Summer is over and the results are in.
These non-Affiliate properties in the THIRDHOME portfolio received the most 5-star reviews from June to September of 2018.
Some were especially popular due to their location and others more-so for their interiors. There were several that captured the beauty of both worlds, bringing form and function to the table. Did you stay at one of the properties below?
Portland, Oregon | The World is your Oyster, You are the Pearl
Featured reviews:
“This beautiful condo is in the perfect location to visit Portland. The views from this one bedroom unit are gorgeous.”-Maynard & Judy
“This condo is perfectly situated in the famous pearl District of Portland… Accommodations were beautiful and looking forward to a return visit.”-Ernie & Gena
“The apartment is beautiful with incredible views over Portland. Walking distance from stores and great dining it was a perfect base for a relaxing week exploring the area.”-David & Tanya
Number of Summer 2018 5-star reviews: 4
Cordillera, Colorado | Luxury Vail Villa Estate in Cordillera
Featured reviews:
“What a fabulous home with breathtaking views! We enjoyed Vail’s farmers market, hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, golf and live music plus great restaurants. We loved cooking in the fantastic kitchen too because we didn’t usually want to leave!”- Jennifer
“We were taken aback by the sheer majesty of this estate, atop the exclusive Cordillera Ranch Club. The home is decked out in every conceivable way and afforded us the utmost in comfort and relaxation.”-Michael
“Holy Cow!!!!!!!!!!! This place is off the hook! Thanks again! Wow!”-David
Number of Summer 2018 5-star reviews: 4
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica | Casa Alegria
Featured reviews:
“We absolutely loved the home. We will miss the monkeys on the balcony and the view. We can’t wait to return.”- Kristin & David
“Fabulous home with extraordinary views and abundant wild life-Capuchin monkeys, toucans ,sloths, howler monkeys ,iguanas and multiple birds.”- John & Nancy
“Beautiful house right in the rainforest. We felt one with nature seeing toucans and monkeys right outside the house while sipping coffee. So cool!”-Michael
Number of Summer 2018 5-star reviews: 4
Chicago, Illinois | Downtown Chicago, Lake Shore East Property
Featured reviews:
“This condo was everything it described and more! This was our second year in the unit. Very clean and loaded with everything to make you feel right at home. The location you cannot beat, minutes from fantastic restaurants, attractions, shopping, and a very nice grocery store. The amenities at the building are first class.”-Matt
“Nice property is a quiet area downtown. Great spot to stay for a visit and easy to catch the L or Uber.”- Jonathan
Number of Summer 2018 5-star reviews: 5
Verbier, Switzerland | Chalet de Merveilles
Featured reviews:
“It just doesn’t get any better then sitting on the terrace in the cool dry alpine air gazing at snow covered Swiss Alps in the summertime.”-Suzi
“It was our first time to Switzerland and we stayed here for two weeks…We had a great time.”- Michael
“Chalet des Merveillles really did exceed our expectations as we weren’t sure what to expect of the Swiss mountains in the summer. Christophe the owner couldn’t have been more inviting and Carla the chalet manager was friendly and wonderfully helpful. Verbier in the summer is wonderful with walking, hiking, climbing, cycling and in the most gorgeous surroundings.”- John
Number of Summer 2018 5-star reviews: 6
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | Villa las Palmas
Featured reviews:
“Tropical is a great word for this gorgeous home. We loved it here and been here a few times.”- Michael
“This is a beautiful property owned and managed by attentive friendly people. The location is fantastic. Jump at any chance to use this property in the future.”- Paul
“This property was wonderful. The staff was great. Some of the best golf in the world.”- Stewart
Number of Summer 2018 5-star reviews: 9
There you have it. These were the top-rated non-Affiliate THIRDHOME Exchange properties of Summer 2018. Always remember to review your trips to help other members find amazing stays! Click here to browse through THIRDHOME properties in the order of those that have the most 5-star reviews.
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.
In September of 2017, Founder, CEO and Chairman Wade Shealy and THIRDHOME members Miles Healey and Frank Maiorano set out on a motorcycle adventure across the American West. Read how their journey inspired an upcoming motorcycle tour through Europe. The route that they will embark on is considered one of the top routes for motorcycle enthusiasts in the world!
“Miles and Frank have been doing a similar route for the last seven years. They invited me last year and I said, ‘why not!'”-Wade Shealy
Wade Shealy found himself in Whitefish, Montana in early September 2017 with a bag, a bike and some close friends. He’d shipped his Harley Davidson Screaming Eagle Road King to Whitefish after being invited on the trip of a lifetime by his longtime friends, Miles and Frank. Wade had been riding since he was 16 but a ride like this had always been a bucket list item. Who didn’t want to make this trip after Easy Rider? There’s nothing quite like skirting the coast on a Harley.
Left to right: Miles Healey, Wade Shealy and Frank Maiorano in Montana
From Whitefish, Montana, the trio rode up I-90 W to Coeur de’Alene, Idaho, cutting West towards the Columbia River. They stayed at The Columbia Cliff Villas in Hood River before riding through the scenic Willamette Valley, through Portland and ending up at Lincoln City on the West Coast.
The trio cruised down the 101 and eventually hit Bandon, Oregon, for their next THIRDHOME stay at Bandon Cottage. The following day they crossed the California border and soon found themselves riding through the great Redwood Forest.
The tall ancient trees soon gave way to coastal views and before long they were in Mendocino. Shortly after, the group ended up in Sea Ranch where they lodged at Prado del Mar. At night, the crashing of the waves lulled them to sleep before the next ride.
Miles and Wade on the West Coast
The next leg took them through the Bay Area, past San Fransisco. The non-stop scenery, the wind blowing past them, the thrill of the engine beneath; it was a sensory experience like no other. This fuel burn in parallel to the Pacific seemed to be the closest thing to freedom any of them had felt in a long time. After they passed San Jose, they were rumbling through California’s interior, the horizon painted with distant mountains.
Wade, Frank and Miles taking a break in California
They rode straight through Santa Barbara and into Los Angeles, where their trip would come to a close. They were exhausted but happy to have taken part in something so special together. The thought of this amazing experience coming to an end was disheartening, to say the least. So they had an idea. Why not share an experience like this with other members? Moreover, why not take this motorcycle adventure to the next level?
Now you can join Wade, Miles and Frank on a motorcycle journey through the European Alps along with other Inner Circle members, witnessing some of the world’s most beautiful country and mountainsides.
Ride through France, Germany, Austria and Switzerland on a 7-day exploration of Alpine Europe.
Experience Level Required: Intermediate to Advanced Riders
See some of Europe’s most historic castles and landscapes while staying at luxury hotels along the way. All while riding one of Edelweiss Bike Travel’s various motorcycle models. Many of the bikes offer two seats, so bring along your friend or significant other for this extraordinary trip.
When is this motorcycle adventure?
The trip takes place on August 12-20, 2018. But don’t wait to sign up! The deadline to put down your deposit is on January 31st, 2018! If you’re interested in joining this majestic mountain ride, contact our Director of Travel & Concierge, Liz Bates soon before availability runs out!
Check out the bike models and pricing below!
For more information regarding the upcoming Inner Circle Alpine Best of Europe Motorcycle Adventure click here.
Take a hiking trip to these beautiful destinations with THIRDHOME:
Whether you are an advanced hiker or like a leisurely stroll, you can pick a trail based on your preferred difficulty, scenery, wildlife or distance in these desirable locations. Be sure to pack plenty of water and sunscreen, and get excited to explore these hiking destinations by THIRDHOME properties for your next trip!
Phoenix, Arizona
With more than 320 miles of well-maintained trails in the Greater Phoenix Area, vacationing in Phoenix is a hiker’s dream. Phoenix has a range of trails catering to both the intermediate hiker and the veteran hiker. Climb the red-hued butte at Papago Park, see gorgeous views of Scottsdale and Phoenix at Pinnacle Peak Park or hike the famous Camelback Mountain for a more strenuous workout. Stay in the THIRDHOME property Paradise Valley Camelback Country Estate, which is a 6,000 square-foot home with a pool and minutes away from great hiking trails.
Gramado, Brazil
Serra Geral National Park is a breathtakingly-grand bedrock-carved canyon in Brazil. With a number of endemic species, you might come across some unique critters on your hike. Once you are back from the hike, take a waterfall bath or relax in one of the many hammocks at Villa Paraiso.
Bend, Oregon
With more sunny days than Phoenix and over 30 hiking trails to explore, Bend is a wonderful hiking destination. With mountains, waterfalls, lakes and caves at your fingertips, central Oregon has some of the most incredible hiking trails in the country. Notable spots include the Green River Basin, Black Butte, Smith Rock State Park and Tumalo Falls. Stay at the Pronghorn Residence Club and enjoy the outdoor terrace, mountain views, and cool Northwestern climate.