Sorelle Amore, THIRDHOME‘s Best Job On The Planet winner, provides a tour of 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.
What are the prerequisites to a perfect tropical holiday?
A large THIRDHOME property with a private infinity pool, hammocks and reclining seats all around, a bar within the home to dine and wine the night away, coconut trees all around providing you with refreshing coconut juice whenever you desire, pristine white sand beaches minutes away, blue skies and perfect tropical temperatures, a golf cart to zip around between endless restaurants and spas, a grocery pre-stocking service so you can arrive to a fridge full of your favorite foods and exceptional staff that take care of the minor details so you can forget about all responsibilities.
Welcome to Villa Las Palmas located within Puntacana Resort in the Dominican Republic.
This is just the beginning of what you can expect on your next holiday in the Caribbean.
If you’re seeking a romantic getaway with your loved one, sipping on wine all night long and relaxing in the private Jacuzzi under the stars; or you’re wanting to bring your family for a fun family-friendly vacation, this is your place.
Villa Las Palmas is a four-bedroom luxury villa located within the exclusive gated community of the Puntacana Resort & Club. Within the community, you’ll find the homes of Oscar de la Renta (RIP), Julio Iglesias and Mikhail Baryshnikov.
Justin Bieber has also been a guest at the resort for all those Beliebers out there.
My favourite part of Villa Las Palmas was the stand-alone building which housed the master bedroom where the doors opened up to the hammocks and pool out back.
Activities at the resort include every water sport you can think of including kayaking, snorkeling, diving and more. Personally, I would highly recommend snorkeling or diving. I was lucky enough to see eight turtles very close during my dive, something I’ve never seen before.
Allow yourself to indulge in great range of cuisines during your stay. A favourite of mine at the resort is La Yola, which is a restaurant that sits on a platform above the ocean within the marina and serves fresh seafood, mouth-watering meat dishes and more. As a personal favorite to start your meal, you must also try the grilled eggplant with mozzarella cheese and aurora sauce.
At La Yola restaurant there’s also the added touch of live music on weekends played by a 3 piece-wandering band. Expect them to play divine angel-like music right at your table.
A favorite part of the resort is the Ecological Reserve, which is home to a perfectly clear blue water swimming hole surrounded by thick mangroves and forest. It’s a secluded space and depending on the time of day, you could enjoy this beautiful space all on your own.
No vacation can be complete without a visit to the spa. The Six Senses Spa is a 5-minute golf cart ride away from your villa.
I opted for an exotic bamboo stick massage. Sitting on planes and exploring so many countries recently has caused many knots in my back (not complaining at all, I promise). This deep tissue massage sorted all that out.
After the massage, you can swim in the crystal clear ocean directly out front, or lounge in the hammocks nestled amongst the trees. I did fulfill a long dream of mine by having a nap in a hammock on the beach with a gentle warm breeze rocking me to sleep.
When you imagine the ultimate tropical vacation, know that it’s all possible at Villa Las Palmas located in Puntacana Resort in the Dominican Republic.
-Sorelle Amore
During her trip to the Dominican Republic, Sorelle stayed at Villa Las Palmas. Click here to view all THIRDHOME properties in the Dominican Republic.
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.
Welcome to Villa Punto da Vista in the beautiful rich jungle of Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica. Architecturally speaking, this may be one of the most beautiful, if not THE most beautiful place I’ve ever stayed in.
This was the very first project of architect David Konwiser. Usually some may shy away from showcasing their firsts; however in this case, it’s a masterpiece even for the advanced architects.
Every detail within the home has been well thought through. The intention of the villa was to combine elements of a 5-star hotel through the service, elegance, sophistication and ambience, but provide a private space for an intimate experience. And the blend of these two worlds is done flawlessly.
Besides the outstanding staff, the architectural genius is reflected in the awards this villa has collected over the past 8 years. The villa’s location will wow you, it is in close proximity to all the best activities Costa Rica has on offer including ATV, horse riding, waterfall exploration, whale watching, surfing and more.
Not only are you lucky enough to be enjoying your daily freshly-cooked breakfasts overlooking one of the most stunning views within Costa Rica, but also you’re surrounded by dense jungle, just minutes away from the beach.
The property itself has been erected upwards, covering only 7% of the 2.5 acres of private rainforest land, meaning there is more space for native friends to be staring at you from their trees just a few feet away. I’m talking about the sloths, the three different types of monkeys (including the endangered squirrel monkey which is only in Manuel Antonio – where the villa is located), the toucan birds, the iguanas and other stunning wildlife Costa Rica is known for.
Villa Punto de Vista in Costa Rica was created with entertainment in mind. Every room has surround sound operated through a wireless iPad for you to access whatever online source you desire, huge open spaces on the roof deck and the first floor to dance the night away, large projector screens to watch your favourite films on or football matches (must be done when in Costa Rica), a stunning infinity pool which is practically part of the jungle as it’s surrounded by the most dense trees, the multiple bars within the home, a large professional grade kitchen if you would like to arrange a chef to entertain your palette, the 5th story Jacuzzi which is above the tree tops and hammocks all throughout.
As a side perk, ensure you book a yoga instructor and masseuse to come to the villa. I did my first headstand in my private yoga session (it was actually surprisingly easy and I’m a beginner at yoga), and the massage that followed was one of a kind as it was during sunset and when an intense thunderstorm was happening. I was listening to heavy sound of pouring rain and thunder as my body was attended to.
The villa has everything you could possibly desire within one space.
It’s a perfect place for weddings, corporate retreats, groups or family escapes. There is no place that can match the experience at this villa.
The greatest part of my stay within the villa was the warmth and the care received by the staff. Within days the staff felt like family, attending to my every need and desperately wanting to ensure I have the greatest experience possible in their country.
Whether it was suggesting or organising the best local tours or restaurants, or driving the 4wd ATV down to the beach so I could swim in the warmest ocean I have ever been in, I was in the best hands.
Another beautiful aspect of the villa was the green, sustainable factor of this breathtaking residence.
Much of the electricity within the home is created naturally through solar roof panels and the building itself was heavily created from recycled materials – such as the tiles created from recycled plastic.
A truly remarkable, thoughtful and conscious residence which is like no other. All the elements mentioned and the endless other aspects which I could write about for hours will guarantee you one of the best weeks of your life.
-Sorelle Amore
During her trip to Costa Rica, Sorelle stayed at Villa Punto de Vista. Click here to view all THIRDHOME properties in Costa Rica.
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, provides a tour of Rainforest Meets the Sea (Villa Punto de Vista) in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.
Members, want to visit Costa Rica? Click here to browse THIRDHOME properties in Costa Rica.
Click here to learn more about joining our luxury travel club.
Sorelle Amore, THIRDHOME‘s Best Job On The Planet winner, explores Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica and shows off some of the best activities and attractions to put on your list for a trip to the area. She stayed in an incredible 10-bedroom home.
Members, want to visit Costa Rica? Click here to browse THIRDHOME properties in Costa Rica.
Click here to learn more about joining our luxury travel club.
A visit to Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, means living in the jungle surrounded by amazing exotic animals that swing through the trees.
Manuel Antonio is a jungle. Literally a jungle. Speaking to all the locals and foreigners about Costa Rica, I quickly found out this is one of the best places in Costa Rica to visit.
This ecologically diverse area is home to one of the largest variety of flora and fauna in the world.
If you want to guarantee seeing animals such as the sloth, a range of different species of monkeys, racoons and overwhelming amount of birds, you must check out Manuel Antonio National Park. Although the park is small, it’s filled to the brim with these occupants of the land. Be sure to join a professional tour with a guide during your visit as they will disclose some of the most interesting facts about the wildlife and Costa Rica. Having the tour guide find the animals for you in the jungle is priceless.
Within the park, you will also find one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. They filmed parts of Jurassic Park here and it’s no guesses why. The jungle trees’ hugging the ocean shoreline is a sight that must be witnesses.
Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica may be a tourist town, however it’s a very quiet tourist town. People that visit this area of the country are interested in relaxation, surfing, wildlife watching, dining, lounging at the beach and live music.
The perks of being a tourist village however is that there are many activities to occupy you if you want some adventure in your day.
From zip lining through the tree canopies, riding an ATV through the jungle and rivers, swimming underneath waterfalls, hiking, catamaraning next humpback whales and their calf (during the right season), abseiling from waterfalls, tasting freshly made chocolate or real vanilla beans at the local Vanilla Spice farm, fishing, horse riding, water rafting or jet skiing – there’s always going to be something for you to do.
My visit to Costa Rica occurred during the rainy season and a common misconception is that the rain never stops. This is very far from the truth. The rain always started in the late afternoon for about 3 hours and that was it.
The result – luscious greenery everywhere, perfect temperatures, less tourists around and beautiful rain pouring whilst you’re enjoying your dinners.
So whether you’re looking to go during the dry or wet season, you’ll be guaranteed a memorable time in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.
To all of you that already have Manuel Antonio on your list of places to visit, you’ve got the right idea.
-Sorelle Amore
During her trip to Costa Rica, Sorelle stayed at this beautiful home, Villa Punto de Vista, in Manuel Antonio. Click here to view all THIRDHOME properties in Costa Rica.
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.
Guest blogger and THIRDHOME member Lawrence Grossman shares his must-do activities in San Francisco. He just came back from a trip to San Francisco in which he stayed at a Ritz-Carlton Destination Club residence through his THIRDHOME membership.
They had me at the 24-hour-a-day cookie box! Located in the lobby of the Ritz Carlton Destination Club in San Francisco was a wooden box filled with 5 kinds of fresh baked cookies. Our friendly concierge Mark gave us our welcome cookie and explained that humidors were not just for cigars anymore, but were the perfect holding tank for cookies. He then sent us up to the swanky 12th floor guest lounge for a complimentary California wine tasting. Following our tasting, we entered our 2-bedroom residence and found a bottle of sparkling wine to assist us in celebrating my friend’s birthday. In 45 years of vacationing I can’t remember a better opening hour. It was shaping up to be a really good week in San Francisco.
This was my second stay at a Ritz-Carlton Destination Club residence through THIRDHOME and like my stay in St. Thomas, the customer service was unmatched. Our residence had everything necessary to really relax and be comfortable after a day of sightseeing. The location in downtown San Francisco was perfect: It was an easy walk to numerous restaurants and 3 blocks from Trader Joes allowing us to stock up on food and adult beverages. They even had a state of the art exercise facility to work off some of the Ghirardelli chocolate calories we packed on all week. Additionally, the staff were extremely helpful in sharing dining and transportation options.
This Ritz-Carlton Destination Club residence was the perfect base for exploring all that San Francisco has to offer. In a 1999 Special Edition, National Geographic Traveler named “50 Places of A Lifetime” to visit and explore. Included were 10 cities, only 2 of which are located in the US: New York and San Francisco. There’s a good reason San Francisco made the list and we were determined to fully understand and appreciate this choice before our week ended. Of course we “cable carred” on the Powell-Hyde Line, we “Fisherman Wharfed” at Pier 39 and we “Anchor Steam Beered” at the Anchor Brewery, all of which were iconic picture-perfect experiences. We biked through Golden Gate Park, toured the Castro district and experienced Haight Ashbury during the 50th anniversary of the “Summer of Love”. We biked to a San Francisco Giants baseball game and took our picture in front of the Willie Mays statue.
But our Top 3 San Francisco activities were our self-guided bicycle tour over the Golden Gate Bridge, our magical walk through Muir Woods and our ferry ride and tour of Alcatraz Island.
1: BICYCLE TOUR OVER THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE
Cycling through the Presidio, over the Golden Gate Bridge and coasting downhill to the town of Sausalito was an absolutely exhilarating experience. The views from the top of the bridge of San Francisco were sensational on an unusually clear day for the Bay area. Dozens of people were out enjoying the day walking and biking across the 8,891-foot span of the bridge and most of us stopped at the highest point to take out our cameras and record the experience. After a curvy and scenic downhill ride we ended up in downtown Sausalito, a historic waterfront community with loads of cool shops and waterfront watering holes. The marina featured several houseboats and legend has it that Otis Redding wrote his famous “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay” while living on one of these boats. An unexpected treat suggested by locals was ice cream at Lappert’s ice cream shop featuring giant scoops of Kona Coffee and Kaui Pie in a waffle cone. It was well worth the ride.
2: WALK THROUGH MUIR WOODS
Our second “don’t leave San Francisco without experiencing it” adventure took place 30 minutes north of the city in Muir Woods National Monument. Everyone should experience the mystical nature of hiking underneath a canopy of coastal redwood trees. It is hard to believe this beautiful park is so close and accessible to a major city. The sheer majesty of these giant trees makes one talk in hushed tones and use an indoor voice. We entered the park with our map, water and camera and 3 hours later exited feeling humbled, tired and awed by this magnificent place. The only disappointing thing for me personally was when my friends informed me that Caesar and his ape friends and family from the movie “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” didn’t really live there as portrayed in the movie. They politely suggested I stop calling out Caesar’s name as we strolled through the park. I was gratified to read later that park officials attributed a recent increase in attendance at the park to the movie’s release so I clearly was not alone in my hope to run into the apes.
3: TOUR OF ALCATRAZ ISLAND
Our third great San Francisco adventure was the ferry ride to and the tour of Alcatraz Island. I’m old enough to have seen Clint Eastwood’s “Escape from Alcatraz” and Charlton Heston’s “The Birdman of Alcatraz”, which both spark curiosity to visit the island and walk the grounds. The exceptional self-guided tour of the prison included headphones and narration from former prisoners and guards complete with sound effects and compelling storylines related to prison riots and escape attempts. As the ferry left the dock to return to San Francisco I could picture the 3 escapees entering the Bay on their improvised raft to try to get to the mainland. To this day the fate of these men is unknown adding to the intrigue of Alcatraz.
To summarize the week, National Geographic Traveler had it right, San Francisco is one of the great cities of the world and any traveler who has the opportunity should pay it a visit. Just don’t forget a good pair of walking shoes!
Members, click here to view all THIRDHOME properties in San Francisco.
Yellowstone National Park in the United States. Talk about a country’s hidden treasure.
The minute I started telling people I was going to this location everyone informed me I was in for a treat. That it was their favorite place in the whole country and I should get my camera ready.
Being a girl that usually calls Iceland home, I’m no longer easily impressed by nature’s beauty because some would say Iceland tops the list for beautiful destinations.
So how did Yellowstone National Park and my visit to Montana measure up?
I was impressed. Very impressed.
The sheer size of the park and the incredibly diverse wildlife still leave me astonished. How can one park be home to so many animals?
Here are a few facts about Yellowstone that will probably blow you away:
- 67 different mammals live here, including many small mammals.
- As of 2016, an estimated 690 grizzly bears live in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (I saw 3 of them feeding on a carcass. They never share. This was really rare.)
- Black bears are common.
- Gray wolves were restored in 1995. As of January 2016, 99 live primarily in the park (I saw a pack of adult wolves all playing for 20 minutes. This is also rare. Adults don’t often play like this).
- Wolverine and lynx, which require large expanses of undisturbed habitat, reside here.
- Seven native ungulate species—elk (saw many), mule deer, bison (saw many), moose, bighorn sheep (saw), pronghorn (saw one cutie), and white-tailed deer (saw many) call the park home.
- Also, there are many bird species found in the park.
I spent just one day at Yellowstone National Park and truly, if it was by choice, I would have spent at least another week there searching every nook and cranny of this hidden gem including the vast mountains, rivers, forests and waterfalls.
As for the other areas around the beautiful THIRDHOME property I was staying in called Elk Run, there is the local town, Livingston. And I will immediately admit that I will dream of this little town often.
It’s small but it is full of life and culture. Being an Australian, all I saw around me was a movie set replica. All of a sudden I got a very strong urge to become a Hollywood actress and drive down the Livingston streets in my red convertible.
Local breweries, local seafood restaurants (yum!), libraries, and cafes galore with exceptional cold brew coffee for those hot summer days and natural food stores with fresh, green, healthy juices for breakfast. Everything this girl needs.
A signature activity that is done around this area, is taking a boat out on the Yellowstone River. You can just float down the river or opt for a fly fishing boat if you want an exciting fishing experience. In the evening, swing by Chico Hot Springs Resort and Day Spa to take a dip in hot spring pools and whilst you’re at it, try their exquisite restaurant for a sensational local meal.
If you would like to be involved in the local nightlife, you have two options – check out Bozeman city about a 40-minute drive from Elk Run. It’s heavily a college town and the vibe of Bozeman is young and fun. Otherwise, for a more local experience, minutes down the road from Elk Run is Pine Creek Lodge. They had live country music blearing in their outdoor courtyard on Friday nights filled with everyone dancing the night away, great food and local beer.
Thanks for having me Montana and Yellowstone National Park. And I hope to see you again soon.
-Sorelle Amore
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, provides a tour of Elk Run in Livingston, Montana.
Members, want to visit Montana? Click here to browse THIRDHOME properties in Montana.
Click here to learn more about our luxury travel club.
Welcome to a cozy luxury home found on the brink of Yellowstone National Park in Montana.
You have arrived at Elk Run. A large open floor house with 3 bedrooms, two living rooms, a hot tub, a large porch surrounding the triple story home, breathtaking views of nature in every direction and a heck of an amazing host to make your stay the best it possibly can be.
Elk Run looks exactly what you would expect a home to look like that is in Montana and near the precious Yellowstone National Park.
It’s all wood, and inside you will find wooden tables, wooden kitchen cabinets, wooden bunk beds, wooden floors, wooden lamps. There is wood everywhere. The décor is mainly tones of brown, with added antler lamps and skin throws on the floor to give it a country feel.
The backyard keeps this vibe in tact with the pool being a natural rock pool with a small cobble stone beach and wooden reclining chairs. During the very hot summer days, this pool will be your saviour.
At night time, the weather drops which is the perfect time to make use of the hot tub and enjoy the sunset views over the mountains with a glass of wine. Follow that up with a BBQ on the porch (or whip up a feast inside the large kitchen), and dine under the stars, or sit within the warmth of the sunroom with the semi circle couch formation – perfect for long chats with friends until the early hours of the morning.
A great advantage of Elk Run is its location. Pine Creek Lodge down the road is always ready to entertain you and feed you at night.
You’re also right on the Yellowstone River, so make sure to grab a boat and float down just like the locals do, or do a fly fishing tour if you are a keen fishermen.
For the horse lovers, book a horse riding session at Chico’s and follow up the ride with a swim in their hot springs.
During the day, you’re a stones throw away from the town of Livingston where you can enjoy a local brew at the Katabatic brewery, have a great cold brew coffee at Café Crossings or have a green healthy juice from Wheatgrass Salon to revitalize your body.
And of course there are also plenty of restaurants for you to enjoy! The Farmers Market is a must on Wednesday nights to stock up on some delicious healthy fruits and vegetables to cook up at home.
It cannot go without mention that Yellowstone National Park is just a 50-minute drive away from Elk Run. This park will leave you breathless. The beauty of nature here is second to none, with explosive geysers, tremendous tumbling waterfalls and of course the enchanting wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, mountain lions, bison, elk, deer and so much more.
Enjoy your stay at the Elk Run in Montana. It’s a place you’ll want to return.
-Sorelle Amore
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, spends a day in Yellowstone National Park and spots bears and bison. She was staying at THIRDHOME property Elk Run in Montana.
Click here to learn more about our luxury travel club.
Sorelle Amore, THIRDHOME‘s Best Job On The Planet winner, explores Livingston, Montana and shows off some of the best activities and attractions to put on your list for a trip to the area. She stayed at Elk Run.
Members, want to visit Montana? Click here to browse THIRDHOME properties in Montana.