As a reader of Helium Report for the last few years, I thought it was important to finally log in a report of my experience as a member of Lusso. Since joining in January ‘06, I have visited the Lusso properties in Scottsdale, Kiawah, NYC, Miami, Cabo and Deer Valley. At first I was reluctant to join such a club because I was constantly hearing complaints from friends of ours who had time shares that school holidays were never available and that, consequently, they never were able to enjoy their membership. Well, this has been the single most pleasant surprise about Lusso—the availability has been great! Innovations such as rotating holiday groups, wait lists, as well as an ample member/property ratio has allowed us to travel, basically, whenever we want to!

My second favorite thing about Lusso has been the incredible personal touch that I never would have expected. At each location, one is met at the airport and complimentarily transfered to the Lusso home. Once there, the Lusso member gets a warm welcome from the Lusso concierge who often has corresponded with the Lusso member many weeks before the trip, assembling their grocery list, making tee times and dinner reservations, fulfilling any special requests. It doesn’t sound like much on paper, but in practice, its truly phenomenal. During my previous 6 stays, Lusso concierges have made homemade chocolate chip cookies for me (NYC), rented a special beach bike for my elderly mother (Kiawah), arranged a private cooking class for us and our guests (Cabo), delivered Cuban pastries(Miami) and personally dropped off our ski passes (Deer Valley). Many of these things, I would never even have thought to request, Lusso (and its concierges) are just expert at anticipating their members desires.

Finally, I want to note the surprising luxuriousness of all the Lusso properties. Each and every one that I have visited has the “wow” factor. Whether its the location or the views or even the beautiful artwork and furniture, being in those properties just makes one feel lucky and transported from the day-to-day.

In sum, joining a destination club has been a wonderful decision for us. I don’t know whether its the Lusso Collection, specifically, since I don’t have another frame of reference, but definitely key factors to look for and that Lusso exemplifies are: availability; a personal, customized approach and a broad array of over-the-top luxury houses.