Luxury Travel Pioneer Introduces the Industry's Next Significant Innovation: Inspirato

DENVER, Jan. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today marks the launch of the next innovation in high-end travel, Inspirato. The brainchild of Exclusive Resorts co-founder Brent Handler, Inspirato combines the advantages of independent villa rental with the personalized services and amenities of private luxury vacation clubs. Inspirato membership provides access to a portfolio of multi-million dollar vacation homes that are controlled and operated by the company through long-term lease arrangements, along with personalized service and support, all at a value never before seen in the luxury travel market.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110105/LA24731LOGO)

"We believe that today marks a watershed moment in the luxury vacation industry," said founder and CEO Brent Handler. "Whereas Exclusive Resorts turned the industry upside down by giving consumers more choice and flexibility, Inspirato is transforming the $24 billion vacation rental market by offering a solution for 'everyday affluent' consumers who want flexibility, luxurious accommodations and amenities, highly personalized service and a consistent experience from one vacation to the next, but without the significant upfront capital commitment required by other luxury travel options."

To gain access to the homes in the Inspirato portfolio, members pay a one-time initiation fee, introductory priced at $9,500, market-based nightly rates for each reservation they make, plus an annual renewal fee of $2,500. Members face no complicated reservation systems or membership tiers, no annual limits on the number of vacations or nights of travel, and they can make reservations (up to one year in advance) as soon as they join the club. By entering into multi-year lease agreements and managing each property for its members to use, Inspirato is able to offer its homes at rates well below comparable market prices.

The average cost per night for all properties in the Inspirato portfolio is approximately $1,000, with some value season rates at just a few hundred dollars. To book reservations, members log on to Inspirato.com, search the portfolio and calendar -- which displays both availability and nightly rate for every property -- and make their selections. Similar to hotels and airlines, pricing for each property is dynamic and market-based, influenced by how far in advance reservations are made, travel dates and length of stay.

Italian for "inspired," Inspirato was created by people who are passionate about travel and inspired to create better vacation experiences for more people. The company is committed to providing exceptional service before, during and after each trip via its expertly trained team of Personal Vacation Advisors and Destination Concierges. Denver-based Personal Vacation Advisors learn each member's travel preferences and assist with the vacation planning process, including residence selection and booking. Destination Concierges provide local expertise for each destination and can assist with just about anything: securing spa, golf and restaurant reservations; making private chef arrangements; coordinating on-site transportation; pre-stocking groceries; and recommending and planning activities tailored to each members' desires. Daily housekeeping is also provided in each home, at no additional cost.

"Exceptional service is the hallmark of Inspirato and provides a meaningful differentiation compared to existing vacation rental offerings," added Handler. "Our outstanding team of Personal Vacation Advisors and Destination Concierges seeks to positively impact the vacation experience of each of our members through meaningful relationships and a commitment to memorable, worry-free vacations."

Inspirato members currently have the ability to reserve more than 40 luxury residences in a dozen of the world's top beach, mountain and European vacation destinations including: Los Cabos, Mexico; the Caribbean island of Anguilla; Tuscany, Italy; Big Island and Maui, Hawaii; Kiawah Island, South Carolina; Newport Beach, California; Vail, Beaver Creek, Aspen, and Snowmass Village, Colorado; and Deer Valley, Utah. Each residence is outfitted with elegant Rivolta Carmignani bedding, organic bamboo bath linens from Peacock Alley, Agraria bath products, LCD flat panel televisions, and, in most cases, Apple® technology including iMac® computers with personal printers, iPod® docks and Apple TV®.

For more information about Inspirato, visit www.inspirato.com.

SOURCE Inspirato