On a pickleball court in British Columbia’s verdant Okanagan Valley, some of my best friends jeer as I slam a ball out of bounds into the vineyard that surrounds us. Lost in untrammeled natural bliss, it appears to roll into the crystalline lake below. We hoot and holler, then give up the game and move toward the stylish contemporary house we’ve booked through our membership with HomeExchange Collection, laughing as we pass the pool and hot tub. Glowing in convivial bonding, we sip the home’s own wine (produced with its own grapes) on a terrace overlooking the vineyard. Later, we’ll take a guided bike ride, enjoy a pottery class, visit a winery, and gorge on a private chef-made dinner beneath the stars. In this five-bedroom, five-bathroom fantasy house, complete with Peloton bike, gourmet kitchen, sauna, and pickleball court, we experience a slice of Okanagan life.
Everybody likes to play with somebody else’s toys. It’s just human nature to try on someone else’s shoes — even if you’re a billionaire. HomeExchange, an innovative platform meant to foster sustainable travel by offering an opportunity for like-minded folks to find one another and trade out time in each other’s homes. has been around for decades. But the company recently upped the ante. During the pandemic, they noticed upscale travelers looking for markedly more lavish retreats; villas, sprawling ranches, lake houses, mansions, penthouses in buzzy cities, vineyard-ensconced bungalows, castles, and beach homes. In search of havens for family and friends, these were also inveterate travelers with a desire to delve deeply into the destination and to live it like a local. They sought extended stays, personal chefs (and staff, as necessary), and concierge services. Reasons to choose a home from the platform included family reunions, simple holidays, hen and stag parties, girlfriend getaways, weddings, and the chance to embrace new frontiers. These were soulful, experienced travelers; slow travelers with a yearning passion to celebrate a new location in all its glory. They preferred to immerse locally, appreciating introductions to the community offered by their host home.
Providing this upper echelon more discriminating service, HomeExchange Collection launched to answer the call. An elegant, curated stockpile of some 5,000+ extraordinary properties in more than 85 countries around the world, the trove includes a yacht docked in Oman, a baronial castle in Scotland, a lake house in Austin, and a chalet in Japan, among many irresistible others. Created to be a gated community within the HomeExchange family, a portal to a more extravagant way to live and travel, Collection offers a vacation option on par with members’ already elevated lifestyle and expectations. Costing just $1,500 a year, the membership opportunity asks only that those wishing to participate own a home valued at $1.5 million or more. In many cases, the residences, apartments, domaines, estates, and chalets are appraised at $10 million plus. It’s a bit like the movie The Holiday, but more glamorous and better curated.
Whether you want to take up residence once a year or once a week, whether you wish to explore far-flung retreats or extraordinary abodes closer to home, Collection offers ease and exclusivity at once. Ready to swap? These peerless properties await your occupancy.
Perthshire, Scotland
Make like royalty and take the throne at Balhomie House, a castle-like baronial mansion an hour from Edinburgh on the River Tay. Located In Perthshire— the gateway to The Highlands — the property encompasses three acres of garden, a gym, sauna, five bedrooms and a full kitchen. Supremely situated for golfers, the estate lies just 30 minutes from Gleneagles hotel and golf course, 45 minutes from St. Andrews, and is close to Dunkeld, Braemar, and Blairgowrie.
Myoko, Japan
Myoko, known for its massive snowfall, is one of Japan’s oldest ski areas. Choose this renovated chalet in the heart of the Japanese Alps, ideal for winter skiing or summer hiking holidays. Newly renovated, near the train station, and minutes from Lake Nojiriko, this contemporary, but cozy mountain hideaway has two bedrooms and one bath.
Arabian Sea
Sail the Arabian Sea and marvel over the beauty of the Omani coast from the decks of Al Zahra, a 78-foot, fully staffed yacht. A glitterati favorite, this vessel flaunts opulent interiors and luxurious amenities including an in-home movie theater. Afloat, you’ll see dolphins; on land, you can shop, sightsee, and visit local cafes.
Okanagan Valley, Canada
Roam the vineyards and take over the pickleball court and hilltop pool at Our Little Wine Farm, a stunning residence in the Okanagan Valley near Naramata. Minutes from renowned restaurants, scores of wineries and breweries, hiking and biking trails, and independent shops and galleries, this chic five-bedroom house features wine made from its own grapes, a gourmet kitchen, terraces galore, and stunning lake views.
Aspen, Colorado
In the mountain-chic resort town of Aspen, it’s all about après. But you’ll want to enjoy this stunning 1300-square-foot condo, adjacent to The Little Nell and all its amenities (think Ajax Tavern and those truffle fries). Bi-level, with a second-floor suite and two additional full-bath bedrooms, the house offers immediate access to Apen’s many shops, restaurants, and galleries.
Rome, Italy
Roost in Monti, one of Rome’s most sought after neighborhoods. A sultry hideaway for those with a penchant for dolce vita, this sophisticated apartment has kitchen windows that showcase the Colosseum. Close to famous landmarks and some of the city’s most exclusive shops, Alessia e Stefano’s home also boasts an expansive rooftop garden with jaw-dropping views.
San Miguel de Allende, México
In the colorful ex-pat wonderland of San Miguel de Allende, the amicable spirit of Mexico pervades all things. La Joya Azul, an adults-only guesthouse, brandishes four lovely en-suite rooms, access to a shared pool, a large terrace, and cosseting common rooms. Moments from the lively, atmospheric Centro, this home makes a fine match for San Miguel’s thriving art scene.
Mykonos, Greece
A tranquil refuge of your own in Mykonos is hard to find. Take over this new four-bedroom (all en-suite) home in Agios Lazaros on the southern coast. Near Mykonos town, stellar clubs and dining, and the island’s most popular beaches with views of Psarou, it has a pool and jacuzzi terrace, ideal for hanging out with friends.
Austin, Texas
Austin’s best known for its music scene, but locals know how to cool down in summer at the lake. Party waterside at this five-bedroom, five-bath extravaganza on Lake Austin, replete with a two-story boat dock with guest slip. Offering tons of al fresco community space and watersport possibilities, this lake house occupies prime real estate on the buzziest shore area, just 25 minutes from downtown Austin.
Feature image, courtesy of HomeExchange Collection.
