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There are more than 15 U.S.-based clubs, all with toeholds in similar destinations. A few focus on one activity, such as golf or tours of wineries. What varies is membership size and price (which can range widely even within a club, depending on how many vacation days you want). Here, three of the fastest-growing clubs. For others, see heliumreport.com.
Headed by AOL cofounder Steve Case, this giant has 2,500 members and 300 properties (with 100 more slated to debut in the next year or so) in 35 locales, including Costa Rica, the French Alps, Florence, and San Francisco. Membership fees: $225,000 to $425,000 plus $12,900 to $29,500 in annual dues.
Formed last September from two circa-2004 clubs, it has 300 mem-bers and 51 properties (average value: $4 million) in 27 locations, including Amelia Island, Los Cabos, Aspen, New York, and Paris. Membership fees: $185,000 to $750,000 plus $14,500 to $52,000 in dues.
This two-year-old, 225-member club is among the industry’s lowest priced. Many of its 28 houses are in Colorado, with a smattering at golf and ski resorts in California and Tuscany. Up next: expansion to Turks and Caicos, Hilton Head, and Maui. Membership fees: $30,000 to $60,000 plus $3,500 to $9,600 in dues.
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