Veteran travel industry writer Andrew Harper brings his expertise (and loyal audience) to Parallel. For the uninitiated, Harper has been publishing his Hideaway Report for 27 years, offering independent reviews of hotels and resorts around the globe. Harper’s identity is a secret and by traveling incognito he’s able to report on a more authentic travel experience.

Harper has joined Parallel’s Advisory Board & Asset Review Committee. He notes in a release available on his web site that after reviewing similar offers from other clubs, “None has impressed us as much as Parallel, which is poised to take the whole luxury residence club lifestyle concept to evolutionary and responsible new heights.” In the same release Harper identifies the unique differentiators of Parallel as superior service and a sound financial model. Helium Report readers familiar with the Parallel brand will recognize both of these accolades. With “Lifestyle Specialists” to assist in vacation planning, “Destination Managers” who provide “concierge-style service” and “Lifestyle Ambassadors” who introduce members to all that a location has to offer, Parallel promises some of the most attentive service in the industry.

Parallel pairs their high-touch service with a unique financial model. The club will only offer memberships to individuals who qualify as accredited investors, meaning a net worth in excess of $1 million. While Parallel is a non-equity club, adopting this selective approach benefits members by ensuring a stable membership base. In fact, Parallel is so confident in the stability of their base that they offer a 100% refund of the membership deposit – the only Ultra-Luxury club to do so.

As a charter club, Parallel doesn’t have a track record of operations to present to prospective members. However it does boast an impressive amount of real estate development and luxury hospitality experience among its executive and advisory teams. To win the confidence of prospective members (and their $600,000 membership deposits), Parallel promises to channel all member deposits and dues into acquiring homes and providing premier hospitality to members. And to demonstrate their commitment to this mission, members will receive the results of an independent audit of the club’s finances each year.

Andrew Harper found Parallel’s model to be an appealing one, and we at the Helium Report hope to see more clubs embrace Parallel’s financial transparency.

Image from http://www.parallel.com.