A paradigm shift in luxury leisure travel is underway, offering high-net-worth individuals the ability to leverage their second homes for seamless global exploration. ThirdHome, an elite, members-only exchange club, connects owners of premier vacation properties, enabling them to trade time in their residences for stays in a curated network of luxury accommodations worldwide. Through a strategic interview with Giles Adams, the company’s Director of Strategy and Operations, insights reveal how this exclusive model maximizes property value, fosters trust among members, and identifies burgeoning destinations like Southeast Asia.
Pioneering the Non-Simultaneous Exchange Model
ThirdHome emerged in 2010 from an observation by founder Wade Shealy, a veteran luxury resort real estate broker. Shealy noticed a recurring desire among clients: they wished to experience new global destinations without selling their existing vacation properties. They possessed beautiful homes but felt confined by the commitment, often resorting to rentals when traveling. This need for fluidity inspired the creation of a system that allows second-home owners to exchange use time, effectively transforming a stagnant asset into a dynamic travel currency.
The club operates based on a non-simultaneous, non-direct exchange system. When a member makes their second home available to the network, they receive credits, known as “Keys.” These Keys—the value of which is based on the home’s worth, amenities, and available time—can then be used to book stays at any of the over 20,000 properties and experiences in the global portfolio. Unlike traditional rentals, members pay only a nominal exchange fee per stay, typically ranging from $495 to $1,995.
Adams highlights the potent value proposition: “Members pay around 10 percent of the typical rental rate in real terms.” This structure fundamentally differentiates ThirdHome from commercial rental sites or timeshare programs. Every applicant must be a verified second-home owner, cultivating a high-trust environment where peers share similar standards of property upkeep and respect.
Southeast Asia Emerges as a Key Exchange Hotspot
While the ThirdHome portfolio spans everything from mountain chalets in Colorado to European chateaus and private yachts, current travel trends point toward rapid expansion in Southeast Asia.
“Southeast Asia is hot right now. It ticks all the boxes—stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and a rapidly growing luxury real estate market,” Adams explains. Destinations like Thailand, Bali, Singapore, and Vietnam are experiencing high member demand. This is further fueled by a booming market for luxury branded residences in the region. Following successful expansion into Australia, the company is prioritizing its presence to meet the escalating interest in Asian properties, including the winter sports centers of Japan, such as Niseko.
Benefits for Expatriate Second-Home Owners
For expatriates, particularly those based in major Asian hubs like Hong Kong or Singapore who own homes abroad, the club offers exceptional flexibility. Instead of leaving a property vacant, members can utilize that downtime to earn Keys, providing access to luxury travel worldwide—whether for local weekend getaways or trips back to Western markets.
Testimonials underscore the club’s commitment to quality and service. Matt D., a member since January 2024, praised his Australian exchange, noting the “gracious host” and a view that “stole the show.” Another member, Karen S., described a stay at Chateau Creancey as feeling truly like “staying in a castle,” making it a trip they would remember for years.
To ensure consistent quality, every home application undergoes a rigorous review of design, location, and amenities. Accountability is maintained through host and guest reviews following every stay, supported by a dedicated member services team.
By transforming luxury real estate assets into accessible, high-value travel opportunities, ThirdHome is redefining how affluent individuals experience the world, offering a seamless and sustainable alternative to traditional luxury lodging.