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.

 

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.

 

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.

Click here to learn more about our luxury travel club.

Hey London…

I like you. I really do.

My London visit and all the things to do in London were an unexpected surprise. After all, I’ve been here before and thought I wouldn’t really be phased by you.

But during my week-long visit to London which led me to deeper corners of this city that I previously hadn’t seen, I discovered there’s more to London then just a big old city.

A visit to London will consist of exploring the breathtaking architecture and landmarks, shopping, great live entertainment and fine dining.

On every corner within the city, there was an opportunity to try succulent cuisines from around the world, and follow that up with an award-winning play at the local theatre. And luckily I had the chance to see one of the comedy shows which sent me into hysterics. This one was called ‘The Play that Goes Wrong,’ which I highly recommend.

There are major landmarks which you must explore, like Big Ben, The Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Palace of Westminster, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Tate Modern Museum, Hyde Park and Trafalgar Square.

Don’t get overwhelmed by this list. These points of interest are close together and seeing them isn’t going to take up your entire holiday.

I also loved wandering through the Borough Markets. A sea of fresh foods from around the world and locally prepared meals and brewed alcohol stalls which will do wonders to your palette.

Furthermore, London, I would like to pride you on your people. Well-mannered, well-versed and full of life. My kind of people.

When I travel, it’s mostly people that I love meeting. All the untold stories that I desperately want to hear.

And London, you delivered. I stumbled upon incredible people, from my kind Uber drivers, to the memorable mind-provoking conversations with strangers that are now friends.

If you would truly love to experience what London has on offer, you must include a London makeover in your visit. I had the pleasure of working with a local stylist and also getting a new hair-do from Kim Lomax at the ‘Best Voted in London’ award winning The Chapel Place in Islington.

It’s the perfect start to my Best Job On The Planet adventure. Looking fine and feeling fine.

I will miss you London. You left an impression on me.

So much so, that I wouldn’t be opposed to calling you home one day.

-Sorelle Amore

(PS. I’m slightly worried that every place I visit, I’ll want to call home.)

THIRDHOME members, ready to pack your bags and visit London? Click here to browse through properties in London.

 

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.

Within the center of London lies the small suburb of Islington where your THIRDHOME London accommodation is located. The charming white four-story townhouses with colorfully painted doors and black picket fences are home to some of the elites of town. Tony Blair would be the most familiar name, but many Prime Ministers, Secretaries of State and various other politicians live here.

Islington is a vibrant, hip and trendy part of London. On Upper Street and surrounding streets, you’ll find theatres, pubs and many fashionable shops, as well as restaurants and cafes that will satisfy the palette.

Cuisines such as Mediterranean, French, Italian, Japanese, Indian and English are just some of your choices. For breakfast, the range is just as impressive, including local juice bars ready to create a healthy concoction to get your day started right.

Your beautiful London accommodation located in Islington is also known for being located by award-winning hair and beauty salons.

The best-voted hairdresser in London, The Chapel Place, lies just minutes from the THIRDHOME London property.

Make sure you stop in with the hair artist Kim for an ultimate London makeover experience.

Within the comforts of your THIRDHOME London accommodation, you’ll find immediate comfort in the cozy, modern four-story townhouse.

The décor is dramatic. Beautiful dark decor is mixed with mood lighting throughout the three-bedroom home. A secluded courtyard at the back of the house is where you can sip on wine and bask in the warm summer sun.

The famous city attractions of London are just minutes away from your doorstep. Hop in the underground tube for an efficient and adventurous way to get around, or catch the local black taxis or Ubers, which are plentiful.

St Katherine’s Dock is a must-visit location for breakfast. This prestigious and quiet area of town has cafes lined all around the docks with yachts from around the world residing there. Enjoy the silence as you indulge in a healthy, nutritious breakfast prior to your full days exploring.

Right around the corner you’ll find the Tower of London and the Tower Bridge and within a brisk walk, you’ll come across the acclaimed Borough Markets filled with stalls of fresh fruits and vegetables, cheese and cured meat displays, local brewery beer and spirit stalls, and of course endless food stalls for you to feast on.

A visit to London isn’t complete without a visit to the Tate Modern Museum, just a stone throw away from the Borough Markets. Enjoy a glass of wine of cup of coffee on the 6th floor of the museum, with views overlooking St Paul’s cathedral below.

Finish off the night by attending a local play from the hundreds of available shows in downtown London. There’s something for everyone. Comedy, drama, love stories and more. This is something you must see before leaving London.

Of course during your visit, do see Buckingham palace and the acclaimed guard charge at 11am sharp during summer and select days during winter (check the schedule prior).

A full structured ceremony was witnessed by hundreds of other keen onlookers. The Queen of England surely knows how to wow her house visitors!

Knowing that English ladies and gentlemen are tea experts, it’s highly recommend you spend the afternoon relaxing over high tea. Browns Hotel in the Mayfair District is the best high tea experience you will get in London, and it’s perfectly situated just minutes away from Old Bond Street – the designer shopping street of London.

If your senses still allow, do stop by Gordon’s Wine Bar on your way back home. It is the oldest wine bar in all of the U.K., and the underground cave that the bar is nestled into will surely leave you dazzled.

Whatever your hearts desire, London has it. It’s a town that must make its way up high on your travel bucket list.

-Sorelle Amore

 

THIRDHOME members, ready to pack your bags and visit London? Click here to browse through properties in London.

 

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.