Hideaways Club Targets Investors and Vacationers in the Gulf

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(ABU DHABI, UAE) -- The Hideaways Club, a leading international property investment fund that offers its members the opportunity to invest in luxury villas and chalets around the world, today announced it is launching a new sales and marketing operation to cover the GCC.

The Hideaways Club consists of a fund and a private members club. The Hideaways Fund is an international luxury property investment fund that tries to create value through professional buying and management of overseas holiday homes. The properties are maintained and serviced for the investors; by buying a share in the Fund investors automatically become members of The Hideaways Club.

Launched in 2007 by Mike Balfour, formerly Chairman of Fitness First, the world's largest health club operation, The Hideaways Club has more than 150 members and owns 27 multi-million dollar luxury properties throughout Europe, Africa, Mauritius, and South East Asia. Through the company's recent alliances with US based Equity Estates and the Banyan Tree Private Collection, members now may select to vacation at more than 45 properties throughout the year.

The company is now expanding into the Gulf, targeting expatriates and nationals who are looking to combine investment with exclusive access to luxury properties. Mike Balfour, Chairman and co-founder of The Hideaways Club, said, "I've had a long relationship with the UAE and have always believed that The Hideaways Club would appeal to the unique demographics here."

Balfour added, "We are very excited by the initial response we have had in the region, and we see the Middle East as one of the fastest growing and most exciting destinations in which to launch the Club."

Last month The Hideaways Club and Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, signed a partnership agreement. Members of The Hideaways Club benefit from special business class fares, spa facilities, and fine dining at airport lounges. They are also automatically admitted to Etihad's frequent flyer program, Etihad Guest.

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