Timeshare at Marriott’s Shadow Ridge Resort in Palm Desert, California has really sweetened things up with the addition of its very own Dylan’s Candy Bar.

If you are not familiar with the candy shops, founder Dylan Lauren is the daughter of designer Ralph Lauren and the visionary behind Dylan’s Candy Bar, which first opened in New York City in 2001. Since that time, she has opened more of her candy extravaganza stores in East Hampton and Roosevelt Field, New York and in Orlando, Florida, and Houston, Texas.

Hardly your normal candy shop, Dylan’s Candy Bars look more like a fantasyland of candy and Dylan admits that Disneyland, Willy Wonka, and the classic Candyland game all served as inspiration for the store. Turquoise walls and a ‘candy’ covered ceiling add to the surreal feeling when you walk into the shop, which is exactly what Dylan Lauren wanted as she often talks about how the stores are meant to be as much about experience as they are about selling candy.

Amazing Candy Store for Amazing Marriott Timeshare Resort

The Timeshare Authority blog has often updated you on Marriott’s Shadow Ridge; it is an exciting and luxurious timeshare property. Located in Coachella Valley, the resort has both guestrooms and one and two bedroom timeshare villas, each one averaging 1100 to 1300 square feet of spacious comfort. With dramatic views of the often snow-capped Santa Rosa Mountains in Palm Desert, the valley setting is peaceful, and promises guests over 350 days of sunshine and blue skies every year.

On-site, the resort features a Nick Faldo designed championship golf course and a Nick Faldo Golf Institute. There is also a Chuckwalla Pool with waterslide, fitness center, marketplace and casual dining.

Daniel Slaughter, general manager of Marriott’s Shadow Ridge resort says, “The Marriott Vacation Club experience is about creating memorable moments for our owners and guests. We’re excited to offer the first Dylan’s Candy Bar at a Marriott resort and see this as the perfect complement to our amenities at Marriott’s Shadow Ridge.”

Dylan Lauren adds, “By partnering with Marriott’s Shadow Ridge, we have combined the delight of luxury vacationing with the deliciousness of candy to create a mouthwatering duo that will ensure the sweetest of escapes.”

Past news about Marriott’s Shadow Ridge California Timeshare:

• Marriott Timeshare in Palm Desert Completes Phase 7 Construction
• HOT 100 List Timeshare # 73 is Marriott’s Shadow Ridge Timeshare

Last week was one of those ‘weeks’. They happen sometimes and when they do, they can cause you to question people and perhaps the world in general.

Timeshare Takedown in Orlando

The offices of a business in Orlando that called itself a timeshare company were raided on Wednesday. Their crime? A scam we have all heard about too many times before: they promised to sell timeshares that people no longer wanted; took money for their services; and had no intention of selling or even attempting to sell the properties.

Yet when the SWAT officers made the arrests, they weren’t hauling away grizzled, seasoned criminals. Instead, they arrested four young adults between the ages of 19 and 27. If you follow this link to an Orlando Sentinel article, you will see that the individuals arrested look like they could be your kid brother, little sister, or perhaps your own young adult children. And it is hard to say which part of the story is sadder, the victims defrauded and bilked of cash or the young lives thrown away by four people who chose to use their energy, passion and skill in earning an illegal living rather than building careers, advancing their future and contributing to the world in legitimate ways.

Social Media Mistake

The situation in Egypt and other areas of the Middle East is frightening, tragic, and probably nearly impossible to comprehend by all of us who go about our safe and peaceful lives thousands of miles away. But as the tensions have heightened and the dangers increased, we have all felt concern and compassion for the innocent people whose lives are being upended by the tumult—sentiments many have shared and discussed via different social media platforms.

…Except for Kenneth Cole, the legendary shoe and clothing manufacturer. In a move that makes the average person shudder, and marketing gurus cringe, Kenneth Cole tweeted, “Millions are in uproar in #Cairo. Rumor is they heard our new spring collection is now available online… -KC.”

Let’s give him credit that he simply didn’t realize how callous his statements would sound when glibly applied to the violence currently going on in Egypt. And yet how do you justify attempting to create materialistic gain or recognition by parodying human suffering?

In Cole’s defense, he did later delete the tweet and offered a public apology on Facebook.

But Before You Lose All Faith in Humankind

Last week I tweeted a tiny bit of news that should leave us all feeling more hopeful. On @jasontremblay_ on Wednesday, I shared, “Fifth Third Bancorp, the large regional Midwestern bank, announces it has repaid the $3.4 billion taxpayer bailout it received.”

It was a story that didn’t get as much attention as it deserved, but then sometimes it is hard to be heard over SWAT raids and a twitterer who puts his foot—complete with a fine leather Kenneth Cole shoe—squarely into his mouth.

Fifth Third Bancorp is a large regional bank that received money in the federal government’s $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program, known as TARP. Last week, Fifth Third repurchased 136,320 shares of the preferred stock that the Treasury received as ‘collateral’ as part of the December 2008 bailout. As part of the deal, the bank has also paid the government more than $340 million in dividends.

Although Fifth Third is not completely out from under its obligation to the US Government (and the US people), their repayment goes a long way to helping restore public confidence in the financial system. Kevin Kabat, president and chief executive officer of Fifth Third, issued a statement saying, “Redemption of TARP represents another important milestone for Fifth Third. We appreciate that U.S. taxpayers made an investment in our company at that time, and we are pleased to be able to return that investment to them.”

Repayment of debt owed demonstrates fiscal responsibility. More importantly, it reminds us that for every bad business move we hear about in the news, there are endless acts of honesty, integrity, and ethics demonstrated every day by companies both large and small. While bad news tends to be what makes the headlines, the good news is responsibility, accountability, and concern for others is actually what keeps companies running, people employed, and goods or services being delivered daily.

Last summer, two Mexico timeshare resorts dealt with what appeared to be cases of Legionnaires disease. Several cases, all since confirmed as Legionnaires disease, were diagnosed in tourists from the US or the Netherlands, who were guests at the Regency Club Vacation Resort or the Wyndham Cozumel Resort & Spa (formerly Reef Club Cozumel).

According to the US State Department’s Overseas Security Advisory Council, nine cases of Legionnaires disease have been confirmed since May 2008 among tourists at these resorts. A public health investigation in April 2010, recommended disinfection of the resort’s shared potable water system. Although this was done, in December 2010, the CDC was notified of a ninth case of the disease that was believed to have originated at the resort.

Typically, the source of exposure for contracting Legionnaires disease is by breathing in contaminated mist or vapor such as from a showerhead, spray mister, or hot tub; the disease is not spread directly person to person. In the US every year, between 8,000 and 18,000 people are hospitalized with the bacteria infection. Because it begins as a lung infection, persons most at risk of developing Legionnaires are the elderly, smokers, people with chronic lung conditions, or otherwise compromised immune systems. A milder version of the disease, caused by the same bacteria, is called Pontiac fever.

For more information about Legionella, go to the: CDC’s Legionellosis Resource Site.

It is important to note that risk of contracting the disease is low as indicated by how few cases actually develop, and that cases of Legionnaires have not been linked to any other Mexico timeshare resorts or Cozumel timeshare resorts.

Orlando ABC affiliate WFTV has reported that Marriott Vacation Club’s new timeshare plans are drawing opposition from some area residents.

Reportedly, Marriott Vacation Club International (Marriott timeshare) wants to build a 22-story timeshare tower on Lake Willis, near Sea World. The resort’s original design called for the expansion to be done with more buildings at shorter heights. As a cost saving measure, Marriott timeshare now seeks to build the units in a single, high-rise tower.

Most of the land around Lake Willis is environmentally protected land and is therefore zoned so that no building can be more than 100 feet tall. And most of the current buildings along the lake are only around 75 feet tall. But the section of land owned by Marriott is not part of these restrictions. Residents and zoning officials are hoping that Marriott will voluntarily limit the height of the development to not more than 200 feet, graciously allowing the construction to rise twice as tall as any other property around the lake.

The new property would reportedly create some 350 hotel rooms and over 1100 timeshare units. As homeowners continue to bombard both Marriott corporate and government officials with phone calls and letters, a community meeting has been scheduled for the near future.

Follow this link to view the WFTV news story about these controversial timeshares: HERE.

This is not your typical vacation or timeshare activity package…

For everyone who has ever longed to go on an African safari, here’s an opportunity to have the “Africa experience” with a whole new twist. Disney is offering a Walt Disney World Safari VIP Weekend, which includes the opportunity to visit the Animal Kingdom Disney Park in Orlando with the famed primatologist Jane Goodall.

Those who purchase the VIP package will have a savannah-view room at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge® with other benefits including a backstage safari tour, a character breakfast at Jiko’s restaurant, three-day Park Hopper passes, and a private showing of the Festival of the Lion King, presented dinner-theater style.

Disney Timeshare’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Those who are familiar with the Animal Kingdom Lodge hotel and timeshare know it is a unique venue among the Disney Vacation Club resorts and that select rooms overlook the wild animal “savannah” grazing area, providing views of African game animals from your balcony.
But clearly the showpiece experience of the four day, three-night event will be the time spent with Dr. Goodall. She will join the group for the character breakfast and the VIPs will get to relax around the campfire with hot cocoa and s’mores in the evening while Dr. Goodall shares her stories and interacts with participants.

Space is limited and the event date is rapidly approaching, scheduled for the President’s Day weekend of Friday, February 18 thru Monday February 21. Fair warning: this very special weekend comes at a price, with adult reservations for the four days priced at $8500 and children priced at $7500.

Visit The Jane Goodall Institute to learn more.

Related posts on The Timeshare Authority blog:

• Kidani Village Timeshare Opens at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
• 5 Ways to Really Improve Your Disney Timeshare and Theme Park Vacation

Tiger Woods’ third attempt to design a signature golf course has now hit the skids, with all work on his planned course in Dubai at a full shutdown. Tiger’s Al Ruwaya golf course was planned to be the showpiece of an upscale resort community with vacation ownership and private residence properties described as villas, mansions, and palaces. But the struggling Dubai economy and perhaps the dwindling Tiger Woods brand has put this project in limbo.

Currently only about six golf holes are completed on the course and no construction has commenced on the planned luxury hotel and spa, vacation residences, or other amenities of the resort. Although spokespeople for the project say construction is likely to resume in the future, let’s look at the reality. Right now, this ‘golf course resort’ is nothing more than a half-dozen golf holes surrounded by desert. Golf fairways and greens are typically high maintenance real estate, requiring daily attention to keep them playable. Irrigation needs alone are significant for desert holes and without the revenue of rounds of golf coming in; these six already-developed holes are currently a financial drain. Now consider the cost of mobilizing the construction crew. Stopping a construction project, pulling the crew, and releasing the heavy equipment to other projects comes at a huge price. Tiger Woods Design announced its foray into Dubai golf course construction in December of 2006. Unofficially, work has been at a standstill for at least six months.

Who better to speak on the subject of space travel than Dr. Story Musgrave, the US astronaut with the most space missions and the longest service to the US space program? Musgrave, known for having flown every one the space shuttles and as the man who repaired and save the Hubble Space Telescope, will be the keynote speaker at the Trends & Innovation Travel Distribution & Investment Summit, scheduled for March 15-17, 2011 at the Sheraton Hotel, Sofia Bulgaria.

Along with Story Musgrave, other distinguished speakers and panelists are: John Hazlewood, CEO TravelStoreMaker; Gerasimos Perdikaris, General Manager Sheraton Sofia Hotel Balkan with Starwood; representatives of Google and others from internet and travel companies worldwide.

Topics of the conference include:

• The future of space tourism
• Space tourism offerings available in the near future
• Sex in space
• Off-earth reproduction
• Sustainability and Biodiversity in travel
• Along with a host of down to earth topics like travel technology, trends in mobile online shopping, online booking, turning hotel websites into online travel booking portals, social media, using Facebook as a business platform and internet marketing.

The event focuses both on future trends in travel and on how the Internet challenges the travel and tourism industry. The conference also includes a juried selection of innovative and potentially revolutionary travel solutions competing to win the 2011 Travel Innovation Award.

While it may strike you at first as a bit too ‘out of this world,’ the bottom line is that space travel is an inevitability of our future and will need an infrastructure of travel, hotel, and timeshare solutions, in the same way we need them here on earth. Look for some very interesting ideas to come out of this conference.

In the January issue of Resort Trades Magazine, and the January/February issue of Management Operations, attorney David Waller takes on the topic of timeshare resales and relief companies.

David is the senior hospitality lawyer in the Denver, Colorado offices of the national firm, Baker & Hostetler, LLP. Known for his work with hospitality companies and independent developers, David’s focus includes timeshares, condo hotels, resorts, hotels, condominium development and management, and a range of vacation ownership issues. He is licensed in Colorado and in Texas and is a frequent presenter at the ARDA Annual Conference and the Ragatz Fractional Interest Conference.

Looking at David Waller’s expertise before reading his comments is important; it reminds us he is infinitely knowledgeable on the subject of timeshares, experienced and unbiased. When he shares his thoughts on timeshare resales and relief companies, he is not advancing a personal agenda or promoting an individual client. Instead, he is truly offering insights that are sound, seasoned, and have the overall interests of both the timeshare industry and the consumer at heart.

Upfront Fee Timeshare Resale Advertising

Pointing out that a concerned timeshare industry is moving in the right direction, David Waller then addresses two specific instances where more work is needed by an evolving industry; one of these being the matter of timeshare advertising advance or ‘up-front’ fees. Describing advance fees for timeshare resale advertising as having suffered “misdirected condemnation,” he then explains why. Here’s part of what David Waller writes:

“…Concerns about advance fees still resonate in the timeshare industry today. The following is a representative sample of warnings targeted to consumers:

The point being made here is simple: there are no critics who say don’t pay upfront for a magazine or newspaper ad to sell timeshare or any other product. Imagine advertisers telling magazines that they want to sell their boat/condo/ handmade crafts but they are offended at the idea of paying for the ad until, and unless, their product actually sells. No one really expects newspaper, magazine, radio, or television advertising to bill after the fact, yet certain critics condemn online timeshare resellers for doing the same thing that is done across the board in most advertising venues every day.

Are there places you can advertise your timeshare resale at no cost? Yes. Just as there are neighborhood newsletters, free websites, and other avenues for advertising many types of products. Some work better than do others and some work for certain types of products but not all. Consumer trial and error is usually the best assessment of a free advertising option with the role of consumer agencies being best directed toward helping consumers identify credible resale and resale advertising services. And here again, David Waller’s observations are spot-on:

“Rather than condemn the practice of collecting advance fees, these agencies should recalibrate their efforts to further the consumer’s ability to identify companies that purport to be timeshare resale companies, but actually have no business purpose other than to collect advance fees…

Thank You Resort Trades

If you are interested in buying, renting, or selling timeshare, you owe it to yourself to read David Waller’s article in full. You will find it in the print issues listed at the start of this blog post and by clicking here to read it online: Thoughts on timeshare resales and relief companies. Resort Trades Publisher Tim Wilson explains, “We have an advantage because we are totally independent, and that freedom to speak without censorship or limitation is exactly what our editorial policy is based on.”

Thank you Resort Trades for providing your readership with this informative reporting and for your permission to reprint segments of it here on The Timeshare Authority blog.