First impressions? The sweeping driveways, manicured lawns and tantalising glimpses of swimming pools and water slides were a sharp contrast to the damp and grey London we left behind earlier that day. Not that we dislike London, but it can be a bit dreary at times and a holiday with guaranteed sunshine can give you that boost you desperately need.

At first I was disappointed we weren't in one of the resort's self-contained villas but the River Island apartment complex has panoramic views overlooking the pool area and I soon realised we'd certainly not been given the short straw. The free and surprisingly fast wi-fi access cemented this view as I can't go long without my internet fixes.

If golf and Sicily sound like heaven, there’s not too long to wait until Wyndham’s new Catania Golf Resort opens in Carlentini. Located between the town of Catania and Syracuse, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the 192-bedroom and suite hotel it to overlook an 18-hole golf course. There are 224 fully-serviced residential units planned on three floors and the hotel will be marketed to appeal to a mix of business and leisure clientele.

The port of Catania is Sicily’s second largest city after Palermo, once home to artists and writers, including the composer Vincenzo Bellini. Catania lies in the shadow of Mount Etna, the area’s world famous volcano. The baroque city architecture reflects its 18th century heritage.

This year’s RDO 2010 Conference “The Road Ahead” is shaping up to be a must-be-there event for everyone involved in the Europe’s shared ownership industry. High profile guest speakers are already confirmed and the two and a half day conference promises to be a unique opportunity to network and learn about the latest developments in the timeshare and fractional industries.

Conference sessions aside, the social event line-up includes a golf tournament, welcome cocktail party and the wrap party. The conference kicks off with The RDO Golf Tournament on Monday 4th October, 13.00 – 18.00 at Golf Rio Real, a Marbella classic and one of the area’s prettiest courses.

The club’s lush greenery, its signature boutique hotel and spa and al fresco café terrace make it a perfect setting for after-golf drinks. Golf Rio Real is less than five minutes from the RDO Conference host hotel, the legendary Don Carlos Leisure Resort & Spa.

RDO (Resort Development Organisation) is the European trade body for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries. Formerly called OTE, it was created in 1998 to promote fair trading and growth within the timeshare industry and to encourage the highest service standards amongst its members.

Timeshare and fractional ownership is an increasingly popular way of taking holidays and satisfaction levels amongst the 590,000 British families that own timeshare are very high – 88% are pleased they bought. RDO represents the very best of these holiday options and works to educate both the public and the media about the high quality, diverse and inspirational holidays offered.