For South Africans wanting smarter ways to secure and plan their future holidays, vacation ownership is once again finding relevance with a new generation of travellers. Rising accommodation costs alongside a demand for greater flexibility is prompting more people to look beyond simply booking each holiday as it comes.
But vacation ownership can take many forms, from traditional timeshare and points-based holiday clubs to fractional and sectional title ownership. Understanding the differences — and choosing the right product and provider — is key.
According to Neville Beekman, Executive Director of Group Operations and Sales, the more important question is not simply whether someone should consider vacation ownership, but whether they are choosing the right product with the right organisation. The structure and flexibility of the product matter, but so too does the credibility, track record and long-term commitment of the company stand behind it.
“Vacation ownership has evolved considerably, but the fundamentals of making a good buying decision have not changed,” says Beekman. “With different ownership models offering varying levels of flexibility, access and benefits, prospective buyers need to understand exactly what they are purchasing before making a long-term commitment.”
Beekman Group has outlined 12 questions prospective vacation ownership buyers should ask before signing.
1. Is vacation ownership still relevant today – or is timeshare a thing of the past?
Vacation ownership is a way of securing access to future holidays through a longer-term ownership or membership structure, rather than booking each holiday independently as you go.
Beekman notes that the industry has evolved considerably over the years, not by replacing traditional timeshare, but by expanding the range of options available to suit different ways of holidaying.
“Traditional timeshare is relevant for people who want the certainty of returning to a particular resort or destination, while points-based holiday clubs and other forms of vacation ownership offer greater flexibility around where, when, and how people travel,” he says.
“For buyers, the real question is not whether one model is better than another, but which product best suits the way they want to holiday and offers genuine value over time.”
2. What exactly am I buying – and what are the different types of vacation ownership?
- Traditional timeshare (such as Beekman Lifestyle Portfolio and the Beekman Managed Portfolio), gives buyers the right to use holiday accommodation at a particular resort, usually for a set week each year, with the certainty of having that holiday time secured in advance.
- Points-based vacation ownership (such as The Holiday Club), gives buyers an annual allocation of points that can be used to book different resorts, unit types and travel dates, offering greater flexibility in how and where they holiday.
- Fractional ownership (offered under the Beekman Managed Portfolio), where you own a share of a specific property, giving you the right to use it for an agreed number of weeks each year, typically 4-weeks.
- Sectional title ownership (offered under the Beekman Managed Portfolio), means buyers own a defined property or unit in their own name. This gives both holiday use and potential long-term investment value but is fundamentally different from timeshare or points-based holiday access.
The key is to understand the benefits, legal structure, usage rights and costs of the specific product before committing.
3. How do I know whether a vacation ownership company is reputable?
Beekman says to look beyond the sales presentation and investigate the organisation behind the product:
- How long has it been operating?
- What resorts does it own/manage?
- Does it have an established track record?
- Are there independently recognised destinations within its portfolio?
- How transparent is it about fees, terms and member services?
“A reputable provider should have nothing to hide and should be willing to give you enough information and time to make an informed decision,” he says. “For a long-term holiday commitment, the credibility and experience of the organisation behind the product matter enormously.”
4. What red flags should I look out for before buying?
High-pressure sales tactics should be an immediate warning sign, he says.
“Buyers should be cautious if they are encouraged to sign immediately, cannot take the agreement away to review, are given unclear answers about costs, or are promised benefits that do not appear in the formal documentation,” Beekman notes.
Other red flags include unclear cancellation or transfer provisions, unexplained annual increases, vague information about availability or exchanges, and reluctance to explain exactly what the buyer owns or has the right to use.
5. Does the product suit the way I holiday?
Beekman says, before considering the price, consider your actual travel habits:
- Do you normally travel during school holidays?
- Do you prefer weekends and short breaks?
- Are you likely to travel internationally?
- Do you want luxury accommodation or are standard resort units sufficient?
- Are you travelling as a couple, with children or as part of a multi-generational family?
“The right vacation ownership product should complement these habits,” he notes. “It’s also worth considering how your travel patterns may change as your circumstances change.”
6. How flexible will my holidays really be?
Flexibility is one of the defining features of modern vacation ownership, but buyers should establish exactly what flexibility means within the product they are considering.
“Ask about different travel dates, destinations, accommodation gradings, unit sizes, lengths of stay and booking periods,” says Beekman.
“Most modern vacation ownership options also provide some form of exchange capability. For example, The Holiday Club uses a points-based system that gives members access to a broad range of club owned destinations, while exchange platforms like iExchange or the Private Residence Collection expand the potential choice much further.”
7. How big is the resort network I get access to?
Vacation ownership does not necessarily mean holidaying at the same resort every year. Many products give buyers access to a wider network of resorts and destinations, either directly or through an exchange programme. Beekman Group’s clubs have access to exchange networks, giving members access to more than 3200 resorts globally.
“Ask what other resorts and destinations you can access through your ownership, and whether an exchange network is available,” advises Beekman. “The greater the choice, the more flexibility you have to enjoy different holiday experiences over time.”
8. Who manages the resorts – and will they still be good resorts 10 or 20 years from now?
Buying holiday ownership is about future holidays, so the condition and management of the underlying resorts matter. Beekman suggests asking who is responsible for resort operations, maintenance, refurbishment, guest services, and ongoing improvements.
“A well-managed resort requires continuous investment,” says Beekman. “Accommodation, pools, landscaping, recreational facilities, technology and other infrastructure all experience wear and need to be maintained or upgraded over time.”
9. How does the long-term cost of vacation ownership compare with booking holidays as you go?
One of the benefits of vacation ownership is the ability to secure future holiday accommodation within a structured ownership or membership model. Over time, this can compare favourably with repeatedly booking similar-quality resort accommodation at prevailing rental rates, particularly as accommodation costs continue to rise.
Beekman says there can also be savings beyond the accommodation itself: “Many vacation ownership resorts offer self-catering accommodation, giving you a home-away-from-home and the option to prepare some meals rather than relying on restaurants. These resorts also typically offer a wide range of onsite activities and facilities, which can help reduce the need to spend additional money on entertainment away from the resort.”
He notes that vacation ownership is ultimately about looking at the total value of holidays over time: “For people who holiday regularly, the cumulative cost of booking comparable resort accommodation, dining out and paying separately for holiday activities can add up significantly. A well-chosen vacation ownership product can provide a more cost-effective way of securing quality holidays.”
10. What happens when my life – or the way I holiday – changes?
A vacation ownership commitment can span many years, and your circumstances and holiday needs are likely to change over that time. All forms of timeshare are designed to cater for these changes in different ways.
“Ask what happens if your family grows, your travel preferences change, you want different accommodation, or you can no longer travel as frequently,” advises Beekman. “It’s also worth asking whether ownership or membership can be transferred to family members.”
11. Is vacation ownership an investment – or should I think of it as buying future holidays?
Most vacation ownership products, including traditional timeshare and points-based clubs, are best viewed as a lifestyle investment in future holidays rather than a financial investment. Some providers also offer sectional title ownership and other leisure property investment opportunities such as Beekman Managed Portfolio.
“These products combine the lifestyle benefits of future holidays with ownership of real property and, in some cases, the opportunity to earn professionally managed rental income, as is the case with Sectional Title ownership,” says Beekman.
12. What should a reputable provider be willing to tell me before I sign?
Almost everything needed to make an informed decision!
A reputable provider should clearly explain:
- What you are buying
- Where you can holiday
- How bookings and exchanges work
- The costs involved
- What happens if your circumstances change
- What your rights and responsibilities
- What limitations apply
“An informed buyer is ultimately a better long-term member or owner,” says Beekman. “Vacation ownership should be about looking forward to future holidays, not wondering afterwards whether you understood what you purchased. The right provider will want you to understand the product because transparency and trust are fundamental to a lasting relationship.”
Choosing the right provider matters
The Beekman Group has more than 55 years of experience across tourism, hospitality, leisure property and vacation ownership, with a portfolio spanning beach, bush, mountain and urban destinations. Its vacation ownership offering includes The Holiday Club, Beekman Lifestyle Portfolio and Beekman Managed Portfolio, supported by services including resort management, exchanges, rentals and leisure experiences.
The Beekman Group has received recognition through the World Travel Awards and was named KZN Top Brand 2026 at the KZN Top Business Awards, adding to its long-standing reputation within the South African tourism and hospitality sector.
This multi-award-winning, family-run organisation has a portfolio of almost 40 leading destinations across 5 countries, including Cayley Mountain Resort (the only beach in the Berg!), The Kingdom Resort, San Martinho Beach Club, Hazyview Cabanas, Kiara Lodge, and Dikhololo Resort.
For vacation ownership enquiries, visit www.beekmangroup.com/our-products/vacation-ownership/ or contact:
Beekman Managed Portfolio | Call: 087 655 4606 | property@beekmanportfolio.co.za
Beekman Lifestyle Portfolio | Call: 087 655 4606 | sales@beekmanlifestyle.co.za
The Holiday Club | Call: 087 655 4606 | sales@theholidayclub.com
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