More vacationers are choosing villa accommodations for their Caribbean vacation rather than the typical resort or hotel.
The four main reasons for choosing villa accommodations are:
1. Privacy - Many have found that villa accommodations offer more privacy that crowded resorts and hotels. Couples can have a truly romantic getaway knowing they are the only vacationers on the property, and groups of friends or family find quality time all to themselves.
2. Accommodations - Friends and families are easily accommodated with everyone having their own bedroom and bath. Friends and extended family members share the rental rate since villas charge by the night, not usually by the person. Many are surprised to find luxury accommodations for far less than the group or family unit would have found at luxury hotels and resorts. Also, many hotels and resorts in the Caribbean do not offer more than two bedroom units.
3. Facilities - Private swimming pools, jacuzzi's, tennis courts and villa beachfront property are a close second on the list.
4. Dining - The ability to have your own private cook or chef preparing meals when you want, and preparing what you wish to eat. This is definitely a plus with families. After a day of sightseeing, swimming or lounging at the beach, it's great to have a home cooked meal waiting upon your return. Most travelers arrange to have the villa stocked upon arrival.
We always advise clients to look at each island of the Caribbean as different, depending upon your vacation expectations. The same goes for choosing a particular villa.
If beautiful island views are a must, then a villa in the hills of St Lucia, or the tiny island of Dominica will definitely fit the bill. While many other Caribbean islands offer wonderful hillside views, St Lucia is absolutely stunning during the day, and on the tiny island of Dominica, the nightime sky offers a vast field of twinkling stars. While hillside villas obviously don't offer beachfronts, they all have swimming pools.
Many villas on the islands of Barbados, Jamaica and St Thomas will often include a full staff which includes Butler, Chef, Laundress, Maid and Gardener. These islands also appeal to vacationers looking for first class golf courses. Many staff are long term, and are professionally trained, therefore quite adept at pampering vacationers, and anticipating client needs.
If first class cuisine is of primary importance, we suggest a stay in St Barts, St Martin or the island of Barbados. You will find French cuisine unrivaled in both the French islands of St Barts and St Martin, with over 100 restaurants between the two islands. Barbados is known for world class dining, and offers the best selection of varied menus.
Those looking for a luxury "get away from it all" vacation should head to Virgin Gorda or Tortola which are both located in the British Virgin islands. Most of the villas on Virgin Gordon feature amazing beach access, and offer many options for dive and boat excursions.
What would be your ideal Caribbean villa vacation?
The options are wide open. Choose from one to ten bedrooms, or you can even rent an entire island! Some properties do not offer in house cooks, and allow vacationers the option of dining on their own. Find a secluded luxury retreat in the hills, or have direct access to the beach.
Villa rentals were once exclusively for the wealthy, however today villa vacations are a viable option for everyone. Most villa owners hire world class management companies to market their properties. Travel professionals work closely with the management companies to insure each detail is taken care of, and while on the island, management company representatives are always available to handle any last minute details.
Perhaps you have never thought about renting a villa, and this might just be the time to investigate available villas throughout the Caribbean.
Linda Thompkins is a Caribbean travel consultant, and owner of Travel 2 the Caribbean online agency. Linda has been in business over seven years, and has traveled extensively throughout the Caribbean.
Visit the site: http://www.travel2thecaribbean.com