe. I’d stick to the island and beach locations.
England, Germany – Why? Although I love Oktoberfest, there is no reason for properties anywhere else in Europe.
Italian / French Riviera – Why? Bad beach, crowded towns and eccentric people.