Most visitors to the Caribbean stay at a hotel or an all-inclusive resort. However, an increasing number are choosing to stay at private villas. Below we list out the top six reasons for this increasing trend with those on a Caribbean vacation or honeymoon.
1. LOCATION
Villas occupy some of the best and most sought after locations in the Caribbean. From sitting directly on a stunning stretch of beach, just steps from the ocean to perched on hillsides with commanding views. For those who want to combine a vacation with sports, many villas are located directly on the fairways of professional golf courses, oceanfront with water sports on hand, and some even have their own tennis courts. These enviable locations rival many hotels, but they also come equipped with a range of other additional benefits so read on.
The Villa Collection: Golden Pavilion, British Virgin Islands.
2. PRIVACY
A major reason for choosing to stay at a villa is the privacy they offer guests. For those who want to escape busy resorts, crowded beaches and corridors of hotel rooms, villas offer a reprieve. Couples seeking a romantic retreat to themselves, friends wanting a getaway or families seeking quality time together or want to celebrate a special occasion will enjoy space and amenities all to themselves. If you want a blend of socialising with privacy, opt for a villa resort such as Windjammer Landing or Jumby Bay, or choose a villa centrally located to nearby restaurants, bars and attractions, such as on the west coast of Barbados or Rodney Bay St Lucia.
The Villa Collection: Harmony at The Tryall Club, Jamaica.
3. SPACE
Villas undoubtedly offer space that hotel rooms rarely do (unless you opt for the penthouse or presidential suite!). Choose a villa with a bedroom for everyone and children will especially enjoy having their own space and not having to share with parents. Families travelling with nannies and grandparents often choose a villa with a separate wing or cottage to give additional privacy and space. Ample dining and living spaces, which are often outdoors in the Caribbean, ensure that meals and relaxation are enjoyed in luxurious and comfortable surroundings.
The Villa Collection: Round Hill Villas, Jamaica.
4. SERVICES AT YOUR SPEED
Villas often have their own staff who care for and maintain the property year round. Many have worked for the owners and their family for generations. They are there to ensure needs are taken care of while also balancing the guests expectations for privacy. Depending on the villa, some will come with chefs included and you can pre-stock kitchens and bars or request specific meals in advance. And best of all, it all happens at your pace, no need to worry about restaurant opening times or housekeeping knocking at the door because you forgot to hang the ‘do not disturb’ sign.
The Villa Collection: Ani Villas, Anguilla.
5. AMENITIES & STANDARDS
Private villas are usually owned by individuals and families, and clients enjoy the individual touches and surroundings that only a home can offer. There’s no cookie-cut hotel room design but instead the owners’ (and most often their interior designer) signature design. Enjoy the stunning architecture, luxuriate on beautiful furnishings and appreciate the refined décor. Villas are often filled with an array of books, music and DVDs for you to enjoy and some even have their own cinemas. The amenities are also often far superior than a hotel. The majority of villas feature pools, entertainment rooms, multiple dining areas and beautifully manicured gardens.
The Villa Collection: Sugar Hill at The Tryall Club, Jamaica.
6. PRICE
On the face of it, villas can seem expensive, and many people assume that staying in a private villa will cost more than booking a traditional hotel stay. However, and this is particularly so for families and groups, on a per person basis, villas are usually more affordable. Rates are set for the entire villa or up to a maximum number of persons, and when divided amongst everyone, they present great value, with all the other perks outlined in this article!
To find the ideal private villa for your Caribbean vacation or honeymoon, get in touch with The Villa Collection. Email your requirements to Gemma Lewis or visit www.thevillacollection.co.uk. Quote C&CBUBBLES with your enquiry and receive a free bottle of pink champagne with your booking! Private villas are available in 14 different Caribbean destinations including: Anguilla, Antigua, Barbados, Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Grenada, The Grenadines, Jamaica, St Barth’s, St Lucia, St Kitts & Nevis, and Turks & Caicos.
The Villa Collection: Half Moon, Jamaica.
Top photo: The Villa Collection: Blue Pelican at Jumby Bay, Antigua.