What is it like to return to your hometown and explore through the eyes of a tourist? Sorelle Amore, ThirdHomes Best Job On The Planet winner, shares her experience of returning to Sydney, Australia, while staying at Northern Beaches Bliss, a luxury ThirdHome property in Cromer.

Members, want to go on your own adventure Down Under?  Click here to browse stays in Australia, and get ready to plan your next trip!

Click here to learn more about joining our luxury travel club.

What does it feel like spending an entire week in Fijian paradise on a TradeWinds yacht, sailing between islands, eating incredible food, diving, snorkelling, kayaking, reading, relaxing and taking a break from it all?

I would of course say it’s fantastic, but it’s much more than that.

To have an escape from life and concentrate on you for once, to relax and fully unwind from your life worries, is not just a great holiday, but somewhat of a necessity. And what better way to do it than by joining a TradeWinds yacht for a sail around Fiji. 

 

I was on a boat with two crew members and just five guests in total (the boat capacity is 10, however due to last minute cancelations, we all enjoyed a very intimate experience).

The week in Fiji truly took me by surprise. I’ve been gallivanting the world with basically no downtime. Up to this point, I’ve had one day in 3 months where I did nothing. Everyday I have been exploring and editing the content I was creating. It’s the kind of life we’re all used to – slightly chaotic.

When I got to Fiji, my body and mind didn’t know how to react to having a small handful of relaxing activities to do.

But I surely did a great job of not doing much.

My tan came along nicely, the cocktails went down easily, the laughs were plenty, the walks on the breathtaking Fijian islands such as the island from the movie Castaway with Tom Hanks connected me back to nature. The salt stayed in my hair throughout the week as I swam and dived my little heart out. 

Fiji itself is truly a little hidden gem. The people are incredibly nice, the islands are surrounded by the brightest blue warm waters I have ever seen, the coral is impressive and the weather is near perfect. 

During the week, we were lucky enough to visit a local village to enjoy a traditional Kava ceremony as well as listen to the beautiful singing of the Fijians. We also joined in on a little dance with the locals!

We had a chance to shop the village markets, where I got myself a beautiful necklace and others picked up huge Conch shells, hand woven bags and beautifully designed sarongs.  

 

One of the highlights from the week was getting our sails up, something I’ve never previously had the joys of experiencing. Having the wind push us through the open ocean provided me with an overwhelming sense of freedom.

Sitting in the bow seats with your legs overhanging and the wind on your face as you’re piercing through the waves resembles a small rollercoaster. You can’t help but feel like a kid again and be filled with happiness.

My only complaint of the whole week is that the experience wasn’t long enough.

The luxury boat became a great cocoon of comfort for the week and it was hard to part from it all. 

Who would I recommend Fiji to? 

 

Anyone that wants a true break from life. This is the perfect time to unwind, to have time for yourself and to recharge your batteries.
Anyone that loves the ocean, sailing, great food, cocktails, the sun, diving and snorkelling.  

 

This holiday will leave you ready to tackle the challenges and hustle of life for months to come.

-Sorelle Amore

During her trip to Fiji, Sorelle stayed on a TradeWinds yacht through ThirdHome. Click here to view all TradeWinds yacht options that you can reserve with a ThirdHome membership.

Sorelle Amore won ThirdHome‘s “Best Job On The Planet,” which garnered more than 17,000 applications from around the world. In her position as a Luxury Travel Connoisseur for ThirdHome, she is traveling the world, staying in 12 luxury homes.

ThirdHome is the exclusive luxury property and travel club that enables second home owners to exchange time in their home for stays in spectacular destinations around the world. Click here for more information on how to become a member.

What is it like to spend a week on a TradeWinds yacht? Sorelle Amore, ThirdHomes Best Job On The Planet winner, shares her experience of staying in a TradeWinds yacht cabin during her visit to Fiji. 

Members, want to go on your own all-inclusive yachting adventure? Click here to browse TradeWinds stays, and get ready to plan your next trip!

Click here to learn more about joining our luxury travel club.

China has been a dream destination for a long time for me. I always thought it was slightly out of a reach but I’m thrilled that I went and was able to experience this beautiful country and all of the culture that comes with it.

 

I had a very short time to explore and see what China had to offer. However, with the ThirdHome experience, having Liz Bates (the Director of Travel and Concierge Services available exclusively to ThirdHome members) sort out my complete itinerary for me, inclusive of a driver who took me to all the right places with his excellent local knowledge, I can comfortably say I experienced the best of Beijing even though my time was limited. 

 

 

Honestly, I felt much more respect here from the people than I have ever felt anywhere else that I have traveled. It’s interesting because the tourists here get treated extremely well. They are celebrated and people are fascinated. Actually, you are basically a celebrity here. I had many strangers come up to me to have their photo taken with me and at one stage I had 4 large cameras all photographing me for about 10 minutes.  

 

Although I wouldn’t welcome this experience everyday, for a moment I knew what it was like to be a celebrity. It was a fun experience. 

 

The fascination might be because surprisingly I didn’t actually see that many foreign tourists here. There are many Chinese tourists, but very few from beyond Asia. I loved this. At times being surrounded by tourists in a country you are exploring ironically can taint the experience a little. Being surrounded by pure local culture is something I now really appreciate.  

 Great Wall Paradise Villa China

I must give a huge shout out to the home I was staying in. The words “pure luxury” hardly sum up this home. 

The location is by far the greatest aspect of the home, followed closely by the external architecture.  

 

Nested into the mountains very close to the Great Wall of China, you’ll see endless mountains covered in dense dark green forest from every window you look out of. At sunset, the beauty you’ll witness is very difficult to put into words. 

 

The driveway is a long, 1km windy road leading you into total privacy and the view of the home at the end of this driveway will leave you speechless every time you see it. An extremely modern home, its primary colors being white, grey and brown, and the unique design of rectangle formations somewhat make it look like a sophisticated design of tetris. I’m a fan. 

 

It has 8 bedrooms and is 4 stories high with ample room for entertainment, including the rooftop deck with obvious stunning views and the pool on the lower deck. 

 

The short distance to The Great Wall of China was a highlight for me. There’s something extra special about staying in a home that is so closely located next to one of the wonders of the world.

 I explored the wall on two separate occasions.  

 

First, I visited the renovated part of the wall. The housekeeper took me to an area that wasn’t as busy as the other entry points. Thank goodness for his local expertise. 

 

 

The second day I explored the original, run down Great Wall of China.
 Both were breathtaking and soul touching in their own ways. It’s hard to imagine the length of this wall until you see it. It’s a spectacular sight that must be seen within your lifetime.  

 

I also got the chance to explore the city of Beijing for a day. I covered a lot of ground in one day however, you really should spend multiple days sightseeing to be able to soak up the sights fully.   

 

The places I visited were The Summer Palace (overwhelming in size and beauty), The Forbidden City (again – the size and detail within the walls of this city is incomprehensible), The Temple of Heaven and Jingshan Park, which allows for birds eye view of The Forbidden City and this cannot be missed.  

 

Besides the prominent sights, just people watching and getting familiarized with the Chinese culture was a treat.  

 

And of course the Chinese food to be had will almost knock you off your chair from the taste sensation.  

 

Finally, there is the world renowned Chinese markets where you can buy real or very well made copies of your favorite products or brands. The one I visited was the Pearl Market filled with electronics, cosmetics, jewelry and silk garments.  

 

Who would I recommend China for?  

 

Anyone that is ready to witness a new culture unlike no other. Someone who appreciates fine Asian architecture, food and history.  

 

Actually, this country I would recommend to everyone because I can’t imagine going through life and never experiencing the gem that is China. 

 

-Sorelle Amore

During her trip to China, Sorelle stayed at the Great Wall Paradise VillaClick here to view all ThirdHome properties in China.

Sorelle Amore won ThirdHome‘s “Best Job On The Planet,” which garnered more than 17,000 applications from around the world. In her position as a Luxury Travel Connoisseur for ThirdHome, she is traveling the world, staying in 12 luxury homes.

ThirdHome is the exclusive luxury property and travel club that enables second home owners to exchange time in their home for stays in spectacular destinations around the world. Click here for more information on how to become a member.

Sorelle Amore, ThirdHomes Best Job On The Planet winner, shares video footage from her day sightseeing in Beijing. During her trip to China, she stayed at ThirdHome property the  Great Wall Paradise Villa.

Members, want to visit China?  Click here to browse ThirdHome properties in China, and get ready to plan your next trip!

Click here to learn more about joining our luxury travel club.

Sorelle Amore, ThirdHomes Best Job On The Planet winner, shares video footage from her experience hiking The Great Wall of China. During her trip to China, she stayed at ThirdHome property  Great Wall Paradise Villa.

Members, want to visit China?  Click here to browse ThirdHome properties in China, and get ready to plan your next trip!

Click here to learn more about joining our luxury travel club.

Sorelle Amore, ThirdHomes Best Job On The Planet winner, gives a tour of ThirdHome property  Great Wall Paradise Villa in China. 

Members, want to visit China? Click here to browse ThirdHome properties in China, and get ready to plan your next trip!

Click here to learn more about joining our luxury travel club.

The Mandala House in Bali, Indonesia, is a place I called home for my heavenly week-long escape. 

 

 

And what a home it is. Named by ‘Elle’  as one of the “Most Beautiful Homes in the World” in 2017, it’s easy to understand why. 

 

As you walk in through the home gates, you’ll immediately see the grand infinity pool with a bar and seats within the pool, then look up and you’ll see the second pool upstairs, which has a glass bottom. It is simply incredible.  

Inside, the decor of this home is some of the best I have ever seen. The blue luscious couches and chairs throughout the home were a perfect contrast to the brown floors and grey walls of The Mandala House. The kitchen is show stopping; more of an art corner than just a kitchen, and the real large palm tree next to the counter adds a fun and exotic touch. 

 

Upstairs you will find the blue TV room hidden behind a glass bookcase and also the master bedroom, inclusive of a 4-poster bed, glass bedroom walls and a spacious large bathroom with your own private outdoor shower.  

There are three other, fully contained rooms within the home, each one with its own unique decor and spacious bathrooms. They all have their own private outdoor showers. (I’m a really big fan of outdoor showers.)

The home cinema and fully-equipped gym, as well as the in-home yoga and massages (which are highly recommend), are also worth quickly mentioning.  

 

As for Bali itself, I was much more impressed than I thought I would be. 

 

The food is something that must be highlighted. In Bali, I indulged in some of the best foods I’ve ever had in my life.

The Japanese at One Eyed Jacks will forever haunt me, as it was the best Japanese I’ve tasted. 
And I’ve even been to Japan and still confidently say that. 
I dined out almost every meal because there is just so much to choose from. And best of all, it’s all very fresh and healthy food.  

The Balinese have created a food culture that significantly appeals to the tourists. 

 

The cafe decor is always impressive which also provides a feast for the eyes.

  

Which brings me to my next point. Yes, Bali is filled with tourists. Mostly Australians to be honest, but the local culture is still prominent. 

The locals still stick to their rituals of morning prayers and offerings every day, the local villages still have the Asian characteristics, but thanks to the tourists, you have the best facilities available to you for important things like your meal time. 

Bali is a surfing haven. If you’ve never surfed before, this is a great place to learn. If you’re a wave riding pro, you’ll be thrilled with the waves on offer. 

 

 

Other water sports include diving, boat rides to nearby islands, parasailing, banana boat rides and of course swimming. 
The local sights in Bali, such as the countless waterfalls are breathtaking. So are all the temples in Bali.  

A strong recommendation of mine for Bali if you are up for it is hiring a scooter and riding around the windy roads of this paradise. It may seem like chaos at first, but once you start riding, it’s a rush overtaking all the cars and feeling the wind on your face.  

Just make sure to wear sunscreen. You’ll need it in Bali as the weather is almost always perfect.  

 

Who would I recommend Bali to? 

Those seeking a week of sun and total relaxation and those looking for an exotic paradise that has strong elements of comfort and fabulous food.

You will still feel adventurous as there are major cultural differences, however the locals will make you feel more than welcome. They make you feel like family. 

 -Sorelle Amore

During her trip to Bali, Sorelle stayed at The Mandala HouseClick here to view all ThirdHome properties in Bali.

Sorelle Amore won ThirdHome‘s “Best Job On The Planet,” which garnered more than 17,000 applications from around the world. In her position as a Luxury Travel Connoisseur for ThirdHome, she is traveling the world, staying in 12 luxury homes.

ThirdHome is the exclusive luxury property and travel club that enables second home owners to exchange time in their home for stays in spectacular destinations around the world. Click here for more information on how to become a member.

Sorelle Amore, ThirdHome‘s Best Job On The Planet winner, explores Bali while staying at ThirdHome property The Mandala House. The Mandala House was recently voted one of “The World’s Most Beautiful Homes” by Elle Decoration.

Members, want to experience your own Indonesian getaway? Click here to browse ThirdHome properties in Indonesia, and get ready to plan your next trip!

Click here to learn more about joining our luxury travel club.

Sorelle Amore, ThirdHome’s Best Job On The Planet winner, gives a tour of a ThirdHome Exchange property, The Mandala House, in Bali. The Mandala House was voted one of “The World’s Most Beautiful Homes” by Elle Decoration.

ThirdHome Exchange members travel to beautiful homes like The Mandala House by leveraging unused time in their luxury second homes. They share a mindset for luxury and exploration, and are able to travel the world for a fraction of the cost.

With a ThirdHome membership, you can stay in luxury accommodations while not paying high rental rates, but instead, by using travel credits earned for submitting unused time in your home (to be used by other home owners) and a nominal Exchange fee. Click here to learn more about joining ThirdHome.

Members, want to visit Indonesia? Click here to browse ThirdHome properties in Indonesia, and get ready to plan your next trip!

Sorelle Amore, ThirdHome‘s Best Job On The Planet winner, shows off must-do activities while exploring Ronda and Cadiz, Spain. During her trip she stayed at ThirdHome property El Nido.

Members, want to visit Spain? Click here to browse ThirdHome properties in Spain, and get ready to plan your next trip or set watch alerts for the homes you love.

Click here to learn more about joining our luxury travel club.

Sorelle Amore, ThirdHome‘s Best Job On The Planet winner, shows off must-do activities while exploring Gibraltar, including a visit to The Rock of Gibraltar. During her trip she stayed at ThirdHome property El Nido.

Members, want to visit Spain? Click here to browse ThirdHome properties in Spain, and get ready to plan your next trip or set watch alerts for the homes you love.

Click here to learn more about joining our luxury travel club.

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