THIRDHOME member Larry Grossman turns 70 this year.

In celebration of this milestone, he’s hitting all 7 continents with the help of THIRDHOME.

Meet Larry:

World Traveler, Philanthropist, Friend, & THIRDHOME Member

Next Stop: Isla Mujeres

It was “Big Chill Week” on the Mexican Island of Isla Mujeres and I got lucky.  With THIRDHOME’s help, I scored a seaside house large enough to host four couples at the southern tip of Isla. Word travels fast with my travel buddies and Dale called first and said, “I Heard it Through the Grapevine that we’re going to Mexico the week before Christmas.”  Shortly thereafter, Fiesta texted “I Ain’t Too Proud to Beg and count me in!”  Pam emailed, “I Second That Emotion and I’ll buy the tequila,” and finally Tina let me know that she was “My Girl” and she was not staying home.

*If these song titles are too obscure, power up your Spotify and listen to what could be the greatest screenplay soundtrack ever made: The Big Chill.

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And thus, another grand “Larry World” vacation got on the calendar, and seven vaccinated Gringos flew into the Cancun airport from Baltimore, Chicago, Phoenix and Norfolk, VA. One cab ride and a 30-minute ferry ride later, we arrived at the Isla Mujeres ferry terminal to begin our adventure in this beachy, funky, laid-back island paradise.

While only eight miles removed from Cancun, Isla offers a totally different vacation experience. Missing are the mass of all-inclusive resorts with partying tourists everywhere. Present, are visitors from all over the world riding around in golf carts, visiting the beaches that surround the island, partaking in a beverage in one of several unique beach clubs, and deciding on the optimal location to watch crazy-beautiful sunrises and sunsets. 

In the course of our week, we met visitors from Australia, Denmark, Ecuador, Italy, France and Great Britain.  It quickly becomes apparent that Isla Mujeres is a really diverse environment with any number of languages being spoken over the course of a day – “arrivederci” meets “hasta la vista.”

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The entire week we never left the island, and why would we?  We had a great house, Casa Amarilla, with a chef-worthy kitchen, a lap pool in the back yard, one deck to watch sunrise and another deck to watch sunset.  Most importantly, our house was a short walk from Punta Sur, the eastern most tip of Mexico that features Punta de Amanecer, the Point of Sunrise.

As the first part of Mexico to be touched by the sun’s rays every morning, this spot has a “Key West Sunset” vibe that draws visitors from all over the island.  Every day began with our group ambling over, coffee in hand, to the same spot that Mayan warriors hung out 2,000 years earlier.  The statue of the Mayan Goddess Ixchel alongside the giant iguana statue greeted us every morning as we entered the point. 

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My Top Seven Isla Memories:

1. Sitting on our deck, listening to a Christmas jazz collection while sipping one of Art’s top shelf margaritas as the sun set over the turquoise waters and the Cancun skyline.

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2. Our private Chef dinner that featured Mexican lobster, shrimp, and fish, along with killer guacamole and totopos (chips).

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3. Visiting the Women’s Beading Cooperative to witness beautiful, handmade necklaces, bracelets, purses and more.  This wonderful business provides an income to island residents and provided us the chance to purchase colorful and unique Christmas presents.

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4. Snorkeling off the beach at Garrafon Natural Reef Park.  This part of the world is renowned for crystal clear water and abundant fish, and the reef didn’t disappoint.

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5. Our spur of the moment golf cart “Photo Safari” that covered the whole island and gave me the opportunity to capture all the colorful murals, statues, and dramatic Caribbean coastline of Isla. 

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6. Singing (badly, I should add) old Motown hits while we cooked, ate, drank, and reminisced together in the kitchen.

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7. Our afternoon lounging at the Capitán Dulché Beach Club.  This was not your run-of-the-mill beach club. A row of faceless, metal statues greet you as you arrive, and great food and drinks welcome you as you lounge at the beach, in the pool, or under the palapa.

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This is a really tiny island that is five miles long and half a mile wide at its widest point, yet every inch is worth exploring. And explore we did, walking and “golf carting” every day. This quirky, historically significant, and simply gorgeous slice of Mexico proved to be an idyllic location to reconnect with good friends.

Seven days post-arrival, none of us were ready to depart and I fully understood why a number of expats chose to make this place their home.  It was a great place to end 2021 and set the stage for 2022.  Our “Big Chill” week at Casa Amarilla left us all singing Three Dog Night’s “Joy to the World.”

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To read more about Larry’s adventures with THIRDHOME, click here. Stay tuned for more of his travels!

THIRDHOME Hosts now have protection for up to $5M USD of damage.

By partnering with SUPERHOG, THIRDHOME ensures that Guests and Hosts are protected during bookings.

THIRDHOME members are now protected by our award-winning risk-management partner, SUPERHOG. In the rare event a THIRDHOME Guest causes damage during a stay and doesn’t reimburse the Host, SUPERHOG provides protection for up to $5M in damage for any cause. This offer is global and includes both standalone homes and affiliate resort members.

Guest members continue to be responsible for their actions while staying in a property, and this does not absolve guests of any damage they inflict. However, our partnership with SUPERHOG allows THIRDHOME to offer members market-leading prevention. Our goal is to grant additional peace-of-mind for Host members.

What does SUPERHOG Protection cover?

SUPERHOG protects up to $5million USD in property damage caused by the accidental or deliberate; conduct of any THIRDHOME Guest.

How much does having SUPERHOG Protection cost?

Access to SUPERHOG Protection is included in your membership fee. This means that as a Host, all Exchanges through THIRDHOME will be covered by SUPERHOG automatically.

What do I do when I find damage?

In the unlikely event that a Guest causes damage to your property during a THIRDHOME stay.  notify your THIRDHOME Team member immediately and we will reach out to SUPERHOG on your behalf to get a claim started.  IMPORTANT: our SUPERHOG protection program has a ten (10) day reporting requirement.  Be sure to have someone inspect your home soon after you host and notify us if damage is apparent. Coverage may not apply if SUPERHOG is notified after the reporting period has lapsed. 

Terms and Conditions for SUPERHOG Protection apply. Please visit www.superhog.com for more information.

For any questions on SUPERHOG Protection, please contact the Member Experience Team by email at MemberExperience@thirdhome.com or call 1-833-682-7264.

Announcing THIRDHOME’s new partnership with USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services!

Life is full of the unexpected. So is travel, which is why we love it. But sometimes, things can go wrong. Thus, THIRDHOME is incredibly excited to announce our partnership with USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services. We want members to be prepared for the uninvited “what-ifs” with a travel insurance plan.

Here are 5 Reasons You Need a Trip Protection Plan 

1. You’ve invested a significant expense in your trip. If you have to cancel, you may lose that money.

Canceling a trip is disappointing enough. You don’t want to lose your entire trip investment on top of it. The Trip Cancellation benefit may provide reimbursement of unused, non-refundable travel arrangements. Read your policy carefully for policy Terms & Conditions, exclusions, and termination provisions. You may purchase the Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) benefit option, and you can cancel your trip for any reason outside those listed in the policy to cover your non-refundable trip costs. (For CFAR coverage, you must purchase your plan within 14 days of your initial trip deposit. Other conditions apply. Read policy for details. Not available to residents of NY).

 2. Once you’ve departed on your trip, plans can still go wrong.

Unfortunately, baggage loss or damage is not uncommon. Neither are travel delays. Our plans offer coverage for these scenarios. And if your trip is interrupted due to an unforeseen event, our plans may cover that too. Read the full list of covered reasons for Trip Interruption in the policy.

 3. You need coverage in case you get sick or injured while away from home.

If you get sick or injured on your trip, access to emergency medical and sickness coverage is important. Many people mistakenly believe medical care outside the United States is free or very cheap. This is not the case, particularly when you’re traveling outside of the U.S. In fact, many travelers have been shocked at the cost of care abroad.

The insurance plan also includes Emergency Medical Evacuation for medically necessary transportation to the nearest hospital or appropriate facility following a covered illness or injury. Read policy for benefit details.

4. The travel insurance plan gives you access to global 24/7 assistance services.

Let’s say your passport was lost or stolen at the airport. Or your prescription medications were left behind at home. Or you twisted your ankle on an excursion and need to find a doctor. Who do you call, and where do you go for help? Your plan comes with access to 24/7 global travel assistance services. If at any point you have any questions during your trip or need assistance, you can call the numbers provided and get immediate assistance.

5. Protect your vacation, plus emergency medical expenses and belongings while traveling.

We hope your trip goes smoothly. But think of your non-refundable financial trip expense. Would you be comfortable losing it in the event of a cancellation? And perhaps more importantly, think of the expense you could face if you become sick or injured while traveling and need emergency medical care or an evacuation. Purchasing travel insurance can help make your trip more enjoyable and relaxing. And that’s the whole point, right? 

For more details on travel insurance benefits and limits, please visit www.travelinsure.com/thirdhome or contact USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services Customer Service at 855-874-0156 and reference THIRDHOME account #50054.

*THIRDHOME strongly recommends a travel insurance plan; One option is the Tour Protection Plan for THIRDHOME travelers underwritten by Starr Indemnity & Liability Company. See website and read the policy carefully for a full list of plan benefits, policy Terms & Conditions, exclusions, and termination provisions.

THIRDHOME Policy Note:

Exposure or illnesses related to COVID-19 do not qualify for a refund of Keys or exchange fees under our Terms and Conditions.

Have you ever watched the popular program wife swap? In this program, two wives swap homes and live with the swapper’s husband in their home. The drama can be intense.

But part of the program’s fun was getting to see the house swap that went with it. How did the other person adapt to the other person’s home? 

Have you ever considered what it would be like to live in someone else’s home?

This could be a house swap where you could live like a local in England or Wales. Here’s everything you need to know.

Presenting Your Home

You must present your home in the best manner possible. It’s not a hotel, it’s a house exchange but that’s a nice thing. It is fun to prepare your home and enjoy thinking about the look on your exchange partners’ faces when they see it. 

Create a list. It should be complete and a little detailed. It can end up being intimidating, but it makes your partner feel secure and at home. Remember that a little effort can make a big difference. 

Remember to customize and personalize the items according to your time and skills. If you are walking around to check everything is in order, bring a camera, phone, or a notepad.  

Including pictures of your house in a manual as well as a  house swap checklist. It can be a helpful way to show your exchange partner how your house works. Make sure that the house number is clearly marked and visible. 

Spruce Up

Remove weeds and dying plants when you prepare for your house exchange. Tidy your yard and patio. This will create a nice path to your front door. This is how you prepare for a house swap.

A fresh coat of paint is a cost-effective and effective way to make your home attractive as you prepare for a house swap. It’s also a welcome mat that is not only environmentally friendly but also helps you to keep your floor clean. Scratches on the door are also eliminated. 

Whether you have an old house or live on the other side of the sea, squeaky doors might be inevitable. A little fat not only solves the problem but also makes it a little less problematic.     

You could also consider getting a smart key system on your smartphone to facilitate key handover.

Safety Checks 

Smoke and CO2 detectors should be checked regularly and, if necessary, the batteries replaced, too. 

You can scald your water as it flows into the shower, but many people prefer 105 degrees C.

Electrical things are easy to repair with a little knowledge. Make a point to tell your replacement where the distribution boxes are located. If there are paint shavings or flakes, it is a good time to fix them.

If there is a stain, or if it is too much for you to notice, let them know in their welcome pack.    

It can get stressful during the exchange if they see a stain and wonder if they are the culprit. 

A House Swap Can Be Fun

A house swap can be a great deal of fun. You get to experience life in someone else’s home for a short time, and they get to experience life in yours.

It can be a character-building experience if everything is done the right way and you put in the effort to spruce up your house beforehand.

For more information about luxury second homes, be sure to reach out to us today. 

Have you heard about people using a vacation house swap to make the best of their getaways? Learn how it works in our brief guide today.

The pandemic brought traveling to a screeching halt. However, the statistics show that 62 percent of Americans now feel comfortable enough to take a vacation.

Have you been seriously thinking about swapping your home for your next vacation? If the idea of seeing new places while not having to pay for a hotel, or vacation home appeals to you then home exchange might be a good option for you. 

There are several things to consider when you decide to go this route. Here is a look at what you can expect from a vacation house swap.

Is It Really Right for You?

When you decide to do a home exchange you should think about whether it is really right for you. A house swap vacation will give you the chance to experience new places without having to pay for hotel rooms or rent a home.

However, a home exchange involves having to allow a stranger to come into your personal space. 

Do not just think about how exciting it will be to arrive at your destination; think about how comfortable you will be with what is happening in your home while you are away. Realistically examining your feelings will help you to decide whether this is right for you.

How Does a Vacation House Swap Work?

When you decide you want to get involved in a home exchange you will need to find an organization to join. Take a look at vacation house swap reviews before making a decision.

Most home exchange organizations will either charge you a monthly or a yearly membership fee. Although some of them will let you join for free.

Once you have joined, you will be able to search through their database and see what types of homes are on offer. Every organization will have its own guidelines about how to proceed with a house swap. Some of them can even arrange the swap for you.

It is important to note that it is never a guarantee that you will have a successful house swap exactly when you need it. This means that you need to plan in advance if you want to swap your home at specific times.

Make Your Home Appealing

You need to know how to make your home an appealing choice for a house swap. Can you offer perks such as the use of your car, or give approval for guests to bring along their pets?

Tell people about the neighborhood and the type of amenities that are available in the community. For example, if there are shopping centers nearby or restaurants, make sure that you advertise these facts. The more attractive you make your home, the more offers you will get.

Have a Fun Vacation

A vacation house swap is a great way to experience a new community, country, or city and save on accommodations. Having a comfortable home can make your vacation all the more enjoyable. 

However, always ensure that you join a great home exchange organization and that you are realistic about what you will be getting and what you have to offer. If you would like to do a home swap please contact us.

THIRDHOME is excited to bring Property Management Inc. Malta (PMI) to our partnership portfolio. The company is based in Malta, one of the most gorgeous European destinations, whose capital Valletta was named the “European Capital of Culture.”

THIRDHOME will soon begin adding new properties to the Club in Malta thanks to this partnership with PMI. PMI’s expertise in real estate properties and investments will offer members a variety of ways to discover the wonders of this magical country. Click here to learn more about PMI.

Between this partnership and a newly launched THIRDHOME Adventures for 2022, THIRDHOME members will soon be traveling to Malta! To learn more about the Advenures trip to Malta, click here.

Malta, despite its small size, is a country perfect for adventure. With sunny weather almost year-round, attractive beaches, a thriving nightlife, and 7,000 years of intriguing history, there is a great deal to see and do. The countryside is dotted with medieval towers, wayside chapels, medieval dungeons, prehistoric temples, and impressive grottoes and lagoons.

The Maltese islands are like an open-air museum in a mythic location due to the position of the Maltese archipelago. The islands lie at the center of the Mediterranean being 93 kilometers south of Sicily and 288 kilometers north of Africa. Their vast landscapes and vivacious localities offer something special for everyone! Some of the finest attractions the Mediterranean has to offer and plenty of outdoor activities to indulge in are in the Maltese islands – walking and cycling, to diving in the Maltese sea.

With centuries of history and culture, idyllic beaches, and energetic life, Malta offers travelers the experience of a lifetime!

We are enthusiastic that in partnership with PMI, our THIRDHOME members will soon enjoy this charming exclusive spot in the world!

Coming Soon: A Variety of Luxury Homes in Andorra

A unique destination in Europe

THIRDHOME is excited to announce its partnership with Andorra Sotheby’s International Realty. The principality of Andorra is a nature lover’s paradise with plenty of skiing, hiking, fishing, and kayaking opportunities.

Andorra’s culture is a unique mix of Spanish and French. Though Catalan is the national language, its geographic location means that Spanish and French are also spoken by many. Andorran culture is best sampled through its distinct Pyrenees gastronomy. Authentic bordas are traditional restaurants, of which there is only a handful left in Andorra. Characterized by their intimate atmosphere and architecture, bordas are converted farm or stable houses. Andorran cuisine incorporates a hearty portion of meat cooked over an open fire. A fundamental part of the Andorran culture is its hearty Pyrenees recipes.

Furthermore, Andorra certainly lives up to its reputation as a shopping paradise and attractive low-tax jurisdiction, which makes the principality a popular option for real estate investments.

We are excited to have THIRDHOME members begin booking properties in this brand new destination by the summer of 2021, provided by our partner Andorra Sotheby’s International Realty.

Click here to learn more.

THIRDHOME Members are now offered access to “travel agent” rates on luxury airfare with every major airline. These are exclusive rates, and due to industry restrictions, they are never available to the public. Fly for as low as 40% below published prices on international itineraries to or from North America.

Since 2006, Regal Wings has been providing wholesale fares to travel agents and high-end travel companies. To bring you these rates, Regal Wings sources multiple airline contracts. Their dedicated concierge team will deliver an unforgettable custom-made itinerary.

Value and Benefits

Regal Wings specifically provides international destinations, originating or concluding in the USA or Canada, with at least one transoceanic leg – such as Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia (Oceania), and South America. Their core focus is First and Business class seats.

Regal Wings has perfected the personalized “white glove” experience. Even though they are a wholesaler, you can expect a level of service befitting a boutique retail travel agency. Your peace-of-mind is their primary concern. They will hold your hand through any unexpected flight changes or emergencies with utmost care.

There is no initiation or registration fee to use these services. All Regal Wings tickets qualify to earn full frequent flyer miles and airline loyalty points (excluding United PQD on NET fares). Their travel specialists can assist with assigning specific seats and any other specifications you might request, such as meal preferences and mobility assistance.

How to Receive Benefits

Booking via THIRDHOME /Regal Wings website:

• Submit a quote request: you will need to provide your name, email address, phone number, and Ambassador’s name. Input your travel details and press “Submit.”
• A Regal Wings travel advisor will contact you to provide a quote and walk you through the booking process if desired.
• Response time: 4 business hours (depending on current volume)

Booking via phone:

• Call the dedicated THIRDHOME phone number: 888.734.2594
• Give trip details to the customer care agent. They will assign your quote to a travel specialist. Within four business hours, a travel specialist will contact you to review details of the flight options.

You are also able to submit a quote via email at thirdhome@regalwings.com.

Important Notes

Contact information

• Dedicated ER Phone Line: 888.734.2594
• Email: thirdhome@regalwings.com
• After-hours emergency: 888.734.2594 and follow the prompt for the emergency line, or email emergency@regalwings.com.
• (Note: ‘emergency’ status typically applies to flights within the next 24-48 hours)

Office Hours

• Monday to Thursday: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. ET
• Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET

Sample Airfare Grid

These rates are just examples. Fares are susceptible to changes.

THIRDHOME members can swap their second homes for incredible resort stays, in prime Mexican destinations, at the fraction of the regular booking cost.

Since 2009, members have been able to exchange time in their second home to travel to unique and inspiring destinations. Convenience, top-of-the-line service and stunning properties keep bringing members back to THIRDHOME‘s resort stays in Mexico.

Keep scrolling to see these amazing stays.

Trade a stay for luxury on Banderas Bay

Beside Puerto Vallarta, on Mexico’s Pacific coast, you’ll find Nuevo “New” Vallarta. And new is an understatement. Nuevo Vallarta’s Vidanta Grande Luxxe resort boasts some of the most modern and luxurious residences in Mexico. Thanks to a recent partnership, THIRDHOME members have access to these incredible properties by exchanging time in their second homes.

Member Reviews

“The Luxxe Chairman’s Villa was the perfect spot to experience all that the Puerto Vallarta has to offer.

Let me just say that once my friends and I checked into the villa we really didn’t want to leave. This is quite simply the nicest and most luxurious condominium I have ever experienced. The rooms are huge and the furnishings and decorations comfortable and beautiful. The outside deck was expansive with separate areas to dine al fresco or just sit and read while admiring the view. The entire staff at the residence was extremely friendly and helpful and even provided an in-room coffee service at 6 am each morning. In addition, there is a rooftop bar, restaurant and pool with a view of the entire Banderas Bay that is breathtaking. The Villa is located inside of Vidanta, a large Mexican resort with numerous restaurants and pools and tons of activities for adults and children including nightly entertainment in ‘The Sanctuario’ an extraordinary outside venue. David, the owner, was extremely helpful prior to the visit and provided us with everything we needed to seamlessly register and enter the resort. This property is highly recommended. “

Larry G. Member since 2013

“Where do I begin.

We had an amazing time staying in this 4br Grand Luxxe residence. We used this property for our kids Spring Break this year and could not have been more impressed with the Residence and the property in general. We were 9 total(4 adults and 5 kids) and couldn’t have spread out more if we tried. Everything was perfect and everyone was so nice and helpful. They treated us like as we were the owners…The rooftop pool at the Residence Tower was where we ended our days each and every day. There is a restaurant there and a pool and 2 hot tubs… If the opportunity arises again I will jump at the chance to stay at this amazing property again. Thank You David [the owner] and Thank You THIRDHOME for allowing this opportunity for me to come together!”

Mark L. Member since 2017. Second home in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Experience paradise on the Riviera

The Riviera Maya, with hot spots like Playa del Carmen and Cancun, has become one of Mexico’s hottest destinations. Easy access for U.S. east coasters, and calmer Gulf waters, makes this sliver of the Yucatan one to rave about. THIRDHOME‘s Vidanta partnership has also opened the doors to amazing properties on the beaches of the Riviera Maya. You’re just one deposit away from booking a stay in one of the residences pictured below.

Member Reviews

“Totally fabulous resort and villa!

This was the most incredible travel experience. This 5-star resort was very high end with the most amazing villa, 18 restaurants with fabulous food, a beautiful beach club that served wonderful tropical drinks and impeccable service. The contemporary villa was very large with an amazing balcony including a plunge pool. We all had several spa treatments and there was a nice workout room. The owner gave several perks with the reservation and had great recommendations for restaurants and activities. The Grande Luxxe status gave guests extra perks within the resort. Our family had a wonderful relaxing vacation. It takes a bit to impress us but this was over the top. I highly recommend Vidanta Resorts. ”

Lynn B. Member since 2018. Second home in New Orleans, Louisiana.

“A Luxury Paradise.

The Grand Luxxe apartment is so beautiful, comfortable, big, has great service, it’s real luxury, and the common areas are great. At the beach club, you’ll find anything you need, from any kind of food in the various restaurants, to a really nice mini-market for the comfort of eating something in your place or just have a bottle of wine. The Spa is fantastic! We had a great massage. I higly recomend it. Scott, the owner was very helpful and easy in everything we asked and needed. Thanks, Scott for letting us enjoy this beautiful place.”

Katyna M. Member since 2018. Second home in Venice, Italy.

Relax at Land’s End

Picture yourself at the furthest reaches of the world, away from the stresses and noisiness of the city. Now realize that vision at Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Surrounded by Pacific waters and the Sea of Cortez, you’ll feel a sense of ease wash over you as you settle into a THIRDHOME oceanview residence. Partnerships with lavish resorts like Solaz los Cabos has made swapping your home for a sun-kissed Cabo stay a reality with THIRDHOME.

Member Reviews

“Solaz los Cabos: You will love it.

We just spent 2 sun-drenched amazing weeks at Solaz and we could not be happier. The entire staff was warm, welcoming, and eager to help… One of the best amenities is the beach, and it is swimmable!! Many options as far as pools are concerned and the fitness center was ideal. The roof top desert gardens were unique and much more aesthetically pleasing than typical roof tops. Architecturally, a master piece. The interiors of the suites were perfect and the beds were the best ever… Overall 5 stars, and we look forward to our return visit.”

Michael M. Member since 2015. Second home in Gilbert, South Carolina.

“Welcome Home.

The kind attention to every detail in preparation of our stay by the Owners was unprecedented. That level of service and thoughtfulness met us at the property with an informative check in and thorough tour of the stunning home. “Welcome Home” was the kindest greeting! The impeccable design and cleanliness was only outweighed but the spectacular view. We enjoyed the fine services of the restaurant, activities center, beach club and poolside—gracious and unobtrusive. We slept luxuriously and enjoyed the well-equipped kitchen for preparing breakfast. Loved our stay so much we are ready to return and make it home! ”

Frank K. Member since 2018. Second home in Dencarik, Indonesia.

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Interested in visiting Mexico soon?

Click the link below to see all available stays in Mexico! Remember, you must be logged into your account to see availability.