Pestana Group pioneered in Europe the concept of selling weekly intervals in mixed-use hotel and holiday resort properties. The Group believed that this concept needed a long term vision which would be best served by integrating holiday into existing hotel properties. By including the professional management skills and a full range of facilities associated with hotel properties, customers were given the guarantees and credibility needed to make a long term commitment with Pestana.

In 1985 sales began at the Madeira Beach Club which is integrated into the 5 star Pestana Madeira Carlton Hotel. On average 1000 couples joined the Pestana family each year by acquiring weekly intervals. The members database has grown to over 25,000 families in over 50 different countries. The number of holiday properties in Madeira and the Algarve has grown to 12 (6 in the Algarve and 6 in Madeira) that include over 935 Studios, one and two bedroom luxury apartments. The objective has always been to establish a long term relationship with our members by offering a quality product backed by excellent service and professional management.

Based on the success of this concept, in 2001 the Group launched four resorts in Brazil and is now recognised as a major pioneering force within the tourism industry on the South American continent.

OPTIONS was introduced in 2010 by Pestana Vacation Club to coincide with our 25th anniversary. We realised that as times changed so did the holiday requirements of our guests. OPTIONS was created to give members more flexibility, even greater value for money and more choice. Choice to stay where you want, when you want and in the size of accommodation you and your loved ones require.

In 2014 we introduced OPTIONS PLUS, this newly designed initiative offers members three levels to choose from - DISCOVERY, LIBERTY or CELEBRITY and includes access to the Pestana Priority Guest programme as well as the new Pestana BEST discount card which offers preferred entry to the world of Pestana Hotels & Resorts and the Pousadas of Portugal.

Depending on the OPTIONS PLUS membership level you select, you can choose to holiday in any of our thirteen resorts located along the Algarve coastline on Madeira, or one of 107 hotels and pousadas spread across four continents, or even one of our specially selected Partner resorts located around the globe.