đď¸ What is Karma Group? A Detailed Look at the Luxury Travel Club Changing the Game
- cruisinwithchewy
- Sep 25, 2024
- 3 min read
If youâve ever dreamt of sipping cocktails at a cliffside resort in Bali or relaxing in a boutique chalet in the Alps, youâve probably come across Karma Group. Known for its exclusive luxury resorts and travel experiences, Karma Group has made waves in the vacation ownership worldâbut what exactly is it?
Letâs break down everything you need to know about Karma Group, from its history to how its membership works.
đ The Origin of Karma Group
Founded: In 1993, by British entrepreneur John Spence.
Headquarters: London, UK, with regional offices in Singapore, Bali, Australia, and more.
Initial Focus: Small, boutique-style properties aimed at luxury travelers seeking unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
đ Awards & Recognition:
Named one of the Top 10 Luxury Resort Chains by Luxury Travel Guide.
Consistently receives high ratings on TripAdvisor, Booking.com, and Trustpilot.
đ Global Presence: Karma Group Locations
As of 2024, Karma Group operates 40+ properties across more than 12 countries, including:
Bali, Thailand, India, Vietnam â for tropical, cultural getaways.
Australia, Greece, UK, France â for European & nature-inspired retreats.
Coming Soon: Expansion into Japan, Spain, and more.
đ¨ What Makes Karma Different?
Unlike traditional hotel chains or rigid timeshares, Karma offers a luxury vacation club model, emphasizing:
Boutique luxury: Smaller, more personalized resorts.
Cultural immersion: Properties designed to reflect local heritage.
Exclusive experiences: Private events, concerts, wellness retreats.
đł How Does Karma Membership Work?
Flexible Ownership: Members donât buy a specific week, but rather points or vacation time.
Use Anywhere: Your membership gives access to any Karma resort worldwide, based on availability.
Perks: Discounted stays, member-only events, priority bookings, upgrades.
Resale & Transferable: Some memberships can be resold or transferred.
đź Who Owns Karma Group?
John Spence remains the founder and CEO.
The company is privately owned and has steadily expanded since the 1990s, with an emphasis on sustainable luxury and community involvement in many of its destinations.
đ Growth & Expansion:
Karma has grown from a single resort in Goa, India, to a global brand, adding properties every year, with a goal of 50 resorts by 2026.
Recent Expansions:
Karma Minoan, Crete
Karma Lake of Menteith, Scotland
Planned resorts in Japan, Spain, and South America.
đľď¸ Is Karma Group a Timeshare?
Technically, no. While Karma does operate on a vacation ownership model, itâs more flexible than traditional timeshares. Youâre not locked into a specific week or location and have options to customize how you use your membership.
đď¸ Unique Member Experiences:
Karma Curated Events: Private concerts with global artists, wine tastings, cultural tours.
Karma Spa: World-class wellness programs available at most locations.
Karma Beach Clubs: Exclusive beach access and entertainment.
đŹ What Are People Saying?
Trustpilot: 4.3/5 average rating. Members love the resorts, but some mention high pressure during presentations.
TripAdvisor: Most Karma resorts hold a 4.5+ star rating, especially in Bali, Greece, and India.
Facebook Groups/Forums: Mixed views, often highlighting great stays but cautioning to read contracts carefully.
đŻ Our Take:
Karma Group is ideal for travelers who:
Love luxury and boutique resorts.
Want global travel flexibility.
Plan to travel multiple times per year.
Itâs not ideal for those:
Who prefer last-minute travel.
Who only travel occasionally.
Looking for low-budget options.
đ˘ Want to Book a Karma Stay Without a Membership?
đ [Link to Booking Page]
đ Or read more about our personal experience: [Link to Karma Membership Review]
Comments