Timeshare in the UK

There’s never been a better time to plan a winter break. Despite our unpredictable weather, timeshare resorts in the UK offer a range of superlative amenities that are not dependent on sunny climes.

Many include relaxing indoor swimming pools, Jacuzzis, saunas, steam rooms, solariums and gymnasiums. Here guests can relax, exercise at their own pace or simply be pampered in a sumptuous health spa. Also on hand is a choice of elegant bars and restaurants with some properties featuring nightly entertainment. Other facilities include a games room, snooker, pool, billiards and all-weather tennis courts. And on the service front, helpful staff are available to ensure guests make the most of their stay. There are also options for taking three-day weekend, four-day mid-week as well as weekly breaks at many of these upmarket resorts.

Coincidentally, the report, produced by Continental Research, showed that the UK was also the most popular destination for out-of-season holidays and short breaks for those wishing to avoid school holiday dates. According to Colin Shaddick, the report’s author, “The British are used to either unexpected heat waves or chilly washouts, so it doesn’t stop us taking our main holiday or mini-breaks here in the UK.”

Currently there are more reasons than ever to take a domestic break - among them the economic downturn, the spectre of recession and the global credit crunch impacting household budgets. Another is the weak pound vying with a strong euro. In spite of these problems, British holidaymakers are still determined to get away - for them a holiday or mini-break is a necessity that can refresh the mind, spirit and body and combat the stresses of everyday life.

According to a recent study, more than 75 per cent of UK Internet users – 21 million of them – are taking, or planning to take, a main holiday of seven nights or more, with the UK featuring as the most popular destination.

Currently there are 113 timeshare resorts across the country, many in popular areas such as the West Country, the national parks of Wales, the Lake District and Scotland. And at least 15 additional sites are being evaluated for new resort projects.

When the popularity of holiday ownership took off 25 years ago, early devotees were drawn to owning a share in a quality apartment rather than occupying a basic room in a tourist hotel. And the same is true today. As for the types of resorts on offer, holidaymakers have multiple options – an apartment on a country house estate, a lakeside lodge or accommodation in a mixed-use property with all the services and facilities of a luxury hotel.

A completely novel holiday concept

In 1974 Loch Rannoch in Perthshire – just 70 miles from Edinburgh – was the first timeshare resort to open in the UK. As a completely novel holiday concept, timeshare subsequently proved exceptionally popular. And today 115,000 week-long holidays are now taken every year in the U.K. Over the years big brand name hotel groups have done much to elevate the public perception and integrity of timeshare. Independent developers, too, have played their part, recognising that quality accommodation and facilities are essential elements for visitors wanting to live the holiday dream.

Through its Grand Vacations Club, Hilton has three resorts in Scotland. De Vere Resort Ownership is another operator of quality timeshare with four, top class properties – two in Scotland, one in Northumberland and one in Lincolnshire. Ten years ago Duchally Country Estate was acquired by Club La Costa (CLC). Built in 1838, it is the former seat of the Montreath family. Centrepiece of this Perthshire spread is a manor house, now a hotel and award-winning restaurant. At the other end of the country, CLC has two prestigious properties in Cornwall. Along with Duchally, all offer special off-peak deals – long weekends or mid-week treats.

On a year-round basis, Seasons Holidays has on offer three-night weekend or four-night, mid-week breaks from as little as £40 per unit. The independent operator recently completed a multi-million pound redevelopment at Whitbarrow Village, set in the scenic splendour of the Lake District. Along with 33 new apartments, it has completed the renovation and refurbishment of its swimming pool, health club and restaurant. Other properties are in Scotland, Wales and south-west England.

Over the years the evolution of timeshare has spawned more and more sophisticated products and services. The currency of holiday ownership has also expanded – from traditional weekly intervals to points that facilitate more flexible breaks for owners. National and pan European legislation has played a significant role in the development of holiday ownership with trade bodies like the Organisation for Timeshare in Europe actively promoting consumer protection. In the 21st century OTE believes the concept of timeshare, or shared ownership, has come of age and in future years will – in many forms – go from strength to strength.