Story originally appeared on American Resort Development Association .
New Fun Under the Sun
For many owners, the best part of timeshare vacations is having the time to try new activities and get outside together. Although lazing by the pool will always have its charms, many timeshare resorts have expanded their offerings, providing opportunities for guests to stimulate their creativity, challenge themselves, build emotional connections and laugh (sometimes at themselves). Here are some activities timeshare guests will be enjoying during their upcoming summer vacation season.
Bocce Ball – Bocce (pronunciation: baa-chee) is a lawn game that’s played with eight weighted balls aimed at a smaller target ball, called a pallino. The objective of the game is to earn points by getting your balls closer to the pallino than your opponent does. Scottsdale Camelback Resort added a bocce court six years ago, and Lori Entwistle, head of resort experience at Vacatia, says that it has proved popular with guests. “It’s really easy to learn to play, so guests can start having fun right away.” Installing a court can cost anywhere from $3,600 to $60,000 for a high-end facility, according to a spokesperson for Commercial Recreation Group.
Passport to Adventure – At the Bay Club in Ocean City, Maryland, young travelers looking for adventure can take part in their BC Navigator program. They receive a button to wear that is a passport that enables the resort staff to acknowledge the navigator with stickers and special greetings for their adventure sheet. “The program keeps our young travelers engaged and involved in all resort activities while allowing the Bay Club team to show value for their participation in the program,” says Waitman Vanorsdale, resort general manager. Participating in resort events including Flamingo Races, Painting Ocean City, MD Seashells, Giant Connect 4 on the patio or Movie Night on the lawn earns accomplishment stickers. Upon departure, Navigators earn a BC Navigator compass gift. “Every Navigator needs a compass to help with future adventures,” he says.
Hula Classes – At Marriott Vacation Club’s Ko Olina Beach Club, guests can participate in Hawaii’s unique culture by taking a hula class. “As hula is part of our culture here on the islands, it’s not hard to find hula instructors, says Racquel Hidaro, director of activities at the resort on the island of Oahu. “Some of our instructors had already taken hula growing up and were experienced in dancing. A few learned hula from other associates and are now instructors themselves.” There are Keiki (children’s) hula Lesson as well as lessons for adults, and the lessons are complimentary to all owners and guests.
