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.
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, 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.
WHAT ARE THIRDHOME MEMBERS SAYING ABOUT THEIR LUXURY HOME EXCHANGE TRIPS (TO DOMINICAN REPUBLIC AND ITALY) THIS WEEK?
Villa Las Palmas | Dominican Republic
This stunning villa was recently visited by the Best Job on The Planet winner, Sorelle Amore. It’s no surprise why members can’t get enough of this property. With room for 8 people, this villa is perfect for a group golf vacation or a family trip to the beach. The resort golf course, La Cana, was declared by Golf magazine as “Number One course in the Caribbean.” This property also comes with staff, making this stay exceptionally easy. Resort amenities are also available to guests including access to The Six Senses Spa. Escape to the tropics of Punta Cana in this stylish and spacious villa.
THIRDHOME member Gaelle says, “We spent 2 weeks in this villa and we have had such a great time. The resort is great and everything is within 10 min golf cart ride…The staff at the villa made our stay very special (Miguelina & Vincente) cutting fresh fruits every morning and bringing us fresh coconuts to hydrate us during the day.” Click here to read more of Gaelle’s review.
Residence at Portopiccolo | Italy
A city of mixed identities, Trieste is a marine town on the Adriatic coast near the Slovenian border. Years of rule under the Austrians and Italians have left this city with a melding of cultures without allegiance to any particular nation. This destination truly feels like a world all its own. Inside Trieste is the environmentally sustainable Residence at Portopiccolo, which boasts a world-class marina, boutiques, a luxury spa and delicious restaurants. Feel the wind roll off the Adriatic as you relax at the Beach Club or dine by the harbor. After your time in Trieste, you’ll have trouble putting your finger on what made it so special, but like a siren, it will call you back for more.
THIRDHOME member Catherine says, “Portopiccolo is a gated community with nary a stone out of place. It is like being in a beautiful bubble…We especially enjoyed the ample terrace – the first time I have seen a lawn on a balcony! Highly recommended.” Click here to read more of Catherine’s review.
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