Open season: a feature by Financial Times

Open season: how to unlock a holiday home for year-round travel

The way we travel has changed, and is set to change even more over the next decade. Since the pandemic, many people's priorities have shifted, with multigenerational holidays more popular than ever, while technology has enabled people to enjoy a hybrid lifestyle, working abroad on extended holidays - spending the morning on Zoom calls then retiring to the pool for the afternoon. The family holiday sabbatical is on the rise - offering a valuable mental re-set - as are parent-child bonding holidays in a range of intrepid destinations. But one of the biggest shifts is the move towards off-season travel.

While many hotels may close their doors during the winter season, holiday villas are open all year round, and co-ownership companies such as The Hideaways Club are well placed to offer members an off-season base in a variety of incredible destinations. Since being founded in 2007, it has gathered a collection of stylish villas and houses in key spots around Mediterranean Europe, which members can book for weekend breaks or longer stays. Each member owns an equity share in the Club, which gives them a fixed amount of points that they can 'spend' each year on holiday stays. Compared to owning a single house in one place, which may be lovely in summer but unappealing in winter, this model allows for travel all year round - it's like owning 40 holiday homes around the world to suit all seasons, albeit with a much lower capital cost than single homeownership. Meanwhile, access to local fixers and a concierge service - who can arrange anything from restaurant booking to exclusive access to museums and galleries - gives members an authentic taste of local culture and lifestyle.

We are very pleased to share our latest feature in the Financial Times here.