East African Timeshare Resort Flourishes

 A Baobab Tree.

The Mandharini Resort of Kenya has been added to the Preferred Residences Membership and Exchange Program. Preferred Residences, a Miami, Florida based company, is thrilled to have made their first foray into African timeshares. Mandharini is found in Kilifi, Kenya, on Kenya’s beautiful coastline that overlooks the Indian Ocean. It’s 50 km from two of Kenya’s most important cities, Mombasa and Malindi. It’s about 3 hours from the capital city of Nairobi.

Kenya is still not a very high destination for most world travelers, so its beauty is largely preserved. The designers of the Mandharini have this in mind and have built the resort to coexist with nature. This doesn’t mean that you will have cougars visiting your bedroom at night, but the frame of the resort uses natural bamboo. If that is too old-school for your liking, Mandharini has an excellent golf course with mountains in the background and a restaurant that cooks up local meats that are exotic to the Western palette, such as dik dik or duiker, which are similar to antelopes and guinea pigs, respectively.

Mandharini means “a place of beautiful views,” and northern Kenya is known for its awe-inspiring wildlife and countryside. Perhaps the greatest draw of Mandharini is the fact that is neighbors both history and natural beauty. Kilifi was founded in the 14^th century, and a short bike ride to the Arabuko Sokoke Forest, a 150 acre ecological preserve. It is the largest area of coastal dry forest remaining in Eastern Africa. There you can find the unique Baobab tree, a tree that can get to be over 1,000 years old and has a very thick trunk with branches and leaves only extending from its top-most parts. While visiting your timeshare in Kilifi, tan on beautiful Bofa beach. It has one of the best and yet least crowded beaches in Kenya. It has beautiful white sand and azure blue water free from oil and pollution. Enjoy the best of Kenya, from the mountains to wind surfing, from golfing to nightlife, all in an exotic setting, courtesy of the Mandharini Resort. Of course, if you want to get out of your timeshare, contact the Transfer Smart experts.

Timeshare Company Kicks Off 2012 Convention

The American Resort and Development Assocication (ARDA) kicked off its Convention & Exposition this week in Las Vegas, Nevada. The host site is the Venetian, one of Las Vegas’ most high profile sites, owned by the Sands Hotel group, which is owned by Sheldon Adelson.

ARDA is a consortium of timeshare developers and resorts. They are based in Washington, D.C., and lobby politicians on behalf of the vacation ownership and timeshare industries they represent.

A host of information about the Expo can be found on their website, including a schedule, Attendance for the 2012 Expo has been closed since 01 March, but if you’d like to attend next year’s convention you may do so here. It will be held 07-11 April 2013 at the Westin Diplomat Hotel in Hollywood, FL.

We know that many of you want to sell your timeshare, and that's why we created Transfer Smart. Selling your timeshare is very difficult, and we don't sell them as much as transfer them out of your name for good.

Timeshare Owners Find Problems In Arkansas

Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri.

Timeshare owners of Table Rock Landing (TBR) in Holiday Island, Arkansas, are turning up the pressure on Carroll County politicians to redo their roads. Last year, a $200,000 grant to re-asphalt roads in Carroll County led to

What is at issue is a lawsuit between Carroll County and the TRL ownership board. Last year, TRL only paid a portion of the money the county said it was due as their part of road maintenance fees. The ownership is not at fault, but rather the TRL board. The roads around TRL are still drivable, but safety issues may come up in the future. In the past the district has focused on heavily-trafficked roads; most TRL users are only around for a few months over the summer.

TBR owners love their timeshares as they sit within walking distance of the large Mark Twain National Forest Park of Missouri. At 1.5 million acres, it’s one of the nations’ largest national parks.

The Holiday Island Public Works board will decide how many and what roads will be done. There are three options the board is considering. Northern Arkansas often has to redo their roads as Arkansas experience different extremes in the weather spectrum: heavy rain in the spring, hot temperatures in the summer, and snow in the fall. 

Timeshares are worthless, and usually bought by people who give in to high pressure sales tactics. If you want out of your timeshare for any reason, contact Transfer Smart today.

First Ever Tennessee Hotel Loses Operating License

The West PlazaInns & Suites Hotel in Farragut, Tennessee is the first ever hotel in the state of Tennessee to lose its operating license. Farragut is a quiet suburb 18 miles southwest of Knoxville.

The hotel does not sell timeshares, catering to more of a transient local clientele. Tennessee health code mandates that hotels and resorts score at least an “80” on their exam. The WPIS was inspected four times in 2011 and never received a score higher than 59. Mold in rooms, leaky ceilings, and roach infestations were found in several rooms.

From the FarragutPress:

“Among scores of critical health violations were severe rodent and insect infestations, mold infestations, rooms with unlockable doors, rooms with locks management had no key to, non-working fire detection systems, and inadequate sprinklers, exit plans and fire extinguishers.”

The hotel’s owner, Jet Patel, said he will remodel the motel and turn it into an assisted-care facility for seniors. Farragut administrators are looking to condemn the buildings.

Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman Placed in Receivership

The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman.

Due to an outstanding debt of $250 million, The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman luxury timeshare and resort hotel was placed in receivership.The hotel was opened in 2005 to much fanfare as it is the only 5-star hotel located on the Cayman Islands.

Michael Ryan, owner and developer of The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, stated he had trouble negotiating the demands of the Delaware-based company with the government of Grand Cayman. As recently as January, he stated a down-turning economy and rising construction costs as two major factors regarding the hotel’s problems meeting their loan repayment.

Ryan owns the property, but Ritz-Carlton’s Cayman Holdings manage the hotel’s operations. They filed a suit against Ryan stating he had lost control of profitability of the hotel. Ryan is also having difficulty turning a profit on his Dragon Bay timeshare resort, which caters to millionaires.

The receivership wrestled control away from Ryan and back into the hands of RC Cayman Holdings. This temporary situation can be alleviated if the resort becomes profitable.

If you own a timeshare in Mexico or the Caribbean and want to sell it, Transfer Smart can get you out of it. Call us today.

Sell Timeshare

While trying to unload your timeshare can be a hassle, Transfer Smart is here to help.

We offer a variety of services. Because we want to personally tailor our timeshare exit solutions to your needs, we have meetings all over the country with timeshare owners in their hometowns and present our solutions to you in person.

Call the number on our homepage and you’ll speak with a customer service rep. They will arrange a way for you to meet one-on-one with one of our Brand Representatives. This 100% free, no obligation meeting is crucial for you to obtain information on our unique way of getting you out of a timeshare.

Options discussed at the seminars include sales or selling of timeshares, transferring timeshare titles, donating timeshares, and other options.

Timeshare contracts are complicated, so it can take time to get you out of yours. But Transfer Smart offers an In-Writing Contract that states we will get you out of your timeshare contract if you qualify. Don’t worry, over 90% of applicants do.

Our unique approach has led to THOUSANDS of timeshare owners getting out of their contracts. Call us today.

Live In New Zealand

New Zealand

Sun, surf, and friendly people. Far from the shadow cast by Australia, New Zealand makes its own stamp on the world with jobs, low crime rates, and excellent education. Auckland New Zealand has already been called one of the greatest places to live by magazines such as Forbes and MSN Money. But why is this place gaining such notoriety as a tourist destination as well?

As far as activities go, you could safari on the South Island’s west coast and see the kiwi, a bird species only found in New Zealand. ATV tours are fun, going up the mountains of Arthur’s Pass national Park. You can also see the country side by horse or by hot-air balloon. Water activities are really popular, which is to be expected. Fishing, wind-surfing, jet-skiing and parasailing is all a part of active New Zealand culture.

Christchurch and Auckland are considered two of the safest and happiest places on Earth. Hotels, timeshares and resorts can be found up and down both coasts of New Zealand, and the weather is tropical year round.

Shopping is good, as the U.S. dollar trades well against the New Zealand dollar.

The Underwater Sculpture Garden of Grenada

The She Devil, one of the many sculptures in the Underwater Garden.

Tiny Grenada, 2^nd to last island in the Caribbean chain before you reach Venezuela (Trinidad is the last), is gaining tourists dollars due to their new underwater coral reef. With some environmentalists estimating that 80% of the world’s reefs will be destroyed by 2050, this shallow man-made reef is attracting a lot of attention.

It’s a sculpture garden, placed there by the Grenadian government, and approved by marine biologists. It’s found off Molinere point in Flamingo Bay on the west side of the island. There’s also diving with turtles or just lazing it up in a hammock to be had. There’s also a set of seven waterfalls called the Seven Sisters, and local daredevils will jump from one to the other. The largest drop is 50ft.

Most of Grenada’s GDP comes from tourist dollars, but hotels and resorts are mostly mom and pop affairs. There are few timeshares sold on the island.

Flights can be purchased out of Miami for less than $600 for next day, one way travel. A seven-night stay at Maca Bana, near the capital, goes for around $2,500 for a one-bedroom cottage.

The best part about Grenada is that it caters to tourists, is very safe, and seems to not be overrun with tourists. It’s possible to get a home-cooked meal at a small restaurant, take pictures of beautiful scenery, visit a beach such as Grand Anse and have it almost all to yourself.

Own a timeshare in Grenada and need to get out? Transfer Smart has you covered. Our team deals exclusively in getting good people out of bad timeshare deals. Contact us today.

Timeshare Division Hurts Marriott Stock

The fall quarter of 2011 saw Marriott International’s profit drop a surprising 18% compared to a year earlier.

Demand for hotels in North America is rising while the industry itself is slowing, which usually means higher prices. But Marriott invested a lot in its timeshare business and has yet to see results.

The company earned $173 million in fourth quarter 2010, and only $141 million fourth quarter 2011.

Despite not meeting stockholders’ expectations, CEO J.W. Marriott Jr. released a statement saying: “"We are bullish about the long-term growth prospects for both Marriott and the global lodging industry. With a growing middle class and rapid economic growth in many emerging markets, global demand is increasing steadily."

Overall revenue for the company was up 31%, from $11.69 billion in 2010 to $12.32 billion in 2011. The fourth-quarter loss was in line with Wall Street Predictions. Hoteliers agree that 2012 will bring new emerging markets and tourism to new areas, something I’ve written about previously.

How to scuba dive with sharks

Nom, nom, nom.

Diving with sharks is one of the most thrilling adventures a traveler can go on. If you’re in the Bahamas or Mexico at a resort or timeshare, you may find an offer for a shark dive. After doing some research, I’ve compiled a list of tips to keep you safe while enjoying this dangerous activity.

Note the behavior of fish. Fish will often swim erratically when sharks are near.

Stay out of the water if you see groups of dolphins or seagulls as they are attracted to the same food sharks eat. Dolphins are also prey for large sharks, and it is a myth to think that sharks don’t attack and eat dolphins.

If you are bleeding, do not even get in the water. Everything you heard is true: sharks can smell blood from up to a mile away and hone in on its source.

Descend quickly.  Sharks’ favorite meals are found near the surface, such as sea lions and already dead fish. Head to the bottom after diving and use minimal movement.

Never use baitfish to attract sharks; they may use you as the meal instead.

Know your species. Contrary to popular opinion, it is the Bull Shark that is responsible for most attacks on humans worldwide, not the Great White.

Know that sharks are timid and curious. Though real attacks are few, sharks will bump into divers as they are not used to humans, which can cause panic and erratic behavior, making the shark aggressive as well. Don’t wear shiny objects either, as they attract shark's attention.

Now that you’ve had this primer you’re ready for this (the money shot is one minute in). Have a great dive.

If you're tired of swimming in the shark-infested waters of timeshare ownership, we're here to help. Transfer Smart will give you an In-Writing Guarantee of their services if you qualify, and 96% of applicants will. Contact us today.

Indonesia’s Best Surf

                                                                   Kelly Slater in Bali.

Traveling to Indonesia is a surfers dream. It’s exotic and full of beautiful beaches and world-renowned waves. But the trip can be daunting. Flights are expensive, and people aren’t sure where to stay. We love surfers here at Transfer Smart and have dug up a short list of the best resorts and the best waves in Indo.

The Mentawai Islands

One thing that bothers surfers is looking at surf reports and trying to figure out where the best waves will be. Well the Mentawai Islands have some of the most high quality, consistent wave in the world. Year wound, surf perfection is here, whether you’re in West Sumatra or Breakaway, walking the flawless islets to your next score.

Panaitan Island

An 800 yard-long left awaits you here, as well as the legendary One Palm Point and Apocalypse.

Bali

I don’t think more could be written about Bali that hasn’t already been said. Consistent surf, warm weather and things to do for the whole family have made this a year-long surf Pro-Am spot.

Nias Island

This break is from 8-15 feet year round, and boasts an interesting geographical feature- a sandbar that allows you to walk out 100 yards into the water, upon where you can just dive into the wave of your choosing.

Sumba Island

Excellent waves in beautiful surroundings, and close to Bali? Yeah, you’d want to check out Sumba Island too. There’s also great fishing, snorkeling, bird watching and relaxing.

I want out of my timeshare contract. What would happen if I just stopped paying towards it?

Here at Transfer Smart many patrons make the same comment: I don’t want my timeshare anymore. What happens if I just stop paying the yearly special assessment and maintenance fees?

First, the timeshare company will vigorously pursue the money you owe them. Some contracts last for thirty years; others “forever,” as they are passed down to your children. Just because you don’t use a timeshare doesn’t mean you can stop paying on it. Timeshare companies are well versed in how to write up their contracts that are beneficial to them, not you. And as long as you are paying towards an empty room, they are winning.

If you decide to stop paying, they will do everything they can to contact you, either through email, snail mail or by phone. If you stay the course, they will send you over to a collection agency and this is where your credit rating begins to suffer. Most timeshare owners have good credit, and will give in here. But it’s ridiculous that a vacation resort, which is supposed to serve and provide relaxation to you, would be so tenacious in their pursuit of your money. But in a recession, tourism is down, and they have your name on a contract that is very much slanted against you. They will do your best to get your credit ruined, and they will continue with harassing letters and phone calls.

The only way to get out of a contract is to legally get your name off of it. This is where Transfer Smart comes in.

We offer legal exit solutions that get you out of your contract forever. Contact us today to see what we can do for you.

The Most Expensive Restaurants in America

Bundle has compiled a list of the most expensive restaurants in America, and the catalogue contains some surprises. Most are predictably found in New York City or spread across California. But half of the top ten are in Chicago. Five of the top ten is French and the other five are American Noveau. And the most expensive plate comes from a city most people have never heard of: Yountville, CA.

Of course the food is highly rated as these restaurants are world-renowned for their cuisines. But part of the reason why their plates are so high are their prix fixe rates. The concept of Prix Fixe comes from dining as a guest in someone’s home. They decided what food you would eat before you got there, and you pay a fixed price for it. Wine, appetizer, meal and desert are all pre-chosen and cannot be changed. The opposite would be a la carte, where you pick and choose all of your items. This is the most common dining experience.

The French Laundry of Yountville and Per Se of New York City, the lists’ top two, are backed by the same chef, Thomas Keller. The average check at French Laundry was $957 and the average check at Per Se was $883. Le Bernadin of New York City had the highest prix fixe price of $330. Eleven Madison Park, also of NYC, rounded out the top 25 with a $409 check average.

Transfer Smart gets you out of your timeshare with a 100% In-Writing Guarantee. The scam artists can't offer you that. If you're stuck in a timeshare contract that's costing you a fortune, contact us and we will get you out of that title the Transfer Smart way.

Timeshares in Cuba

Cuba, the fickle southern neighbor of the United States has been as affected by the global downturn in the economy as the rest of the world. But Cuba has seen more than it’s fairshare of change recently. Fidel Castro stepped aside, and his more democratically-leaning brother Raul took over in 2006. Since 1998, the tiny island has been hit by 16 hurricanes. The United States trade embargo, in place since the 1960’s, has always choked the island’s economy. The price of food is on an irreversible upwards trend. And drought throughout the island has cost the island to lose half of its annual gross domestic product.

Faced with these dangers, Cuba is “updating” its Socialist model, and encouraging private business in ways that haven’t been seen on the island in decades. Foreign investors can now lease state land for 99 years, not limited to 50 as they were before. For the first time since 1959, foreign investment in agriculture has been allowed. And the government is now in discussions with foreign backers to construct 16 golf courses around the island and the sale of leases on houses and timeshares in these areas. With the right marketing, Cuba could become a world-wide tourist hub, worthy of the definition exotic: beautiful, mysterious and alluring.

The Cuban government will cede a quarter of its almost 5 million state workers to the cause of private entrepreneurship. They will encourage the move by not making it illegal to have a private business, and by removing the cap on how much a worker can make in one year. Despite the historically contentious feelings the Cuban state has towards the U.S., all economists agree that Cuba would welcome American tourists and their dollars with open arms. If President Obama wins a second term and laxes travel restrictions that have hindered U.S. visitation of Cuba in the past, it could eventually lead to an end of the U.S. embargo, and socialism as Cubans know it.

If you have found yourself in a Timeshare contract that you don’t use anymore, we can help. Transfer Smart offers 100% In-Writing Guaranteed exit solutions to your timeshare contract. Transfer Smart is not a resale or listing service, and will not ask for money up front. Transfer Smart simply offers information to travelers who wish to get out of their timeshare contracts.

Loving Christmas, Hating Timeshares!

I love Christmas! The holiday season is so wonderful! The snow falling on the ground, making everything bright, white and beautiful. The Christmas songs on the radio we all know the words to and sing out loud in the streets. And of course…

But one terrible thing about the holidays is financial ruin. So many people find themselves over-spending in order to make their families happy. They do it so their friends, family and associates can be happy, but then they spend months of the New Year trying to catch up. In some cases, the debt takes years to pay off.

That brings me to point. Few things are as wasteful of money as timeshares, interval-leisure resorts, and the like. Good, hard-working people like ourselves have a beautiful, relaxing vacation in an exotic resort and get caught up in the emotional whirlwind and make a timeshare purpose only to regret it later. There are rising maintenance fees. Uncontrollable, unlimited “Special Assessment” fees. And the promise of an “investment” that in reality will never show a positive financial return.

This is why I blog about TransferSmart. I want people to have real peace of mind, not spend hundreds of thousands over a lifetime because they made an emotional decision to buy a timeshare. TransferSmart offers and IN WRITING guarantee that they will get you out of your timeshare contract. Yes, in writing. Click here and fill out a short form and they will contact you within 24 hours. Let TransferSmart bring real peace to you and your family.