If, for you, the word "timeshare" conjures up an image of the same week in the same self-catering flat in Torremolinos for the next "x" number of years, it's time to fast-forward to the present.
While the American timeshare market has been flourishing for years - boosted by the considerable influence of major players such as Hilton, Marriot and the Starwood Group - Europe has been comparatively slow to catch on to this kind of 'lifestyle' holiday.
..people are discovering more innovative ways to enjoy luxury holidays..
Now a smart new breed of timeshare, along with its similar-but-different relative, 'fractional ownership', is in the spotlight as people are discovering more innovative ways to enjoy luxury holidays "any time, any place, anywhere"  just like the song in those old Martini ads. The rest of the Martini ad song lyrics  "...there's a wonderful place you can share"  also applies to timeshare ownership because members can share their holiday time with friends and family, and often pass their holiday time on to the next generation.
One of the original pioneers of European timeshare is Club La Costa Resorts & Hotels. Founded by Chairman Roy Peires, who spotted a gap in the holiday market in Spain and Tenerife in the mid-eighties, Club La Costa now has over 50,000 member families who are enjoying luxury holidays worldwide through the company's exclusive Vacation Club. With a choice of 22 CLC-owned resorts in Spain, the Canary Islands, Austria, Cornwall and Scotland  as well as over 4,000 destinations worldwide through the RCI exchange system  CLC members can choose when, how and where they take their holidays.
..prestige timeshare clubs allow you the luxury of "a place for all seasons"..
These days, prestige timeshare clubs allow you the luxury of "a place for all seasons". With Club La Costa, for example, spring could mean a relaxing stay at Lagunamar Suites in the Algarve; then you could live like a millionaire in summer, sunbathing on the deck of a one million euro catamaran in Mallorca; autumn might be time for fresh air, walks, good food and plenty of pampering at Hustyns spa resort in Cornwall; while snow bunnies could enjoy the winter wonderland scenery at the Alpine Centre near Salzburg.
We are constantly looking for new and unusual ways for members to holiday
Roy Peires, Chairman, Club La Costa
"We are constantly looking for new and unusual ways for members to holiday," says Roy Peires. Commenting on the recent success of the Club La Costa Yacht Club, which this week begins a new summer season in Mallorca, he added: "We are confident that our fleet of luxurious catamarans and our sailing routes - around some of the most beautiful yachting destinations in Europe and beyond - will appeal to those looking for that wow factor from their annual vacation."
The Club La Costa Yacht Club offers the luxury of a private sailing holiday without the cost of owning your own yacht. For details please visit: www.clublacostayachtclub.com
..people are discovering more innovative ways to enjoy luxury holidays..
