SEASONS NEWSLETTER APRIL 2009

'WONDERFUL DAY' AT THE RACES
We are so pleased to hear how much Bob and Cath Price of Southam, Cheltenham enjoyed their day at the races, even if they did have to wait a year to collect their prize!

'What a day - thanks to Seasons!  We literally live in the shadow of the great Cheltenham Racecourse, with a view over the rooftops to the course and yet in the eleven years we have lived here, we have never before been to the races.  Imagine our surprise when we were drawn to have tickets for day two of the 2008 Cheltenham Festival, only to have our expectations dashed with the tremendous storm that resulted in the cancellation of the day's racing, when the Guinness stand was destroyed.

However, to our delight, Seasons generously replaced the tickets with ones to day two at this year's Cheltenham Festival, where they were again sponsoring the Queen Mother's Champion Chase.

We had a wonderful day, the weather was glorious, and we were able to walk to the course from home.  The Club enclosure tickets gave us access to the grandstand, the Centaur, Paddock and unsaddling enclosures, as well as the tented village.   Having arrived well before the first race was due to start, we were able to wander through the whole area and take in the sights and the atmosphere at leisure.  We visited the Seasons stand and enjoyed chatting to the girls.

Going to the bookmakers, of which there were many, was a new experience for us, but having received tips from the Irish ladies who had had bed and breakfast with us at the beginning of the week, we managed to come out on top.  We didn't exactly have a profit to bring home, but we did cover our day's expenses.  The excitement of cheering on our horses and being near the winning post was fantastic.  A quick walk to the unsaddling enclosure seeing the delight on the faces of those involved with the winners, the horses themselves and the presentation of the cups added to the whole experience. So, thank you Seasons for a fantastic day to remember.  

May we also take the opportunity to say thank you for the wonderful holidays we have had with and through Seasons.  We have been members since 2000 and have visited all the locations apart from Ireland, some of them several times.  We have also used the affiliates in our travels in Australia, South Africa and America and always found them excellent.  As Elite Club members, we can also thoroughly recommend the County Hotel in Bath where we were made very welcome, and enjoyed visiting the many attractions.   What a wonderful acquisition.'

NEW SEASONS ALGARVE RESORT
Seasons management are well aware how disappointed many of our members were when we were forced to part company with the popular Alpinus resort near Vilamoura on Portugal's beautiful Algarve coast.  However, the good news is that you can look out in the next few days for your special issue of this newsletter giving full details of Seasons fabulous NEW resort on Portugal's magical Algarve!

BRUNSTON RISES TO THE OCCASION
Not for the first time, Membership Services received a letter from a member describing how promptly and thoughtfully Seasons staff responded to a medical emergency.  Read on and learn what happened to Ray and Jean Kerley, of Frizington, Cumbria.

'I wish to compliment Seasons on the service my wife and I received from your resort manager Norma Docherty and her assistant Emma, during our short stay at Brunston Castle at the end of February.

I was about to return home on Friday 27th when I was taken ill with sickness and chest pains. I spoke to Emma in reception and she advised Norma, who told us not to worry and arranged for us to stay in another lodge for the day, to enable me to rest. They were both very helpful to my wife and assisted her in contacting NHS Direct, who arranged for the paramedics to come to the site. They gave me an ECG test for a suspected heart attack, they found that everything was okay but said I needed to rest before returning home. Emma arranged for us to stay in the lodge for the night and longer if needed. 

As it turned out, I felt a lot better on the Saturday and my wife was able to drive me home. I am now awaiting results of further tests from my doctor, but am hopeful there is nothing seriously wrong.  Please accept our thanks and we are looking forward to our next visit to Seasons resorts, which we hope will be enjoyable and not cause you any problems.'

BRUNSTON WORKERS HAVE A BARREL OF LAUGHS
It was not only visitors to Brunston Castle who got taken in by this April Fool's joke, pulled by one of the members of staff.  Manager Norma Docherty takes up the story:

'I was away at Clowance at the managers meeting when I received a picture message from my assistant Emma which said 'drunken staff - what will I do?'

I phoned Brunston and found out that it was one of our maintenance men, Joseph, who had not long been with us, who had decided to play an April Fool joke on everybody. He made a dummy up of legs and shoes and put it inside the barrel so it looked like a body.  Emma came in that morning, parked her car and walked round the corner to where the barrel was lying and didn't know what had happened at first. I have to say it tickled me, especially Emma's message about the drunken staff!'

4 MONTH TRIP OF A LIFETIME
Well, what an exciting time Pauline and John Gill, of Plymouth, have been having!  Fancy enjoying a holiday for quarter of a year!  Anyway, good for them and we are delighted that Seasons could help them on the exchange front.  They sent the following enthusiastic email to Leela Treacy of Reservations – doesn't it sound idyllic?

'Hi Leela - we have just returned from our four month trip! I really wanted to tell you how well our two exchanges went. Firstly the Don Pancho Resort at Bargara beach near Bundaberg. The photos do not do it justice at all. It is right on a fabulous beach, has a lovely swimming pool and at least three areas with barbecues, all with tables and chairs. We used these at least three evenings. It was not too far to walk to the village for the papers or bread etc, and it was along the water's edge all the way.

Accommodation was a little bit dated, but everything was beautifully clean, with plenty of sheets and towels and the management were really nice people. We had a balcony that had breathtaking views. It was all perfect for our Aussie family, and our two grandsons.

The second exchange was completely different - a QVI resort in Koh Samui. For two days we were the only guests! This was pure luxury and with the most gorgeous infinity pool looking right into the sea.  Again the resort was right on the beach. The staff were truly amazing. Well, they would be with that ratio of staff to guests! So thanks again for arranging that for us. Thanks again for your help.'

CLOWANCE GRANTED II HIGHEST ACCOLADE
Naturally, everyone at Seasons is thrilled with the news that Interval International has granted Clowance Estate the highest possible accolade in their exchange rating. 

Commenting on the award, Lawrie Prideaux, chairman of Clowance owners, said: “At the recent board meeting, we were all delighted to hear that Interval International had granted Clowance Premier status. This reflects great credit on Michelle and her team on the resort and to the leadership and support of the Seasons Directorate and the board congratulate you all.”

'EVEN BETTER' VISIT TO CLUB TAHITI
Fresh from their spring sunshine holiday in Lanzarote are Shane, Marie and Cira Stanger, from Newport, Gwent, who enjoyed themselves so much on both their visits that they wrote and told us all about it.

'We have just returned from another relaxing holiday from Club Tahiti. This
is our second visit in three years and this one was better than the first. Don't get me wrong, the first was brilliant. The welcome, the resort and hospitality was fantastic. At the time our daughter was just one year old and it was our first holiday as a family. Everyone was brilliant and the weather wasn't bad either.

Anyway, getting back to this year. We arrived a little early, but this wasn't a problem. Julie gave us a very warm welcome and we had a chat and were shown to our apartment shortly after. We did the usual, unpacked and went shopping. The next day we had an early meal and settled in the clubhouse with our daughter who is now three. What an entertaining evening we had with Chris and Scott. They made everybody laugh and join in including our daughter. We soon found out that Chris runs the kid's club. He was excellent with them and we would recommend anyone to him while they are there. The rest of the holiday ran smoothly, but too fast. I would just like to say
thank you to Wayne and Nichola and the girls for their fabulous food and service and Chris (who is now Mr Smee) for helping to make our daughter's stay even more enjoyable. We will certainly be returning.'
 
NAME CHANGE FOR TIMESHARE ORGANISATION

OTE (Organisation for Timeshare in Europe) announced recently that it has changed its name to Resort Development Organisation (RDO). The new name is reflective of developments in the vacation ownership industry, which has changed dramatically since the 1960s when timeshare was first sold, giving the consumer a fixed week at one resort. Since then new forms of vacation ownership have emerged giving the consumer more flexibility and choice.

RDO's chairman, Richard McIntosh said: “I believe that RDO truly reflects the extensive range of holiday options now available in the vacation ownership market. By widening the scope of the organisation's membership, we are representing the industry as a whole rather than just focusing on timeshare.

“Under RDO, the free complaints resolution service and dispute resolution scheme will be opened up to more people. The level of complaints for timeshare is at a very low level and is decreasing year on year, which compares starkly with other holiday options, such as holiday clubs (or discount travel clubs), which are not governed by specific legislation and do not benefit from trade body representation”, he concluded.

RDO will continue to promote best practice and fair trading in all areas of the industry; to work closely with governments, consumer bodies and relevant NGOs to ensure that legislation is appropriate and fair; to protect consumers via its code of conduct and to help the authorities to combat fraud.

GOLDEN WEDDING AT BURN PARK
Seasons resorts certainly seem to be very popular for celebrating special occasions, and the 50th wedding anniversary of Margaret and Alec Short, of Buckfastleigh, Devon was no exception.

'Dear Mizz Becky and Ricky – just a line to say a very big thank you to you and everyone at Burn Park, for making our Golden Wedding Anniversary so special.  We had a wonderful day and weekend. One we will never forget.

We hope to see you all again in the near future.  In the meantime, we wish you every success with your new venture at Burn Park. Very many thanks once more, with warmest regards, the Short family.'

POIGNANT VISIT TO FOREST HILLS
The recent visit to Forest Hills by Tim Oakley of Rickmansworth, Herts, turned out to be a combination of joy at discovering the tremendous improvements resulting from the refurbishment, together with some sad moments remembering a previous holiday with his late wife.

'I remembered from my first visit to Forest Hills seven or eight years ago with my wife and children, that a hire car is one essential item when staying at the resort for two reasons.  First, the secluded location of the resort is not terribly ideal for any other form of access.  And second, I wouldn't like to subject the suspension on my own car to the craters and unexpected speed bumps on the road up into the hills.

However, remembering to 'avoid the right fork into the cement works' (okay, I admit it, I didn't avoid the right fork into the cement works, just as I didn't 8 years ago!), negotiating the winding road and approaching the newly-styled front entrance at the top of the 'goat path', all these minor difficulties were as nothing.

The clean lines of the reception area, the bright hallways, the impressive new doors leading to the fabulously appointed apartments are breathtaking. The improved 'public' areas and spectacular pool complement the glorious views all around, and I felt at home again straight away.

Having had problems taking advantage of our membership, when my late wife became seriously ill, I had always wondered where my annual maintenance fees went, and now I find the expenditure on the remodelling and refurbishing at Forest Hills is definitely money well spent. Brand new modern kitchen fittings, crockery and equipment - none of it having been used at all since its installation on 1 March -
modern lighting, large flat screen TV, sturdy but comfortable furniture, high quality linen, modern kitchenware. I was impressed.
 
I travelled to Forest Hills this time with my 'long lost cousin' and the staff made our stay most enjoyable. Not a surly look, not a complaining frown, but bright and cheery greetings, smiles and laughter constantly, where nothing was too much trouble. I was pleased to see the well-appointed new dining area and bar, with a top quality menu, new gym equipment, steam room and laundry. Even the pool has had a fantastic makeover. I'll be back again as soon as I can. Thanks Seasons, I know my wife would have appreciated the improvements that have been made.'

PAPERLESS RESPONSE FORMS
Will all Seasons members please note that the use of paper comment sheets at our resorts will be discontinued as from 1st May 2009. 

However, it would be greatly appreciated if members could complete their comment sheets online on return from their holiday, as they are used at the regular resort managers meetings to measure the success of our policies and improve future staff performance.  To this end, a special link will be emailed to all members prior to their holiday.  Many thanks for your co-operation.

£25 WINNING LETTER
FABULOUS COSTA RICAN EXCHANGE
Mike and Helen Pollard from Worcestershire sound as if they made the most of every minute of their recent holiday in Central America.

'We have just returned from a fabulous stay at Seasons' affiliated Pueblo Real resort in Costa Rica and have to say it probably comes at the top of our 'best-ever' holiday list. We tried white water rafting and zip-lining through the rain forest and found the wildlife amazing with frequent sightings of crocodiles, sloths, monkeys, iguanas, fabulously coloured birds and butterflies, etc. The evening sunsets were often unbelievably beautiful too.
 
We've been Seasons members for over 11 years and have long since realized joining was the best decision we've made regarding  our  holidays.  During that  time - sometimes using an exchange company - we've had trips to Thailand, Malaysia, Bali, Goa, the Turks and Caicos islands, California, Florida and New Orleans and affiliated resorts in Europe. We celebrated Helen's 50th birthday in Arizona at the Camelback resort and my 60th at Castleton, on South Africa's Garden Route. We've always been aware of the excellent value we're getting as members and certainly would not have afforded all the trips by booking through a high street travel agent.
 
'We've met some great people and shared some memorable times with family and friends at Seasons home and sunshine resorts and throughout, have found Anne-Marie and her team in Membership services brilliant in fullfilling our requests as we arrange our next holiday. So thanks Seasons, we look forward to enjoying many more exciting vacations!'

Have YOU got a story about your Seasons holiday or short break that you would like to share? Simply email it to insight@seasonsholidays.com and you could win £25 if your entry is chosen as the winning letter in a future edition of Seasons eNews Update!  And remember that attaching a photograph will give you a much better chance of catching the Editor's eye!

BAR/RESTAURANT COMMENT SHEET DRAW WINNERS
Below are the names of the March Seasons monthly draw winners for those who fill in the Bar and Restaurant Comment Sheets.  There is one winner for each of the following six Seasons resorts – so be sure to fill in a sheet on your next visit for the chance to win a £20 meal voucher for use in any of these Seasons Resorts!

Clowance - Mr & Mrs Wharpshire - Bude
Laugharne - Mrs Willmott - Caerphilly
Burn Park - Mrs Dobson - Wakefield
Brunston - W.P. Livell - Gloucestershire
Whitbarrow Village - Gordon Kinloch - Bristol
Forest Hills - Susan Holmes - Northumberland
Club Tahiti - Mr Goddard - Swindon

April's winners will be published in next month's newsletter and the free draw will continue each month until further notice.  

UPDATE YOUR EMAIL DETAILS
You can now update your address details simply by clicking on the words 'click here to change your email address' at the bottom of this email. Please do not contact the insight email address for this purpose. This will only update your enews subscription, please contact Membership Services directly to update your details, please call 01994 426000 or email memservices@seasonsholidays.com
Many thanks - The Editor.


SEASONS IMPORTANT EMAIL ADDRESSES
To make bookings at any of Seasons owned or affiliated resorts, or to book value for money Seasons midweek or weekend breaks, and for any general enquiries about your membership, simply email reservations@seasonsholidays.com.

For unrivalled service and advice on getting to and from your holiday destination, including low cost carriers, charters, scheduled flights, car hire, ferries, please email travelclub@seasonsholidays.com or call 01253 299044. All tickets are fully protected through our association with Vacation Travel Seasons Travel Club.

The Travel Club online enquiry/booking service is open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year. For more details click here.
If any members wish to contact Seasons Owners Consultative Committee email mail@socc.org.uk.

BACK ISSUES OF eNEWS
Members wishing to read previous issues of Seasons eNews Update should visit www.seasonsholidays.com, go to the Members page and click on 'Members News'.