Frequently Asked Questions about Timeshare & Southern Sun Lifestyle Resorts

Questions

What is Timeshare?

Timeshare is shared holiday ownership with flexibility! Timeshare enables you to buy a share in a Share Block Company that leases or owns a Resort property. This ownership gives you the right to occupy a specific room or chalet for one week each year. You specify the time of year and you also have full access to all the amenities and service facilities offered at the Resort you have chosen and own.

Essentially, timeshare enables you to secure your future holidays at excellent value.

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What is SunSwop and how does it benefit me?

SunSwop is an exclusive, private exchange facility developed by Southern Sun Lifestyle Resorts. All Southern Sun Lifestyle Resort owners gain automatic membership to SunSwop and are in the best position to take advantage of our preferential exchange opportunities. As a SunSwop member, you are entitled to request exchanges either in South Africa or Overseas, from a choice of over 2600 affiliated Resorts worldwide!

Remember, SunSwop is the name that opens the door to any holiday you care to choose. SunSwop has affiliated with Interval International.

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Do I have to spend my holiday in the same place and at the same time every year?

Not unless you choose to do so - and you probably won't once you discover how many exciting holiday options await you. Our exchange plan allows you to swap the holiday period you bought for another period at another Resort. To keep the exchange equitable, the weeks of the year have been divided into Seasons, according to demand. Each Season is given a colour coding on the SunSwop chart: Peak for periods of high demand; Red for periods of average demand and White for periods of lower demand. All exchanges work on an equitable basis taking note of the number of people each room, suite or chalet accommodates. Here again, your request may be for a unit, which is equal or smaller in size to the timeshare you own. In addition your automatic SunSwop membership allocates you points (trading power) based on the size and facilities of your week, which is then used as your currency to exchange – please consult SunSwop for more information on info@sunswop.co.za or 031 561 2204.

The introduction of 'Trading Power' now enables timesharers to exchange on a daily or split week basis, with added advantage of being able to trade across seasons, and unit size!

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If you are unable to use your week, you may accrue deposited weeks for a maximum period of two years, enabling you to enjoy a future extended holiday. For ultimate flexibility, you may even borrow time from the year ahead. If you choose to accrue and/or borrow time, call SunSwop to make the necessary arrangements on your behalf. Another option is to place your week in the Resort Rental Pool. The Resort itself controls the Rental Pool and helps you to rent out your period at the current hotel rates to casual guests. If you choose this option, you should notify the Southern Sun Lifestyle Resorts Central Administration Office in Umhlanga, in writing, at least 90 days before the start of the week you own. Kindly note that the Resort does charge a nominal administration fee for this service.

You may also give your week to a friend or rent it out privately. In this case, kindly notify the Southern Sun Lifestyle Resorts Central Administration Office in writing with the name, address and telephone number of the people to whom you have given or rented your accommodation. Alternatively this can be done on line. The people with whom you have made this arrangement are also required to present a Guest Certificate from yourself upon arrival at the Resort.

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What guarantee do I have that my Timeshare ownership is secure?

Your Share Block Company is run by a Board of Directors elected by the shareholders.  Directors are bound by the Companies Act and Share Blocks Control Act to report to the shareholders every year.  In addition the company is audited annually by one of the “Big 4” auditing firms and managed by the Southern Sun Group, who have many years of experience as pioneers of the South African Timeshare Industry.

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What do I need to know about levies?

Levies are raised to cover the operating costs of your Resort and to maintain and protect the assets of shareholders. We spend them on exactly the same day-to-day maintenance and improvement projects that you would undertake to protect the value of your own home. We also try to build up a replacement reserve (of cash), to ensure that we not only maintain the standards of quality, luxury, amenities and service but to improve them in the long run. Directors approve the levies on an annual basis for each Share Block Company. Shareholders receive a copy of the Annual Financial Statements of the Company each year, which reflects the financial situation of the Company. 

You must pay your levy once a year for each unit you own, regardless of whether you have deposited your unit with SunSwop for accrual or exchange, placed it in the Resort Rental Pool or entered into a Private Arrangement. Your levy statement will be mailed to you five months before the beginning of the period you own and the amount should be paid three months before occupation.

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Which Resorts are under the "Southern Sun Lifestyle Resorts" Umbrella?

Some of the most desirable vacation spots in the country, offering a variety of exciting holiday options. They include Pine Lake Lifestyle Resorts and Sabi River Sun Lifestyle Resorts in Mpumalanga, Drakensberg Sun Lifestyle Resorts, the spectacular Beacon Island Lifestyle Resorts at Plettenberg Bay, and the two seaside Resorts in Umhlanga Cabana Beach Lifestyle Resorts, and the Umhlanga Sands Lifestyle Resorts.

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