Reviewing the Ritz-Carlton Destination Club in Aspen Highlands

The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club offers an array of properties for members to visit and enjoy. Like its hotel line, these residences offer five-star accommodations and amenities that are among the finest in the world. And the Aspen Highlands Ritz-Carlton is no exception to this rule.

Located at the base of the ski area in Aspen Highlands Village, Colo., the club offers 73 residences including two- and three-bedroom units, as well as three-bedroom penthouse units. Units range from 1,340 to 2,155 square feet.

In keeping with the ski lodge theme, the Ritz-Carlton Aspen Highlands incorporates rough-hewn timber and stone finishes as well as leather and iron detailing. Almost every unit features either a balcony or terrace for enjoying the mountain and valley landscape. In addition to a formal dining area, a fully-equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a living room with a state-of-the-art entertainment hub are at the center of the home. Bathrooms are adorned with heated marble flooring and cast-iron tubs.

Club amenities include two outdoor, heated pools with whirlpool spas, two fitness centers, a full-service spa and golf privileges at the local River Valley Ranch Golf Course. Of course, skiing privileges at Ajax, Buttermilk and Snowmass are available as is ski-in/ski-out access to Aspen Highlands. Members may dine at either the Willow Creek Bistro or Caffe Siena during their stay or private, in-residence dining can be arranged for a more intimate affair.

One of the distinctive aspects of the Ritz-Carlton Club is its five-star level of service. As with other destination clubs, each guest is paired with a member experience manager who helps plan trip activities. During the trip, a dedicated concierge staff takes care of transportation, arranging grocery delivery, dining reservations, ski valet or anything else the guest may need.

The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club also offers two ownership options: Home Club or Portfolio Membership. The Home Club program is designed for members who wish to visit the same property on a regular basis. Members may purchase a 1/12 deeded interest in one of the units which allows 28 days to stay at the residence annually, based on a rotating calendar. Members with a Portfolio Membership can choose from any of the Ritz-Carlton Destination Club properties based on a points system which varies by residence, location and time of year. Home Club prices range from $100,000 to $800,000 per deeded interest. Pricing for Portfolio Membership starts at $100,000 for 5,000 Club points.

Start at this linked page to compare the Ritz-Carlton destination club to other destination clubs or if you're seriously reviewing destination club membership then download our Guide to Destination Clubs here.