A Comparison Of exclusive Resorts branded residential vs Equity Estates
For starters, what is Branded Residential?
Branded residential homes are luxury residential properties that are developed, managed, or simply associated with a well-known brand. The concept of branded residential homes gained popularity in the late 1980s when major brands like Four Seasons entered the space with the Four Seasons Private Residences in Boston, followed by Ritz-Carlton in 2000. These developments can be stand-alone or located in proximity to a hotel or resort.
What is Exclusive Resorts Branded Residential?
In late June of 2025, Exclusive Resorts announced a new product line expanding into the branded residential category. While previously only offering non-equity membership interests in their Luxury Destination Club, this is their first time allowing their clients to have an ownership stake in a single property that can be used for longer stays or as an income property to rent out. Their first location for branded residential will be in Punta Cacique, Costa Rica, a development that is also owned by their holding company, Revolution Places, the real estate arm of billionaire co-founder of AOL, Steve Case.
What is Equity Estates?
Equity Estates is a luxury vacation residence fund. Fund VII investors share in the ownership of a portfolio of ~12 luxury vacation homes, and can vacation to all of the 65+ Equity Estates residences around the world. Similar to an Exclusive Resorts membership, Equity Estates investors enjoy daily housekeeping and concierge services, and oftentimes amenity access to nearby resorts or private beach clubs. After ~10 years, the homes in Fund VII will be sold, so investors will have a path to liquidity and the potential to share in the real estate appreciation of the homes. Since 2006, Equity Estates has collectively raised and effectively deployed more than $300 million in capital and delivered over 25,000 outstanding vacation experiences. Prospective investors can learn more about the current Equity Estates offering here.
Where are the Exclusive Resorts branded residential properties located?
The first Exclusive Resorts branded residential properties will be sold in Punta Cacique, a development in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica on the Pacific Coast. It is located west of the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia, around a 25-minute drive from the international airport that serves the tourist region of NW Costa Rica. Land for the development was purchased by Case in 2006, but it has been slow to get off the ground. The first property to open in the development launched in April of 2025, with the Waldorff Astoria Resort. The resort also offers branded residences for sale via the Waldorff Astoria Residences, the first for-sale properties in the Cacique development, whose owners will also have full access to the amenities at the Waldorf. They are fully furnished four and five-bedroom homes, with a price point starting around $7,500,000 as of June 2026. Similar to Exclusive Resorts Branded Residential, owners can include their home in a rental program with professional property management.
It’s not clear yet exactly where the Exclusive Resorts Branded Residential homes will be located within the Cacique development, or if they will have access to the amenities at the Waldorff Astoria Resort. Additional announcements for other properties in the portfolio are expected to be announced in early 2026, according to the company’s press release.
Where are the Equity Estates properties located?
Equity Estates has 65+ residences around the world in 25+ countries. The ownership model allows the fund to purchase homes often in exclusive neighborhoods or communities that don’t allow rental vacation homes. Some examples of locations where Equity Estates has property include Aspen, Anguilla, Cabo, California Wine Country, Tuscany, Costa Rica, and Big Sky Montana.
What will the pricing be for Exclusive Resorts branded residential, and when will sales start?
While pricing hasn’t been announced yet, sales are expected to begin in early 2026, prior to construction starting on the homes. Based on comparable residences in Cacique, it’s probable that the homes will be over $5,000,000.
How does Equity Estates pricing work?
Equity Estates has a fairly simple model. For a fraction of the cost of a comparable home, investors make a one-time initial capital contribution that makes them a limited partner in a fund. In this case, Equity Estates’ seventh fund is currently open for investments. The investor then pays annual dues each year that cover the pass-through cost to maintain the homes, and pays for travel services like concierges and daily housekeeping. Equity Estates investors do not pay a nightly fee to stay in the residences. For current pricing and investment amounts, you can click here.
Will Exclusive Resorts branded residential owners get access to other Exclusive Resorts homes?
It hasn’t been announced yet whether Exclusive Resorts branded residential owners will receive access to the Exclusive Resorts portfolio. It was announced that Exclusive Resorts members will have priority access to purchase the branded residential homes in Cacique.
Do Equity Estates Investors get access to residences outside of their fund?
Yes, Equity Estates investors get access to all of the homes in the Equity Estates portfolio, as well as the homes of reciprocal partners in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
What are the advantages of Exclusive Resorts branded residential?
Exclusive Resorts branded residential is a good fit for ultra-high net worth travelers who want to consistently vacation in the same location, potentially for extended periods of time (weeks or months). It also offers the opportunity for an income stream if the residences are rented out (although that does impact the owner’s usage), and the potential to benefit from the real estate appreciation if and when the home is sold.
What are the advantages of Equity Estates?
Equity Estates is a great fit for savvy travelers who want a smart and diversified real estate investment. With 65+ residences to choose from, it also works well for people who like variety for their luxury vacations. It offers a defined liquidity plan, and the opportunity to benefit from real estate appreciation when homes are sold after 10 years. It works well for people who don’t want to deal with the hassle of buying, maintaining, and selling vacation homes. It is also a great fit for people who enjoy premium travel services like concierges and daily housekeeping.
