21st Century's Classiest Travel Secret
Have Home Will Travel!
By Patricia Keegan / XXXX  / www.washingtoninternational.com  

Just imagine going online and deciding not only which exotic country you would like to visit, but also the particular style, size, or scenic setting of the home awaiting you there. The premier exchange broker, London-based International Vacation Home Exchange Network , (IVHE), has made it accessible and exciting. In order to become a member of IVHE, you must have a second or third home available for exchange which falls into the upscale category while enjoying a unique location. Not only residences qualify, but also vacation villas, country cottages, log cabins, even yachts.

International Vacation Home Exchange Network is the brainchild of Suzie Magnus who, like IVHE members, saw the attraction of an online program emphasizing quality, flexibility and personalized service. This is home exchanging brought right into the 21st century luxury market. What makes IVHE different from predecessors is its built-in flexibility. Homes do not have to be exchanged simultaneously with another owner. Instead, a credit points system based on weekly rental value allows owners complete discretion in choosing the dates and locations of their holiday. 

In an interview with Suzie, she describes her business. “The home exchange business is a growing industry and a wonderful, alternative way to travel to exotic and exciting places. Your vacation home is allocated credits based on rental or possible rental income. Credits are built up by hosting other members, and the accumulated credits allow you to travel the world, staying in fantastic locations and amazing properties owned by other IVHE members.”

There are numerous benefits to this lifestyle, not the least being the cashless trade in homes. Many IVHE luxury homes come with the use of member’s cars, boats, bicycles, etc. Maid service is not unusual along with efficient guest service providers offering pickup, drop off, grocery restocking or simply as a source of information on things to do, restaurants to try and places to see. It all contributes to giving travelers the opportunity to immerse themselves in local culture and amenities.

If you are among the fortunate who qualify for membership, the world can be at your doorstep through this discriminating service. Whether looking for a vacation in the city, on a beautiful island, or in Morocco, Indonesia, England, Paris, or the Caribbean, there are beautiful choices available.

I had the good fortune to stay in Rambutan Villa on the British Virgin island of Virgin Gorda, one of my favorite islands in the Caribbean. I just returned from six days at Rambutan and feel exhilarated by the experience. The following is my own personal experience in a beautiful IVHE home.

Rambutan Villa
A Virgin Gorda Masterpiece

Tucked far from the madness of 21st century “civilization” stands a villa overlooking the Caribbean on the island of Virgin Gorda. No ordinary villa, Rambutan is at one with the sea. It feels every breeze, hears the rumble and tumble of the joyful waves, and is witness to every star flickering in the night sky.

From the terrace of this beautiful, classical, Balinese style villa nothing obstructs the view from sky to sea where sailboats list fearlessly against the rocks of distant islands. Each day we see at least one gigantic cruise ship move slowly across the horizon, while our nearby palm trees sway to the music of the wind and sunsets are an evening ritual blessed by the gods.

This very private home is in total harmony with the environment. Without excessive ornamentation, nothing distracts or subdues the exterior drama. Built on a hill, just above the waves, its solid, high quality construction is meant to last for centuries. The spacious ground floor combines dining area, ultra modern and well-equipped kitchen, and comfortable relaxation area. At this full service villa, candlelight dinners epitomize the ideal of gracious living. Guests have the option of chef’s services, which, for my husband and I, matched our dream of finding a truly secluded hideaway with all amenities and no motivation to look elsewhere on this spectacular island which we know well.

Glass sliding doors replace three walls. This open design is carried out in the two bedrooms upstairs with sliding doors opening to a huge terrace. At night, with the sea churning and the sky filled with glittering stars, the terrace becomes a place of such utter peace. It is a prayer in itself!

Ceilings in the bedrooms soar to a skylit, 15-foot height. The spacious double sink bathroom also features a unique his and her “rainforest” shower with a large window overlooking treetops all the way to the sea. The wide staircase and floors are in beautiful bamboo. Kitchen and terrace is inlaid with Italian hewed tiles. Furnishings strike the precise chord between elegant and casually refined, but the most striking aspect of this lovely villa is its homelike ambience. It only takes a few hours to feel a real sense of belonging in Rambutan, impossible to find in even the plushest hotel.

The four bedroom, five bath complex consists of the primary villa and matching adjacent villa. The combination can easily accommodate large families, or even a small conference, but just the two of us found it comfortably cozy.

Anna, our guest services representative, was both gracious and professional, from the ferry pickup on our arrival, to grocery shopping, to attentive reminders and daily maid service. She even had iced French champagne and flowers on the dining table to celebrate our arrival.

The villa has three kayaks available on the beach, along with life vests, snorkeling equipment, beach shower and outdoor gas grill. A quick kayak paddle, or a short walk, take you to other brilliant, deserted beaches just around the point.

For sunshine and sea lovers, Rambutan has it all -- guests will treasure each luxurious moment and look forward to the day when they can return again to this unforgettable, paradise hideaway.

International Home Exchange has homes like Rambutan in over 28 countries around the world. Like Rambutan, most are luxury rentals and have owner websites available for more detailed information. Rambutan's owner website is RambutanVilla.com