Luxury destinations? Tourism is slowly returning to its pre-pandemic levels. Yet many who are beginning to travel once again desire more from their trips. Did you know the luxury travel market is set for unprecedented growth?
When you are searching for high-end destinations, it can be hard to pick somewhere unique. Below, we give our five essential luxury destinations.
1. The British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands have a reputation as a tropical getaway for the wealthiest of UK residents. It consists of four main islands: Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and Anegada. However, for true remote splendor you will want to head to one of the other 50 smaller islands, often accessible only by boat.
Once you arrive at your choice of luxury vacation homes, you will have little to do but relax. Talk walks on the bright white sandy beaches, or let the waves lap at your feet as you sip cocktails.
When you want a few luxury trips the best way to do it is by hiring a private yacht. Several boat charters will do everything from showing the sights to taking you on deep-sea fishing trips.
On your trip, the beautiful bays and coasts are in abundance. Smugglers Cove, Norman Island Caves and Devil’s Bay are all well worthy of your time. A trip to the capital Road Town can show you some traditional life in the islands and a visit to Callwood Distillery will let you experience one of the oldest rum distilleries in the Caribbean.
2. Antarctica
In a world of extravagant destinations, Antarctica will take some beating. It may not have a huge choice of luxury vacation homes or a wealth of gourmet restaurants, but it does have remote beauty unlike anywhere else.
Most accommodation takes the form of camps. However, some are much more luxurious than you would imagine. They have beds, heating, and all the amenities you would need for a comfortable stay.
There are also several activities for the adventurous to take part in. Cross country skiing, skidooing, ice climbing, and mountaineering are all available. You can also trek to the South Pole or go to the thriving Penguin colony at Atka Bay.
Of course, the real attraction is the Antarctic itself. Few people will have been here for a trip before and you can be one of the few to experience its otherworldly majesty.
3. Seychelles
Seychelles lies off the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. It is comprised of 115 islands, similar to the archipelago makeup of its neighbors the Maldives and Madagascar. For a tropical island getaway, it does not come more remote or exclusive.
The capital Victoria is a small but quaint town, with its Hindu temples and colonial architecture. Visit the Botanical Gardens or walk the Copolia Trail to see the greenery of this stunning land.
When you want to venture out, a private charter is the best way to go. You can find plenty of luxury vacation homes dotted around the islands (Anse) and you are sure to find one to suit your needs. If you decide to take a dip out at sea, beware of the strong currents and waves closer to the shore.
The best time to visit is between April and May or October and November. These are calmer periods when winds subside. However, if you can put up with a light breeze, then you can visit any time of year.
4. The Aeolian Islands
The Aeolian islands can be found off the northeastern coast of Sicily. They are made up of seven islands: Vulcano, Salina, Stromboli, Filicudi, Lipari, Panarea, and Alicudi. It is impossible to see everything they have to offer on a short trip, so make sure you go at a leisurely pace and take in everything they can offer.
Lipari is the largest of the islands. It is a beautiful port town, with a rich geological heritage. A small fort looks over the sea and you can eat at some of the most delicious seafood restaurants in Europe.
Be sure to visit Vulcano, with its dramatic martian landscape and sulfurous craters. Take an exfoliating mud bath then head out to sample freshly baked pizza in the bustling town.
5. Costa Rica
Costa Rica lies in Central America, sandwiched between Nicaragua and Panama. It is a jungle paradise that collapses into beautiful blue oceans. If you want a trip where you can spot the most exciting wildlife in the Americas, this is the place to be.
San Jose is the capital city, resplendent in Spanish architecture brought by the first settlers. Its indigenous past is also alive and well. The pre-Columbian gold museum is worth a visit for anyone who wants to see some true vintage jewelry.
Once out of the city, Costa Rica has numerous national parks for you to explore. Playa Manuel Antonio, Curi Cancha Reserve, and Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo have huge swathes of forest and marine land that are marked for protection.
If none of that tempts you, then you can just book a vacation and enjoy the weather. On the Pacific Coast, December to April bring the best weather, with March to September working best on the Caribbean side.
Finding Accommodation at Luxury Destinations
Now you have our pick of luxury destinations, book the flights and find some great accommodation. There are not just hotels, but a whole wealth of homes and unique places to stay.
If you have a luxury home you rent out, have you considered a swap? At Third Home, we provide the key to a world of travel with our network of home exchangers. Click here to find out more about how our unique system works.
THIRDHOME Exchange members have recently returned from Portland, Oregon and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Keep reading to learn about their THIRDHOME experience.
Pearl District High-Rise | Portland, Oregon
Visit one of Portland’s most artistic and vibrant districts with this Pearl District High-Rise residence. Featuring room for up to 4 people, this property is a fantastic launching point for a week of gallery crawling, boutique shopping and proximity to world-class outdoor recreation. This property is an hour or less away from Oregon’s wine country, Mt. Hood and the Oregon Coast, giving you a bevy of activities for varied interests. This property is a part of the Pearl District’s fairly recent urban renaissance and revitalization, giving new life to industrial buildings and warehouses. You’ll find modern appointments, industrial architecture and cozy wooden beams woven together into a property as unique as the city in which it resides.
THIRDHOME member Steve says, “I can’t say enough about our recent stay at the Pearl District High Rise. My wife and I were looking for a place to visit and came upon the Pearl District posting and decided to give it a try…The condo is beautiful and is in a perfect location. It was just a great stay and we would go back in a heartbeat.” click here to read more of Steve’s review
Villa Panorama | Misgunst, U.S. Virgin Islands
Poised over the turquoise waters of Magen’s Bay Beach is the stunning tropical Villa Panorama. True to its name, Villa Panorama features stellar sea views from every angle. The pool deck and lower hot tub deck are perfect for taking in the beauty of the Caribbean. This property includes room for up to 10 guests, making it an ideal family or small group retreat. Nearby you’ll find opportunities for scuba diving, snorkeling, and boating. St. John is a short island hop away for further exploration of the U.S. Virgin Islands. If you’re in need of a refreshing island experience look no further than Villa Panorama.
THIRDHOME member Blake says, “ I could go on and on about the VIEWS! The pictures just can’t do the views justice. Every time we would drive up to the Villa, we would be blown away. We stayed post hurricane and had absolutely no issues with travel and the Villa was in pristine condition. The island has really done a nice job with rebuilding efforts. We swam in the hot tub and pool every day. We enjoyed the views from each and every room and balcony. There just wasn’t enough time to do it all!” click here to read more of Blake’s review
Members, click here to view all available weeks and plan your next THIRDHOME Exchange 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 Necker Cup and New Zealand) this week?
After the devastation of Hurricane Irma in the B.V.I., it was uncertain as to whether the Necker Cup would occur in 2017. It was especially doubtful after Richard Branson was forced to take shelter in his Necker Island home’s wine cellar as 185-mph winds decimated the island. But this didn’t set back the Necker Cup team! The event was relocated to Baha Mar in The Bahamas and held with the special purpose of raising money to rebuild the British Virgin Islands. The event, including an End of the World Party, gala and auction, raised over $3,000,000 for beneficiaries working to help the B.V.I. recover from Irma. The Necker Cup was as star-studded and glamorous as it had always been but it was also a meaningful event given its unique circumstances. THIRDHOME‘s Sr. VP of Business Development, Roger Conner, had the opportunity to attend. You can see him pictured below with his daughter, Polly Fleming, and Actor Jamie Foxx.
You can still donate to the B.V.I.’s recovery effort through Virgin Unite by clicking here.
THIRDHOME member Brice says, “This is an amazing experience that THIRDHOME has gotten involved in! I met Sir Richard Branson, Greg Norman, Martina Navratilova, Grigor Dimitrov, Tommy Haas, and many more!! Thank you, Liz Bates, for setting up this amazing experience!” click here to discover Necker Island Experiences.
Disclaimer: Necker Cup bookings will be available later in 2018. You can still book a BVI yacht excursion to Necker Island via THIRDHOME‘s Travel & Concierge program.
Dunalistair House | New Zealand
Experience northern New Zealand’s natural beauty from the Dunalistair house at The Kinloch Golf Club. This minimalist home is situated on a hill overlooking the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course and Lake Taupo. With room for 8 people, this home is ideal for a family or small group golf getaway. The holiday village of Kinloch is only about a mile away and offers lakefront beach access, biking trails, dining and shopping. The Taupo region is also regarded for its world-class trout fishing. The waters are crystal clear and the Steelhead Rainbow Trout are abundant. Be sure to check out the Dunalistair House when planning your New Zealand holiday.
THIRDHOME member Susie says, “This was a family trip of a lifetime…The home on Kinloch Golf Club was stunning, comfortable, beautifully stocked and the perfect home for exploring the North Island….We could not give this higher marks. It was perfect all the way around. Don’t miss this opportunity to see New Zealand in style!” click here to read more of Susie’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.