What are THIRDHOME members saying about their luxury home exchange trips to Barbados and Key West this week?

THIRDHOME Exchange members recently returned from Barbados and Key West! Keep reading to learn about their THIRDHOME travel experiences!

Sea Turtle Villa | Black Rock, Barbados

Located at the south end of the Platinum Coast of Barbados, Sea Turtle Villa offers panoramic views of the Caribbean and direct beach access. The villa was built in the 1960’s and recently underwent a full refurbishment to offer 3 exclusive and luxuriously decorated bedrooms for guests to enjoy. Kensington Oval, the main sporting facility on Barbados that is mainly used for cricket, is within walking distance! This beach bungalow is also 4.5 miles from both Holetown and St. Lawrence, putting it between both major restaurant and nightlife areas on the island. Sea Turtle Villa will not disappoint island lovers!

THIRDHOME member Noel says, “We loved our stay at Sea Turtle and had a wonderful time swimming with the turtles in Barbados. The host provided everything we needed to know in order to enjoy not only the home but also our stay on the island.” Click here to read more of Noel’s review.

The Spanish Lime House | Key West, Florida

The Spanish Lime House is located in Key West on a quiet Old Town street. It is within walking distance to art galleries, a great fitness studio, some of the best Key West restaurants and just around the corner from the famous Key West Cemetery. While offering modern comforts and simple living, each room opens to a porch which is great for reading, relaxing and taking in the neighborhood. The Spanish Lime House offers 2 bedrooms that are uniquely decorated to fit the light and airy mood of the entire house. This is the perfect residence for exploring Key West!

THIRDHOME member Lisa says, “We really enjoyed our stay at The Spanish Lime House. It has been attractively remodeled and located in a quaint walkable “Old Town” section of Key West. The amenities and pool were perfect.” Click here to read more of Lisa’s review.

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Both islands offer pristine beaches, fine dining and luxurious accommodations. But each has its own atmosphere and distinct characteristics that cater to different styles of tropical island vacation. Which Caribbean island is best for your travel preferences?

Jamaica is known for reggae music, its easy-going atmosphere and spanning landscapes, offering the adventurous visitor plenty to explore. Barbados is known for its boutique hotels, intimate culinary scene and authentic island culture for the reserved and relaxed guest. Keep reading to learn more about which Caribbean destination you should visit next.

Jamaica

The island nation of Jamaica is located in the West Indies about 700 miles off the coast of Florida. Historically a valuable colony due to its sugar production, Jamaica finally became independent from England in 1962. Jamaica’s largest city and capital is Kingston, which is thought to be the birthplace of reggae music and has a relaxing, “no worries” atmosphere. Aside from music, the country is known for its beautiful beaches, golf resorts and the popular natural attraction, Dunn’s River Falls.

Attractions and Activities

Dunn’s River Falls

Dunn’s River Falls is located on the North coast of Jamaica near the town of Ochos Rios. It is one of seven natural waterfalls in The Americas that flows directly into the ocean. Thousands of visitors are attracted to the site every year to climb the step-like falls with a guide. The activity takes about an hour, and you’re able to explore the lagoons and surrounding greenery while venturing up the scenic falls.

Jamaican Golf

Jamaica is also known for its world-class golf! Montego Bay, Jamaica’s second largest city, is a popular spot among golf enthusiasts. According to Golf Digest, Montego Bay has become the Caribbean’s premier golf destination, boasting multiple, newly-renovated courses for guests to play during their visit. The top three courses to play, also mentioned by Golf Digest, include The Tryall Club, The Ritz-Carlton White Witch G Course and the Wyndham Rose Hall Cinnamon Hill Ocean Course. To book a tee time, rates per player for 18 holes range from $115-$200 for all three courses.

Accommodations and Dining

The easy-going atmosphere, accommodation selection and culinary scene are one-of-a-kind in Jamaica. All-inclusive resorts tend to be more popular here. Many of the all-inclusive resorts are located around Montego Bay for easy access to golf courses and water activities. Because the larger resorts include their own restaurants, independent dining options are fewer. But there are still plenty of casual, family-friendly places to choose from in Jamaica! Fresh seafood is always delicious and available throughout the island. Popular Jamaican dishes often include Ackee, a Jamaican fruit, that is usually paired with cod.

Travel Options

Jamaica is 4,243 square miles and is much larger than many other Caribbean islands. It is fairly easy to get to from the U.S. mainland, thanks to its two international airports. Norman Manley International Airport is located in Kingston, on the Southeast side of the island, and Sangster International Airport is located in Montego Bay, on the Northwest side. If you’re staying at a resort, you’ll most likely fly into Sangster. Flight time from New York City to Jamaica is about 4 hours. Jamaica is a great Caribbean destination for the active and adventurous traveler. To view THIRDHOME Exchange and Rental luxury properties, click below.

Barbados

Offering 60 miles of coastline and located in the eastern Caribbean, is the island nation of Barbados. Like Jamaica, it was also a British colony until its independence in 1966. Due to their relatively recent independence, Barbadian culture remained intertwined with British culture, and many English pastimes were popularized on the island. Traditions such as afternoon tea and cricket matches are still popular among locals. Barbados is known for its luxury boutique hotels, colonial history and unique culture. It is thought to be one of the most prosperous Caribbean islands, touting the 2nd largest GDP per capita among its Caribbean peers.

Attractions and Activities

Harrison’s Cave

A popular tourist attraction among outdoor explorers offers an experience unlike many others in the Caribbean: Harrison’s Cave. Visitors are able to venture into the caverns below Mount Hillaby. The cave was discovered in 1785, but its plethora of small passageways and nooks underneath the island weren’t fully mapped until the mid-1970s. Both walking tours and a moving tram are available for explorers wanting to take part in the subterranean experience.

Folkestone Marine Park

Family-friendly activities besides lounging beachside are easily accessible in Barbados due to its smaller size. Barbados is known to have one of the lowest crime rates and some of the friendliest locals in the Caribbean. So if you’re wanting to explore the island a bit, activities are always close by and locals are happy to help point you in the right direction. A great option for families is Folkestone Marine Park. It is located on the west coast and is a fabulous spot to snorkel and interact with wildlife. An artificial reef was created by the shipwrecked Stavronikita, a Greek freighter that sank in 1956. Paddle boarding, diving and kayaking are also popular activities in the area.

Accommodations and Dining

Barbados is known for its high-end hotels that offer a unique and authentic island holiday like no other. Large, all-inclusive resorts are not common in Barbados, as affluent, low capacity hotels with intimidate atmospheres populate the island. Sunsets on the west coast of the island are unparalleled. This is especially true when dining at one of many boutique waterfront restaurants in western Barbados. A Caribbean sunset paired with local Barbadian cuisine is a match made in heaven. Barbadian food features a mix of African, Indian, Irish, Creole and British inspiration; a unique combination you won’t want to miss out on.

Travel Options

Barbados is only 166 square miles, about 26 times smaller than Jamaica! Grantley Adams International Airport is the only airport on the island and is located in Christchurch, on the southern coast. It’s important to note that when visiting Barbados, the exchange rate between Barbadian dollars and U.S. dollars is fixed at $2 BBD to every $1 USD. Barbados is a frequently visited destination by smaller groups, families and couples that are looking for a more relaxed yet luxurious stay. Click below to view THIRDHOME luxury Exchange and Rental properties in Barbados.

So, which Caribbean island is best for you?

Jamaica and Barbados are both luxurious and fabulous island destinations but are different in their respective ways. Any beachgoer would love to be on either coastline this very minute! But, it truly comes down to your own travel preferences. Jamaica is a great option for non-family travelers or large groups that are looking for an island escape with plenty of amenities. Visitors to Jamaica can expect multiple luxury golf resorts and accommodations. Traveling families and couples looking for a more intimate getaway should visit Barbados. Known for its safe atmosphere and friendly locals, visitors can expect an authentic island escape and child-friendly activities in Barbados. In the end, both Caribbean islands offer opportunities to create unforgettable travel memories.

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THIRDHOME is the luxury property and travel club for second home owners that enables its members to explore the world through a variety of travel experiences. If you’re interested in learning more, please click here.

“On the veranda of her stunning family home in Barbados, Sarah-Jane Gaselee soaks up her breathtaking surroundings as the warm breeze brings the sweet smell of frangipani.”-Sally Morgan

So begins an exclusive “Hello Mag” interview and photo shoot of THIRDHOME member and bridesmaid to Princess Diana, Sarah-Jane Gaselee.

Sarah-Jane and her partner, Paul Andrews have been THIRDHOME members since 2011. But the story of their home began in 2004 when they took on the home renovation project of a lifetime with a 300-year old sugar plantation in Barbados.

Ruby, Paul and Ashley

Although the property was in rough shape when they found it, Sarah knew it was the perfect home for them, “When I first met Paul he whisked me to Barbados to show it to me and I fell for it straight away.” Renovations began soon thereafter.

During the renovation period, the couple had two beautiful children, Ruby and Ashley. Now the whole family gets to enjoy Bellevue and all it has to offer, including 8 bedrooms with King beds and uninterrupted ocean views.

Sarah was also keen to bring a bit of home to Barbados, “Once a month we put on an 18th-century garden party. Guests dress in traditional period costume, dine on cream teas and watch a polo match in the afternoon.”

Knowing that Prince Harry is also an avid Polo player, she’s recently extended an invitation to him and Meghan Markle to have their honeymoon at Bellevue.

Sarah-Jane at Princess Diana’s wedding, 1981

“I’m sure Diana would be very happy that her son Prince Harry is marrying Meghan Markle. She seems like a great girl and such a warm person, and I’m really looking forward to watching their wedding,” said Sarah, briefly after recalling her young relationship with the late Princess Diana.

 

Check out the full Hello Mag article here.

 

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