Mirella Pandjaitan
Jul 18, 2025
Take a moment to reflect on my simple question: What type of traveller are you?
You could be someone who stands on business, seeks adventure, craves leisure, is enchanted by culture, delves into the spiritual side, requires medical care, or strives to be sustainable. I understand your mood absolutely plays a significant role in your answer, too. A mix of this and that may be possible, regardless of your chosen destination.
My next question is: What does Bali mean to you?
Perhaps Bali embodies a harmonious sanctuary where nature’s tranquillity and lively culture coexist in perfect balance, aside from the island igniting into a dazzling playground of pulsating beats, shimmering lights, and laughter that spills into the streets like a never-ending celebration when night falls.
Bali, to me, holds honesty, endearment, and rejuvenation. It’s a place that invites reflection, inspires creativity, and presents a timeless hideaway from the rush of regular life—even in the context of a work adventure!
Now you might be wondering where I’m going by rambling these questions. My sole reason is to draw you into a fresh approach to travelling, or a respite in the Island of the Gods.
Buying a fixed week at a single resort and returning to that same location every year is an old-school timeshare model we’ve grown to cherish. It might be the only path you recognise, the familiar rhythm your mind clings to, while all other possibilities feel like distant, unfamiliar languages you’ve yet to learn. It is, needless to say, a wonderful approach to revive. Yet, adaptability and freedom of choice can truly be yours whilst on vacation.
Introducing flexible travel, your way
Excitement pumped louder than the plane’s engine revving through the rough air. The seamless airport transfer to Nusa Dua transported me to an oasis—one that I've been seeking. Every visit to Bali entails different tales; this particular one was no feat. My visit to Bali after an over a year-long absence depicted a harmony of discovery and rest. The caveat was woefully struck by some sort of illness.
A group of girls based in Jakarta and Bali were offered a retreat. We were on a mission to learn more about the Accor Vacation Club, but at the same time, the Travel + Leisure Co. team emphasised and reminded us to soak in the fresh Balinese air and the facilities betwixt Novotel Nusa Dua, the new club’s first property. We were at the heart of this island paradise, where diving into turquoise waters, exploring Balinese culture, and simply unwinding poolside urged us to recharge our souls.
With the soft scent of flowers carefully stitched into a necklace around my neck, I wasted no time at the separate, priority check-in desk for loyalty members—with a refreshing welcome drink in my hand. Members are also entitled to late check-out, access free Wi-Fi, and gain consistent VIP recognition, even for an overnight stay or dining at one of the restaurants.
“Come along, we'll be having lunch at the Square Restaurant,” invited Craig Wood, the CEO of Accor Vacation Club. We strolled through the spacious, verdant compound of the resort, as waves of laughter from the little ones inside the stunning 1,500-square-metre lagoon pool nestled in a tropical garden slowly hissed away, while their parents calmly lay on the sun loungers, for a slender beam of sunshine pierced a canvas of brooding grey.
Lunch had a touch of Balinese flavours as well as Western delights. Bites and bites of the creamy seafood chowder, fresh salmon, succulent tiger prawns in Jimbaran sauce, and fried banana cake with ice cream further enhanced the warmth of the Travel + Leisure Co. team's embrace. A cappuccino in hand from the cafe secured, Barry Robinson, the President of Travel + Leisure Co., cut the Indonesian ceremonial ‘nasi tumpeng’ to commemorate the launch of Accor Vacation Club Asia Pacific.
This brand-new vacation club makes luxury getaways in Asia more accessible than ever. And where better to begin than Bali’s iconic Nusa Dua—a postcard-perfect destination famed for its powdery beaches, crystal-clear waters, lively reefs, and championship golf?
Robinson commented that Bali is an extremely appealing destination for both domestic and international yearners. “Accor’s hotel footprint across Indonesia is strong, and so is the loyalty programme,” he continued.
Travel across Asia continues to surge, driven by a rising middle class and a growing demand for meaningful, flexible experiences. One can be a seasoned globetrotter or a family seeking dependable and elevated holiday escapes. Now is the time to travel smarter, stay longer, and make the world your playground.
Calling paradise your second home is no longer a dream, as that vision was brought a little closer—made possible by Travel + Leisure Co. The real magic? This isn’t a one-time stay. Members can enjoy access not only to Bali but to thousands of resorts around the world through Travel + Leisure Co.'s global vacation exchange partnerships. Think flexible travel, reimagined.
“Accor Vacation Club is the perfect place to create unforgettable memories,” answered Wood to my curiosity. “That’s what we offer—not just accommodation, but experiences that stay with you forever. We're not an accommodation provider—we’re a memory maker.”
The Accor Vacation Club (AVC) is built on a flexible, points-based system. Wood enthused that AVC is a real game changer in the vacation ownership industry, since members purchase a certain number of points, which they can use to book accommodation at various AVC properties, along with thousands of participating Accor hotels globally.
“These points aren’t static—they vary based on the size of the accommodation (say, a studio versus a four-bedroom presidential suite), the location, and the season. Whether you want a romantic weekend in the centre of London, a family getaway to a beachfront resort in Queensland, or a cultural experience in Asia, the programme lets you tailor your holidays around your lifestyle and needs,” he further described.
The club has evolved beyond just holiday planning—it’s now a lifestyle brand integrated into daily life. Members can grab lunch, attend a concert, or travel abroad; the club delivers constant value, since it isn’t a mere once-a-year getaway, but part of members' weekly routines and social experiences.
Every Vacation Club member also automatically receives a lifetime membership to Accor Plus, which is the exclusive travel, dining, and lifestyle programme. Accor Plus operates across 20 countries, with over 1,400 hotels and resorts and more than 1,000 restaurants and bars participating. The savings are up to 50 per cent off dining at participating restaurants in Asia Pacific, 15 per cent off drinks, and guaranteed 10 per cent off the best available room rate when booking directly.
But it doesn’t stop there. These club points integrate with the broader Accor Live Limitless (ALL) loyalty programme. Wood added that members can convert their Vacation Club points into ALL points, which can then be transferred to major airline frequent flyer programmes such as Qantas, Emirates, Japan Airlines, and Qatar Airways. “So your vacation points can literally take you further into the sky,” he gushed.
“What sets Accor Vacation Club Asia Pacific apart is its smart, member-friendly model. A 20-year term is shorter than most traditional ownership programmes and includes unique benefits—similar to a share in net proceeds from property sales at the end of the club’s term, and flexible payment options for members who choose not to travel in a given year,” continued Wood.
Relishing a taste of the member's sojourn
The resorts themselves are a standout feature. Each location is encouraged to design immersive, local, and often one-of-a-kind experiences. In Fiji, families can dine as the sun sets while sailing the full-scale pirate ship (the Green Lantern).
Inside the apartments are separate living, dining and bedroom areas, a kitchenette, and an expansive terrace or balcony. “Because we cater to families, our accommodations vary from hotel rooms to studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units—some are even townhouses. Many units include washing machines, which are essential when travelling with family,” elaborated Wood.
My one-bedroom apartment was a personification of my dream apartment, given its spacious nature. The bonus point was its location: in Bali. My stay was brief, but I endeavoured to maximise every moment. After watching an enthralling and daring fire dance show at the resort's garden for a tantalising BBQ dinner, I joined other pleasure seekers at the bar before I retired; shivering, jolting side to side on the bed, praying that this was not indeed a fever.
My next day evoked full immersion in the facilities. Alas, my reality was far from that. We peeped at the two-bedroom apartment that featured a pool, a glorious master bedroom, and an overall more vast unit to accommodate a family. The kids’ pool, club, and playground came alive, as well as In Balance—the fitness centre and day spa.
I fought over the overbearing aches in my joints while we splurged and dined at Bali Collection. “What are you doing during our free time?” asked one girl to another at lunch. “I'm going to take my medicine and get lost in the plushing sheets,” I exalted. So long, my plan to bask on the beach that afternoon ebbed.
Resurrected from whatever whirlwind sensations earlier in the day, I found solace lounging on the terrace while glimpses of a documentary aired on the TV in the living room. Dinner time at the all-day dining Square Restaurant approached. Gulping glasses of white wine for Happy Hour didn't seem to be an unwise decision. One last round of a BBQ affair closed our final night in paradise.
Various questions went around the table as a tighter bond fostered between us girls and the Travel + Leisure Co. team. Serenity oozed from our laughter from the stories we shared. “What was your favourite part of this trip?” asked a team member. “I got to relax more than I normally would on a Friday,” answered one of the girls.
The next morning was my final chance to hit the beach. Energy from a limited time before departing to the airport consumed me. The onsite beach club is a two-minute drive from the heart of the resort. A shuttle traverses every 15 minutes to the resort's lobby, yet I opted to stride along the bamboo pathway. The sound of waves is always soothing—more so is grounding myself to the silky sand. Half an hour of basking in the beach's solace was quickly met with a satiating breakfast buffet of Indonesian, Western, and Asian fare.
Becoming a Vacation Club member
Innovation didn’t stem from the gentlemen. On the contrary, it was shaped by years of member feedback. Robinson detailed that members don’t desire a lifelong long-term club, but around 20 years, where they could enjoy holidays over a long period. Members stressed the non-cookie-cutter nature of the holidays as well. Every resort is designed to reflect local culture and offer authentic experiences, with a clear challenge to resort managers: make each stay unforgettable and unique.
Membership is by invitation only. Anyone can be a member as long as they’ve stayed at an Accor property or are part of the Accor Live Limitless loyalty programme. “We reach out with a personal invitation to attend a presentation, which often includes a complimentary three-night stay so potential members can try before they buy,” illustrated Robinson.
A small annual fee does exist; if they don’t want to use their points one year, they can save them for the next and even take a payment holiday and pay when they want to holiday. Members will also receive a beneficial interest at the end of the club’s lifespan. After the club winds up and all fees and taxes are settled, the remaining balance is distributed proportionately according to the number of points each member owns. Clenching to 10,000 points, a member can get twice what someone with 5,000 points receives.
A new member might purchase 5,000 points, which can be used to book accommodations during high or low seasons, with flexibility over the size and location. This flexibility is essential because travel needs are changing. Wood pointed out an example involving a family with teenagers. A large apartment during school holidays would be on their wishlist; however, in five or six years, the kids may not want to travel with their parents anymore. The points can be used differently for better value. AVC allows for this adaptability over the years, not just immediate use.
Sharing exciting moments
This exciting expansion follows Travel + Leisure Co.’s acquisition of the Accor Vacation Club brand licensing rights, allowing the company to introduce fresh, innovative travel products throughout Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and Türkiye. They aspire to expand their multi-brand portfolio and deliver compelling, future-ready travel solutions tailored to the evolving needs of today’s global traveller.
The club transforms over time—from a personal treat to a legacy. Many members end up using their benefits to give back to family as a holiday gift, as it becomes a vessel for creating cherished memories—not just collecting discounts.
“If I asked you: ‘Can I buy your favourite memory with your family or friends?’—you wouldn't sell it, right? It’s priceless,” asked Wood. “That’s what it’s really about—creating amazing memories in absolutely stunning locations.”
Robinson shared a heartfelt story about a long-time member—a woman who now gives away her benefits to loved ones because it brings her joy. “For her, the club isn’t just about travel or perks—it’s a meaningful way to care for her son, family, and friends,” he said.
Currently, Travel + Leisure Co. serves more than 100,000 members and oversees more than 100 club resorts outside of North America, with a total club asset portfolio in excess of US$1 billion. Aside from Accor Vacation Club, Travel + Leisure Co. also manages the vacation ownership interests for other well-known brands, including Club Wyndham, WorldMark, Margaritaville Vacation Club, and Sports Illustrated Resorts.
I may have failed to glide along ITDC, follow a Pilates video on YouTube at the fitness centre, and nap at the pool. I can always adhere to my wishlist—as a Vacation Club member. Are you interested?