WHAT ARE THIRDHOME MEMBERS SAYING ABOUT THEIR LUXURY HOME EXCHANGE TRIPS (TO Brazil and California) THIS WEEK?
Travel to one of Brazil’s most beautiful beaches at this gorgeous beachfront villa. The home was built using native style coconut farm architecture and has a total of 12,000 sq. ft. of space. You can sleep up to 20 people in this villa! Plus, the beach is completely secluded. Eat locally sourced seafood and produce while lounging by the private pool. All the while, you’ll be surrounded by 1.1 million sq. ft. of rare botanical species and a stellar view of Brazil’s coral reef, Costa dos Corais.
ThirdHome member Leandro says, “Vila Nandie is a very special place. It is a wonderful and big property with stunning decoration and breathtaking views of the ocean. The beach is ranked number 5 in Brazil for a reason, there are few places in the world you can see this colors in the ocean…Our family had an unforgettable week, we truly recommend it !” click here to read more of Leandro’s review
There’s nothing cozier than a cabin in beautiful Lake Tahoe. This property is equipped with a chef’s kitchen, a hot tub and plenty of in-house games and entertainment. Sleep up to 12 guests in this rustic home and enjoy the year-round outdoor recreation that Lake Tahoe has to offer. This home is only minutes away from Squaw Valley, Northstar and Alpine Meadows ski resorts. Besides world-class skiing, you’ll be nearby some amazing golf courses like Old Brockway.
ThirdHome member Susan says, “This home was perfect for our family reunion. We were three couples and we each had our own bedroom suites with a bathroom…Needless to say, we had fun playing games at home and enjoying the outdoors together. The owners were gracious, opening their lovely home to us.” click here to read more of Susan’s review
Click here to view all available weeks and plan your next ThirdHome trip. Remember, you must be logged in to your account to see availability.
Want more information about our luxury home exchange club? Click here to learn more about ThirdHome.
WHAT ARE THIRDHOME MEMBERS SAYING ABOUT THEIR LUXURY HOME EXCHANGE TRIPS (TO Argentina AND Florida) THIS WEEK?
Arelauquen Golf & Country Club | Bariloche, Argentina
This gorgeous property is tucked away in the Northern Patagonia mountain range of Argentina. Surrounded by snow caps and the waters of Lake Guitierrez, this home is privy to some amazing views. The resort community of Arelauquen, where the home is located, has a natural reserve of over 1500 acres for hiking, horseback riding and fishing. The Andes mountains are also a known for their ski-trails. Up to 8 people can stay at this mountain marvel.
ThirdHome member Ronaldo says,“It was our second consecutive snowboarding season in Javier and Andrea’s house and everything went smooth and beyond perfection. From the host’s dedication in making us feel very welcomed guests to the maid’s care in organizing and cleaning the house for us…Simply outstanding!” Click here to read more of Ronaldo’s review.
Reunion Resort | Kissimmee, Florida
On the doorstep to Disney World, this Kissimmee property has everything a family could need. With room for 12 people, in Disney themed rooms, your family will want to come back every year. This property also features a heated pool with a summer kitchen for outdoor dining. If Disney World isn’t for you, there are also three PGA signature golf courses and tennis courts nearby. Make the most out of your next Orlando vacation with this beautiful home.
ThirdHome member Lauren says,“It was such a relief amidst our hurricane preparations to stay in such a lovely home. We traveled out of Fort Lauderdale, which was in the direct path of Hurricane Irma, with our closest friends and had all our kids on board. The home had plenty of space and privacy for the week. 5-star home and 5-star service. Thank you, Lisa and ThirdHome for everything! ” Click here to read more of Lauren’s review.
Click here to view all available weeks and plan your next ThirdHome trip. Remember, you must be logged in to your account to see availability.
Want more information about our luxury home exchange club? Click here to learn more about ThirdHome.
Guest blogger and ThirdHome member Lawrence Grossman, recently returned from an exclusive Inner Circle trip down the Amazon River, while on the maiden voyage of the Zafiro, a luxury river cruise ship. This trip was made possible by International Expeditions, an industry leader in adventure and travel partner of ThirdHome.
Check out Lawrence’s Amazon adventure below:
There it was scribbled on our daily schedule: “15:30 Fishing for Piranha.”
It was our second day of exploring the Amazon River on our Peruvian Amazon Voyage and the highlight was certainly going to be fishing for a 5-inch long carnivorous fish whose mouth is filled with razor-sharp teeth. Obviously, the trip planners had never seen the “River Monsters” Piranha episode (2009) or the 2010 campy horror movie “Piranha 3D” prior to arranging this outing. Our bait for this fishing expedition was small chunks of raw steak and we were cautioned to let our guides take the fish off the hook lest we risk losing a finger. 2 hours later we survived with all digits intact and a combined haul of over 35 piranhas were caught and released. Our guides informed us that piranhas don’t feast on humans, but rather insects, worms, crustaceans, and unfortunate small birds or reptiles who linger too long in the Amazon water.
Our Inner Circle Voyage was hosted by ThirdHome Founder and CEO, Wade Shealy and Senior Vice President of Business Development, Roger Conner and took place aboard the elegant M/V Zafiro Riverboat. For starters, the Zafiro (Spanish for sapphire) was the perfect vessel to cruise down the Amazon River and its tributaries in Peru. With wall to wall panoramic windows, spacious cabins and large public areas inside and out, the boat was comfortable and luxurious. The Zafiro even included a small massage room, an outdoor jacuzzi and an exercise room. With a crew of 22 members outnumbering the 16 guests, we were truly spoiled for 4 days.
What I didn’t expect was some of the tastiest cuisines I’ve ever experienced termed “Amazon Fusion.”
Included were Amazonian fruits such as aguaje and carambola, Peruvian tamales and ceviche that rivals the best Mexico has to offer. There were also scrumptious dinner entrees with quinoa, chili peppers and sweet potatoes. Every meal was a culinary delight and was coupled with Peru’s Cusquena beer and their national cocktail, the Pisco sour.
Probably our most “decadent spoiled guest” moment was when our guides served us champagne on the skiffs while we sat and watched the sun set over the Amazon horizon.
When we weren’t eating and drinking we were out exploring in the 3 skiffs attached to the Zafiro.
You want wildlife? Here’s an abbreviated list of our best sightings while breezing through the Amazon:
Pink (yes pink!) river dolphins
Macaws
Monkeys
Toucans
Hawks
Vultures
Sloths
Cayman alligators
Arguably the most rewarding and difficult sighting of all was the largest rodent in the world, the Capybara, a pig-shaped distant relative of the guinea pig. The Capybara has a face like a beaver, no tail and can weigh up to 175 pounds. That was a big “rat” we watched scurry into the jungle at night.
There were several highlights that made this trip unforgettable including:
1. Our visit to a local Amazonian village where the students sang to us, the Shaman healed us, and the village president welcomed us.
2. Our ride in the tik-tuks (3-wheeled motorized rickshaws) through the town of Iquitos on our way to the animal preserve.
3. The final night on the Zafiro when we were serenaded by our Peruvian band and ended up dancing the night away to melodic music we had never heard before, and very likely, will never have the pleasure of hearing again.
4. Exploring the river at night in our skiffs with more stars in the sky than seemed possible and experiencing close encounters with the Black Cayman Alligator.
I can’t say enough about the warmth, kind spirit and customer service of the entire Zafiro crew and International Expeditions’ staff members throughout the trip. The guides were so knowledgeable and informative about the Amazon Rainforest and the service staff on the boat were professional and helpful in every situation. It is simply impossible to have a better “people experience” than our ThirdHome group had on this wonderful trip. Special thanks to Liz Bates from ThirdHome for her organizational prowess and willingness to answer every dumb question I had prior to embarking. Now that this bucket list item is behind me please sign me up for the next Inner Circle adventure!
ThirdHome’s Inner Circle program allows members (in the Chairman’s Club Preferred tier and higher) to travel with other members on exclusive group trips around the world. Be sure to contact Travel & Concierge Director, Liz Bates for information regarding The Inner Circle Member Appreciation Event on April 27th and 28th, 2018. If you are interested in upgrading to Chairman’s Club Preferred and accessing the benefits of a higher tier of membership, including future Inner Circle events, please contact Member Services.
ThirdHome’s annual member appreciation event is coming up! This Inner Circle event provides an opportunity for high-tier ThirdHome members to join the ThirdHome team for a weekend of music and fun in Nashville, Tennessee. Headlining this event is one of country music’s most revered songwriters, Kris Kristofferson. Members will get the opportunity to see this legend of outlaw country perform at The Ryman Auditorium on April 28th, 2018. With a legacy of hit songs, including “Help Me Make It Through the Night” and “Me and Bobby McGee,” Kris Kristofferson is still heralded as one of country music’s most prolific songwriters.
We bet you didn’t know these 5 fun facts about Country superstar, Kris Kristofferson.
1. Kris Kristofferson could have become a teacher at West Point if it weren’t for Willie Nelson.
After Kristofferson graduated from the University of Oxford, he served in the army as an Airborne Ranger helicopter pilot. “When I was in the army, I was one of the few people outside of his personal friends who knew about Willie Nelson,” Kristofferson recalls. “I listened to a disc jockey who happened to be a Willie Fan. He would play Willie’s songs and talk about him all the time.” In 1965, Kristofferson turned down an offer to teach at West Point, and inspired by musicians like Willie Nelson, moved to Nashville to pursue his musical career. You can read more about Kristofferson’s relationship with Nelson on the Kris Kristofferson website.
2. Kris Kristofferson landed a helicopter in Johnny Cash’s front yard.
In an effort to get the Man in Black’s attention, Kris Kristofferson landed a helicopter in the Cash’s front yard to drop off some songs he’d written. Kristofferson had a job sweeping floors at Columbia Recording Studios in Nashville where he met June Carter Cash. He gave her a tape to give to Johnny, but he never got around to listening to it. If June couldn’t get Johnny to listen, Kris figured a helicopter might do the trick, and it did. Johnny recorded “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” in 1970 and Kristofferson won Song of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards as a result.
3. Kris Kristofferson wrote many of his early hits on an oil rig in southern Louisiana.
Kris held down several jobs while trying to make it big in Nashville. One of his gigs put his aforementioned helicopter skills to use. Working as a commercial helicopter pilot for Petroleum Helicopters International, Kris would write songs on his off-time while sitting on oil platforms, including his hit song “Help Me Make It Through the Night.”
4. An estimated 450 artists (and counting) have recorded Kristofferson’s compositions.
In the early 1970’s, Kristofferson achieved huge success as a country songwriter. Hits like, “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” and “For the Good Times” began topping the charts, and Kristofferson’s life changed forever. Kristofferson has since won three GRAMMY awards, recorded 28 albums (three with Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings), has been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and was honored with the GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. But a lifetime of musical achievement hasn’t hindered his work. Kristofferson just released The Cedar Creek Sessions in 2016.
5. Kris Kristofferson isn’t just a country music star, he’s a movie star.
In 1971, Dennis Hopper was given free reign of $1 million to produce a drama film. Hopper shot The Last Movie in Peru, where he flew out many of his musician and actor friends, including Peter Fonda, Julie Adams, and of course, Kris Kristofferson. He’s acted in film and TV movies ever since, including the Blade series, Where the Red Fern Grows, Planet of the Apes and A Star is Born. He earned a Golden Globe for his performance, alongside Barbara Streisand, in A Star is Born. He’s currently filming a film called Abilene and is set to appear in an Ethan Hawke production called Blaze in 2018. Kristofferson has never taken a formal acting class, but his natural charisma has brought many memorable performances into the world of cinema.
Don’t miss out on your opportunity to see Kris Kristofferson in Music City, Nashville, Tennessee this coming spring on April 28th, 2018. His return to the world-famous home of the Grand Ole Opry is sure to be a special performance for ThirdHome members. If you’re a member of the Chairman’s Club Preferred tier or higher contact Liz Bates to RSVP for this event. If you are interested in upgrading to Chairman’s Club Preferred and accessing the benefits of a higher tier of membership, including this event, please contact Member Services.
WHAT ARE THIRDHOME MEMBERS SAYING ABOUT THEIR LUXURY HOME EXCHANGE TRIPS (TO Hawaii AND Florida) THIS WEEK?
Just a few steps away from Napili Cove on the island of Lahaina sits this beautiful contemporary home. There are two master bedrooms with private bathrooms, making this a perfect romantic getaway. Large floor-to-ceiling windows, wood finishes and brightly colored accents make this property feel truly at home with the landscape. Unwind on the deck while watching turtles play in the nearby cove. For peace, quiet and stunning views, look no further than this Napili Cove gem.
ThirdHome member Douglas says, “Had a wonderful experience at this beautiful home located in Napili Cove. This was truly one of the most relaxing trips ever! Watched the beautiful sunsets nearly every day. The views from this oceanfront property are absolutely breathtaking.” click here to read more of Douglas’ review
Planning a large family getaway to the beach? Check out this huge home with beach access in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. With room for 14 people, an in-ground pool and the Gulf of Mexico right across the street, this is the ideal beach vacation for large groups. The open floor plan is outfitted with modern furnishings and a kitchen with modern appliances. The in-house elevator makes access to each floor a breeze. A beach trip to the Gulf doesn’t get much better than this.
ThirdHome members Marcia and John say, “The house is in a perfect, quiet area! Right across the street from a great beach. It has wonderful bedrooms, all with private baths. We all had a great time and did not want to leave. Thank you for sharing this wonderful spot.” click here to read more of Marcia and John’s review
Members, click here to view all available weeks and plan your next ThirdHome trip. Remember, you must be logged in to your account to see availability.
Want more information about our luxury home exchange club? Click here to learn more about ThirdHome.
WHAT ARE THIRDHOME MEMBERS SAYING ABOUT THEIR LUXURY HOME EXCHANGE TRIPS (TO THE UNITED KINGDOM AND NEW MEXICO) THIS WEEK?
Beautiful Brighton Beachfront | Brighton, United Kingdom
Brighton Beach is one of The United Kingdom’s most coveted holiday destinations. This refurbished property opens up directly onto the seafront, making for gorgeous views. Featuring a heated plunge pool, a sun terrace, hibachi grill and underfloor heating this property is perfect for a beach getaway any time of year. It is also in a private neighborhood so that you can enjoy the rolling ocean waves in peace and quiet. With room for 10 people, Brighton Beachfront is the perfect place to take your family and create everlasting memories.
ThirdHome member Linda says, “We had a truly wonderful week at the beach house which is a beautiful property right on the beach near to Brighton (UK).We were fortunate to have incredible weather which enabled us to make full use of the stunning location. ” Click here to read more of Linda’s review.
La Casa de la Esquela | Santa Fe, New Mexico
Besides its amazing landscaping and furnishings, this property comes with an incredible history. This home used to be the schoolhouse used to teach children of Manhattan Project workers during the 1940’s. It was designed in 1942 by Chicago architect William Kneck and was eventually moved to this beautiful location overlooking the Rio Grande. This house comes with plenty of outdoor living space and can accommodate up to 14 people. Its history, vistas and immaculate landscaping make this one of ThirdHome’s most unique properties.
ThirdHome member James says, “I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at La Casa de la Esquela. The location of this property affords stunning views, as well as a peaceful and quiet environment to relax, read, and enjoy nature. All in all, a most pleasant place to have called home for a week. Thank you for sharing with me!” Click here to read more of James’ review.
Members, click here to view all available weeks and plan your next ThirdHome trip. Remember, you must be logged in to your account to see availability.
Want more information about our luxury home exchange club? Click here to learn more about ThirdHome.
Jeri and Michael Archuleta, who are Texas natives, have been ThirdHome members for 6 years. The Archuleta family has been traveling non-stop ever since, averaging slightly over 1 booking a month. The Archuleta’s have a laissez-faire approach to travel; if they see a property they like, they book it! This carefree approach to travel has brought their family amazing experiences, new cultures and unique adventures. Get to know the Archuleta family below!
How did you get involved with ThirdHome?
In 2011, ThirdHome reached out to us to inquire about our VRBO property on Lake Travis in Austin. We were somewhat skeptical, but after meeting other ThirdHome members and having our first stay in Bachelors Gulch, we were convinced ThirdHome would be a fabulous opportunity!
Where are you based?
The beautiful Hill Country of Austin, Texas.
Who do you usually travel with?
We love to travel with our adult children when their busy schedules allow. It’s a treat to take extended family and friends also. We just took my niece to Paris. It was a dream come true for her. I love that the homes are big enough that we can have guests join us.
What do you do for a living?
Michael is an attorney. Jeri manages various investment properties.
What are your favorite travel hobbies?
We enjoy playing tennis, hiking, photography, walking and exploring. Our new found hobby is bicycling…with electric bikes!
In your past travels with ThirdHome, what was your favorite destination and what did you love about it?
Our first white Christmas, in Aspen, was magical! Being with family and sharing that experience with each other will always be cherished. The kids still talk about it. Making magical memories. Thank you, ThirdHome.
What’s the next destination you are eyeing to travel to with ThirdHome?
So thrilled to take my 23-year-old son and his girlfriend to New York City this Thanksgiving. It will be such an experience for them and another memory maker. Thank you, Monica the owner in NYC, and ThirdHome!
What do you love most about your property with ThirdHome?
Allows us to enjoy the outdoors with cooler temperatures, beautiful scenery and a variety of outdoor activities.
Any personal/family achievements you’d like to share?
Michael has run and completed five marathons.
How has ThirdHome changed the way you travel?
We let ThirdHome decide where our next adventure will take us. That makes the planning stages easier. It’s a mystery where our next adventure will be, but one thing we know, it will be magical. Having the opportunity to travel with family and friends has been very gratifying and being open to new places has been most rewarding. For instance, traveling to Argentina was not on our radar, but given the opportunity, we decided to be adventurous and go for it. Michael’s mother and sister joined us at the Estancia La Fortuna, about an hour outside of Buenos Aires. Michael and I spent a few days in Buenos Aires afterward and loved our experiences there, especially the food. It has been a treat for us to travel to parts of the world unknown to us and trust the owners and ThirdHome that our stay will be delightful.
What is the nicest amenity you have encountered while staying at a ThirdHome property?
Staying healthy is a priority and having kitchens has allowed us to stay on track. We dine out less, saving money and saving calories!
How would you describe ThirdHome to a friend?
A travel club that was expertly designed to provide opportunities for travel to fabulous places all over the world and stay at wonderful residences or hotels very economically.
What’s the most memorable restaurant you’ve eaten at during one of your trips?
So many! I will try to narrow it down: best breakfast, Le Bristol in Paris; best brunch, The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida; best lunch, Michael’s favorite is Mama’s Fish House, in Maui; best dinner, Daniel in NYC.
Any travel tips for fellow members?
Watch and check the ThirdHome site daily. Upgrade your membership for all the added perks. Add to your “watch” properties regularly. Be adventurous and explore different places, that you never thought about. Use Trip Advisor, Yelp and our great ThirdHome concierge, Liz, for travel tips.
Anything else you’d like to add?
We loved using the gift you sent for our phone/camera to take hands-free photos using the NanoHold. Here is a photo we took using it, in St. Moritz. It shows the phone on the window and the result, our photo. We had a blast using it and got some wonderful photos of the two of us that we would not have had otherwise. Thank you so much for the very thoughtful gift!
What are ThirdHome members saying about their luxury home exchange trips (to Indonesia and Alaska) this week?
Indramaya Villa | Bali, Indonesia
Experience the natural beauty of Bali from the hilltop view of this gorgeous villa. The property has room for 10 people not including the villa staff that will cater to your every need. Enjoy the view of Balinese gardens from one of the two pools at this property. Explore the many sites of Bali with the private car and driver that accompanies the villa. A trained in-house chef is also available to make your trip effortless. This property is located at the southern end of Bali, making the nearby beaches and surf spots highly accessible. If you haven’t experienced Bali luxury this is the perfect place to start.
ThirdHome member Marina says,“It was our first time in Bali and our stay at Indramaya Villa has been better than a dream…We are very grateful to the owner, the villa’s staff and ThirdHome for this amazing experience!” Click here to read more of Marina’s review.
Nirvana North | Girdwood, Alaska
This sleek mountain retreat is located in the Chugach Moutain range of Alaska, adjacent to the Chugach National Forest. This property can sleep up to 10 people and features many large living areas. Just outside the property, you can hear the gurgling of glacial streams and waterfalls. Moose and bear sightings are not uncommon in this area, especially given the tasty wild blueberries that grow around the property. Alyeska Ski Resort is also just a 5-minute drive away. If you want to escape into nature without sacrificing comfort, Nirvana North is the property for you.
ThirdHome member Michael says,“Our stay at Nirvana North was absolutely lovely. The house was a work of art itself, and yet very comfortable…Truly one of the most spectacularly beautiful areas on the planet.” Click here to read more of Michael’s review.
Members, click here to view all available weeks and plan your next ThirdHome trip. Remember, you must be logged in to your account to see availability.
Want more information about our luxury home exchange club? Click here to learn more about ThirdHome.
Hit the fresh powder with these ThirdHome Exclusive Stay ski weeks. Each exclusive stay pairs a ThirdHome property, a ski resort, and rental services from Ski Butlers. Between their amazing customer service and the help of your personal concierge, your next vacation will be a breeze.
What can you expect from Ski Butlers? You will never lug around your ski gear again with Ski Butler rentals. They’ll fit you at your property, deliver the gear, and pick it up when you’re done from wherever you are. Operating in 37 North American ski resorts, Ski Butlers is available at your favorite ski destinations. Even better, book your Ski Butler service through ThirdHome and get 10% off the price of your rentals.
Our Travel Concierge is ready to make your dream ski vacation a reality with these exclusive trips
Heavenly Hideaway | California
Get cozy around the fireplace at this elegant Lake Tahoe treehouse. From this amazing property, you’re only 8 blocks away from The Heavenly lift. With room to sleep 6 people, 3 and a half baths and 2,200 square feet, you’ll have plenty of room to spread out and enjoy your trip to Lake Tahoe. Get your gear fitted and delivered directly to the treehouse through Ski Butlers, and hit the slopes in no time. You can also arrange lift tickets, sleigh rides, snowmobile adventures, in-home private dinners, spa reservations and paddle-wheeler boat dinner on Lake Tahoe through your travel concierge. Click here to learn more about the Heavenly Hideaway Experience.
Park City Powder | Utah
Settle into one of the largest homes in Park City’s Old Town during your exclusive ski trip. This 4,400 square-foot home can easily host a party of 12 and can be your home base for an epic day on the slopes. It’s even located in the neighborhood that the stars call home during the Sundance Film Festival. The home features a gourmet kitchen, a Jacuzzi, game systems for the kids and easy access to all that Main Street has to offer. Within walking distance of Park City Mountain Resort, you’ll have no trouble getting to your favorite slopes from here. As always, Ski Butlers can show up right to your house to have you outfitted for the slopes. Your travel concierge can arrange lift tickets, sleigh rides, spa reservations, private dinners and much more for your Park City Powder adventure. Click here to learn more about the Park City Powder Experience.
Aspen Wonderland | Colorado
Shred Snowmass Mountain by day and stay at this Stunning Mountain Home by night. Within 10 minutes of all four Aspen ski mountains, this mountain home is perfect for skiing pros. This house can sleep 10 people, has four fireplaces, a gourmet kitchen, four master suites and a bunk room. There’s no reason to leave the house (besides skiing) when your gear can be delivered by Ski Butlers and your dinners and massages can be provided in-home. Spoil yourself with this decadent Snowmass Village getaway this ski season. Your travel concierge can arrange spa reservations, dinner reservations, dog sledding adventures, sleigh rides and so much more at your request. Click here to learn more about the Aspen Wonderland Experience.
Squaw Valley Views | California
Schuss like an Olympian at The Resort at Squaw Valley, site of the 1960 Winter Olympics. This AAA Four-Diamond resort overlooks the Sierra Nevada Mountains and offers access to both Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows slopes. The residence can accommodate up to 4 people and is perfect for small family trips. The resort is also ski-in/ski out making for seamless transitions from skiing to relaxation. Again, you’ll never have to worry about your gear when you use Ski Butlers for your rental needs. Your travel concierge can arrange lift tickets, sleigh rides, dogsledding, in-home massages therapy, spa reservations and so much more. Book a hand-tailored ski trip for your family at Squaw Valley today. Click here to learn more about the Squaw Valley Views Experience.
WHAT ARE THIRDHOME MEMBERS SAYING ABOUT THEIR LUXURY HOME EXCHANGE TRIPS (TO SWITZERLAND AND TEXAS) THIS WEEK?
Escape to one of the world’s premier backcountry skiing resorts at Verbier, Switzerland. The Swiss Alps village is located in the southwestern region of the country and is known for its glacier views, skiing and classical musical festival. The Chalet des Marveilles is around 100-years old but was newly refurbished in 2016. It’s located in the quieter part of Verbier making for a peaceful mountain escape. An open floor plan makes this chalet wonderful for post-skiing socializing. The south side terrace is also a terrific perch for observing the peaks of the visible Swiss and French Alps. With 4-bedrooms the chalet can accommodate up to 7 people. Near the chalet are the mountain’s hot springs, where you can also find a variety of pools and saunas. Summer activities include mountain biking, hiking, rafting, paragliding, horse riding, golf and much more. Sweeping mountain vistas await you in the sleepy village of Verbier.
ThirdHome member Pascal says, “We had a wonderful stay in Christophe’s chalet. The view of the valley is magnificent, and its position is ideal for short village walks”(translated from French) click here to read more of Pascal’s review.
Imagine the southernmost tip of Texas. On a map, the Texas border wraps up like the end of a jalapeno pepper into the Gulf of Mexico. If you look even closer, you’ll find a long stretch of paradise jutting out into the Gulf, this is South Padre Island. Practically in Mexico, this island has all of the luxuries and amenities of a Cabo-style resort. Experience South Padre Island from the 13th story of the gorgeous Sapphire Resort. With room for 8 people and sweeping views of Laguna Madre Bay, you’ll wonder how you hadn’t heard of this tropical paradise sooner. Take in a movie at Sapphire’s private movie theater, relax in their spa or go horseback riding down the beach. The island is home to a vibrant nightlife and variety of dining options. South Padre Island has everything you’re searching for in a Gulf Coast getaway.
ThirdHome member Terry says, “We really enjoyed our stay at this well-stocked Ocean view condominium. Plenty of room for 7 of us and the beds and accommodations were 1st class…Hope to come back to this beautiful place.” click here to read more of Terry’s review.
Members, click here to view all available weeks and plan your next ThirdHome trip. Remember, you must be logged in to your account to see availability.
Want more information about our luxury home exchange club? Click here to learn more about ThirdHome.
Being marooned on this island in Belize wouldn’t be half bad. Gilligan would definitely approve.
You’re flying about 10 miles from the coast, and around 40 miles from the capital of Belize- with the helicopter prop whizzing heavily above you. The royal blue shade of the sea is uninterrupted except for the occasional light blue tint of shallow waters. Amongst it all sits Royal Belize Island, your island getaway.
The cockpit tilts back slightly as the pilot makes his descent. Thatch-roofed umbrellas waver and water ripples under firm helicopter gusts. The skids hit the grass, the engine shuts down, and for the first time, you realize how unutterably quiet it is in this tropical isolation. Your heart slows by a few beats.
Steps away is your red-topped villa. The walls are almost entirely glass as if the villa were inviting the sea in for a cup of coffee. From here it’s difficult to tell, but there are an entire 7.5 acres of island to explore. But first, the island staff greets you and accommodates your every need.
You finally get to settle into your villa while the rest of your group makes themselves at home at the 2 other villas on the property. They’re all very modern and within footsteps of the water. You discover that when sitting on the front porch the tradewinds make your hairs stand on end and leave goosebumps on your arms. The vista from your chair is sublime. You wonder, why did I wait so long to come?
Between all the houses are communal spaces in lavish thatch-roof huts. You saunter in to find that a mojito has already been prepared for your arrival. There’s a masseuse table in the corner, and you remember that you’d booked a private spa session through ThirdHome’s Travel & Concierge department. You mentally pat yourself on the back for the forethought.
You feel renewed, limber and several years younger. You say to yourself, I could lay here in this face cradle all day, but you couldn’t possibly. Not when there’s a chartered boat captain waiting to take you saltwater fly fishing! Your captain arrives and hands you a top of the line Orvis fishing rod, made specifically for tackling those wily bonefish.
Your skipper transports you to various atolls, cays and reefs. He mentions to your crew that these are perfect locales for scuba diving, snorkeling and kayaking. Your crew, in invisible agreement, begins to strap on their diving fins. SPLASH!
The next day, over brunch, you propose a jungle adventure to your crew. “Travel at high speeds through the jungle on Belize’s longest zip line and venture to the well hidden Bocawina Falls,” you read aloud from your Travel & Concierge materials, “natural pools and refreshing waters await.” It all sounds promising, and within no time the rainforest is flying by you at 60+ miles per hour.
Afterward, your crew wants to venture through Cave Branch River, Belize’s longest cave tube float. You explore over two miles of the ancient Mayan underworld followed by a hike through a mixture of ancient Yucatan relics and natural beauty.
For some reason, you feel that Royal Belize Island was too cushy- too easy. You came for the true castaway experience! Your skipper fulfills your desire and transports you and your crew to Ranguana Caye for the night.
Ranguana Caye features island staff, a beach bar, and three rustic cabanas. Here you find even more fishing, scuba, and watersport opportunities. Your crew lauds this rare find, and you smirk- eat your heart out Tom Hanks. A fishing spear has never felt so natural in your well-worn island hands.
You awake in a tizzy to find that your island tan is gone, as is your straw hat. Traffic, clacking keyboards, and a bombardment of city noises return you to reality. And the reality is this: you are only a few clicks away from returning to the private island experience of a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Royal Belize Island awaits you and your 10+ guest crew!
Packages for this Curated Journey start at $4,999 per person, and the trip is fully customizable to your party.
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The kids have been fighting in the back of the car for hours, you’ve already stopped three times, and the humidity is oppressive. You finally check in to your resort, the kids get their bathing suits on, and you run triumphantly to the beach. Next thing you know a gust of wind has blown sand in your eyes and your youngest daughter is crying because the water is still a frigid 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Why can’t the beaches be ready when you are? Well, maybe you’ve been booking the wrong beach vacations.
THESE BEACHES ARE CLIMATE CHAMPIONS YEAR-ROUND: Check out THIRDHOME‘s picks for best beach vacations you can take any time of year
Disclaimer: There’s no one perfect climate for everyone. This list attempts to round up temperatures and climates that remain more consistent throughout the year than other popular destinations for beach vacations.
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Climate: Temperature is typically between 68°F to 87°F (20°C-30°C). Rarely below 65°F (18°C) or above 89°F (31°C)
Hawaiian Christmas should definitely be on your bucket-list if it isn’t already. There’s nothing like a tropical escape in the midst of mainland cold. Kailua-Kona is on the western side of Big Island, which is considered the leeward side of the island. The leeward side of any island is the side that’s protected by the island’s elevation. On Big Island, west is leeward and east is windward. This makes Kaiulua-Kona one of the most protected beach sites (from rain and storms) in Hawaii.
Where to stay: Click here to see all properties in the Kailua-Kona area or book a stay at this ocean view Equity Residences home in September.
Malaga, Spain
Climate: Temperature is typically between 45°F to 88°F (7°C-31°C). Rarely below 38°F (3°C) or above 97°F (36°C)
Parts of Southern Spain, such as Costa Del Sol, are notorious for their insufferably hot days in the city. Malaga falls in this category during summer months, but receives welcome gusts of cool wind from the Meditteranean, making the dry heat bearable. The winters in this subtropical-Mediterranean climate are very mild due to the Northern Malaga mountains which block most of the northern cold from reaching the coast. The city has only seen snow once in the 20th century on a February night in 1954. Malaga is touted for being “green” all year round making it a joy to visit any time of year. June, July, and August- the hottest months- usually peak out around 87° Fahrenheit. Many British and German ex-nationals have moved to the area since the 1970’s for the pleasant weather.
Where to stay: Click here to see all properties in the Malaga area.
Cyprus
Climate: Temperature is typically between 43°F to 92°F (6°C-33°C). Rarely below 36°F (2°C) or above 96°F (35°C)
Another subtropical-Mediterranean climate, the island of Cyprus has one of the warmest climates in the Mediterranean Sea. The climate does shift dramatically the more you travel inland, reflected by the snow covered Troodos Mountains, but the coast is a sunny delight. The coast of Cyprus receives 3,200 hours of sunlight per year compared to foggy London’s 1,540 hours per year. So plan your trip to Cyprus today, and play on the sun-drenched beaches of Nissi.
Where to stay: Click here to see all properties in the Cyprus area.
Marseille, France
Climate: Temperature is typically between 39°F to 84°F (4°C-29°C). Rarely below 30°F (-1°C) or above 90°F (32°C)
Not quite as sunny as Cyprus, but sunnier than the rest of France, Marseille is the perfect mix of beachside fun and French culture. The coastline is spotted with old fortifications and buildings. If you look out into the Bay of Marseille you can see the Frioul Archipelago, which was made famous in the Dumas novel The Count of Monte Cristo. Dry summers and mild humid winters paired with the Mediterranean breeze makes Marseille, and the surrounding coastal region, a delightful holiday destination year-round.
Where to stay: Click here to see all properties in the Marseille area or stay in nearby St. Tropez or Nice.
Mykonos, Greece
Climate: Temperature is typically between 48°F to 82°F (9°C-28°C). Rarely below 41°F (5°C) or above 86°F (30°C)
Mykonos and the other Cyclades islands of the Aegean all share bright and temperate springs and summers. But many tourists have the misconception that the islands completely shut down in winter. It is true that many of the big resorts and tourist based restaurants are closed in the off-season, but this can work to your advantage. Traveling off-season can help you avoid the tourist traps that would deprive you of a completely immersive island experience. The waters do get cold during the winter months, but the rocky coast is just as beautiful and the views are fabulous. Mykonos itself is too popular to be abandoned during the off-season so most amenities remain open and operational. Several beachside properties in these areas feature hot Jacuzzis as well.
Where to stay: Click here to see all properties in the Mykonos area or stay at Villa Deep Blue in October.
Aruba
Climate: Temperature is typically between 77°F to 91°F (19°C-31°C). Rarely below 74°F (16°C) or above 93°F (33°C)
Want all of the thrills of the Caribbean without the unpredictable weather? Visit Aruba! Around 20 miles north of the coast of Venezuela, this Dutch island sits right outside the hurricane zone and receives a constant stream of refreshing trade winds from the north. Cactuses thrive in the semi-arid climate though the island is not uncomfortably dry. The predictability in weather has made Aruba a go-to vacation spot for Americans- so much so that three-quarters of Aruba’s gross national product is made up by tourism and tourism related activities. The other ABC Islands (Curaçao, and Bonaire) also have similar climates.
Where to stay: Click here to see all properties in the Aruba area or stay at the Marriott Aruba Surf Club in December.
Explore any of these prime spots for beach vacations on ThirdHome’s website, and book today!