IFA Hotels & Resorts, a leading developer of premier integrated and mixed-use hotel and tourism resort projects across Europe, the Middle East, the Indian Ocean and Africa, has expanded its exclusive yacht lifestyle concept to include the Mediterranean and Red Sea cruising zones in addition to that of the existing Arabian Gulf.

This move is aimed at tapping the growing market for yachts and luxury boats in the region, as the company gears up to promote the attractive benefits and offerings of the IFA Yacht Ownership Club.  
Says Werner Burger, president and COO IFA Hotels & Resorts, “The idea of owning a yacht is a dream of many people, but may not be immediately attainable because of the costs involved. The IFA Yacht Ownership Club caters to those who want to indulge their passion for luxury cruising, in a variety of international destinations, without the stress and costs inherent to multiple yacht ownership.”
The IFA Yacht Ownership Club works just like a golf or country club – members pay an annual fee which grants them access to the club’s services and facilities, in this case a fleet of professionally crewed and maintained, luxury yachts in four international cruising zones. Depending on their requirements, members purchase either gold or platinum memberships that are allocated a number of credits to be exchanged for a combination of peak, shoulder and off-peak, luxury cruising days.
The Club’s fleet currently consists of three luxury Maiora motor yachts, ranging from 23 metres to 27 metres in length, based in Dubai, Beirut and Cannes. Once aboard any of the yachts, members of the IFA Yacht Ownership Club will be attended by a fully qualified, professional captain, deckhand and steward. Each Dh15 million yacht comfortably sleeps up to 8 guests in four exclusively appointed on-suite cabins.
Says Piaras Moriarty, vice-president, Vacation Ownership IFA Hotels & Resorts, “With the IFA Yacht Ownership Club it has never been easier to use a yacht’s facilities. With just one telephone call to the club’s concierge service a fully crewed, provisioned and ready to cruise IFA yacht will meet you at your choice of ports and marinas throughout any of the extensive IFA Cruising Zones, around the Mediterranean, the Greek Islands or even the Arabian Gulf. Whether one is looking for that special family break, a business lunch or a trip with a difference, the concept of having a fleet of luxury yachts, at ones disposal, just as if you owned it, is now possible.”