Are you considering purchasing a Vistana timeshare resale? Whether you’re looking into buying at a Westin or Sheraton resort, it’s important to understand the difference between mandatory and voluntary resorts, and how it could affect your ability to use your vacation ownership. In this article, we will break down the differences between these two types of Vistana resorts, and help you decide which type of resort is right for your travel needs.
The Difference Between Mandatory And Voluntary Resorts
For Vistana timeshares, the various resorts that comprise the Vistana Signature Network (VSN) have differing governing documents that determine if owners of that resort are mandatorily required to be a part of the Vistana Signature Network of resorts. These rules for determining whether or not owners are required to be a part of VSN also determine whether or not the developer will allow resale owners to be a part of the Vistana Signature Network when owning at that resort.
Voluntary Resorts
When purchasing at a Voluntary resort on the resale market, owners would not be able to use their timeshare to travel to other Vistana resorts within the Vistana Signature Network (VSN) using StarOptions.
Upon transferring the timeshare at a voluntary resort, the owner would use their timeshare as a floating week timeshare. This means the owner would be able to book the specific unit size within the specific season at the specific resort they are deeded to, but would not be able to book other Vistana resorts using StarOptions.
Owners at Voluntary resorts still have the option to become a member of Interval International at their own expense in order to exchange their week to travel to 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
Mandatory Resorts
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 Vistana Signature Network (VSN). This means that you can use points to travel to any Vistana resort as long as there is availability, and you have the sufficient amount of 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: Mandatory vs Voluntary Resorts
While all timeshare owners will be required to pay annual maintenance fees, there is a difference in annual fees between mandatory and voluntary Vistana resorts.
Voluntary Resort Annual Club Fees
Voluntary Resort Resale buyers will not pay the annual VSN Club fee, but will still have the option to enroll into Interval International to exchange their week at their own expense.
Mandatory Resort Annual Club Fees (Non-Abound Members)
Resale buyers that own at a mandatory resort and are not enrolled in Abound or ineligible for the Abound program, will be required to pay the annual VSN Annual Club fee. This annual VSN fee will include the annual subscription fee to Interval International exchange company.
| Fee | Details |
|---|---|
| $155 | 1 week of ownership |
| + $50 | 2 weeks of ownership |
| + $0 | 3+ weeks of ownership |
Owners at a Hawaiian resort will be required to pay a 4.166% General Excise Tax on the annual VSN Club fee.
Mandatory Resort Annual Club Fees (Abound Members)
If an owner at a mandatory Vistana resort became a VSN member prior to August 9th, 2022 and doesn’t opt-out of the Abound program they will pay the Annual Club Fee for Abound membership.
You can learn more about the Abound program here: Abound For Vistana Owners: Everything You Need To Know.
| Membership Level | Club Fee |
|---|---|
| Owners and Select Members | $230.00 |
| Executive and Presidential Members | $270.00 |
| Chairmans’ Club Members | $295.00 |
Purchase Price Differences Between Mandatory vs Voluntary Resorts
The Mandatory resorts generally carry a higher resale value, and thus a higher purchase price on the resale market than the Voluntary Vistana resorts.
Elite Status Levels For Resale Buyers
Resale purchases will not apply toward an upgrade in Status, such as 3 Star Elite, 4 Star Elite or 5 Star Elite.
Retro / Requalification
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. This is called retro’ing or requalifying your Vistana timeshare. These benefits include the use of StarOptions to book at any resort in the Vistana Signature Network, conversion from StarOptions to Marriott Bonvoy points, and upgrades to a higher Elite Status level.
Which Is Right For You?
So, which type of Vistana resale is right for you? If you’re the type of traveler who likes to explore different destinations, a mandatory resort may offer more flexibility. If you’re looking for a particular location, and want to take advantage of Vistana’s affiliation with Interval International for exchanges, then a voluntary resort may be the better choice.
We hope this helped to clear up any confusion on the Mandatory vs Voluntary Vistana resorts. As always, our team of experts is here to help answer any questions you may have about buying a resale timeshare. Feel free to fill in a contact form to be contacted by one of our licensed agents who can walk you through the process of buying a Vistana timeshare on the resale market.
