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If You Like It There, Buy Here: Second Homes without the Long-Haul Flight

Rock House in Turks and Caicos

For those who dream of weekending amidst the glamour of the Mediterranean or the energy of Uruguay yet dread the wasted day of travel, purchasing a vacation home in these far-flung destinations may seem tempting. However, a new crop of properties in the Western Hemisphere combines the allure of exotic locales with the convenience of a weekend getaway. We’ve listed these homes below, which all offer a luxurious lifestyle, jetlag not included.

If you love the allure of the Amalfi Coast paired with the laid back lifestyle of the Caribbean, purchase a vacation home at Rock House in Turks and Caicos. (pictured)

For those craving the timeless glamour and cliffside elegance of the Côte d’Azur year-round, look no further than Providenciales’ north shore in Turks and Caicos. Rock House, the area’s newest residential resort, will instantly transport homeowners to Nice or Antibes without the 6+ hour flight, as it offers studios and one- and two-bedroom cottages tucked into the landscape’s rugged, untouched limestone cliffs. Pricing starts at $600,000.

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If you’re obsessed with up-and-coming wine regions but South Africa seems a little out of reach, purchase a vineyard-tucked vacation villa and wine parcel in Mendoza, Argentina at Casa de Uco.

Known as “Argentina’s Napa Valley of 30 years ago” and set against the snowcapped Andes Mountains in the unsung wine region of Uco Valley, Casa de Uco offers 330 days of sun and 790 acres of authentic food and wine experiences, from making your own wine to horseback riding through the vineyards and channeling your inner gaucho on the untouched lands, where some of the best Malbec grapes in the world are cultivated. Vineyard parcels start at $60,000 and sustainable, vineyard-tucked villas start at $600,000.

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If you yearn for your own private island in the Caribbean but would miss the vibrancy of city life, purchase a piece of South Florida’s last buildable island Privé Island in Miami, home to two iconic luxury towers Privé at Island Estates.

Privé at Island Estates is a quick 15-minute drive to South Florida’s heartbeat of Miami Beach and Downtown with the luxury of ultimate privacy—360 degree access to the water. The development features state-of-the-art hotel amenities and a Caribbean favorite, a private marina and 48 slips for residents to park their yachts up to 135 feet. Residences start at $2.1 million.

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If you love the seaside Uruguayan playground Punta del Este, buy a vacation home at Oceana Bal Harbour in the elite enclave of Miami’s Bal Harbour, complete with a Latin feel and all the conveniences of the states.

Oceana Bal Harbour offers 5.5 acres of barefoot luxury and Punta del Este’s seductive cycle of daily sunbathing with resort-style amenities including a 24-hour concierge service; an upscale gourmet residents-only restaurant, Ballerina, run by Starr Catering group; a world-class spa; private cabanas; and both a relaxation pool and an Olympic-style lap pool, all mere steps away from Bal Harbour Shops, the upscale, open-air shopping and dining center known for its designer touch and gourmet options. Residences start at $3 million.

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If you crave the natural beauty of Italy’s Cinque Terre on the weekends, purchase a second home at the much closer Caroline Bay in Bermuda.

For those who love the crystal-clear blue waters and authentic pastel-colored design of the homes along the rugged coastline of Cinque Terre, head to Caroline Bay, a collection of residences branded by Ritz-Carlton Reserve. A private enclave tucked away on the west end of Bermuda, this resort-like community will whisk away homeowners to their own villa-like oasis in half the time. The residences range from two-bedrooms to four-bedroom penthouses with amenities including plunge pools, outdoor kitchens and spacious indoor/outdoor living. Pricing starts at $2.5 million.

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If you love ultramodern Hong Kong, purchase a vacation home in Brickell City Centre’s REACH and RISE in Miami.

Brickell City Centre’s REACH and RISE are the ideal homes for those who wish to escape to a futuristic city like Hong Kong on the weekends or for quick getaways. Swire was very mindful in creating an innovative and trendsetting destination where residents can enjoy an ‘urban living’ lifestyle like never before in the states. Similarly to Hong Kong, which is ranked as the most connected place in the world, each building at Brickell City Centre was meticulously crafted to connect with and complement the next.

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If you love the minimalist design of Scandinavia, buy a second home at Three Hundred Collins, in Miami Beach.

The first luxury residential development in Miami by Danish designer Thomas Juul-Hansen, Three Hundred Collins is a 19-unit boutique property nestled within Miami Beach’s exclusive South of Fifth residential neighborhood. Featuring the designer’s signature Danish flair, the residences boast minimalist interiors, efficient spaces and sumptuous materialization, as well as extensive customization and a restrained palette showcasing the natural open-air features.

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If you love finding balance in India, purchase a second home at Amrit Ocean Resort and Residences in Singer Island, FL.

Based on Pantajali’s 8 Limbs of Yoga, which was birthed in India, Amrit is designed to give residents the ultimate luxury in wellness through the incorporation of the Five Pillars: nutrition, fitness, mindfulness, sleep and relaxation. Merging Eastern traditions and inner science with Western luxury, all enhanced through incorporation of modern technologies and personalized programming, Amrit’s location and design draws upon the essence of India with its pristine shoreline, serene beaches and a kaleidoscopic blend of cultures, sweetened with sun, sea, sand, seafood and spirituality.

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If you love the romance of Portofino, Italy, purchase a vacation home at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach.

Designed to feel like an intimate Italian village, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach celebrates individuality with over 60 distinct floor plans created by master Italian architect Piero Lissoni. Transporting you the Italian Riviera, each residence offers awe-inspiring views through the use of cutout techniques mimicking the picturesque Italian cliffs, which connect seamlessly with the invigorating natural surroundings.

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If you love the walkability and vibrancy of Melbourne, Australia, buy a second home at 2850 in Houston, Texas.

For those who crave the laid back lifestyle of Australia without the full day of travel, Houston’s Midtown neighborhood boasts the same livability of Melbourne. Similarly to Australia, the Midtown community is one of the most vibrant and active in Houston, priding itself on its easily walkable areas. Luxury residential tower 2850, from Australian leading lifestyle developers Caydon, will be equipped with ultra-modern amenities to bring the Melbourne livability to Midtown.

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