These clubs tend to have the same basic structure: in exchange for one-time upfront membership fee, and annual membership dues, a member gets access to a roster of luxury vacation homes around the world, which can be booked based on availability and reservation priorities. Here's a typical rundown:

• Access to 3-5 bedroom homes (smaller condos in city locations), either on resort properties or near key locations (ski resort, beach etc).
• Approximately 30 days of home usage at different homes across multiple locations.
• The ability to book homes in advance and on a “space available” basis, as well as a system to handle the demand for holiday or peak periods.
• Pre-departure planning, on-location concierge services and daily home cleaning service.
• Furnishings, appliances and audio-visual equipment that would be considered “luxury class,” such as Viking stoves and flat-panel TVs.
• Additional membership privileges and benefits, including special club events.

Destination clubs are often compared to other “fractional” real estate programs like timeshares or private residence clubs. The destination club model gives the consumer more choice and less overhead, typically without deeded ownership of the underlying real estate. There are some exceptions. Below is a summary of how the destination club model compares:

• Luxury Hotel - Though appealing for a couple’s getaway, lux hotels are less optimized for kids and multi-family groups. These hotels often provide exquisite service and plush amenities, but have inflexible room configurations, limited privacy and pricey services.
• Luxury Rentals - With this alternative, vacationers simply rent a house. Though you may choose the house you want, where you want it, the research and cost can be significant. In Cabo San Lucas, 5-star resort Las Ventanas charges $4,000 a night for a three-bedroom residence suite. A single five-night vacation would exceed the annual dues for most destination clubs ($20,000 at Las Ventanas vs. $18,000 average annual dues).
• Private Residence Clubs - These clubs combine the services of a luxury hotel chain with the ownership of a second home. The residences are typically smaller than destination club residences: 750 sq ft city apartments to 3000 sq ft resort villas.
• Second Home Ownership - This option provides the benefit of full asset appreciation with a home that is uniquely suited to and customized for your family. The downside is lack of destination flexibility, and the cumbersome reality of owning a home. Taxes, maintenance, utilities, neighbors can become a disproportionate burden for a four-week-per-year residence. Destination club membership can be less expensive than home ownership, even factoring in ownership appreciation. Try http://www.JumpStartMyRetirement.com/, or http://www.jumpstartDevelopments.com/ for Vacation & Resort Homes that can purchased to fractionalize.
• Destination clubs are especially well-suited for families or groups who are looking for larger residences – three or more bedrooms and at least 2,000 sq ft, and can manage their travel schedule within the availability structure of a club.
• Fractional Estate Ownership Club TM - This option combines the best aspects of private residence clubs and destination clubs, and is a superior alternative to 100% luxury second home ownership. Property management services make for carefree vacation home ownership, with pre-arrival and post-stay housekeeping, complete home maintenance; management of all homeowners association accounting; regular landscaping, lawn care, snow removal, and spa maintenance and payment of property taxes, utilities and home insurance. With The Fractional Estate Ownership Club™ model, you get deeded fractional estate ownership with five star services and amenities, plus the right to use other member-owned châteaux in multiple locations.

Some of the clubs worth considering are: Exclusive Resorts, Ultimate Resort, Private Escapes, Quintess, BelleHavens, The Lusso Collection, the Solstice Collection, Portofino Club and Chateaux Society, Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club, the Fractional Estate Ownership Club TM.

Check out www.heliumreport.com and www.sherpareport.comwww.HalogenGuides.com for some good independent analysis.