One of the benefits for destination club industry leader Exclusive Resorts is the exposure that comes with having Steve Case’s name attached to their brand. Sunday’s New York Times plugs Case’s appearance tomorrow at an American Express conference in Carlsbad, CA. He will be discussing his “new definition of luxury”, a definition that is more experience-driven.

What caught our attention was Case’s description of one of his favorite luxury experiences – a family retreat at one of Exclusive Resorts’ Costa Rican properties. He finds that Costa Rica “sort of is what Hawaii was maybe 30 or 40 years ago”. As a native Hawaiian, one would expect that Case knows of what he speaks.

Exclusive Resorts’ development plans appear to reflect Case’s fascination with Costa Rica. With 19 residences planned to compliment the existing three Peninsula Papagayo homes, Costa Rica is becoming one of their more concentrated beach destinations. Of course, to hedge their bet, Exclusive Resorts also has plans to develop another 38 residences in Maui.

In addition to Costa Rica’s natural beauty and diverse landscape, a big draw for travelers anxious for the tropical experience is its proximity to the continental United States. Commercial flights from the East Coast and Mid West are less than half of the flight time to Hawaii. The ability to effectively extend your vacation by eliminating travel time and jet lag is a key differentiator, particularly for families with young children.

Exclusive Resorts’ Casa de la Luna residence, Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica Image courtesy http://www.exclusiveresorts.com/