Views & Interviews

Q&A: Six timeshare vacationers talk about their first time

October 2015
When people talk about going down memory lane, they usually talk about that first time. First day at college, at work, or maybe even an extreme sport such as wild river rafting, or bungee jumping. We thought we would ask people about their first timeshare holiday and capture their unique moments for this interview.

So, here goes – let’s see what they have to say about their first timeshare experience.

Ravi Kapali, Event Manager.

My first time, was when I went on this holiday with my uncle and his family – this was probably 15 years ago when I was in school. I was so happy to part of such a huge gathering of our relatives – and I can remember people of all ages enjoying themselves. I didn’t know then that it was a timeshare holiday, but have been with friends over the years to other resorts and locations. But that first (timeshare) holiday in Goa is something I will remember for a long, long time. And I think it was because it brought three families together on a happy occasion and a lovely setting.

Mahesh Krishnan, Sales & Marketing

The first time I went on a timeshare holiday was when the Boss took five of us in the team on what he called a reward vacation. We had exceeded our targets by a good margin and the Boss thought we deserved more than just the stated incentive. So he took us to Coorg, for what turned out to be the most enjoyable holiday I had ever been to. We just didn’t want to come back home, and almost as soon as we got back I picked up my own timeshare plan.

Aditi Mehrana, Interior Designer

My first time, was a couple of years ago, when I went on a vacation with a dear friend of mine and her family. We went to the Club Mahindra property in Munnar. This resort is next door to a tea plantation and the valley view here is heavenly. It was my first timeshare holiday and I was really surprised to experience all that the resort had to offer. It was very well maintained and the standard of food and service was really good. The spa there is a huge draw.

Arun Devaraj, Stock Broker

My first time, was a gift from my uncle, when I got married. So we picked Fernhill Ooty managed by Sterling for our honeymoon. This property sits pretty, right on top of a hill, offering a breathtaking view of the hills – presenting a vibrant patchwork of lush green. The cottages at the resort too, are cosy and the staff really courteous and helpful. We particularly liked the large spread for breakfast – a great way to start our day. The resort also had a wide range of activities and a total experience that makes the timeshare proposition here very, very tempting.

Ashok Kulkarni, Chartered Accountant

My first timeshare vacation was at the Panoramic Sea Resort in Alleppey. A client of ours was so happy with the last minute support that we gave him to file his returns and get his accounts in order that he rewarded the team with a three-day holiday at this very comfortable resort. I’m a foodie, so I spent more time on food, than anything else. I particularly liked here was the restaurant that serves multi-cuisine food and some exotic local fare. Another thing that we liked here was the ayurvedic massage centre, that offers a wide range of rejuvenation massages and therapies – that’s something I would want to go back for.

Arun Jacob, Junior Architect

My first timeshare vacation was at the Averina Beach Club – and you’ll find this resort in a picturesque location at Mobor Beach in South Goa.  The architectural design here is traditional and extends to all components of the property – spread over 25 acres, which includes a magnificent stretch of beach area. This is really an amazing getaway place with swaying palms, landscaped gardens and sprawling lawns. I also remember a yoga center that did a total reboot for me during our stay. Oh yes, I also remember a casino and a discotheque. For me this was a 5-star holiday disguised as a timeshare retreat – this was thoroughly enjoyable.

“My first timeshare vacation” is an interesting series that we are working on, in an attempt to find out more about first time reactions to timeshare properties in India and what they have to offer. It’s a useful exercise in looking at existing views on timeshare and the transformation that takes place when people actually get to experience the benefits on a timeshare holiday.

Which makes us wonder if trial is a useful conversion tool in the sales process - when people try a product, they know what it has to offer. No two ways about that.