22 / 62
Fold together changing demographics
and vacation styles. Whisk in innovative
technology and recycled mater ials.
Season with new kitchen design trends,
and bake into your brand. The recipe for
today’s resort kitchen is a fresh fusion, a
more stylish, energy-efficient, and family-
friendly space than ever before. Still the
social center of the vacation home away
from home, but not always the center of
every
vacation.
Serving New Markets
While 90 percent of vacationers recently surveyed by Leger, The
Research Intelligence Group, said that having a kitchen
improved their vacation experience, only a little more than half
used it every day.
“The reality is that we have so many people enjoying their
vacations in so many different ways,” says Ed Kinney, global vice
president of Marriott Vacations Worldwide. “Whether it’s by
themselves, with their families, multigenerational travelers,
young versus old, length of stay, size of unit.”
For example, like many other timeshare resort developers,
Marriott recently switched from deeded weeks to a points-based
system. Now, quick getaways of three or four nights are as com-
mon. “It used to be, when owners stayed seven nights, they
would stay in and cook three or four nights,” Kinney says. “Now,
with some of the shorter stays, people are more apt to go out
and explore a bit. While it’s still a must-have, the kitchen is not
the mainstay it used to be.”
That said, the kitchen is not going anywhere, thank you very
much. “Hanging around the kitchen still seems to be one of
those things that people enjoy,” Kinney says. Time spent in the
kitchen with family and friends has always been part of cher-
ished vacation memories for timeshare families. But, Kinney
says, designing the ideal kitchen for diverse markets and vacation
styles can be “kind of Rubik’s Cube.” While some owners are satisfied
with barebones basics — a small fridge, a microwave, and cof-
feemaker in a studio or urban lock-off — most prefer a full kitchen
that’s as nice or nicer than the one they left at home, even if they don’t
plan to cook elaborate meals.
TRENDS
RESORTDEVELOPER.COM
vacation industry review
APRIL – JUNE 2015
22
Marriott Vacation Club
Appliances:
Stainless steel remains
one of the most popular
choices for finish.
Flooring:
Hardwood
in natural stains lends
warmth.
Kitchen (
R
)
evo