Are you contemplating the purchase of a Vistana timeshare resale? It’s crucial to recognize the distinction between mandatory and voluntary resorts if you’re considering buying at a Westin or Sheraton resort, as this could impact how you utilize your vacation ownership. In this article, we’ll delve into the differences between these two types of Vistana resorts and assist you in determining which resort type best suits your travel requirements.
The Vistana Signature Network (VSN)
Vistana timeshares are comprised of various resorts that form the Vistana Signature Network (VSN). Each resort has specific governing documents that dictate whether owners of that resort must mandatorily be a part of the VSN. These rules also determine whether the developer will allow resale owners to be a part of the VSN when owning at that resort.
The Voluntary Vistana Resorts
When you buy at a Voluntary resort on the resale market, you won’t be able to use your timeshare to visit other Vistana resorts within the VSN using StarOptions. Upon transferring the timeshare at a voluntary resort, you would use it as a floating week timeshare, meaning you can book the specific unit size within the specific season at the specific resort you are deeded to, but not other Vistana resorts using StarOptions.
Owners at Voluntary resorts can still opt to join Interval International at their own expense to exchange their week to visit other timeshare resorts, including other Westin and Sheraton timeshare properties.
All Voluntary Vistana Resorts
- Westin Princeville Ocean Resort
- Westin Nanea Ocean Villas
- Westin St. John Villas (Bay Vista Villas and the Coral Vista / Sunset Bay Villas)
- Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa
- Westin Los Cabos Resort Villas and Spa
- Westin Desert Willows Villas
- Westin Mission Hills Resort & Villas
- Westin Riverfront Mountain Villas
- Sheraton Mountain Vista
- Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas
- Sheraton Lakeside Terrace
- Sheraton Desert Oasis
- Sheraton PGA Vacation Resort
- Sheraton Vistana Resort
- Sheraton Vistana Villages (Amelia and St. Augustine Phases)
- Sheraton Broadway Resort
The Mandatory Vistana Resorts
On the other hand, Mandatory resorts require all owners at that resort to be a part of VSN. Owning at a mandatory resort will allow a resale buyer to use StarOption points to book other resorts within the VSN. You can use points to visit any Vistana resort as long as there is availability, and you have enough StarOptions to book the reservation.
All Mandatory Vistana Resorts
- Harborside Resort at Atlantis
- Sheraton Vistana Villages (Bella & Key West Phases only)
- Westin St. John (Virgin Grand Hillside)
- Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas
- Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas North
- Westin Keirland Villas
The Difference In Annual Fees
Even though all timeshare owners are obliged to pay annual maintenance fees, there is a difference in annual fees between mandatory and voluntary Vistana resorts. Voluntary Resort Resale buyers will not pay the annual VSN Club fee, but still have the option to join Interval International to exchange their week at their own expense.
| Fee | Details |
|---|---|
| $155 | 1 week of ownership |
| + $50 | 2 weeks of ownership |
| + $0 | 3+ weeks of ownership |
Resale Value & Status
Mandatory resorts generally have a higher resale value, and consequently a higher purchase price on the resale market than the Voluntary Vistana resorts. Resale purchases will not contribute towards an upgrade in Status, such as 3 Star Elite, 4 Star Elite or 5 Star Elite. However, a resale purchase at a Voluntary or Mandatory resort ownership will receive full benefits if the owner makes a new purchase directly from the developer.
Making Your Choice: Mandatory or Voluntary?
So, which type of Vistana resale is right for you? If you love exploring different destinations, a mandatory resort may offer more flexibility. If you’re fixated on a specific location, and want to leverage Vistana’s affiliation with Interval International for exchanges, then a voluntary resort may be the better choice.
Contact Us for More Information
Our team of experts is always available to answer any questions you may have about buying a resale timeshare. Don’t hesitate to fill in a contact form to be contacted by one of our licensed agents who can guide you through the process of buying a Vistana timeshare on the resale market.
