Nomination in the 2008 International Property Awards in association with CNBC

(Fort Collins, Colo.) March 20, 2008 – Nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany is a magical 17th century farmhouse called Rigo Salcio – which was just nominated for the 2008 International Property Awards in association with CNBC in the Best International Redevelopment category. Set against the memorable backdrop made famous by Frances Mayes Under the Tuscan Sun, Rigo Salcio was restored by renowned Italian architect, Fulvio Di Rosa. This beautiful residence represents Private Escapes Destination Clubs further growth into the European market and the fulfillment of its members top request in 2006—access to romantic Tuscany.

The high profile International Property Awards in conjunction with CNBC offer a chance for property professionals representing over 50 countries from around the globe to compete for the 100 highly prestigious awards across 20 categories. The CNBC International Property Awards are supported by such media partners as Londons Daily Mail, New York Times and Sidneys Morning Herald. The panel of judges for 2008 is chaired for the ninth year by British Member of Parliament Eric Pickles, joined by Editor-in-Chief of International Homes, Helen Shield, along with distinguished experts in the field of property, design and construction, property writers and fellow sponsors who will identify the very best in the residential property market by evaluating no less than 1,000 entries. The announcement of the 2008 award winners are due to commence this August.

"I give much credit to Private Escapes,” comments Fulvio Di Rosa. “They saw the exclusivity and individuality of Rigo Salcio and invested early, making it possible for their members to embark on one of the most luxurious and authentic Tuscany experiences."

The addition of Rigo Salcio to the already impressive roster of Tuscany residences represents Private Escapes Destination Clubs further growth into the European market and the fulfillment of its members top request – access to Tuscany. Private Escapes Destination Clubs offers virtually unlimited access for its members to this Italian haven, one of the worlds most limited and exclusive areas for real estate purchases, along with nearly 50 other resort residences worldwide.
“We have 3 properties in Italy, each getting rave reviews from our members,” said Richard Keith, CEO of Private Escapes Destination Clubs. “Rigo Salcio will ‘wow even the most seasoned traveler, and were confident it will quickly become a top destination in our burgeoning portfolio.”

Situated high on a hillside on 20 very private acres of Italian countryside in the town of Lucignano, Rigo Salcio entrances guests with a breathtaking view of rows of olive groves and the entire Tuscan Valley in all its beauty. Originally a ruin of a 17th century farmhouse, Rigo Salcio has been impeccably restored by renowned Tuscan architect Fulvio di Rosa, who was also commissioned by Frances Mayes, author of bestseller and blockbuster hit, Under the Tuscan Sun, to restore her second home in Cortona. In fact, it was di Rosas exquisite restoration of Mayes Cortona home that caught the attention of Keith who entrusted him to not only restore rustic charm to Rigo Salcio, but also to Private Escapes 14th century medieval hamlet, Borgo di Vagli, which was just named winner of the 2007 International Property Awards in association with CNBC as the Best International Redevelopment of the Year.

Rigo Salcio has over 3300 square feet of classic Italian grace, including two master bedroom suites with their own sitting rooms, one childrens bedroom, three bathrooms, a large study and a family-sized kitchen and dining area. The 300-year old cottoo tile floor and ceilings are breathtaking, restored and reinforced in a cassetta pattern design and artfully augmented with sturdy beams rescued from the actual, centuries-old ruin. With the lower part of the house originally built on enormous natural rocks, some of the residences walls are actually carved in exposed rocks. Di Rosas restoration of the farmhouse focused on the authenticity and significance of the rocks – respecting them, enhancing them, making them become the most prominent feature of the house. It is because of this that the house is a total convergence of the old and the new – boasting everything from a stone-carved sink, to a hydro-massage bathtub, a large Italian bread oven, house-wide air conditioning, a plasma TV with surround-sound system and more.

Private Escapes Destination Clubs is currently finalizing a merger with the industrys second largest destination club Ultimate Resorts, which when completed will create the industrys fastest growing and second largest destination club to date. The new club will boast more than 1,300 members and grant them access to a combined portfolio of 140 exclusive club properties in 50 of the worlds best resort destinations. As “THE ultimate luxury travel experience” it will offer discerning members a turn-key solution for high-end lifestyle travel.

About Private Escapes Destination Clubs
Private Escapes Destination Club leads the destination industry by offering the only multi-option portfolio with three innovative private clubs for members worldwide. Incorporated in October 2003, Private Escapes includes independently owned and operated affiliates Private Escapes Premier, Private Escapes Platinum and Private Escapes Pinnacle. Each exclusive club offering provides member privileges, personal concierge services and unprecedented access to the finest luxury residences in beach, golf, spa, alpine and metropolitan destinations around the world. A 2006 study conducted by an independent, third party research firm identified overall member satisfaction of trip experiences for Private Escapes Destination Clubs at an unparalleled 98 percent. For more information on Private Escapes Destination Clubs, contact 866.536.4700 or visit www.privateescapes.com.