Press Release: Ritz-Carlton Club
May 15, 2002
ASPEN, CO -- Traditionally, vacation home ownership in prime resort areas has been viewed as the pinnacle of luxury
living, but high purchase costs and ongoing maintenance demands have dampened the joy of the experience for many.
However, Members of The Ritz-Carlton Club, Aspen Highlands, a Private Residence Club, feel they've uncovered a
better alternative: a luxurious and stress-free vacation lifestyle built around The Ritz-Carlton tradition of service.
Andrea LaBarge of St. Louis sold a home her family owned for years in one of Aspen's most prestigious neighborhoods
in order to become Members of The Ritz-Carlton Club. "We couldn't be happier with our choice," she said.
"We love being able to ski right to our back door and then enjoy the pool, spa and other terrific amenities
of The Club. Best of all, we don't have to spend precious time arranging for our residence to be ready or closing
it down for the season. Because our experience is so headache-free at The Club, we find that we spend more time
in Aspen than ever before."
Many of the services provided at The Ritz-Carlton Club such as airport pick-up, pre-arrival provisioning of the
residence, unpacking and pressing pre-sent garments lend to the superior experiences expressed by Members. "When
we wanted to ski, the staff had our skis waxed and tuned and our boots warmed and waiting for us," explained
Peter Mann of Atlanta, a Ritz-Carlton Club Member. "When we needed transportation, there was always a car
and driver ready. Part of the pleasure of our vacation came from how much there was to do, but even more so, how
easy it was to do it all."
"Our first time on the mountain, we got off the chairlift and found the concierge and her husband waiting
for us," added Mark Pitchford of Evergreen, Colo. "They helped us get oriented and showed us the runs.
Clearly, it was service of a higher order."
For Rusty Parker, of Austin, Texas, The Ritz-Carlton Club helps his family relax and unwind quickly. "We
let them know the kinds of groceries we like, the activities we want to do, and by the time we arrive, everything
is ready for us," he said.
Lisa Nesbitt of Chicago delights in the personal service she receives at The Ritz-Carlton Club. "I love everything
about The Ritz-Carlton Club, but I love the staff above all," she said. "They're personal, kind and
caring. Last time I came in, they knew it was a stressful time for me and they went beyond a warm welcome. They
had flowers in my room and a massage waiting for me."
Designed by noted architect Robert A.M. Stern, the 47 mountain residences opened in February 2001. The Ritz-Carlton
Club memberships are purchased in one-twelfth interests, entitling residents access for a minimum of 28 days per
year, as well as unlimited access on a space available basis. Membership costs range from $160,000 to $490,000
per interest for two- and three-bedroom residences
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Page Two - Raising the Bar on Luxury Resort Living
and penthouses, which are equipped with amenities from imported bedding and plush linens to heated marble floors
and mountain-view balconies. Every Member has a personal concierge who arranges vacation needs before arrival
including placing family portraits in the residence, securing hard-to-get entertainment tickets or restaurant reservations.
Willow Creek Bistro in The Club offers Members another outstanding dining option as well as room service.
An extension of The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C, The Ritz-Carlton Club was developed as a luxury tier real
estate offering, combining the benefits of second home ownership with personalized Ritz-Carlton services and amenities.
Designed as a private club, Members have the opportunity to access their Club or other Ritz-Carlton Clubs in ski,
golf or beach destinations. The Ritz-Carlton Club properties are: Aspen, Colo. (opened February 2001); St. Thomas,
U.S.V.I. (opening June 2002); Bachelor Gulch, Colo. (opening February 2003); and Jupiter, Fla. (opening November
2003). For additional information on The Ritz-Carlton Club, Aspen Highlands please call 800.278.0121 or visit
our web site at www.ritzcarltonclub.com.
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Bethany Vairo Sheri Heedum The Ritz-Carlton Club Heedum Agency 407.513.6671 303.321.6551 bethany.vairo@ritzcarltonclub.com sheri@heedum.com