The Club was launched after they suffered years of frustration over their own holiday experiences - renting villas, staying in 5 star hotels and owning their own overseas properties. Most of the time, the holidays didn't meet their families' requirements or expectations, and they had many disappointing experiences.

Owning their own overseas properties was an excellent idea in principle but, after a great deal of stress and unforeseen expense, they discovered the reality was very different. Their families didn't enjoy having to go back to the same place year after year, and the properties stood empty most of the time.

However, they had a key interest in the pure investment side of property ownership. The concept of fractional ownership had become extremely popular in the US, but the founders felt the US model wouldn't work in Europe. They believed that a major component was missing - the shared ownership and investment aspect.

Together with Mike Balfour - founder of Fitness First and Chairman of The Hideaways Club, and a great enthusiast for fractional ownership - the founders created a Club which offers its Members not only the chance to use the luxury properties in amazing locations but also a share in the appreciating value of the whole property portfolio. This makes The Hideaways Club unique, an investment too good to miss.