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Author	Topic: SA "Best" Resort if you had to pick?
beaglemom3 TUG Member Posts: 866 From: Weston, Ma. Own: Harborside Inn-Martha's Vineyard, Allen House, London,Hyatt Hacienda del Mar P.R., St. Maarten-La Vista Cottage Registered: May 2003	posted 05-23-2004 09:04 I've done hours upon hours researching which SA resorts that I would buy thanks to all the good info & input on TUG SA. Now questions please (hypothetical situation): If you were able to pick out one resort & season (same resort) and money was not an issue, which one would you pick and why? I'm looking to get a sense of the top resorts irrespective of cost.Not sure if these can be separated from each other. Any extra input will help as well. Again, "best" , a very subjective term, referring to what is desirable to you, be it ocean, game park, city, mountain, the resort itself... This is sort of a broad question, but I'm looking (hopefully) for concise, if possible, opinions. I just want to see if I'm in line with the SA experts out there. Just looking for personal opinions here on a not-so-cut-and-dry question. I'm considering Champagne Sports, Kagga Kumma, Kruger Park for family & personal use or occasional trades, FYI. Thank you. [This message has been edited by beaglemom3 (edited 05-23-2004).] IP: Logged
philemer Moderator TUG Volunteer Posts: 2558 From: Idaho-God's Country. Registered: Oct 2001	posted 05-23-2004 09:26 Beags, With a portfolio of top resorts why would you want a lowly SA t/s? Are the VEP filters keeping you from seeing the lower rated resorts? Seriously, did you come across the mini trade tests we did on this board last year? Most resorts pulled the same, regarless of 'color'. The GC usually pulled nicer, but fewer, resorts. I can't remember the "top" puller but I know it wasn't my Seapointer. Sudwala & St. Michaels did well IIRC. Phil ------------------ Be careful of what you wish for... IP: Logged
beaglemom3 TUG Member Posts: 866 From: Weston, Ma. Own: Harborside Inn-Martha's Vineyard, Allen House, London,Hyatt Hacienda del Mar P.R., St. Maarten-La Vista Cottage Registered: May 2003	posted 05-23-2004 09:33 Phil, Thanks. I just edited my first post, so maybe you didn't get to see the addendum when you replied. Sorry. We have family who are partners at DeLoitte/Touche and travel to SA frequently for business. They then stay for a few weeks to vacation having travelled all that way. We were kicking around purchasing at a nice t/s in SA for personal use and an occasional trade. We're not totally committed to doing this, just seeing what is out there on the high end. I've never been to SA and have not been "bitten" by the SA bug as they have. Again, it's not so much for trading as it would be for using, but trading does figure into the equation. They like the idea of a kitchen and the economics (he's a CPA, figures)of t/s ownership for their purposes. They know that I'm a great t/s believer, so they've asked me and I, in turn, have asked nice folks like yourself. Yep, I got to see the trade test and true, not much difference there. That was very helpful. B. [This message has been edited by beaglemom3 (edited 05-23-2004).] IP: Logged
Janie Moderator TUG Volunteer Posts: 2626 From: Registered: Dec 2000	posted 05-23-2004 09:35 I've had great experiences owning at Wilderness Dunes. Top-rated resort, friendly and responsive management, and reasonable annual dues (1884 Rand for a 3 BR in 2004.) ------------------ Janie IP: Logged
philemer Moderator TUG Volunteer Posts: 2558 From: Idaho-God's Country. Registered: Oct 2001	posted 05-23-2004 09:43 Beags, One thing you might want to consider is location. Exactly where in SA do your family members go? It's a BIG country. You may want to consider a resort they could drive to in a couple of hours. Also, would they want ocean or inland location? Near a city or isolated? Phil ------------------ Be careful of what you wish for... IP: Logged
monkey11 TUG Member Posts: 777 From: Niagara Falls, Ontario; Orange Lake Registered: Mar 2004	posted 05-23-2004 14:36 Beaglemom3, If you are considering this for personal use as well as for exchanging, might I direct you to the thread that I started regarding World Cup 2004, and restate my opinion that event could be beneficial to South African timeshare owners... I know that people have not expressed much caring for this venue, but that possibly is because it is so far into the future, or because they don't fully understand the ramifications the World Cup has on the area that hosts it. If you are going to purchase a very nice resort, and have the choice of different locations and times, might I suggest buying in an area where the World Cup will be held. Possibly many people on this board are ALREADY owners, and therefore this situation has little bearing on them. Durban will host the regular round-robin games, as well as the semi-final match. Hypothetically, you could purchase a high-end timeshare directly in the area of the World Cup matches, near the stadium. Why would the World Cup matter to you? Well take a look at ticket prices. All the games sell seats based on prices of 4 categories usually, with Category 1 being the best seats, and Category 4 being the worst seats, furthest from the field. Prices for World Cup 2006 in Germany will be in line with prices for World Cup 2010 in South Africa. If anything, prices will go up a bit because it will be 4 years later and in today's world, everything goes up in price over time. Semi-final tickets for Category 1 seats will go on sale for 400 pounds, which is $715 American PER TICKET. The worst seats for the semi-final will go on sale for 90 pounds, being $160 American PER TICKET. So a group of 4 soccer fans that want to watch the semi-final will pay between $640 and $2860 American just for tickets to ONE GAME. If people pay that to watch one game, and travel ALL THE WAY to South Africa to watch it, I think you can get a feeling for how important the event is to them, and what they would be willing to pay for accomodations. When the World Cup is in town, there is NO SUCH THING as cheap rooms. If you own a 2 or 3 bedroom luxury timeshare (you said you wanted a nice timeshare), then you should have NO PROBLEM renting it out for a really nice profit that year. Yes, that is only one year that you will get that. But it's certainly a perk if you can make $1500 or $2000 on a rental that year. Just my opinion for someone that might be intereted in thinking ahead. If you think I'm crazy, or if you would like to explain my thinking my more, I welcome both types of comments via email. [This message has been edited by monkey11 (edited 05-23-2004).] IP: Logged
beaglemom3 TUG Member Posts: 866 From: Weston, Ma. Own: Harborside Inn-Martha's Vineyard, Allen House, London,Hyatt Hacienda del Mar P.R., St. Maarten-La Vista Cottage Registered: May 2003	posted 05-23-2004 16:46 Phil, I think that we're veering away from my original post, but I do recognize and sincerely appreciate what you're advising me on. I just want an opinion on where you (or others) would purchase if you could buy a unit in SA without regard to cost or trading power. Basically, that's all. Monkey11, I don't think that you're crazy re:the World Cup (although the jury is out on other matters ). Seriously, it's a huge match and will probably cover the costs of a new /futuristic SA purchase if done right for the savy buyer. We in the US aren't as fanatical about soccer as others, but I did once experience the mania back in the '80s while in London. WOW! I'm just looking not so much as advice on where I should or shouldn't buy, just which resort is a top-notch resort (your opinion)whether it's ocean, mountain, game park, urban or other. Just may end up buying a couple, few or none. Janie, thanks, you understand me (uh, oh). ! Thank you. [This message has been edited by beaglemom3 (edited 05-23-2004).] IP: Logged
philemer Moderator TUG Volunteer Posts: 2558 From: Idaho-God's Country. Registered: Oct 2001	posted 05-23-2004 18:18 quote: Originally posted by beaglemom3: I'm just looking not so much as advice on where I should or shouldn't buy, just which resort is a top-notch resort (your opinion)whether it's ocean, mountain, game park, urban or other. Just may end up buying a couple, few or none. [This message has been edited by beaglemom3 (edited 05-23-2004).] Hi Beags, I understand what you are saying, I think, but since 99% of us have never seen these resorts it will be difficult for us to say whether a resort is "top notch" or not. Maybe someone can help. Oh, why don't you drop a note to Marlize at Cape Escape in SA and ask her for advice. They sell all the resorts there. Her email is marlize@capeescape.co.za She's a great lady. Best of luck. Phil ------------------ Be careful of what you wish for... IP: Logged
beaglemom3 TUG Member Posts: 866 From: Weston, Ma. Own: Harborside Inn-Martha's Vineyard, Allen House, London,Hyatt Hacienda del Mar P.R., St. Maarten-La Vista Cottage Registered: May 2003	posted 05-23-2004 22:27 Phil, Thanks anyway. I have several names of SA resalers, but this isn't what I've been trying to get to. Just want to ask those interested in SA where they would buy given the abovementioned circumstances. Actually, having been present at one of the resorts isn't a prerequisite in this hypothetical situation. I bought my WSJ sight unseen just based on the reputation of the resort as did I buy my Hyatt HdM. For instance ,if I had to buy one resort with money no object, let's say in the western U.S., it would be Franz Klammer or Four Seasons Aviara and I've never seen them either. B. [This message has been edited by beaglemom3 (edited 05-23-2004).] IP: Logged
Sharetime TUG Member Posts: 26 From: Durban South Africa Registered: Jan 2004	posted 05-24-2004 01:47 Hi there I live in SA and deal with buyers and sellers all the time. For what its worth - these are gorgeous timeshares to own: COASTAL: Place on the Bay, Camps Bay (ridiculously high levy) Strand Pavilion, Strand Western Cape Cabana Beach, Umhlanga North Coast Natal Beacon Island, Plettenberg Bay Garden Route MOUNTAIN: Champagne Sports, Central Drakensberg Drakensberg Sun, Central Drakensber Castleburn, Southern Drakensberg BUSH & GAME: Kwa Maritane, Pilanesberg - next to Sun City Bakubung, Pilanesberg - next to Sun City Kruger Park Lodge, Mpumalanga/Eastern Transvaal - close to Kruger National Park. Happy hunting! ------------------ Natalie Nicholson IP: Logged
beaglemom3 TUG Member Posts: 866 From: Weston, Ma. Own: Harborside Inn-Martha's Vineyard, Allen House, London,Hyatt Hacienda del Mar P.R., St. Maarten-La Vista Cottage Registered: May 2003	posted 05-24-2004 07:23 Sharetime, Yes! Thank you, thank you ! This is wonderful info, most helpful and just along the lines I was looking for. Many thanks, B [This message has been edited by beaglemom3 (edited 05-24-2004).] IP: Logged
monkey11 TUG Member Posts: 777 From: Niagara Falls, Ontario; Orange Lake Registered: Mar 2004	posted 05-24-2004 09:33 Beaglemom, Okay, understood. When people tell you their opinions of the best resort, I have something you could investigate into, which might provide that added touch for a decision. If you look at Cape Escape's website, you can search through their entire inventory of prices AND trading power. I have never seen TRADING POWER displayed before, so I'm not sure how accurate this is. However this IS a column that lists TRADING POWER of every single unit. In my opinion, if this is completely accurate, then the TRADING POWER of a resort is most likely the truest indicator of the most coveted resorts. No? If you have a choice between 3 resorts that are recommended to you, it might be helpful to know if one has substantially higher or lower trading power. http://www.capeescape.co.za/table.html Good luck, IP: Logged
beaglemom3 TUG Member Posts: 866 From: Weston, Ma. Own: Harborside Inn-Martha's Vineyard, Allen House, London,Hyatt Hacienda del Mar P.R., St. Maarten-La Vista Cottage Registered: May 2003	posted 05-24-2004 11:14 Monkey11, Yes, it could be true that a good trader, as shown by points, may be a valid indicator of a nice resort. That's the more quantifiable aspect and a good one. I was also looking for the more qualitative and/or subjective view as well. Sheesh, I just want it all AND packaged up neat & tidy ! I did review their (CapeEscapes) listings all last week and have been in touch with Marlize recently as well as some very nice private sellers. As of this note, the private sellers have better prices than the resalers (until they see this note -ha!). Again, we're in no hurry and if we do purchase, it will in true TUGger fashion, the most for the least. Thanks again for your help. B. [This message has been edited by beaglemom3 (edited 05-24-2004).] IP: Logged
Faith TUG Member Posts: 560 From: Houston - Owner at Mountainside at SilverCreek, CO and The Phoenix Resort in Taupo, New Zealand Registered: Dec 2000	posted 05-24-2004 11:44 If you would be interested in belonging to a group of resorts, there are about 8 who share reservations, etc. The ones I can think of that are connected are: Wilderness Dunes - Garden Route - we've stayed there 4 times Kruger Park Lodge - near Kruger - stayed there once Kwa Maritane - near a game park Bakubung - near a game park One in Capetown Castleburn Brooks Hill Suites - Port Elizabeth Each of these has a priority to get into the others through a club arrangement. If I were going to buy in SA, I would certainly buy one of those. The quality is very consistent and you'd know what you were going to get. Someone at Cape Escapes or another reseller would know which ones are part of the same group. Happy shopping! Faith IP: Logged
monkey11 TUG Member Posts: 777 From: Niagara Falls, Ontario; Orange Lake Registered: Mar 2004	posted 05-24-2004 12:31 Beaglemom, You say you have been in touch with Marlize. So can you answer me if what I mentioned about the trading power listed on her inventory is accurate? Do those numbers posted next to each week actually indicate which weeks have better trading power? Thanks, because I would be interested in knowing. IP: Logged
Janie Moderator TUG Volunteer Posts: 2626 From: Registered: Dec 2000	posted 05-24-2004 12:52 The club that Faith mentioned is Magic Breakaways and the resorts are part of the Legacy Hotel group. There are two websites you can check: www.magicbreakaways.com www.legacyhotels.co.za for a list of member resorts, info, and pictures. I agree--I'd buy into that group if I were planning to do regular vacations in SA. The resorts are gorgeous and they have good geographic coverage in the major tourist areas. ------------------ Janie IP: Logged
Joe M TUG Member Posts: 1222 From: Crystal Lake, IL Registered: Dec 2000	posted 05-24-2004 13:36 quote: Originally posted by monkey11: So can you answer me if what I mentioned about the trading power listed on her inventory is accurate? Do those numbers posted next to each week actually indicate which weeks have better trading power? It is accurate only for trading within South Africa using RCI South Africa. If the weeks are deposited into an RCI USA account the trade power numbers do not apply right now. That is, my Strand Pavilion studio trades the same as my Strand Pavilion 2BR with RCI USA even though there is a very large difference in trade power points listed at the Cape Ecape Website. IP: Logged
monkey11 TUG Member Posts: 777 From: Niagara Falls, Ontario; Orange Lake Registered: Mar 2004	posted 05-24-2004 14:55 Joe M, Thank you very much. I guess those of us with lowly traders hope RCI South Africa stays separate from RCI USA. IP: Logged
beaglemom3 TUG Member Posts: 866 From: Weston, Ma. Own: Harborside Inn-Martha's Vineyard, Allen House, London,Hyatt Hacienda del Mar P.R., St. Maarten-La Vista Cottage Registered: May 2003	posted 05-24-2004 15:53 quote: Originally posted by monkey11: You say you have been in touch with Marlize. So can you answer me if what I mentioned about the trading power listed on her inventory is accurate? Do those numbers posted next to each week actually indicate which weeks have better trading power? Monkey11, I see that someone far better versed in SA timesharing than I has answered your query. Being a SA rookie, I'm on a sharp learning curve here and am unable to add anything else. In other words, I'm not the best person to ask at this point. Maybe in a decade or two. I bought my first t/s units(USA) in 1991 and I'm still trying to master the ins & outs of timesharing in my own country. Faith, JoeM & Janie, More super info from you all. Thanks !! [This message has been edited by beaglemom3 (edited 05-24-2004).] IP: Logged
jbiza TUG Member Posts: 93 From: Registered: Apr 2004	posted 05-25-2004 06:24 quote: Originally posted by Sharetime: Hi there I live in SA and deal with buyers and sellers all the time. Happy hunting! Hello, I'm hunting. Are you aware of any sellers of ZA t/s that have really low levies & inexpensive purchase costs?? I have reviewed Marlize info at Cape Escapes & I'm just trying to do some comparisons. IP: Logged
stonebroke TUG Member Posts: 242 From: Lancaster, PA Owner: Port Alfred Sands, Glenmore Sands Registered: Nov 2001	posted 05-25-2004 17:36 I know a few years ago when I bought my SA timeshare I looked at a lot of them. Some were more than I wanted to pay but of all I saw listed and described the one that appealed to me the most was Kruger Park Lodge. I didn't buy there but if I went to SA that would be my first choice. Second choice would be somewhere really nice around Capetown (city looks beautiful) there were a couple mentioned in one of the previous posts I think. Finally I think a nice beach place on the Indian Ocean. I did buy a Glenmore Sands so I guess that will have to do. Its standard but the VEP must be great because it has often outraded a Red RID there. Darrel ------------------ Visit My Web Site IP: Logged
RayHoek TUG Member Posts: 20 From: Brisbane Australia Registered: Oct 2003	posted 05-26-2004 00:26 We stayed at the Kruger Park Lodge last year quite by accident as there was no accommodation available in the Kruger Park itself. We had three teenage sons with us who enjoyed it immensly. We have since bought a week there (3 Bed, early October, before it gets too hot and before the rainy season so that more animals congregate around the water holes) We plan to use it occasionally and do a little trading. I don't know how well it trades in the overall scheme as we are new to timeshare, however we did spacebank this years week and requested a Summer Bay House for Jan 2005 which was confirmed within a few days. My wife is formerly from Capetown and we bought a week at the Place on the Bay. We plan to use this every 2-3 years. Outside the peak SA school holidays the weeks are flexi and we hope to spacebank and trade back into the resort so that we can stay for 2 weeks or more each time. The levies are high but reasonable if you look at what you pay for comparable accommodation. The position is prime and the units I think have the WOW factor. A small resort so hopefully not too impersonal. We haven't stayed there yet but did inspect prior to purchasing. Wouldn't buy if you were looking to trade. IP: Logged

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