What is it with world championship tennis players and The Hideaways Club?

Czech-born Tomas Berdych, rated number six in the world rankings of professional tennis players, has agreed to become an ambassador for high-end property investment club, The Hideaways Club. The potential grand-slam winner joins retired British champion Tim Henman, who signed up as an ambassador to the club in 2009.

The Hideaways offers investors two portfolios of luxury second homes – which they also get to use up to six weeks a year. The firm recently told WealthBriefingAsia that Asia is its fastest growing business region. 

Both ambassadors pay full price for the membership but are reportedly allowed a reduced rate on concierge charges.

Berdych said: “I frequently travel to some of the most exotic countries in the world, staying in beautiful properties in wonderful locations. But having stayed in one of the company’s villas, I can only say I have never been so impressed and so well-looked after.”

The Hideaways Club has always tried to distance itself from the time-share concept. Styling itself instead as an investment club, investors buy a share of the portfolio, costing from £65,500 ($99,563) to £250,000, allowing 12 nights to eight weeks' annual usage. Service charges are up to £14,000 a year to cover everything from maintenance to a concierge service in every property.

The club has two separate funds, the Classic Collection, comprising 100 luxury villas and chalets around the world, and the City Collection, holding 120 stylish metro apartments. Properties in the Classic Collection are located across Europe, Africa, Mauritius, the Caribbean and South East Asia while the City collection has pied-à-terres in cities including New York, London, Paris, Miami, Barcelona, Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

Hideaways was founded in 2007 by Michael Balfour, the entrepreneur behind the Fitness First gym chain. Balfour recently moved to Asia. He feels that "it is the most exciting developing market, and with the emerging Chinese market, Asia will offer terrific potential in the future."

"Because of the financial stability of the region, clients do not appear to be overly concerned and feel that property is still the best medium to long term investment. Both funds are globally diversified property funds so the investment is spread across a number of regions and jurisdictions. With an experienced property buying team and being cash buyers, we are able to purchase properties at approximately 30/40 per cent below market value, " Balfour said. 

Asia now represents around a third of Hideaways membership base - having soared over the last two years. It is aiming to have around 35 properties in the region ultimately, with purchases in Cambodia, Borneo, Vietnam, Shanghai and Australia all in the frame. In Hong Kong, Hideaways is in the process of adding another senior sales person.