Exclusive Resorts, the largest luxury destination club, has expanded its "Once in a Lifetime" program, now providing members with a total of 16 planned vacations in exclusive locations. Members can travel to 25 countries on 6 continents, including Fiji, Bhutan, Argentina and the Galapagos Islands.

Private Escapes just announced Coach George Karl of the Denver Nuggets as the newest member of Private Escapes Platinum Destination Club. According to the press release, Karl joined the growing destination club with his family to enjoy the attractive size of the homes, and the ability to share with business partners, other team coaches and family members.

Carefree Group, Inc. responds to its Carefree Lifestyle clientele by forming and launching Carefree Elite, a new destination club, in December 2007. "What sets Carefree Elite apart is that it's not a destination club. It's a lifestyle in itself," says Membership Director, Brian Spicciatie.

The luxury vacation club Quintess, LRW has just changed its membership plans. The new plan structures bring it more into line with other clubs and should make it easier to compare Quintess to the other clubs.

Rocksure Property is launching a second fund to buy 6 luxury homes around the world, with an average value of £1m ($2m). Members of the fund enjoy free vacations and property appreciation. This fund follows the success of their first "Alpha" fund, which closed for new subscriptions in July.

Grand Resort Properties is a new destination club designed with Midwestern hospitality in mind - made for the millionaire next door. Following Exclusive's model for destination clubs, Brad Brown of Omaha, Nebraska decided to create a smaller Midwest version in late 2006.

Founded in 1962, Vail is recognized as the finest ski resort in North America. Readers of SKI Magazine have voted it the Number 1 ski resort destination in the United States a record 11 times in 15 years. With 5,289 acres of skiable acreage and 34 lifts, it is also the largest ski resort in the US.

Have last minute plans and wish you had a private jet to fly you there? Destination clubs make their members feel and look like celebrities with private jets and top-notch concierge services for a fabulous lifestyle.

With their promises of privacy, luxury and exclusivity, it is not surprising that destination clubs have moved to the top of A-listers vacation lists. Destination clubs provide spacious stand-alone homes offering privacy and personal service that even five-star hotels do not offer.

The destination clubs have varying rules covering use of the clubs homes by unaccompanied guests. We've summarized the rules for most of the leading clubs.

Joining a destination club can be a way to ensure great luxury getaways several times per year. Before committing to a club, potential members should be well-equipped to choose the club that best suits your needs. As minimum night requirements vary from club to club, it is important to look at the minimum number of nights for any given stay and be sure they suit your travel plans.

About three years in the making, Distinctive Holiday Homes (DHH) just opened its doors for new members in the summer of 2007. The years of careful planning and preparation have allowed this "members only" luxury destination club to raise the bar of opulent vacations.

The two destination clubs have both announced price increases in the last two days. Both sets of increases become effective in November.

As a first in the destination club industry, Solstice is acquiring a luxury villa within the eco-resort development of Warapuru, in Brazil.

Another destination club has just passed the 100 members mark, with LUSSO Collection announcing that it recently added its 100th new member.

The new "Associate Membership Plan" from Exclusive Resorts provides 10 nights of usage.

Luxury destination club LUSSO Collection recently announced the availability of its new home in Aspen Highlands.

This months issue of Smart Money Magazine has a 4 page article on villa rentals. The real focus of the article is on the inspections that some villa rental companies carry out to check on their properties.

Rick Aristotle Munarriz on the Motley Fool speculates that it’s only a matter of time before Disney comes out with its own destination club – Disney Escapes !

M Private Residences recently announced the increase of its property portfolio to 15, with the completion of their custom-built luxury vacation home in the heart of the Bear Mountain Golf Course community.