If you’ve booked or are thinking about booking a trip to The United Kingdom, this guide is for you. THIRDHOME‘s Travel Concierge, Liz Bates, has collected The U.K.’s best local experiences, and is now sharing her insider knowledge with you!
DON’T JUST BE A TOURIST. LIVE LIKE A LOCAL, IN LONDON, WALES AND SCOTLAND, BY ADDING-ON ONE OF THESE PRIVATE OR SMALL GROUP EXPERIENCES!
Discover a bustling metropolis of art, history and culture in London. With much more to see than can be fit into a week-long stay, consider adding on a Live Like a Local experience to cover the essentials.
Evening Thames River Dinner Cruise – $179 per person
Enjoy a sumptuous dinner cruising past Big Ben, the London Eye, and more.
Rail it to Liverpool & Beatles Magical Tour – $259 per person
Included roundtrip rail tickets, Beatles Magical Mystery Tour, and entry to The Beatles Story.
Buckingham Palace – $129 per person
A panoramic tour of royal sites in central London followed by an audio tour of the staterooms, ballroom, and throne room in Buckingham Palace.
Stunning coasts and castles await in ancient Wales. Uncover mythical landscapes, historic landmarks and seaside charm in the Celtic land of Wales.
Private Brecon Beacons & Historic Sites – $429 per person
Find otherworldly views from mountains that tower over tiny hamlets boasting historic churches.
Private Pembrokeshire Coast – $429 per person
Visit Dylan Thomas’ home, Laugharne Castle, beautiful beaches, and more in this stunning coastal area.
Visit Edinburgh, the capital and cultural center of Scotland. It’s medieval architecture, craggy coast and exciting nightlife will have you longing for more time in this vibrant city.
Old & New Town Tasting Walking Tour – $125 per person
Enjoy good food, drink and company while learning the rich history of Edinburgh. Old & New Town are both listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Entrance to Edinburgh Castle w/Afternoon Tea – $69 per person
Visit this hilltop fortress, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels. After a self-guided tour, enjoy traditional afternoon tea with scones and sandwiches at the castle’s elegant tea room.
Beyond the marvels of Edinburgh lies an entire country filled with historic and cultural gems. From Loch Ness to the Isle of Sky, there’s no shortage of bucket list sites to see in Scotland.
Eileen Donan Castle & Isle of Skye – $125 per person
Behold some of Scotland’s most iconic scenery- Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle, Isle of Skye, and Black Isle.
Discover Malt Whisky Highlands Tour – $69 per person
Experience single malt Scotch whisky at two fascinating distilleries on the edge of the Highlands on this full-day tour.
Melrose Abbey & Alnwick Castle – $75 per person
Rolling hills, beautiful ruins, and a fascinating castle used as filming locations for Harry Potter and Downtown Abbey.
NO Keys are required to book these excursions and guided activities, however, a Personal Concierge assistance fee of $200 will be required upfront and does not include the actual tours and experiences you opt to add-on. If you would like to include a local excursion, please contact THIRDHOME‘s Travel & Concierge, Liz Bates.
Click here to see the Live Like a Local directory.
THIRDHOME Exchange member Bob just returned from Cuba, and has a lot to say about THIRDHOME Exchange’s Travel & Concierge service.
Dear THIRDHOME,
Recently our family went to Cuba with all arrangements having been made by Liz Bates of THIRDHOME. To begin with, after traveling much of the world with very good assistance, nothing compares with the virtually perfect arrangements we experienced through Liz’s efforts.
I’ve been trying to capture our entire week here and to come up with words that capture Havana…dreamscape, romantic, a paradise rising from a falling phoenix. None of these words really do justice to the extraordinary beauty and the bone-deep rhythm of this place.
The best part of the trip was the Cuban people, how they can keep moving on despite the embargo in place. It has changed me and I already look forward to returning one day.
While in Cuba (I am an artist and my son a filmmaker) we met important artists and museum directors and visited amazing galleries. The Modern Art Museum was simply superb with important Cuban components of the world’s art periods represented as if the artists were in Paris or New York.
All visits were relevant to us and our interests. We traveled in restored 1950s classic cars and, on long trips, had the best transportation available. Our local expert Cuban guide was incredibly knowledgeable and made sure we saw everything possible in the 6 days we toured around together.
Another huge highlight included (which is a must-do experience) is a visit to the Tropicana Club. Cuba was amazing and seems to be coming into its own. The people are gentle, kind and interesting; and all of the traditional paladar private restaurants that we had access to through Liz’s expertise were so much better than we expected.
Liz took the time to learn all of the important factors about us as a family and individually created a visit to Cuba that was meaningful from beginning to end. The private villa we stayed in was superb and staffed by the most wonderful Cuban people.
Our villa was the perfect oasis to rest in after being active all day. The villa was decorated in local art and staffed with some very special people. Then for my BIG Birthday celebration, an evening which began with a talented opera singer singing Las Mananitas (Traditional Happy Birthday Spanish style), continued into the night with amazing live jazz, more singing, and traditional dancing along with an amazing feast and a walk along the Malecon afterward, was forever memorable.
The entire evening and trip was a celebration filled with fantastic food, local people, music, art and culture – everything was wonderful. Our evening of the unique performance experience at F.A.C. was as if we were placed in Los Angeles, New York, or Paris – truly one of Havana’s best clubs, however, it just wouldn’t be the same if it were not in Cuba.
Havana is fabulous – every need and day was met beyond our expectations. Our recommendation: Call Liz and get to Cuba now!
-Bob Kantor
If Bob’s Cuban excursion inspired you, be sure to check out our newest Inner Circle Journey, Mariel Hemingway’s Hidden Havana! Discover the colorful city of Havana, with Mariel Hemingway as your insider guide to all things Ernest Hemingway, while staying at a private villa in Miramar!
Jacqueline Roth shares her family’s experience staying in Iceland through THIRDHOME‘s Travel & Concierge Curated Journeys.
This past Christmas, my family and I embarked on our first trip to Iceland.
With only five days to hit all the major sites around Reykjavik and the southern coast, every day was packed with excursions set up by Liz Bates and the Travel & Concierge Department.
She connected us with two amazing guides from Superjeep Iceland tours. Our guides would pick us up at our villa each morning and our day of adventure would begin. Iceland only has about 4-5 hours of sunlight during the winter, so our days needed to be meticulously planned to get to our first destination at sunrise and end our day with a beautiful sunset.
Some of the highlights of our trip included ATV-ing through the mountains, soaking in the blue lagoon, hiking on top of glaciers, and visiting a number of amazing natural wonders.
We conquered a lot over our stay, including the famous Golden Circle Tour, Ice Tunnels in Langjökull Glacier, Gulfoss Waterfall, and watching the sunset on the black sand beaches on the southern coast.
At night we explored and dined in downtown Reykjavik. We tasted the traditional Icelandic cuisine like whale and puffin, went ice skating in the town center, and even sang karaoke with the locals.
Our trip ended on a high note as we were fortunate enough to see the Northern Lights from our villa, a sight we will never forget! Thank you, Liz and THIRDHOME for helping us create yet another amazing vacation!
Jacqueline and her family have traveled with THIRDHOME since 2011. You can also read about their experience at Camdeboo Manor in South Africa or learn more about the Roth’s travel lifestyle with Alan Roth’s Member Spotlight.
Click here to view Curated Journeys through THIRDHOME‘s Travel & Concierge Department.
WHAT ARE THIRDHOME MEMBERS SAYING ABOUT THEIR LUXURY HOME EXCHANGE TRIPS (TO Italy AND Jamaica) THIS WEEK?
Concierge Local Experiences | Italy
THIRDHOME members have the option to add-on to their stays by using the club’s Travel & Concierge service. In Italy, for instance, members can embark on gastronomic tours of the city, discover hidden art scenes and book local sommeliers for tastings. This particular local experience was based out of the historic Palazzo 1619 Burano in Venice. If you want truly authentic experiences with your THIRDHOME trips be sure to give the Travel & Concierge service a try.
THIRDHOME member David says, “Liz, we just wanted to share with you that we’re having a great time and have really enjoyed all of our guided experiences you arranged for us in Venice. This was our first stay booked with THIRDHOME at the charming Palazzo 1619 Burano residence in the Venetian isle…thank you for planning the amazing artisan tours and private art-religious-culinary experiences…Each and every tour, including all the guides, were just out of this world. Thank you!” click here to read more of David’s review
Nestled in idyllic Sandy Bay, this Tryall Private Club property is perfect for experiencing the white sands of Jamaica. The property itself has an open floor plan, designed to let the tropical landscape into the bright living spaces. Visit the private white sand beach for a swim or take one of the complimentary sea kayaks for a spin. When you’re not sunbathing on the beach enjoy the resort’s world-class par 72 golf course. This property also includes a full-service staff. Be sure to check out the Tryall Wheelhouse for your next Jamaican getaway.
THIRDHOME member Douglas and Kimberly say, “What a wonderful week we had at the Wheelhouse! The Villa is beautiful and the views are spectacular. We started off with a few days of rain, but the staff, especially Gavin came up with all kinds of fun things for our kids to do!” click here to read more of Douglas and Kimberly’s review
Members, click here to view all available weeks and plan your next THIRDHOME 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.
Hit the fresh powder with these THIRDHOME Exclusive Stay ski weeks. Each exclusive stay pairs a THIRDHOME property, a ski resort, and rental services from Ski Butlers. Between their amazing customer service and the help of your personal concierge, your next vacation will be a breeze.
What can you expect from Ski Butlers? You will never lug around your ski gear again with Ski Butler rentals. They’ll fit you at your property, deliver the gear, and pick it up when you’re done from wherever you are. Operating in 37 North American ski resorts, Ski Butlers is available at your favorite ski destinations. Even better, book your Ski Butler service through THIRDHOME and get 10% off the price of your rentals.
Our Travel Concierge is ready to make your dream ski vacation a reality with these exclusive trips
Heavenly Hideaway | California
Get cozy around the fireplace at this elegant Lake Tahoe treehouse. From this amazing property, you’re only 8 blocks away from The Heavenly lift. With room to sleep 6 people, 3 and a half baths and 2,200 square feet, you’ll have plenty of room to spread out and enjoy your trip to Lake Tahoe. Get your gear fitted and delivered directly to the treehouse through Ski Butlers, and hit the slopes in no time. You can also arrange lift tickets, sleigh rides, snowmobile adventures, in-home private dinners, spa reservations and paddle-wheeler boat dinner on Lake Tahoe through your travel concierge. Click here to learn more about the Heavenly Hideaway Experience.
Park City Powder | Utah
Settle into one of the largest homes in Park City’s Old Town during your exclusive ski trip. This 4,400 square-foot home can easily host a party of 12 and can be your home base for an epic day on the slopes. It’s even located in the neighborhood that the stars call home during the Sundance Film Festival. The home features a gourmet kitchen, a Jacuzzi, game systems for the kids and easy access to all that Main Street has to offer. Within walking distance of Park City Mountain Resort, you’ll have no trouble getting to your favorite slopes from here. As always, Ski Butlers can show up right to your house to have you outfitted for the slopes. Your travel concierge can arrange lift tickets, sleigh rides, spa reservations, private dinners and much more for your Park City Powder adventure. Click here to learn more about the Park City Powder Experience.
Aspen Wonderland | Colorado
Shred Snowmass Mountain by day and stay at this Stunning Mountain Home by night. Within 10 minutes of all four Aspen ski mountains, this mountain home is perfect for skiing pros. This house can sleep 10 people, has four fireplaces, a gourmet kitchen, four master suites and a bunk room. There’s no reason to leave the house (besides skiing) when your gear can be delivered by Ski Butlers and your dinners and massages can be provided in-home. Spoil yourself with this decadent Snowmass Village getaway this ski season. Your travel concierge can arrange spa reservations, dinner reservations, dog sledding adventures, sleigh rides and so much more at your request. Click here to learn more about the Aspen Wonderland Experience.
Squaw Valley Views | California
Schuss like an Olympian at The Resort at Squaw Valley, site of the 1960 Winter Olympics. This AAA Four-Diamond resort overlooks the Sierra Nevada Mountains and offers access to both Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows slopes. The residence can accommodate up to 4 people and is perfect for small family trips. The resort is also ski-in/ski out making for seamless transitions from skiing to relaxation. Again, you’ll never have to worry about your gear when you use Ski Butlers for your rental needs. Your travel concierge can arrange lift tickets, sleigh rides, dogsledding, in-home massages therapy, spa reservations and so much more. Book a hand-tailored ski trip for your family at Squaw Valley today. Click here to learn more about the Squaw Valley Views Experience.
Being marooned on this island in Belize wouldn’t be half bad. Gilligan would definitely approve.
You’re flying about 10 miles from the coast, and around 40 miles from the capital of Belize- with the helicopter prop whizzing heavily above you. The royal blue shade of the sea is uninterrupted except for the occasional light blue tint of shallow waters. Amongst it all sits Royal Belize Island, your island getaway.
The cockpit tilts back slightly as the pilot makes his descent. Thatch-roofed umbrellas waver and water ripples under firm helicopter gusts. The skids hit the grass, the engine shuts down, and for the first time, you realize how unutterably quiet it is in this tropical isolation. Your heart slows by a few beats.
Steps away is your red-topped villa. The walls are almost entirely glass as if the villa were inviting the sea in for a cup of coffee. From here it’s difficult to tell, but there are an entire 7.5 acres of island to explore. But first, the island staff greets you and accommodates your every need.
You finally get to settle into your villa while the rest of your group makes themselves at home at the 2 other villas on the property. They’re all very modern and within footsteps of the water. You discover that when sitting on the front porch the tradewinds make your hairs stand on end and leave goosebumps on your arms. The vista from your chair is sublime. You wonder, why did I wait so long to come?
Between all the houses are communal spaces in lavish thatch-roof huts. You saunter in to find that a mojito has already been prepared for your arrival. There’s a masseuse table in the corner, and you remember that you’d booked a private spa session through THIRDHOME‘s Travel & Concierge department. You mentally pat yourself on the back for the forethought.
You feel renewed, limber and several years younger. You say to yourself, I could lay here in this face cradle all day, but you couldn’t possibly. Not when there’s a chartered boat captain waiting to take you saltwater fly fishing! Your captain arrives and hands you a top of the line Orvis fishing rod, made specifically for tackling those wily bonefish.
Your skipper transports you to various atolls, cays and reefs. He mentions to your crew that these are perfect locales for scuba diving, snorkeling and kayaking. Your crew, in invisible agreement, begins to strap on their diving fins. SPLASH!
The next day, over brunch, you propose a jungle adventure to your crew. “Travel at high speeds through the jungle on Belize’s longest zip line and venture to the well hidden Bocawina Falls,” you read aloud from your Travel & Concierge materials, “natural pools and refreshing waters await.” It all sounds promising, and within no time the rainforest is flying by you at 60+ miles per hour.
Afterward, your crew wants to venture through Cave Branch River, Belize’s longest cave tube float. You explore over two miles of the ancient Mayan underworld followed by a hike through a mixture of ancient Yucatan relics and natural beauty.
For some reason, you feel that Royal Belize Island was too cushy- too easy. You came for the true castaway experience! Your skipper fulfills your desire and transports you and your crew to Ranguana Caye for the night.
Ranguana Caye features island staff, a beach bar, and three rustic cabanas. Here you find even more fishing, scuba, and watersport opportunities. Your crew lauds this rare find, and you smirk- eat your heart out Tom Hanks. A fishing spear has never felt so natural in your well-worn island hands.
You awake in a tizzy to find that your island tan is gone, as is your straw hat. Traffic, clacking keyboards, and a bombardment of city noises return you to reality. And the reality is this: you are only a few clicks away from returning to the private island experience of a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Royal Belize Island awaits you and your 10+ guest crew!
Packages for this Curated Journey start at $4,999 per person, and the trip is fully customizable to your party.
Get a double dose of private island action today by clicking here.
Ever planned a wedding? It’s a seemingly never-ending gauntlet of picking linens and politely arguing with vendors. The honeymoon, in theory, should be a welcome reprieve from all the stresses of wedding planning, but travel planning can be just as demanding. That’s why THIRDHOME offers seamless happily-ever-afters through its Travel & Concierge department. THIRDHOME‘s Travel & Concierge department doesn’t just book your plane tickets and hotel, they book your entire honeymoon experience. Read more to find out what that full-package experience means.
Lauren Parks recently returned from her honeymoon in Maui. Check out what she had to say about her curated experience!
Liz (THIRDHOME‘s Director of Travel & Concierge Services) was AMAZING! Our honeymoon was AMAZING! Everything about our THIRDHOME Travel & Concierge service was AMAZING!
Liz provided my husband and I with so many different food options, excursion options and shopping spots. We knew Maui wasn’t going to disappoint! We talked on the phone a few different times and she told us all the best places to hit during our week stay in Hawaii. She knew what to pass on and the places we just had to see!
She was so passionate about Maui and had been there a few times herself- she got us so excited! Liz sent us an organized list of a ton of different options that she recommended. From that list, all we had to do was tell her what we wanted to do and it was planned! I mean how easy (and we needed easy during wedding planning)!
She booked us a car for the week and it was so easy to pick up at the airport!
From the moment we checked into the Kea Lani Resort we were treated like royal guests! Liz booked us the best room and we really felt at home the entire stay. We went snorkeling, went to dinner at the famous Old Lahaina Luau, went on a helicopter tour (our favorite), had dinner at Mama’s Fish House (a must) and drove the road to Hana.
It was an amazing week and we made memories that will last a lifetime!
Thank you, Liz, for everything you did. Get ready to help us plan our next trip!
– Lauren Parks
With 28 years of travel planning experience, Liz Bates is a maestro of curating unforgettable experiences.
Click here to learn more about all the happily-ever-after concierge offerings.
To plan your honeymoon through THIRDHOME‘s Travel & Concierge program contact Liz at liz@thirdhome.com today!
Welcome to the land of slow-blowing tumbleweeds, legendary gunslingers, notorious outlaws and big steer. Welcome to the American West; soaked in history since before the days of Lewis & Clark, the American West has emerged into the 21st-Century as one of the country’s richest cultural regions. THIRDHOME‘s Travel & Concierge department has crafted stays for properties in Arizona, Texas and New Mexico. Each property is paired with special events, cultural discoveries and optional outings, all catered to your traveling preferences.
GIDDY-UP AND RIDE WEST WITH THESE EXCLUSIVE STAYS IN ARIZONA, TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA- SPIRIT OF THE WEST
Start your Arizona adventure from the comfort of this Southwest-style luxury home located in the Dester Mountain community of Scottsdale. This 4-bedroom property excels in outdoor space. The pool, hot tub and fire pit are a natural draw for guests, especially under Arizona’s unobstructed night sky.
Visit this exhibition of equestrian majesty at the Arabian National Breeder Finals Horseshow. Watch world-class stallions breeders compete for grand prizes in their class while taking in the beauty of the WestWorld Scottsdale facility.
After taking in the beauty of Arabian horses, you have the option of going to The Western Spirit of Scottsdale Museum, which will be exhibiting The Rennard Strickland Collection of Western Film History. This collection features historic Western film posters, lobby cards and other film related memorabilia dating back to the 19th-Century. Osage and Cherokee art is also featured in this wide assortment of Western art.
Finish out your Exclusive Stay in Arizona’s great natural beauty by enjoying some outdoor recreation. Go hiking, mountain climbing, explore ancient adobe dwellings or go on a desert jeep tour. The options are limitless and catered to your traveling preferences. This Exclusive Stay is during the week of September 8-15, 2017.
Click here to book your Spirit of the West Exclusive Stay.
AUSTIN, TEXAS- HOOK-EM HORNS Y’ALL
Stay at this gorgeous Texas Villa while visiting Austin, one of Travel+Leisure‘s 2017 top cities in the United States. This property comes with ample amenities and features three pools, a full-service spa, restaurants and a bar, access to 5 golf courses and boat rentals at the Lakeway Marina. This property can sleep up to 8 Texas Longhorn fans at a time.
You’ll get to watch the Longhorns pummel the San Jose Spartans from the 45-yard line, at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 9! With four seats on the 32nd row, you’ll get to witness all the excitement up close.
Cool off with special access to Lakeway Marina’s boat rentals. With a wide selection of jet skis, party barges, pontoons, ski boats, runabouts, paddle boards and kayaks you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make the most of your lakefront property.
Finish out your Austin vacation with a Swedish massage at Lakeaway Resort & Spa. The Travel & Concierge department can also arrange Texas BBQ outings, brewery tours, wine tasting trips and night excursions. Don’t just travel to Austin, travel to an Austin that’s hand tailored to you. This Exclusive Stay is during the week of September 8-15, 2017.
Click here to book your Hook-Em Horns Austin Exclusive Stay.
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO- INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FESTIVAL
Travel + Leisure just named Santa Fe one of the World’s Top 15 Cities for its pueblo-style architecture, local culture and old-world aesthetic. You’ll be stepping into the past with this 1920s adobe-style bungalow in Santa Fe’s Historic Eastside while experiencing one of the most beautiful aerial spectacles in the world.
Inflate your imagination at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The event lasts all week with morning and evening options for attendance. Watch lasers dance across the sky during the laser light show followed by the mass ascension of balloons into the New Mexico sky. With Rainbow Ryders balloon company, you’ll have the opportunity to fly in one of these spectacular balloons. You will also have Rail Runner tickets and shuttle service coordinated for your trip to Albuquerque through your travel concierge.
When you’re not flying over the New Mexico landscape, you’ll be observing its beauty from street level. Established in 1610, Santa Fe is the country’s oldest state capital. The city has done a tremendous job at preserving the structures that create its colonial appeal. Shop for Native American jewelry and pottery along the Palace of the Governors, or visit Santa Fe’s Museum of Fine Arts to see a collection on par with the New York Met. Between all the art downtown and the entire district of Museum Hill you’ll have many chances to take in some of the country’s best artwork and culture.
As always, there’s so much more that can be booked through the Travel & Concierge department. Hot springs soaking at one of Santa Fe’s all-natural luxury Spas is a wonderful way to experience the rugged beauty of New Mexico’s countryside. You can also visit the cliff dwellings of the Pueblo Native Americans, golf, take private yoga sessions, join a food tour or take an authentic local cooking class. This Exclusive Stay is during the week of October 7-14, 2017.
Click here to book your Santa Fe Balloon Fiesta Exclusive Stay.
There’s no better way to escape the chaos of the modern world than the seclusion of a private island. For most, the idea of a private island seems unachievable and purely speculative. But now, through THIRDHOME, you can book the private island retreat of a lifetime.
THIRDHOME has curated an exclusive trip to Belize on the Private Island of Little Harvest Caye for you and 14 other guests
Get whisked away from Placencia Airstrip to the ultimate self-sustaining island. Welcome to Little Harvest Caye. Houses and strips of the beach are covered in high-end solar panels, powering the entire island with ease. The island also features a rainwater collection system making Little Harvest Caye the most eco-friendly island off of Placencia. Small island, smaller footprint.
Start your day poolside while the island chef prepares your meal in his gourmet kitchen. The chairs you’re lounging in were crafted by local artisans and custom made for Little Harvest Caye. You’ll find Mayan carvings (including many of the doors) throughout the property, giving light to the region’s rich ancient history. Every bit of this island was handpicked to create a unique island experience.
Each footstep in the sand gives the impression of down feathers parting between your toes. Welcome to the most private beach you’ve ever been on. No spring break crowds, no strangers, simply you and your island crew splashing away in the azure blue waters.
Little Harvest Caye has several communal areas for your group to eat lunch, enjoy a cocktail or read a book. The thatch roof and open sides allow the ocean breeze to follow you wherever you go.
There are plenty of opportunities for games and recreation in the communal area. Ping pong, wide screen TV’s, movie screen and a projector are included. Although, who would need to turn on the television in a place like this?
Each of 5 bedrooms are air conditioned, but the wind rolling off of Placencia through your patio door will be more than enough to keep cool. The property has 1 king bed, 4 queen beds, and 3 children’s beds (5 feet). Each suite has a private ensuite bathroom. An outdoor shower is also included to wash away all the sand you’ll be covered in.
Adventure calls out from the Blue Hole waters and the coast of Belize. Little Harvest Caye provides kayaks, snorkels, guest boats, and paddle boards for near-island exploration. But other excursions can be planned with THIRDHOME‘s Travel & Concierge program including a Jaguar Reserve Tour, Scuba Diving Tours, Sailing Tours, Zipline Adventures, Mayan Ruin excursions, horseback riding, and deep sea fishing.
This private island getaway is only available for the week of August 26-September 7, 2017.
Exclusive stay fees are 15 Keys +$995 exchange fee+ $1323.50 per person with a minimum requirement of 10 people to book.
Click here to learn more about this Exclusive Stay. Book soon before it’s too late!
3 curated trips bound to bring you together as a family
Baby doves typically leave their nest after eleven days and become flighted after four more days. That means that with an average lifespan of two years in the wild, baby doves spend around 2% of their existence with their family. By contrast, humans spend over six thousand days with their family before they are “flighted”– nearly 23% of their life is spent in the nurture of their parents. We have so much more time with family than the ill-fated dove, but why does it seem so short? In the flash of an eye, family life can simply become family memories and those memories are painted by those shared family experiences. THIRDHOME has curated three experiences across three continents for you to share with your family. They’re bound to leave a lifelong impression.
1. Alaska: The Last Frontier
Explore Alaska: Beyond your Dreams, Within Your Reach
Set up base camp at the beautiful mountaintop Alyeska Resort for a week’s worth of wilderness adventures. Take a relaxing float trip down the Portage River to observe hanging glaciers, moose, bison and elk. The day after, cruise the Kenai Fjords National Park to catch a glimpse of the majestic humpback whales, orcas and sea lions. Climb aboard the Alaska Railroad GoldStar Dome train to get a panoramic view of the unspoiled countryside. You can also journey by float plane to the Redoubt Bay Bear Sanctuary and witness the free roaming Brown and Black bears while relaxing at a rustic frontier lodge. Catch wild salmon, kayak through Byers Lake, hike over glaciers and visit Alaska’s Iditarod champion Huskies. There are so many ways to experience the great frontier with your family with this fully customizable package.
To learn more about this curated Alaska journey click here.
2. Costa Rica: Rainforest & Beach Adventure
Costa Rica: Pure Life
Dive into the tropical lowlands of Costa Rica’s Carribean coast. Journey up the Tortuguero Canal on your way to your selected lodge to encounter monkeys, tree sloths and the brightly colored birds of the region. The return trip to Arenal features a sunset view of Costa Rica’s most famous active volcano. Venture into the forest canopy on an Eco-Glide tour to take in the forest at all its magnificent angles. Spend the rest of your travels relaxing in a Guanacaste beach resort of your choosing. Walk the beach with your family, kayak along the luscious coast or set out on a horseback excursion. The choices are limitless and fully catered towards your family’s preferences.
To learn more about this curated Costa Rican adventure click here.
3. Ireland: Lucky Irish Charms
Ireland: A Breath of Fresh Air
Discover the 9th-Century wonder of Dublin and other historical charms on this family-centric trip. Tour Dublin’s medieval heritage by land and water aboard a WWII-era amphibious DUCK vehicle. Travel first class by train towards the southern tip of the Emerald Isle where your family can explore the legendary Blarney Castle, followed by a stay at the stunning Castlemartyr Resort. Take in a limerick or two alongside a private barbecue prepared specially for your family at Caslemartyr. The following day head to Kinsale Pottery and Art Centre to learn how to make colorful ceramic pottery or Celtic jewelry with local artisans. At Ballymaloe Cookery School you can have a firsthand culinary experience with expert chefs, and show off your new found tricks with the family. After leaving Caslemartyr Resort you’ll reside at Dromoland Castle where you will receive the royal treatment. On your final day, bike along the Cliffs of Moher to watch The Atlantic’s waves crash against the rugged Irish coast. Your experience will be an unforgettable one.
To learn more about this curated Ireland outing click here.
Embark on your own adventure with curated yacht charters
The sound of steel guitars enters your home, a schooner soars across the screen, with azure ocean waves lapping at the hull. Who doesn’t remember Gardner McKay’s swashbuckling adventures on Adventures in Paradise? Moreso, who wouldn’t want to have a similar adventure of their own? With THIRDHOME‘s new curated yacht charters and aquatic voyages, it’s possible.
Be the captain or hire a skipper of your own:
You can opt to do a bareboat charter, which makes you the master of your own destiny. Choose your own routes, restock as you go, and challenge your nautical know-how.
OR
Go for the fully crewed luxury charter which provides for a crew of up to 10. This crew can include a skipper, chef, and local experts. Your only onboard duty is to relax and enjoy the ocean breeze.
During your Curated Journey, travel under power or sail. Curated aquatic voyages come in many forms. Want the monohull sailing experience? Charter a 54 ft. Beneteau yacht with space for up to 11 passengers. If you have trouble telling the mizzen from the boom, then you’ll be happy to find an 110 HP engine on the vessel. Or, charter the 57 ft. Robertson and Craine Catamaran with 6 cabins. If the tradewinds are blowing low, then voyaging under power might be the best option. The 50 ft. Robertson and Craine power yacht is also available for exotic adventures.
Where to voyage? THIRDHOME‘s curated aquatic adventures are offered in the following locations:
– The British Virgin Islands
– US Virgin Islands
– Grenada
– St Lucia
– Puerto Rico
– Bermuda
– Bahamas
– Belize
– Miami
– Greece
– Croatia
– Turkey
– Spain
– Italy
– Tahiti
– Tonga
– Seychelles
– Thailand
Yacht Amenities? You won’t be roughing it out in the deep blue. Amenities include:
- Skipper available for hire
- Cook available for hire
- Stocked galley (kitchen) with pre-requested food items and provisions
- Offshore sailing school available
- Pre-order watersport equipment (kayaks, paddleboards, fishing gear, diving equipment)
- Wi-Fi on Exclusive Plus class yachts in the B.V.I., St. Martin, St. Lucia, and Grenada
- Electronics & Communications rentals
Adventure is right around the corner with THIRDHOME‘s curated yacht charters. Plan a voyage that Gardner Mckay would be proud of.
Ready to brave the great ocean blue? Click here to read more about these curated yacht charters, including how to reserve your trip.
“It’s wonderful to get out on the water. I need it.” He [Hemingway] gestured toward the ocean. “It’s the last free place there is, the sea.” – From Robert Manning’s (the executive editor of The Atlantic) 1954 visit and interview with Hemingway in Cuba.
Retrace Hemingway’s life in Cuba and Cuban history in this exclusive yacht voyage
This incredibly exclusive journey can only accommodate 46 lucky guests. At the bottom of this post, find out about an incredible promotional offer available to THIRDHOME members, but first, read about the adventure of a lifetime:
This exclusive voyage takes place on the Panorama, a yacht capable of boarding 46 guests. The Panorama is a three-masted motor sailer with cabins on three decks. All cabins have air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. The forward deck is spacious, allowing for en route activities. After a windblown tan, you might retire to the aft deck for a drink at the bar.
The interior of the Panorama includes a library and lounge. The library will prove especially handy for rereading that copy of For Whom the Bell Tolls or studying up on Cuban history. The Panorama will be boarded in Cuba after a brief flight from Miami.
The first few days will be spent in Cienfuegos exploring the local arts and culture followed by a trip to Trinidad. UNESCO has dubbed Trinidad a World Heritage Site for its gorgeous architecture. The port was founded in the 16th century and calls back to the days of the founding Conquistadors.
After departing Trinidad and Cienfuegos, a day will be spent at sea. Life at sea includes delectable cuisine, educational lectures, games, and visits to the bridge.
You will land, as Columbus did in 1494, on La Isla de Juventud (Isle of Youth) on the 5th day. The island has a distinct history brought forth by the Aboriginal Indians, pirates, and the imprisonment of the Castro brothers for 19 months.
By the 7th day of this Curated Journey, you will reach Havana, home to Hemingway’s former residence, Finca Vigia (Lookout Farm). Hemingway’s fishing boat, Il Pilar, can still be found on the grounds. Hemingway left in 1960 when he returned to the United States for the final time. The Cuban Government now runs Finca Vigia as a museum.
This voyage has limited space and embarks on either January 18, February 8, or February 15, 2018. This luxury small-group sailing journey is limited to 46 guests; voyage pricing starts at $6,199 per person. An ongoing promotional offer could save you $1,000 per person (subject to availability). Click here to reserve your trip or learn more about the special promotion for this Curated Journey.