Ultimate Escapes Signs Reciprocity Agreement With Villa Castellamonte

ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ultimate Escapes, Inc. (NYSE Amex: UEI and UEI.WT), one of the world's largest destination clubs, has finalized a reciprocity partnership agreement with Villa Castellamonte del Mare, an exclusive five-star ultra-luxury villa in the Dominican Republic. Through this strategic partnership, Ultimate Escapes members will have exclusive reciprocity access to this magnificent 15,000 sq. ft., fully-staffed villa located high atop a sea cliff in Cabrera, within the prestigious gated community of Orchid Bay Estates, on the Dominican Republic's beautiful North Coast. Villa Castellamonte owners will also have reciprocal privileges to enjoy Ultimate Escapes' fabulous residences in 45 resort destinations.

Villa Castellamonte del Mare, or "little castle on the hill by the sea," has a unique beachfront location with sweeping 220-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean and access to every luxury service and amenity the North Coast of the Dominican Republic has to offer. Villa Castellamonte is the most recent partner to participate in the Ultimate Escapes Reciprocity Program, which permits affiliated developers and owners in participating five-star resorts to commit weeks of use of their luxury residence in return for similar access to Ultimate Escapes' destinations.

"We are excited to add yet another spectacular partner resort to the Ultimate Escapes Reciprocity Program," states Jim Tousignant, CEO of Ultimate Escapes. "Partnerships such as Villa Castellamonte enhance the choice of destinations and residences available to our members, and additionally provide our partners with a great benefit for their owners."

Designed to evoke "Tuscany in the Caribbean," Villa Castellamonte provides the ideal setting for romantic destination weddings, large family gatherings or corporate retreats. A full-time staff of butlers, chef, maids, laundresses, gardeners and security and maintenance professionals ensure every detail is handled. The expansive property accommodates up to 16 adults and features eight air-conditioned suites with en suite bathrooms, hand-painted frescos and murals, state-of-the-art audio-video systems, custom-designed gaming tables (billiards, poker, shuffleboard, foosball and more) and a fully equipped fitness center. Spacious terraces directly overlook the private pool, the manicured tropical gardens and the Atlantic Ocean.

Outside, the "zero-entry" swimming pool has a sunning peninsula, swim-through tunnel and diving rock. Additionally the property includes a PGA-quality, four-hole putting and chipping green (a full game can be enjoyed at the nearby Playa Grande Golf Course) and a special spa kiosk where guests can enjoy top-of-the-line spa treatments. Within the town of Cabrera, Villa Castellamonte is conveniently located near popular tourist destinations such as Cabarete, Sosua, Puerto Plata and Samana Bay.

"We are confident Ultimate Escapes' members will thoroughly enjoy access to Villa Castellamonte and our owners will love the flexibility and variety of Ultimate's portfolio of other beautiful homes in 45 resort destinations," states Jason Matthews, managing partner of Luxury Villa Collections, the owner of Villa Castellamonte. "We look forward to this being a very successful partnership for both parties."

About Villa Castellamonte

Built in 2001, Villa Castellamonte is a private, 15,000 sq. ft., eight-bedroom / 10-bath, fully staffed ultra-luxury vacation villa destination located on the unspoiled, pristine north coast of the Dominican Republic near the town of Cabrera. Seen on MSNBC's "On the Money" and cited by Fodor's Guide as a Fodor's Choice destination, Villa Castellamonte provides exclusive luxury vacation rentals throughout the year. Villa Castellamonte may be contacted at 866-VILLA10 (Int'l +1-610-429-9616), or found on the web at leading luxury villa rental listing sites worldwide or at www.villacastellamonte.com.

About Ultimate Escapes®

Founded in 2004, Ultimate Escapes is the largest luxury destination club as measured by number of club destinations, and the second-largest destination club as measured by number of members. Ultimate Escapes offers members flexible access to a growing collection of hundreds of multi-million dollar private residences and luxury hotels in more than 150 global club and affiliate destinations. Locations range from chic urban apartments to charming beach cottages, spacious five-bedroom homes to an 80-foot private yacht. Each trip is coordinated by experienced, knowledgeable staff, trained to handle every vacation detail. Additional information about Ultimate Escapes and its club and membership offerings can be found at www.ultimateescapes.com.

SOURCE Ultimate Escapes