Men's Journal

The Floor Plan of the DeckHouses Photo credit: Courtesy of The DeckHouses at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

Welcome to the evolution of the timeshare. More luxury resorts are now building on-site residences — second homes apart from the hotel but with access to the same high-end amenities. Whether your getaway dream involves waterfront property, desert golf, green architecture, or mountain views, there’s something for everyone.

The DeckHouses at The Ritz-Carlton
Grand Cayman
“All the great places in the world are on water,” says Mike Ryan, owner and developer of the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, and it’s under that guiding notion that he’s building the new DeckHouse residences on the Ritz’s grounds: 19 private homes each on a half-acre of land surrounded by water on three sides. “We focused on the integration of the interior and exterior,” says Ryan, “from outdoor kitchens to a water-level boathouse that allows you to step from your deck to the deck of your handcrafted Riva boat.” The truly nautical can even park their boats at the airport and sail to the DeckHouse. Every five-bedroom, four-and-a-half bath home comes with a private beach, an infinity pool, a BMW, a golf cart, and a guest cottage. All the included hotel amenities are just a short stroll away — such as the Greg Norman–designed golf course, a restaurant run by Eric Ripert of New York’s Le Bernardin, the five-star La Prairie Spa, and a 24-hour concierge and personal butler service. “I wish I could live there all winter,” says Apprentice champ Bill Rancic. “The food is off the charts, the gym is spectacular, and you walk out your door and there’s the ocean.” For those who balk at the DeckHouse’s $3.5 million starting price, the Ritz is also building a separate development on a private island with one-bedroom townhouse options beginning at $650,000 (thedeckhouses.com).

—Charles Coxe

Three More, Closer to Home

The Boulders
Scottsdale, Arizona

Golf aficionados flock to this Sonoran Desert oasis. Dotted with 12-million-year-old boulders, its two Jay Morrish–designed golf courses are among the best in the country. The resort’s Hacienda Villas, with their Isokern fireplaces, granite countertops, and two-car garages, are just as impressive (from $900,000; theboulders.com).

The Greenbrier
White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

Known for its award-winning stately architecture and presidential guest list, this historic resort also draws environmentally minded homebuyers: The new Green Homes at the Greenbrier boast frames, siding, and roofing composed of sustainably harvested woods (from $1.95 million; greenbriergreenhomes.com).

TopNotch Resort
Stowe, Vermont

With Vermont’s tallest peak, Mount Mansfield, looming in the background, the Topnotch Resort and Spa isn’t lacking in scenery. Known for its access to ski and hiking trails, Topnotch offers 40 residences on its 120 acres. Many homes offer fireplaces and views of Mansfield (from $595,000; topnotchresort.com).

—Nicole Cusick

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