Discover a new way to travel while expanding your property portfolio

Timeshare isn’t exactly the sexiest word in the dictionary, however, for the cash rich the concept can offer an excellent opportunity to invest in the global property market, while enjoying some serious travel perks. The Hideaways Club is the head honcho of the shared property investment fund world. The club works with a unique fractional property ownership model whereby investors become part owners of over 50 properties around the world, which they have access to throughout the year on a shared basis.

The concept is simple – you invest capital which is put into a property pot and reinvested into the group’s portfolio. If the value of the portfolio rises, so does your investment. And while your money is safely in the trusty hands of the board or directors, regulated by Velay Financial Services, you receive an annual ROI in the form of rental ‘points’. And the more you invest, the higher the allotment of points.

The system enables members to book getaways at any of the club’s portfolios, without any additional payment, bar a small annual fee to cover concierge services. One thing to note is that properties and seasons require a different value of points – a family- sized villa in the peak of summer will require more than a smaller property off-season, for example.

A major bonus of the scheme is that as the portfolio expands, so do your travel options. The fund currently has over 40 luxury villas and 11 city apartments – each property with an average value of £1.3m – in 21 destinations worldwide. Investors can choose to join the Classic or City fund, or both, depending on whether they’re travelling for leisure or business. For those with an investor’s mentality and capital to spare, it seems like a smart move. It seems sharing really is caring – for your bank balance that is.

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Tempus was invited to Switzerland to experience The Hideaways Club first hand, as part of the fund’s first ever press trip. As we arrived at Chalet Gingembre, one of four luxury chalets owned by the ‘Classic Fund’ in the charming Swiss resort of Nendaz in the ‘Four Valleys’ , it was clear that this would be no ordinary ski trip. >>

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We were greeted by a long-standing member of The Hideaways Club’s concierge team, who gave us a tour of the stunning five-bedroom alpine property, perched just off the slope at 1,550m. The villa is traditional yet stylish, with trendy alpine décor, quality furnishings, luxury amenities and an indoor sauna and outdoor jacuzzi – ideal for soothing the muscles after a day on the slopes. For advanced skiers, it’s ski-in ski-out, while for juniors a quick ride in a snowmobile will get you down into village to catch the lift.

Over a hot wine and homemade biscuits, our host talked us through the inner workings of The Hideaways Club. Before their arrival, guests complete a shopping inventory, filled with an extensive selection of gourmet goods, so they arrive to a full pantry that’s tailored to their tastes. There’s also a welcome basket filled with locally-sourced cupboard staples.

While staying at the chalet, guests can choose to cook for themselves, book full service meals, prepared by the club’s chefs, or dine out in the village. Waking up to the smell of bacon being cooked was a delight, while after a day on the mountain, we particularly enjoyed the serviced meal option – guests can pre-order from a varied selection of healthy but wholesome dishes, designed to give skiers a much-needed energy boost. There’s also a reheat option available for those who wish for absolute privacy.

Discretion is, of course, of utmost importance. The club wouldn’t tell us about any of their guests but confirmed they include businesspeople, politicians, sports stars and famous faces from around the world. During your stay, the concierge team is on hand to assist with anything from booking once-in-a-lifetime activities – paragliding over Verbier was a highlight of our trip – to organising ski passes and lessons – Montagne Magique Ski School offers a magical twist on instruction. >>

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The slopes around Nendaz may not be as famous as neighbouring Verbier – which can be skied to in less than an hour – but skiing in an upcoming resort can be a bonus. There’s less waiting time for lifts, fewer people on the slopes, and smaller queues in the après-ski bars – of which there are many. Nendaz is also perfectly located to explore the ‘Four Valleys’, which is a haven for skiers and snowboarders of all levels during winter, and an up-and-coming hotspot for hikers, bikers and water sports enthusiasts in summer.

When it’s time to hit the slopes, The Hideaways Club has its own private fitting room in the village, which is ideal for avoiding the weekend rush at the premier ski shops, and just another example of the thoughtful service provided by the team.

When a member joins The Hideaways Club, they become a partner with great authority. The board regularly consults with members on changes to the portfolio, meaning that investors can influence the fund based on their own personal desires. The Italian Lakes, for instance, were frequently requested in 2017 so, in 2018, the board is focusing on investments in this area.

And while some members of the HNW community would prefer to simply go out and buy their own lakefront mansion, the club is an incredible opportunity for investors looking to ‘try before you buy’ in myriad locations around the world. Likewise, it would suit those who prefer to leave the stress of buying properties to the professionals and sit back and reap the benefits while their investment grows.

If you have capital, love to travel and are looking to expand your property portfolio, joining The Hideaways Club is a sure-fire way to please both your adventurous side and your accountant.

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