Exclusive Resorts Partners with Leica for Luxury Photography Getaways in 2014

As the first collaboration of its kind for Exclusive Resorts, a private Club boasting more than 350 multi-million dollar villas across seven continents, members alongside Leica enthusiasts will enjoy privileged access to Leica Akademie's team of instructors and over $100,000 worth of Leica equipment including the newly launched Leica X Vario on a series of carefully curated 4-night getaways in the Club's most sought-after and private locales.

Celebrated for their handcrafted cameras, the German-based brand is credited with paving the way for a new, undreamed-of freedom in reportage and artistic photography since Oskar Barnack's small, lightweight 35 mm format Leica camera was brought to market in 1925. Today, Leica boasts more than 11 models including a new line of digital cameras. The most coveted models remain the M-System series which was introduced in 1932 and is still the camera of choice for many of today's most acclaimed photojournalists.

“Leica has had a profound influence on our view of the world we live in,” says Kristen Nolte, SVP of Marketing, who plans to incorporate Leica's photographs of Exclusive Resorts in a commemorative coffee table book and traveling gallery exhibit. “There is simply no better partner to capture the sheer enjoyment and beauty of an Exclusive Resorts vacation. We are thrilled to share with our members Leica's unique visual perspective on the world while at the same time capturing what makes our Club experience truly unique for generations of members to enjoy for years to come.”

Developed for experienced and novice photographers alike, each Destinations In Focus weekend is paired with stays in Exclusive Resorts' multi-million dollar villas, complete with dedicated on-site concierge and a host of luxe resort amenities ranging from a private chef to daily spa programming. In addition to the benefits of small class sizes and real world shooting situations, each participant will have access to experienced Leica instructors, as well as, a selection of guest photographers who will provide coaching and inspiration through the sharing of their images, techniques, and insights.

"One of the Leica Akademie's goal has always been to bring inspirational learning vacations to a [high-end or premium] market." says Tom A. Smith, Manager and Lead Instructor for the Leica Akademie in North America. "This partnership provides a unique opportunity for Leica customers to redefine how they learn photography and vacation, while introducing Exclusive Resort members to the Leica experience and approach to travel photography."

As a preferred partner, Exclusive Resorts members will also enjoy privileged access to a variety of Leica benefits including private one-on-one photography tutorials with Leica experts at any of the brand's new retail locations nationwide including New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Washington D.C.

The Leica Destinations In Focus photography series joins Exclusive Resorts' dynamic roster of Exclusive Events providing members privileged access to some of the most elite happenings in the world traversing the realms of gastronomy, sports and recreation, fashion and design and family-friendly adventure. Tailored to meet the Club's discerning taste, each event provides unparalleled access ranging from front row seats during Milan Fashion Week and The Masters to a private chalet at Formula 1 complete with private pit tours and one-on-ones with the world's most acclaimed drivers. The Club most recently announced a partnership with leading American retail brand Barneys New York in August 2013.

Beginning on July 23, 2014 in Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica, the series will travel to Exclusive Resorts' villas in the premier destinations of Real del Mar, Mexico and Tucson, Arizona at the award-winning Miraval Resort & Spa. Workshop pricing starts at $2999 for a single student in a shared villa.

For more information on Leica Akademie's Destinations In Focus weekends by Exclusive Resorts or to make a Leica Akademie reservation, please visit https://www.leicaakademie.com.

For more information on Exclusive Resorts or the Club's 2014 Exclusive Events program, to request a brochure or to inquire about membership plans and pricing, please contact (866) 863-2688 or visit www.exclusiveresorts.com.