Karma Group and P-A-T-T-E-R-N-S Architects shape life and culture through brilliant design
Karma Group and P-A-T-T-E-R-N-S Architects are working together to enhance existing Karma properties and create spectacular new ones. P-A-T-T-E-R-N-S Principals Marcelo Spina and Georgina Huljich have found a kindred spirit in John Spence, Chairman and Founder of Karma Group, as they share a common passion for stepping beyond the boundaries to create experiences and forms that challenge and engage across all the senses. Led by partners Marcelo Spina and Georgina Huljich, P-A-T-T-E-R-N-S is a leading architectural practice based in Los Angeles, California, bringing a critical and progressive approach to projects across scales, agendas and geographies, insisting on the cultural and social...
Diamond Resorts announces brand refresh
Diamond Resorts™ has announced its redefined brand approach. Formerly Diamond Resorts International®, the company introduced its newly shortened name, brand promise to "Make a habit of breaking from the routine" and refreshed commitment to helping members take time to connect with the things that matter most in life. Effective immediately, the refresh features a new name, logo and website that embodies a more familiar and modern aesthetic, complete with a clear and conversational tone. The approach effectively communicates a straightforward focus on member benefits and Diamond's excitement to be a part of their journey. To build a unified brand experience, Diamond Resorts...
Things can only get better………?
Things can only get better, or so the song title goes by D:Ream in 1997 (a Northern Irish Band who subsequently broke up).The song was of course adopted by the Labour Party as their theme song and Tony Blair became Prime Minister in the General Election that year. I only mention it as it seems appropriate to the current situation. We have struggled through January – always the worst month of the year and stumbled into February – which is not much better! Unfortunately turning to the world at large is not that much more encouraging. That said I had the...
Interval International signs affiliation agreement with D’Monaco Private Residence Club
Interval International has announced the affiliation of D’Monaco Private Residence Club just minutes from Branson, Missouri. The Mediterranean-style, gated property offers a prime location overlooking Table Rock Lake, one of the area’s leading attractions. “D’Monaco is surrounded by some of Branson’s most spectacular natural wonders,” said David Callaghan, Interval’s vice president of resort sales and service. “Its spacious accommodations are perfect for couples and families seeking adventure, eco-tourism, or a private sanctuary for relaxation.” Ranging from 1,900 to 3,700 square feet, two- and three-bedroom accommodations offer a fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, flat-screen televisions in the living room and bedrooms, and...
Consumer wins case against ITRA in Weston-Super-Mare County Court
On 19 January 2018 a member of the public was awarded £4,802.60, the judge stating that breaches of contract by International Refund Action Ltd (ITRA) were “completely unacceptable” and that ITRA had not provided the services promised. The judge also commented that the “breaches were as fundamental as they could possibly get” and that there had been “so little done for so much money”. The consumer had approached KwikChex, which manages the Timeshare Task Force on behalf of RDO, after ITRA failed to clearly respond for over a year to requests to detail what ITRA had carried out on the consumer’s behalf. KwikChex provided free...
Storied Residence La Ferriera, Tuscany, selects Interval International
Interval International has announced the affiliation of Residence La Ferriera, a shared ownership resort in the heart of Tuscany. Built in 1875, the property is in the village of Loro Ciufenna, which dates back to the 8th century B.C. Four rustic stone buildings have been restored to house one- and two- bedroom apartments. Units feature spacious dining and living areas with wood beamed ceilings and windowsills, Cotto floor tiles, furniture made by local craftsmen, kitchenettes, flat screen TVs, and internet access. Guests can lounge on the sun deck, swim in the outdoor pool (open from May 1 to Sept. 30), play tennis,...
Karma Sanctum on the Green
Karma Group, Sanctum Hotels and the Godiva Leisure Group bring opulence and a touch of glam to the picturesque village of Cookham Dean, near Windsor and Maidenhead, just a 25-minute drive from Heathrow airport. Karma Sanctum on the Green features nine beautifully appointed guests rooms, Wildwood Bar + Grill – a traditional British bar and dining room, outdoor heated pool, enclosed spa, and a range of swanky luxury ‘glamping’ tents, making it the perfect destination for weekend escapes, midweek romantic getaways, or extended country sojourns. Karma Sanctum on the Green marks the second collaboration between Karma Group and Sanctum Hotels after...
Baby Boomers – The Ultimate Upgrade? via Lisa Migani and Peter Robinson
These days, retirement or semi-retirement no longer means the end is near. Instead, while it does mean a reduction in or end to working life, many retirees are now able to enjoy a further 20-30 more years of life ahead of them. Increasingly this has become another fulfilling life chapter in which greater numbers of people are remaining active and taking full advantage of the extra time they have without the need to work. Due to improvements in levels of healthcare, age expectancies are increasing, meaning a greater ability for retirees or semi-retirees to enjoy active lifestyles, filled with travel and...
2018 Conference RDO9 – save the date!
The 2018 conference RDO9 has been confirmed to take place at the Pestana Chelsea Bridge Hotel & Spa, London on 12th to 13th September 2018. The first meeting of the conference working group will take place on 24th January and further details will be announced shortly after the meeting, so please be sure to keep up to date on developments via the website, and social media channels. Please also note that the annual general meeting of members has also been scheduled to take place at the conference on 12th September....
It’s All About the People via Hassan Kadbi – CEO, Hapimag AG
At each RDO Conference, there are a variety of diverse speakers chosen from many different walks of life, creating an eclectic and inspirational mix of presentations to inspire and motivate attendees. In fact, no two presentations are the same, meaning that the conference audience never quite knows what to expect, so things never get stale or boring. Sometimes speakers give specific tips and advice and other times there is a more generalised speech with the aim of inspiring and changing dated ways of thinking. At RDO8 conference at the Don Carlos Leisure Resort & Spa, Hassan Kadbi, who has been CEO...