Colorado’s Rocky Mountains know how to put on a show, and there is no single spectacle more fawned over by nature lovers than the display of autumn colors happening right now.

It happens quickly: after days of idyllic warmth and sunshine, a single night of chilly weather and by sunrise — as if someone snapped their fingers — a majority of the aspens have started to shift from green to gold.

Three of the best places to witness this spectacle are Steamboat Springs, Vail and of course, the appropriately named town of Aspen. Since we know these communities so well, we thought we’d give you a quick preview of autumn travel highlights in each one. Pack your bags: it’s time to see some fall color.

Steamboat Springs

Where to See Fall Color: Buffalo Pass Road

With its mixed woodlands and the massive cottonwood trees lining the Yampa River through town, Steamboat Springs is surrounded by fall color. But to encounter an overwhelming scene of golden beauty, head north of town 20 minutes to Buffalo Pass Road. Weaving its way through the forest, the road reveals one spectacular vista after another on its way to 10,300 feet. Evening light is best.

For More Fall Color: Mt. Werner

Take the gondola from the base of the ski area to the top of Mount Werner on weekends through the fall. From the top, you can enjoy the 180-degree view of the Yampa River Valley’s mosaic of fall color.

Best Fall Activity: Strawberry Park Hot Springs

Tucked away in the woods and straddling the line between rustic and luxurious, the Strawberry Park Hot Springs are at their best — in our opinion — during the fall. A crisp chill in the air and the scents of a changing forest makes these natural pools all the more cozy.

Where to Stay: One Steamboat Place Located Slopeside, you don’t have to travel far to take in the fall colors.

Vail

Where to See Fall Color: Booth Falls

The 3.9-mile trek to Booth Falls starts with a long, challenging, but doable climb through a thick stand of changing aspen trees. Eventually, you reach the upper valley where views extend back toward Vail Mountain over seemingly endless hues of green, gold and red. While the 60-foot falls have a lower volume of water in the fall, they are no less spectacular thanks to the colorful, autumnal surroundings.

For More Fall Color: Bike ride down Vail Pass

If you are staying at The Sebastian Vail, ask the concierge to help coordinate a bike rental and shuttle on Vail Pass. Starting at the 10,662-foot summit, a paved bike path descends 1,800 feet over 8.7 miles through scenic terrain back into town.

Best Fall Activity: Golfing

Golf in the Vail Valley is at its best in the fall, when the cooler temperatures and uncrowded fairways make playing a round of 18 holes ideal. Popular courses include Frost Creek Golf Club, the Sonnenalp Club and Red Sky Ranch.

Where to Stay: The Sebastian Vail – A Timber’s Resort

Recently ranked the No. 9 Resort Hotel in the West by the readers of Travel + Leisure Magazine, The Sebastian Vail is the perfect basecamp for all of your fall excursions in Vail.

Aspen

Where to See Fall Color: Ashcroft & Castle Creek Road

Maroon Lake is undeniably the most popular spot in Colorado for fall color (and rightly so), but we love to take an early morning cruise up Castle Creek Road to the ghost town of Ashcroft. On either side of the valley from this abandoned but well-preserved silver mining town lie massive stands of aspen trees. Nearby is the Pine Creek Cookhouse, and the trail to Cathedral Lake.

For More Fall Color: Maroon Lake

Seeing Maroon Lake and the majestic twin peaks of the Maroon Bells in the distance — surrounded by tens of thousands of vibrant aspen trees in full autumn glory — is a sight everyone should see at least once. Learn more about the shuttle and parking policies in advance, as it does get crowded.

Best Fall Activity: Fly fishing on the Roaring Fork and Fryingpan Rivers

Two of Colorado’s best rivers for fly fishing are at their best in late September and early October, and it is not just because of the vivid display of cottonwood trees lining the banks. Sense the oncoming winter, rainbow and brown trout are in a hungry mood. And all anglers benefit for it. (Note: A fishing license from the State of Colorado is required).

Where to Stay: Dancing Bear Aspen - A Timbers Residence Club
Situated just a couple of blocks away from downtown Aspen’s shopping, and a few blocks away from the Silver Queen Gondola, Dancing Bear Aspen’s location couldn’t be any better. Learn more about fractional Ownership opportunities and schedule an appointment.

Buying property that you wish to restore and enhance in Italy has long been synonymous with headaches, heartaches and years of frustration. Ask anyone who has tried to “go it alone” and they will tell you about the tangled web of bureaucracy, the snail’s pace of contractors, and the unfortunate surprises that happen when you try to bring a 400-year-old home up to 21st century standards.

They will tell that it is a lot like Under the Tuscan Sun … only worse. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

The Anecdotes Are Everywhere

For many, the dream of owning property in Italy — especially in the Tuscan countryside — is too powerful to resist. Yet countless barriers often make this dream seem like a mirage.

“We know of someone who bought an estate in Todi,” says Bret Robins, the Director of Real Estate at Castello di Casole – A Timbers Resort. “He had purchased a beautiful property, then spent four years trying to permit and entitle the property. At the end of the day, he hadn’t even finished the villa before he put it back on the market. It became a full-time job that he just didn’t want.”

And as writer Nicholas Farrell soberly put it when sharing his personal experience in a column for The Telegraph UK, “you have to be patient otherwise you will go insane.” Farrell’s efforts to buy a five-bedroom home near Ravenna were meticulously chronicled in a separate article, in which he details the previous 15 months of agonizing back-and-forth with the seller, the surveyor, and the local authorities, all because of a centuries-old barn without modern-day documentation. Ultimately, he was presented with three choices: tear down the beautiful building, back out of the transaction, or keep pursuing legal action.

But, as he points out, “the average time the courts take to resolve a civil action in Italy is 2,000 days — seven years — according to figures just out.”

A Better Way ...

So what’s a dreamer to do?

Rising from the morass of Italian second-home ownership is Castello di Casole – A Timbers Resort. The 4,200-acre estate west of Siena is a clear alternative with its latest offering – The Farms. Scattered across the sprawling estate, these 100- to 160-acre farms can be purchased, renovated and customized completely to the Owner’s exacting standards — with all the paperwork and contractor consulting handled by Timbers Resorts.

“Owning one of these farms can truly become a creative experience for Owners,” says Robins. “The entitlements are already in place, the permitting we handle — they can just be creative and make the farm what they want it to be.”

And while Castello di Casole has won recognition for its preservation efforts across the estate, Owners of the farms can have significant leeway to design these homes the way they want.

“We’ve had clients go very modern with the interior decor, others stay true to the Tuscan look,” Bret continues. “And we have had a client who opted for a French-country feel to their design. We've even seen Owners convert their farm’s out-building to accommodate gyms and yoga studios.”

One-of-a-Kind Amenities

The farms include vineyards, olive groves, fruit orchards and wheat fields, all situated around a luxury farmhouse that serves as a genuine escape from it all.

“If you look out over the landscape of Castello di Casole, it looks very much as it did 300 years ago,” Bret adds. The fields, vineyards and forests are important to preserve for this reason, and many of the entitlements determine what these plots of land can be used for. But many of the Owners delight in creating a vision for their land. “If we have an Owner come to us, asking to increase the olive orchard on their land by 1 or 2 hectares, we have the flexibility to do that.”

Add to this the prospect of enjoying all of the resort amenities and fine dining at Castello di Casole — which was recently recognized by the readers of Travel + Leisure as the Best Resort in Europe and best Hotel in Italy for the 5th year in a row — and Owners at The Farms have it all.

Except for the headaches, that is.

Learn More

Discover ownership opportunities at The Farms at Castello di Casole, as well as full ownership of villas, by visiting our website and contacting our team to arrange a visit.

With each passing day, the grand vision for Timber Kaua'i Ocean Club & Residences becomes clearer and clearer. We've recently reached some exciting construction milestones on all three buildings at our signature development in the Hokuala resort on the sunny southeastern shore of Kaua'i.

We're making significant progress across all properties, which include three different buildings with unique residential offerings. Kaiholo residences are perched on the edge of the Pacific with expansive indoor-outdoor spaces and up to 3,100 square feet of living space. Residences in Maliula will feature three or more private lanai with ocean, lagoon, mountain and golf course views.  Meanwhile, the townhouses of Laola will offer private plunge pools to savor the views over the 15th hole on the Ocean Course.

Those who have toured the site in recent days have noted that it doesn’t take much imagination to envision the finished residence club.

Recent developments include:

• Roofs have neared completion on Kaiholo and Maliula.

• Windows and drywall have been installed at Maliula and the pouring of concrete for the pool is well underway.

• Utilities are being installed throughout the buildings.

Want to watch the evolution of Timbers Kaua'i in real time? Take a peek for yourself on the construction cam.

And if you haven’t had the chance to visit Timbers Kaua'i, we invite you to put on a hard hat and come tour the stunning site with one of our sales executives. Contact us today to schedule a tour.

The benefits of being an Owner with Timbers Resorts are about more than just access to the world’s finest destinations. From cruises to gourmet gifts, shipping golf clubs to purchasing cult wines, Owners enjoy access to amazing benefits from some of the world’s leading luxury brands.

Let’s take a closer look at our Timbers Collection Partners.

Services for Families

As many of our Owners travel with their children or grandchildren, we have brokered several partnerships with leading companies to make family travel more effortless than ever.

For instance, with Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, Owners can enjoy a large discount on trips 10 nights or shorter. We also offer Owners preferred access and rates with Butterfield & Robinson, the world’s pre-eminent company for luxury walking and biking tours.

And if the idea of a health-care emergency overseas gives you pause, know that Owners get preferred pricing from MedJet Assist so that they can continue to get exceptional health care no matter where they travel.

Services for Jetsetters

Owners living the jetset life — or who just like to indulge every now and then — love taking advantage of the preferred Jet Card rates, special access and VIP invitations to events that we have set up with Sentient Jet, one of the world’s leading charters in private air travel. Owners can also enjoy a discount at Lukka Lux, an active lifestyle brand specializing in fashionable sportswear and apparel.

Services for Active Travelers

Many of our Owners are avid golfers in summer and devoted skiers in winter. But traveling with your golf clubs or skis can be a pain. Our partnership benefit with Ship Sticks makes it easy. Owners get a discount off the service by using their door-to-door service to transport their personal golf clubs or skis.

For those who love active vacations — especially walking and biking tours — our partnership with Butterfield & Robinson is ideal, as are the exclusive packages and preferred rates they get at Canyon Ranch Tucson and Canyon Ranch Lenox, two of the world’s top-ranked health resorts.

Services for Gourmands

There is no denying that many of our Owners have a passion for fine wine and gourmet cuisine. As a result, we have established special discounts for them at Dean & Deluca, one of the world’s most beloved and iconic gourmet markets. Wine enthusiasts can enjoy our partnership with Porthos to acquire cult wines, rarities from around the world, and private tours and tastings at exclusive wineries in Napa and Tuscany.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. We are constantly looking for ways to grow the benefits of Ownership. Contact us with any questions or to learn more about ownership opportunities today.

The work has begun! On Thursday, June 8th, Timbers Resorts celebrated the start of construction for our new, oceanfront property, Timbers Kiawah Ocean Club & Residences.

This is the first new construction of its kind on Kiawah Island in many years, and it will bring our unique perspective on luxury living and family travel to a destination that is considered to be one of the finest on the Atlantic Coast of the United States. The property will feature spacious 2,200- to 3,600-square-foot residences, as well as a private beach club with an oceanfront pool, and many of the fine-living amenities Owners have come to love at Timbers Resorts properties.

On hand for the ceremony were executives from Timbers Resorts — including Founder & Executive Chairman David Burden, CEO Greg Spencer and Managing Director - Development Chris Burden — Charlie Vick (Vice President of BL Harbert) as well as Kiawah Island Mayor Craig Weaver. Each shared some thoughts about what Kiawah Island means to them – a common theme being that it’s truly an incredible destination for family vacations. After the ground-breaking ceremony, guests enjoyed a Lowcountry barbecue buffet from Crave Catering.

Timbers Resorts is honored to now be a part of the Kiawah Island community – a responsibility we take seriously. We truly appreciate the unique opportunity to create Timbers Kiawah Ocean Club & Residences.

To learn more about ownership opportunities, please visit the Timbers Kiawah website or contact us today.

Art is front and center in the living spaces of the The Sebastian – Vail, and for good reason. With its ability to captivate, inspire and set the tone for our living spaces, the hotel’s collection of paintings and modern sculpture have become one of its most cherished amenities.

Here’s the inside story on four of the artists whose works are central to The Sebastian – Vail experience.

Manuel Felguérez

The work of Manuel Felguérez transcends medium and genre. Uniting painting and sculpture into a movement that writer Octavio Paz called “new muralism,” Felguérez works are shape-shifting, imaginative and striking.

Of particular note, is a striking set of small, table-top sculptures in painted steel that balance the organic shapes of nature with an inclination toward architecture. XIX simultaneously resembles a bull or the scales of justice. XVII (pictured above) could be a sailboat or a breaking wave.

The Sebastian – Vail has eight sculptures and four paintings by Manuel Felguérez on display in The Library and Lobby.

Leonora Carrington

Seven works by the 20th century Surrealist artist and writer Leonora Carrington can be found at The Sebastian – Vail. Married to Max Ernst and a contemporary of Dali and Picasso, Carrington found significant inspiration later in life in Mexico, where she lived for six decades.

The bronze works in our collection are slender figures with neutral expressions set in stoic poses. La Hija del Minotauro (The Minotaur’s Daughter) is a striking figure at the entrance to Leonora Restaurant ( named after the artist). Seated with a flowing robe, the half cow/half human figure seems to gesturing for calm with her hands; her slender neck, almost reminiscent of a gazelle more than a bovine.

Victor Chaca

Adding bursts of vivid color to The Sebastian – Vail, the expressive paintings of Victor Chaca are a whimsical addition to our collection.

Born in Oaxaca, Mexico in 1948, Chaca’s works are unique for their use of sand on canvas to lend his work a coarse texture, which interplays beautifully with the brilliantly colored figures in his work. Three of his works are located in the Leonora Restaurant, including Pyramid, which depicts four ochre-colored figures stacked top each other, their extended arms more expressive than their seemingly masked faces.

Gunther Gerzso

A singular work by renowned 20th century Mexican artist Gunther Gerzso is on display in the Sebastian Vail. Entitled Totem, the chunky 1-meter x 1-meter work of bronze conveys extreme angularity and movement. A beautiful green patina has overtaken the 1995 work.

Gerzso was born in Mexico City in 1915, and his works have been exhibited at several major art museums around the world. In 1973, he was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship.

Additional Art

While the works of these four Mexican artists are the central focus of our hotel’s collection, we have complemented them with specially commissioned art to enhance the living spaces throughout the property. From the abstract photograph of snow on tree branches behind the Concierge Desk, to the metal “twig” chandelier by Joe Cooper over our Front Lobby, you will see numerous works of refined beauty to enhance the mood.

Stay or Own at The Sebastian – Vail

We invite you to experience these amazing works of art at The Sebastian – Vail, an award-winning hotel located in the heart of Vail Village. Book your stay today, or contact us to learn more about ownership opportunities within the Private Residence Club.

Every year, the Aspen Food & Wine Classic assembles an unrivaled roster of culinary talent. Fortunately, Dancing Bear Aspen affords Owners a front-row seat to this magnificent foodie festival.

First of all, the obvious reason: the Grand Tastings take place across the street in Wagner Park. But secondly, Owners are invited to an exclusive annual rooftop soiree to kickoff the festival, and this year’s party will truly be unforgettable.

Here’s a special guide to the 2017 Aspen Food & Wine Classic as seen through the eyes of our Owners.

Fiesta Del Vino

Our private party for Owners might just be the highlight of the weekend. None other than Richard Blais — the edgy and boundlessly creative chef and restauranteur best known for winning Top Chef (and then becoming one of its judges) — will be on hand as our guest of honor. He will be signing his new cookbook So Good: 100 Recipes from My Kitchen to Yours.

In addition to Richard Blais, the exclusive event for Owners will feature Spanish-themed tapas from Crystal River Meats and Caribou Club, as well as sublime little treats from Delysia Chocolatier. World-renowned cheese expert Laura Werlin will be on hand, and Owners will be able to sample wines, beer and spirits from a curated roster of vintners, brewers and distillers.

The party will be held on The Rooftop Terrace of the Dancing Bear Aspen on Thursday, June 15 at 6pm, and the guest-list is exclusive to Owners and their guests.

Grand Tasting

Dancing Bear Aspen’s location is often praised in terms of its proximity to the Silver Queen Gondola (which is lovely in the summer), but when it comes to the Food & Wine Classic, it is all about our front door’s proximity to the Grand Tasting tent. This wonderland of culinary invention and refined taste is open for lunch and dinner intervals during the event, offering attendees an exquisite roster of cuisine, fine wine, craft beer and spirits.

Top Chef

The acclaimed TV series has long been a fixture of the Aspen Food & Wine Classic. After all, the grand prize for winning chefs of the reality-based competition has been a culinary showcase at the event. But this year, Top Chef — which is currently filming season 15 in Denver — will be bringing the contestants to Aspen for a showdown, which will serve as one of the upcoming season’s episodes.

Meanwhile, Brooke Williamson — last year’s winner — will be showcasing her talent on Friday as well.

Elevate Your Understanding

For serious gourmands, nothing tops the educational seminars held at the Food & Wine Classic. Passholders can attend any of the 40+ seminars lead by such esteemed chefs as Daniel Boulud, Jonathan Waxman, Richard Blais, Curtis Stone and Carla Hall. Sommeliers will also be conducting intensive deep dives on vino, with topics ranging from “Northern Italy’s Greatest Whites” to “Around the World with Bubbles.”

The Food & Wine Classic will be taking over Aspen on June 16–18. Passes are currently sold out, but future events promise to be just as compelling.

Want to know more? Schedule a tour of Dancing Bear Aspen.

Learn more about ownership opportunities at Aspen’s top luxury residence club.

Our Owners have an insatiable appetite for authentic experiences. To showcase the Tuscan lifestyle available at the secluded and private Castello di Casole, we invited them to join us for a four-day culinary adventure.

Here, in the Tuscan hills just west of Siena, they enjoyed interactive culinary-themed activities and wine tastings, magnificent Italian cuisine courtesy of Chef Daniele Sera, as well as time to enjoy spa treatments and countryside escapes.

Following are some of the highlights from the trip:

Opening Reception and Dinner

On April 25, Owners arrived and were greeted with an apertivo reception by the Castello di Casole pool terrace. Mild spring weather set the tone for canapés, hors d’oeuvres and wines from the estate. As the sun set, everybody moved to the historic Visconti Bar for a light three-course meal that featured Insalata di polpo (octopus salad), ribollita (Tuscan soup) and tiramisu.

Wine Tasting

Tuscan wines are among the most distinctive on earth: a rich, swirling blend of red and black fruit, oaky tannins and slightly bittersweet edges. Many of our Owners were at least familiar with these wines, but as any aficionado will tell you, tasting a wine in the setting where it is made changes everything.

Our Taste of Timbers trip included two wine tastings. First, owners were presented a tasting of the Castello di Casole estate wines with winemaker Paolo Caciorgna. On another day, they took a winery tour of Castello di Ama in the heart of the Chianti Classico region.

Many of our Owners are serious wine collectors, and for those joining us on the trip, it was a chance of a lifetime they won’t soon forget.

Pasta e Basta

For lunch on the second day, Owners were given a delicious choice from Chef Daniele: tagliatelle with tomatoes and basil? Or tortellacci with ricotta, spinach butter and sage? These two iconic pasta dishes revealed the golden rule of Italian cuisine: there is beauty in simplicity.

Pizza Party

Most everybody loves pizza, but mastering the quintessential Italian-style pizza — with its crisp yet savory crust — is nothing short of an art form.

If there was one souvenir from the trip that Owners relished the most, it was the knowledge on how to make an authentic Italian pizza at home. Chef Alessandro — who leads the pizza-making efforts at Castello di Casole — created a lively and interactive class for them which was followed by — what else? — a pizza dinner to enjoy the rewards of their hard work in the kitchen.

Cocktail Party

The bond among Owners is incredibly strong, and trips such as this help to solidify old friendships as well as forge new ones. On the third night, one of our Castello di Casole owners hosted the group for cocktails at La Fornace. The evening embodied the cozy and convivial spirit of the four days perfectly.

Gala Dinner

To wrap-up the memorable four days, owners were once again delighted by Chef Daniele’s authentic Italian cuisine at a lavish three-course gala dinner on the final night. Owners dined on risotto with shrimp, Tuscan-style fillet of beef and a decadent vanilla parfait with strawberries and aged balsamic vinegar. As the sunset on the Tuscan hills, Owners shared their experiences and toasted to an unforgettable four days of la dolce vita.

Inquire about Ownership

Would you like to know more about ownership opportunities at Castello di Casole? Contact us today to learn more or to arrange a visit.

In the warm, shallow waters off Kauai, colorful fish, green sea turtles and dolphins swim in and out of the reefs, creating an up-close encounter your family will never forget.

However, not every beach offers good snorkeling — both in terms of reefs and sea life, as well as safe waters. It helps to know where to go. That’s why we’ve tapped into our local expertise at Timbers Kauai Ocean Club and Residences  and rounded up the best places to snorkel for families, as well as what season to enjoy them.

Lydgate Beach Park

Season: Year-round

Located north of Lihue on the eastern shore of Kauai, Lydgate Beach Park is a great starting point for novice snorkelers. Here, two man-made, rock-enclosed pools give swimmers the chance to get used to breathing through a snorkel, as well as a taste of viewing the magnificent sea creatures who call Kauai home. Head here in the early morning hours when it is calmest and clearest, and you will see why many still consider it one of Kauai’s best beaches for family snorkeling. When the kids need a break from the water, there is a great playground nearby.

Poipu Beach Park

Season: Year-round

Located on the South Shore of Kauai, Poipu Beach Park is about as kid-friendly as they come. Here, a tombolo (a wedge-shaped sandbar sticking perpendicular into the sea) creates a natural and shallow lagoon that is ideal for easy swimming. Recent storms have made the tombolo weaker, and so currents are increasing within the lagoon, but the beach still remains a safe bet for families. Snorkeling is best on the western side of the tombolo. This beach is very popular, so come early in the morning if you can.

Salt Pond Beach

Season: Summer

Also on the South Shore, you’ll find the tranquil waters of Salt Pond Beach. Formed by an unusual underwater ridge of volcanic rock, the “pond” is backed by a gorgeous crescent of sand. The reef that has formed here harbors numerous species of reef fish, and in summer, the mellow conditions make it ideal for exploring. The beach is also used for salt panning by Hawaiians, who in summer harvest a pinkish-colored sea salt from the shallows.

Anini Beach, Kalihiwai

Season: Year-round

Fronted by the longest reef in the Hawaiian Islands, Anini Beach on the North Shore of Kauai is an absolute treasure. In summer — and even mellower days in winter — the waters within the reef resemble a placid lake. What this beach lacks in fish density it more than makes up for with sea turtles, who love to feed on the seagrass in the shallows just offshore. Close encounters are not uncommon, though it is advised to let the sea turtles approach you (rather than the other way around). Families with small kids and weaker swimmers will want to avoid the distant reef.

Tunnels Beach

Season: Summer

Often rated as Kauai’s best snorkeling beach, Tunnels offers a transcendent experience with ocean life. Here, an M-shaped reef lies a few hundred feet offshore, and a series of underwater lava tubes create a unique habitat for an abundance of aquatic life. However, Tunnels is fairly exposed and can have unpredictable currents, making it suitable only in summer and for families with strong swimmers. Asking locals for insight on currents — which shift regularly — is a good idea as well.

A Note on Safety and Season

As tantalizing as Kauai’s snorkeling can be, one must exercise caution year-round and know where and when to go. Several of the Kauai’s beaches are just as famed for their rip-currents as they are for their wildlife.

Generally speaking, winter is a more treacherous season for snorkeling. The surf and currents can be deceptively strong. Families looking to introduce their children to snorkeling are advised that summer is a much safer time — especially at Lydgate, Poipu, Anini and Salt Pond Beaches. But dangers still exist. Be sure to check local conditions and exercise caution.

Timbers Kauai owners also have access to private adventure concierges who can handle all of the details for their islands outing, including guided adventures.

Owners at Timbers Resorts properties are afforded the unique opportunity to play some of the world’s best luxury golf resorts through the Timbers Reciprocity Program.

Simply by virtue of owning at one of our residence clubs, Owners also get access to our entire portfolio of travel destinations, including five of the most prized luxury golf resorts in the world. Want to finally tee up at the all-new Ocean Course at Hokuala with the cobalt blue Pacific Ocean in the distance? Or perhaps you’ve always wanted to experience the vaunted desert links layout of Troon North in the middle of winter? Our program makes it possible to check these bucket-list golf courses off your list.

As an owner, you can enjoy the benefits of reciprocity simply by trading your planned vacation weeks for the same time frame at one of these resorts.

Here are the most prized golf destinations in our portfolio, and a taste of the world-class golf courses you can play to keep at the top of your game year-round.

Hokuala, Kauai

On Kauai, the Ocean Course at Hokuala boasts the longest stretch of oceanfront holes — five in a row, to be exact — in all of Hawaii. Owners at Timbers Kauai – Ocean Club & Residences will receive special privileges at the golf course (including preferential tee times). Learn more about the Ocean Course and the recently completed multi-million dollar renovation.

Scottsdale, Arizona

Troon North is at the apex of desert links golf. With two 18-hole layouts weaving between saguaro cacti and soaring rock formations, the course has earned a worldwide reputation on scenic beauty alone. Owners with Timbers Resorts can stay nearby at The Rocks Luxury Residence Club, and they are also given preferential tee times from Troon Golf’s network of more than a dozen prestigious courses around Arizona.

Sonoma, California

Few things pair better with a wine country getaway than a round of 18 holes in the morning. Owners can utilize the Timbers Reciprocity Program to stay at Sonoma’s luxury hideaway, Mayacama, where they can gain access to an exclusive, Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. The Mayacama Golf Club encompasses a series of oak-laden ridges and was specifically designed for walking. The return to tradition — as well as its exclusivity — has given the course an added feel of serenity that our golfing owners love.

Jupiter, Florida

At Timbers Jupiter, owners can enjoy yet another Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, which stretches for a lengthy 7,531 yards and has been certified by the Audubon Society for best practices in nature conservation. An added bonus comes in the form of the resorts close proximity to Juno Beach.

Kapalua, Maui

Finally, The Residences at Kapalua Bay reside on the northwest shore of Maui, where a collection of two- and three-bedroom luxury villas provide the ideal base for playing two of Hawaii’s most famed golf courses. The Plantation Course takes in stellar views from high above the ocean, and annually hosts the PGA TOUR Tournament of Champions. The Bay Course is equally prestigious and includes the only hole in Maui to play over the ocean.

Learn more about the Timbers Reciprocity Program or contact us today to explore ownership opportunities at any of these amazing luxury golf resorts.

As you begin to eye upcoming travel plans, take a second look at Tuscany in summer 2017. There are plenty of reasons that this is the perfect year to visit. From timeless annual rites — such as Il Palio in Siena or the 1398 Medieval Festival in Volterra — to this-year-only events, you should consider making your travel plans soon.

Below you’ll find five reasons to enjoy la dolce vita this summer, including special events and packages at the five-star Castello di Casole — the perfect base to explore the best of Tuscany.

1. Gate of Heaven Tour in Siena

Even in a nation saturated with stunning churches and cathedrals, Siena’s Duomo is a show-stopper. In 2017, visitors are being granted exclusive access to some of the Duomo’s most hidden chambers.

From now until November 1, the Gate of Heaven Tour will grant a limited amount of visitors access to attic rooms that have previously been closed to the public. The tour includes views over the city from the Duomo’s cupola, as well as a high vantage point over the nave, which affords a new perspective on this architectural wonder. Learn more.

2. Wine & Art at Antinori, Badia a Passignano

Every Wednesday throughout summer, guests at the five-star Castello di Casole can join an exclusive tour that visits the beautiful Abbey di Passignano and concludes with a private tasting at the acclaimed Tuscan winery of Antinori.

Food pairings help further illustrate the seductive qualities of Chianti Classico, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and the king of Tuscan wines, Brunello di Montalcino. Learn more.

3. Hold Your Breath at the Heart-Pounding Il Palio in Siena

How can an event last 75 seconds and yet remain utterly timeless at the same time? Siena’s famous Il Palio is, at it’s heart, a horse race through the town’s majestic medieval piazza. But the pageantry that precedes it, and the revelry that follows, is deeply rooted in the customs and traditions of an ancient city and its rival neighborhoods, called contrade.

Il Palio is held on July 2 and August 16 every year. And if you think it has been resurrected from the past to please tourists, think again: this intense battle of the contrade has been held almost continuously since 1644.

The best way to enjoy Il Palio is with Castello di Casole’s special package. Learn more.

4. Revisit Medieval Tuscany in Volterra

Occupying a mountaintop in central Tuscany, the ancient walled city of Volterra captivates travelers with impeccably preserved cultural sites spanning the Etruscan, Roman and Medieval eras.

Every summer, the spectacular 1398 Medieval Festival brings one of these time periods to life in the town’s Parco di Castello. Held on the third and fourth Sundays of August, the event features period costumes and reenactments in a medieval market setting. It is one of the most authentic time-traveling experiences in Europe.

5. Tour the Countryside in a Ferrari

Finally, could there possibly be a better way to experience the undulating Tuscan countryside than with a test drive of a Ferrari? We didn’t think so.

Guests at the Castello di Casole this summer can book the Ferrari Red Passion package and enjoy four nights of luxury accommodations, daily breakfast for two, VIP amenities, and of course, a full-day Ferrari experience with a member of the Ferrari team. Guests can take a red Ferrari California 30 for a spin anywhere within 150 km of the resort.

Learn more about this, and other exciting summer 2017 packages at Castello di Casole.

Kiawah Island commands a significant place in the hearts and minds of luxury travelers.

And for good reason. Here you will find 10 miles of pristine Atlantic beachfront, golf courses that tour pros love to play, an estuary ecosystem rich with wildlife, and close proximity to the cultural sites and dining of Charleston.

No wonder then, that Conde Nast Traveler recently selected Kiawah Island as the No. 1 island in North America.

It is because of these attributes that Timbers Resorts has selected Kiawah Island for its next private residence club.

Today, we are happy to introduce to you the Timbers Kiawah Ocean Club & Residences, which is slated for opening in the summer of 2018.

The ambitious project — the first new construction of its kind on Kiawah Island in quite some time — will bring our unique perspective on luxury living and travel to this singular destination. The Timbers Kiawah Ocean Club & Residences will feature 21 thoughtfully designed residences across three oceanfront buildings. Of the individual residences, 18 will be three-bedroom offerings, while the remaining three will be four-bedroom penthouse residences. Residential ownership opportunities will include a 1/9 ownership interest in the three-bedroom residences, and a 1/6 ownership interest in the four-bedroom residences.

Along with these spacious 2,200- to 3,600-square-foot residences, Owners will be able to enjoy such essential amenities as a private beach club with an oceanfront pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a sumptuous lounge area, and a temperature-controlled wine wall, where Owners can ensure proper long-term storage of their prized vintages.

Pair all of these amenities with the island itself — a haven especially for families seeking an iconic, immersive vacation destination to return to year after year — and you have a one-of-a-kind offering.

If you are interested in learning more about ownership opportunities at Timbers Kiawah Ocean Club & Residences, join our interest list or contact our Real Estate Sales Office today at 843-213-6645.