On your next (or first) trip to Spain, you have to put El Nido, a THIRDHOME property, at the top of your list for accommodations. It is a 5 bedroom home with a pool, spacious kitchen and dining entertainment area. There is also a rooftop terrace with direct views of the Rock of Gibraltar in the distance.  The sunsets here are absolutely unforgettable!

 

Who would I recommend Spain to?

Anyone seeking sun, great food, adventure, history and outdoor activities such as hiking.

San Roque, Spain is just minutes from El Nido. It is a high-class area and the boat harbor nearby is a place where you will find evidence of that.

Colorfully designed apartment blocks surround hundreds of stunning, large boats in the harbor.

The cafe scene within this area will also impress, where the patrons are often luxury connoisseurs themselves.

How would I summarize my time in Spain? 
It’s a place that is exotic enough to satisfy your curiosity and adventure bug, but familiar enough to make you feel comfortable and at home.

It’s a place where you will get acquainted with the sun, incredible food – particularly the Spanish tapas, and you will be greeted by the smiling faces of the locals.

One of my favorite experiences when in Spain was visiting the town of Ronda.

It is a cultural, bustling city, where the streets are lined with shops and cafes. While there, you can see the famous arch bridge, the oldest bullring in Spain and the oldest underground Turkish baths.

Intercept your exploration with stops at cafes to recharge your batteries with some Sangria, where you’ll often find live music to accompany your drink.

Caminito del Rey is also a must-visit. It’s a long walkway up high in the air attached to the side of a canyon. Once a path for workers to get to the water stations nearby, it has now been upgraded and renovated, ready to be enjoyed by those who want to feel a rush.

Dare to cross a narrow bridge with a see through bottom between two canyons high up in the sky? 
This is the place to do it.

Another recommendation from my visit to Spain is to explore the local villages. A very popular stop for tourists is Setenil de las Bodegas, where the popularity of this area was gained thanks to the town homes all being uniformly painted white with terracotta orange roofs.

From the top lookout, you will be mesmerized by this sight. There is also the overhang cliff where you can sit under the overhang and enjoy some wine and tapas.

Another absolutely must-visit city is Cadiz. The Moroccan influence is very strong in this part of Spain as you can hop on a ferry between the two countries from there. The shoreline is one of the most incredible I have seen. Pastel coloured buildings line the shore and the feature is the grand cathedral, with its large white and gold domes captivating your attention.

This is a great town to enjoy for the day and don’t forget to enjoy delicious local ice cream as you wonder through the city discovering shops and historic spots around every corner.

And finally, do make a day trip out to Gibraltar. Cross the border control and be greeted by a mini replica of Great Britain with a strong Spanish influence.

The homes are all resembling that of Spain, however the food, the currency, the accents, the TV and radio stations are all British.

My favourite stops here included of course the famous rock of Gibraltar and the monkeys at the top and the beautifully lit up St. Michael’s cave within the rock.

I would also recommend a drive to the end of Gibraltar to see the most stunning lighthouse you’ve ever seen. A typically white and red lighthouse like you would expect in a fairytale movie.

I do hope that by sharing in these adventures with me, it’s inspiring you to plan your next holiday with THIRDHOME. The world is a beautiful playground ready to be explored.

-Sorelle Amore

During her trip to Spain, Sorelle stayed at El NidoClick here to view all THIRDHOME properties in Spain.

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, hikes Spain’s most dangerous hike, El Caminito del Rey. 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.

A holiday in Brač, Croatia is one where you will walk away tanned, culturally and historically educated, happier and healthier…well, to a degree.

The fresh food, beaches, and adventures will get you feeling fine, whilst the excess wine consumption (which is perfectly acceptable when on holiday) will contradict the healthy getaway just a little.

But you can’t be mad about that.

Pair the great food, wine, endless activities, and architecture of the island with staying in a beautiful beachfront THIRDHOME property named Villa Tiha, and you have just created the recipe for the perfect getaway. Or choose from two other THIRDHOME waterfront mansions (Villa Akuna and Villa Rosemarine) just down the road.

There is much to indulge in on the Island of Brač.

Olive and wine tasting, anyone?

Driving up to the most beautiful lookout atop the mountain for breathtaking sunset views?

Or, take part in every type of water sport your mind can think of?

You can’t forget this one: Spend the day on a boat soaking up the sun and exploring nearby islands and towns. Not on your list? Add it.

Croatia from the sea is a sight that cannot be missed. It will leave you mesmerized.

You’ll never have a dull moment in Brač, Croatia.

Of course, the food selection is endless here, and you’ll be happily enjoying your meals on the shoreline of some of the most architecturally perfect and history-rich towns.

When back in your villa, add to your relaxation and wellness by having a massage in your room or stretching yourself out during a sunset yoga session seaside.

Follow that up by enjoying a home-cooked meal on the outdoor veranda, consisting of fresh seafood or mouthwatering meat cooked on the outdoor fire grill.

The history of Croatia is one to get to know. I particularly loved learning about the importance of limestone on this island, which is some of the best in the world. 
Parts of the Vatican and The White House were built from the limestone made on this island. You can go to the limestone handling school to see the future masters at work.

Every step you take in Croatia feels as though you’re in a movie. All the houses throughout the towns and cities are all very similar, with buildings made of limestone and terracotta roofs.

This is pure bliss for the eyes, and the photographic opportunities are second to none. The beauty will surely overwhelm you.

Croatia is perfectly suited for foodies, wine lovers, water lovers, and sun seekers. If that sounds like you, add Croatia to your itinerary.

-Sorelle Amore

During her trip to Croatia, Sorelle stayed at Villa TihaClick here to view all THIRDHOME properties in Croatia.

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.

Villa Tiha

Brac in Croatia is know for its olives, wine and great restaurants with incredibly fresh seafood. It is also known for unbelievable old architecture, interesting world history and a variety of water sports.

A holiday in Brac, Croatia is one where you will walk away tanned, healthier to a degree (because of all the fresh, locally grown food you’d be consuming – but not so much the excess wine which is totally acceptable as you’re on a holiday), culturally educated and happier.

Much happier.

Pair that with staying at Villa Tiha, and you have just created the recipe for a perfect getaway. Villa Tiha is a THIRDHOME property that is situated on a beautiful beachfront property, with 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms.

My favorite part of the property was the isolation, location and the beachfront access.

The home is the very last home in the bay and it’s surrounded by thick vegetation meaning you’re truly in an isolated haven.

The beach access means that your morning pick up for exploration of Brac and the surrounding islands isn’t from the road but from the sea, by riding a boat.

And what a way to explore! The stunning local towns look beautiful as you drift by on a boat, on the most enchanting blue water with the kindest skipper named Simon.

Villa Tiha had the most wonderful property manager that has 17 years experience. She often hosts repeat groups of guests that celebrate large important moments in life, such as their 40th birthday celebration and then again their 50th.

You know the area and the people looking after you are great if people are coming back for life moments like this.

Croatia is very family oriented, so Milka, the property manager also has her mother cook for us one night. She cooked delicious traditional Croatian food – plates filled with seafood, grilled vegetables, and apple strudel for desert.

The outdoor dinner with my brother under the bright star-lit sky, the beautiful blue pool illuminated at night, the villa lights all around and the sound of the sea made for a special memory.

Perhaps having my boyfriend there it would be a romantic night but my brother and I had a good laugh about the romantic settings and shared some great memories from our trip to Croatia together.

Villa Tiha is a 3-story modern home. The interior is almost all white which adds more holiday vibes.

There is a large kitchen, multiple dining areas and hidden relaxation zones inside and out of the home, including a fireplace, a limestone outdoor grill, a jacuzzi and a beautiful pool, which is a show-stopping pop of color beside the home.

A great discovery for me was knowing this property was within short walking distance to two other THIRDHOME properties, named Villa Akuna and Villa Rosemarine. I immediately thought of all the possibilities for a fun group trip in this area.

-Sorelle Amore

 

During her trip to Croatia, Sorelle stayed at Villa TihaClick here to view all THIRDHOME properties in Croatia.

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, shows off must-do activities while visiting Brac, Croatia. During her trip she stayed at THIRDHOME property Villa Tiha

Members, want to visit Croatia? Click here to browse THIRDHOME properties in Croatia, and get your watch alerts set on the homes you love.

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

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.”

Amazon

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.

Amazon

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.”

Amazon

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.

Amazon

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.

Amazon river cruise

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 dolphinsAmazon

Macaws

Amazon

Monkeys

Amazon

Toucans

Amazon

Hawks

Amazon

Vultures

Amazon

Sloths

Amazon

Cayman alligators

Amazon

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.

Amazon

 

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.

amazon

2. Our ride in the tik-tuks (3-wheeled motorized rickshaws) through the town of Iquitos on our way to the animal preserve.

amazon

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.

Amazon

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.

amazon

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.

Sorelle Amore, THIRDHOME‘s Best Job On The Planet winner, provides a tour of Villa Tiha in Brac, Croatia. 

Members, want to visit Croatia? Click here to browse THIRDHOME properties in Croatia, and get your watch alerts set on 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, experiences swimming with pigs and sharks during a boat tour with Four C’s Adventures in The Bahamas. She stayed at THIRDHOME property Bougainvillea House Villa during her trip. 

Members, want to visit The Bahamas?  Click here to browse THIRDHOME properties in The Bahamas.

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

Sorelle Amore, THIRDHOME‘s Best Job On The Planet winner, provides a tour of Bougainvillea House Villa in The Bahamas. 

Members, want to visit The Bahamas?  Click here to browse THIRDHOME properties in The Bahamas.

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

Bougainvillea House Villa

Bouganvillea House Villa in Exuma, Bahamas. I almost wish I never met you.

There aren’t many places that have ever made me feel the way you make me feel. I have cried tears of joy so many times when looking out on your balcony at the ocean, stars, clouds and palm trees.

Ever since I found out The Bahamas existed and I could swim with pigs in the crystal-clear water, it was locked in as a major dream. And my week vacation did not disappoint.

Bougainvillea House Villa

Bougainvillea House Villa, a THIRDHOME property, was without a doubt an essential part to my fairytale vacation. The villa is spacious with plenty of room to host large groups and is located a few steps away from the ocean.

Bougainvillea House Villa is a beautiful white and blue triple-story villa with a rooftop deck, which is a perfect location for breakfast. It’s a property known to most locals as one of the best in town.  Surrounded by tall palm trees and large shell decorations on the railing, the setting is picture-perfect.

The villa has all the necessities for entertainment. A hot tub, a BBQ, large kitchens, open living spaces and reclining chairs on the beach.

As I lay here in my hammock with a billion dollar view in front of me, I can’t even see the sand in-between me and the water. The ocean is so close it almost fools you to thinking the waves are crashing straight into the house.  

Bougainvillea House Villa is a family-friendly property but it can also be the ultimate romantic escape thanks to the beautiful honeymoon suite, which is the same room that Ronda Rousey, Penelope Cruz and a myriad of other well-known faces have stayed.

At sunrise and sunset I’ve been having the pleasure of testing out a new skill of stand up paddle boarding. A few simple and easy strokes out on the calm waters and I get to see the villa from a different perspective and pinch myself repeatedly not believing I’m here.

My outfit of choice for the week has been pretty consistent, with slight variations. My black bikini, my green bikini or my one-piece green swimsuit.

The local town, Georgetown, is a dream. The colors of all the houses are that of a rainbow. It is a small town, so you don’t require all that much time to explore and it’s probably important to note that going earlier in the morning or late afternoon is better because of the heat.  The temperature is constantly in the high 80’s F (30C) during the day, so it’s weather much more suited for reading a book in the hammock or swimming at the beach.

Even though most of my week was spent relaxing at the home, it is critical you do the Pigs Tour. This tour was actually the most densely packed and beautiful trip I’ve ever been on.

We saw iguanas and fed them lettuce, we saw the swimming pigs, we swam with some grey nurse shark, swam in a grotto that has been featured in a James Bond film, and felt like supermodels on the pristine white sandbanks that are no strangers to being on the covers of fashion magazines.

The speedboat zipped past islands occupied by some well known names, such as the holiday rental of David Copperfield (apparently Judge Judy is a big fan of this home and comes often), and Tim McGraw’s island (we actually saw him and his family eating breakfast on the veranda).
 

Another day, we took a local boat to Chat n Chill. It is essential you visit, not only for the best ribs you’ve ever had but also for the ability to photograph and swim with stingray (with caution of course!).

Will I return to The Bahamas?

Without a doubt.

I’m already planning ways on how to stay for at least 3 months on this tropical island.

-Sorelle Amore

During her trip to The Bahamas, Sorelle stayed at Bougainvillea House VillaClick here to view all THIRDHOME properties in The Bahamas.

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 Puntacana Resort in the Dominican Republic and shows off some of the best activities and attractions to put on your list for a trip to the area. She stayed at Villa Las Palmas

Members, want to visit the Dominican Republic?  Click here to browse THIRDHOME properties in the Dominican Republic.

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

Sorelle Amore, THIRDHOME‘s Best Job On The Planet winner, visits the same water hole Casey Neistat swam in while staying at Villa Las Palmas in the Dominican Republic. This luxury villa is located within the exclusive Puntacana Resort community. 

Members, want to visit the Dominican Republic?  Click here to browse THIRDHOME properties in the Dominican Republic.

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

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