Month: August 2016

Knowing that St. Martin is a blend of Dutch and French cultures already tells you that a visit to this luxury vacation hotspot is one sure to be a culinary treat. Whether you have booked a St. Martin luxury villa with a chef who pops by to prepare meals or you are on a St. Martin family vacation, be sure that you try some of the most popular restaurants and dining spots.

Because there are, quite literally, dozens upon dozens of places to enjoy everything from baked goods to enormous meals, it can be overwhelming. We have done the legwork for you, though, and offer a list of our favorite five restaurants to enjoy during your St. Martin vacation.

La Cigale in Nettle Bay

Just minutes from Marigot and Terres Basses, this waterfront restaurant is situated on Nettle Bay Lagoon Beach and is an unforgettable blend of Caribbean and French cuisine. The chef has created fusion delights such as their lobster ravioli and their beef Rossini. They also have a remarkably popular raspberry macaroon for dessert. Their cellar is one of the best on the island, and because it is a cozier and smaller space, reservations are a must.

Marios Bistro in Cupecoy

Located on the Dutch side of the island, they offer a truly innovative blend of Caribbean, Asian and French cuisines. Enjoy non-stop views from any table, or take a seat at the bar, and be sure that you order their signature dishes. The sashimi wahoo is a popular first course, and the beef carpacio or bouillabaisse will make your evening. They also are known for their lamb shank. Their cellar is not extensive but known for its excellent choices.

Le Cottage in Grand Case

Set in Grand Case, this award-winning spot is warm, welcoming and remarkably earthy and appealing. Their chef has specialized in world cuisine all around the globe, and chose St. Martin because he believed it gave him the best opportunity to blend his favorite foods and ingredients. They have a sommelier and a fantastic cellar, and offer some truly choice vintages from France ideal to the Caribbean based flavors. Reservations, sadly, are an absolute essential.

Le Pressior in Grand Case

Another French cuisine influenced spot in Grand Case, the exterior is a bold and colorful sight that draws the eye and tempts with its fun and funky looks. Owned by one family since the late 1800s, it is inspired by that era. However, the food is both modern and classic, and their kitchen has been an award winner for many years. French cuisine seems to be the main influence, but you will find many Caribbean flavors and ingredients to savor too.

Sol e Luna in Cul de Sac

Both a restaurant and a guest house in the Cul de Sac area, it is utterly romantic and charming. It is just above Mont Vernon and has views of Orient Bay. It is a fully restored property with elements distinctly Provencal in addition to being quite Caribbean. Be sure to ask for a table on the porch and order their lobster ravioli that arrives in a saffron infused broth, or savor a bowl of pistou as you sip a great wine.

Other St Martin Dining Experiences

These are but five of the many amazing dining options available to you on St. Martin. We recommend you also consider breakfast or brunch at least once during your St. Martin vacation.

For breakfast, be sure to visit Sarafina’s bakery on the Marigot waterfront or Zee Best restaurant in Simpson Bay.

For brunch, Ernest and Fidel’s is an absolute must. Fresh squeezed juices, Cuban inspired food and a sensational location in Porto Cupecoy’s plaza make Ernest and Fidel’s a can’t miss experience.

For lunch, Dreams on Nettle Bay and Palm Beach on Orient Beach offer chic and fabulous dining with a beachfront setting.

The restaurants of St. Martin range from formal to utterly casual, and each is a taste sensation that will have you yearning for the island flavors and ingredients long after you return home.

If you speak with those familiar with St. Martin, most say that the most popular of the beaches is Orient Beach, and while it is the hotspot for water sports, sunbathing and swimming, it is not the only great beach. For those who want the same high quality, white sands, excellent conditions and even amenities, you don’t have to jostle with the crowds at Orient.

While Orient, in general, is an absolute “must” for visitors to the island of St. Martin, the following beaches can offer a welcome respite from crowds while still providing some of the most impressive experiences possible.

Green Cay

An small island tucked surprisingly close to Orient Bay, this is the perfect beach for those who want the proximity of the best amenities on St. Martin, but who prefer to enjoy solitude and complete privacy. It is found on the island just offshore and is easily reached by boat, kayak, or even paddleboard.

Cupecoy Beach

A hit or miss beach depending on beach and wave conditions. When full of sand, Cupecoy beach is the most scenic beach on the island with a sandstone cliff backdrop and fabulous sunset views. The beach is highly convenient and undeveloped except for the Shore Pointe villas on the on the western end of the beach.

Mullet Bay

Considered one of the best beaches if not the best beach on the island, conditions tend to be ideal with calm and crystal clear waters with occasional swells. The beach has limited amenities but 2 lolos that serve good food and drinks.  An ideal spot for a casual lunch. Be sure to enjoy a barbeque rib platter and a Presidente.

Long Bay Beach

If you envision yourself sipping cocktails while gazing out over a Caribbean sunset, you can do so at Long Bay. The white sands, many local pelicans, and the lapping of the waters are the epitome of the island experience, and yet this beach is one of the quietest and relaxing imaginable. The bar at La Samanna looks out over the beach, and is just a short walk from the sands.

Lovers’ Beach

Noted by locals as very challenging to find but well worth the effort, it is near Pointe Arago and is also the smallest beach on the entire island. Sized perfectly for two people, it offers an exclusive hideaway.

Baie Rouge

Though often as heavily visited as Orient, Baie Rouge or Red Bay is considered by locals, world travelers, and experts alike as the most beautiful beach on the island. It has restaurants surrounding it, some charming natural features, and even a hidden beach for those who are hearty enough to do a bit of hiking.

Happy Bay

Within minutes of Grand Case, this picturesque and idyllic beach requires a ten-minute hike, but is well worth the effort. It is noted as one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean, one of the least visited, and it remains pristine and untouched because of this. Bring a picnic and a camera as the coconut palms that line the sands offer an iconic image of paradise.

Petite Cayes

After just thirty minutes of gentle hiking you discover a breathtaking sight – the deserted sands of one of the most picture-perfect beaches in the region. Usually lapped by gentle waves, it can be a good spot for surfers when there are swells. However, it is usually a place of peace, quiet, and one in which you feel you have discovered your own, private paradise.

Maho Beach

This is on the Dutch side of the island, but fun to list here because of its rare position. Set at the end of the runway at Princess Juliana International Airport, it is a great spot for photography buffs who want to snap truly iconic images of the many planes heading out of the islands. It is close to the Sunset Beach bar that also provides great views of the airplanes as well as the sun dipping slowly into the sea each evening.

There are certainly other beaches to explore, but if you are searching for spots that feel more like your own private paradise than a popular and busy beach, those on this list are sure to please. Don’t forget to pack a hamper, bring good hiking/walking shoes, and to prepare to just sit back, breathe in the sea breezes, and enjoy!

Tuscany is a remarkable place, and it is probably why you have planned a luxury vacation in a Tuscany villa rental. The finest luxury rentals provide you with an unforgettable opportunity to experience life in Tuscany as if you lived there year round. Your vacation home can have staff to handle meal prep and landscaping or you can book a family getaway and handle many of these things on your own. You will get to savor the flavors, scents, and scenes that make Tuscany a vacation destination, but you should also get out and explore it too.

While you may be wary of hopping into a rental car and tackling Italian driving, there are alternative ways to experience Tuscany, and we’d suggest you consider them to enhance your holiday.

Experience Tuscany From the Air

Have you thought about Tuscany from a bird’s eye view? If not, you should know that there are firms that take travelers over the gorgeous Tuscan landscape in one of the most peaceful ways possible – a hot air balloon. Imagine what you will see as you float quietly above the forests, historic towns, vineyards, and fields of flowers.

Excursions can be as simple as an early morning departure with transfer from your villa or a nearby town, or they can be as exclusive as a hearty breakfast in a local market, a sunrise launch, and a day of exploring the countryside. You can book a picnic lunch, a luxury car to transport you from point to point, and even dinner in one of the historic towns.

From the Driver’s Seat

In addition to seeing Tuscany from the wicker basket of a luxury hot air balloon, you might also partake of a luxury or vintage car tour as well. There are firms that allow you to do the driving or will happily provide drivers to ensure you don’t miss a single moment of the amazing scenery.

For example, you can depart from a village like Badesse (in Siena) and enjoy the driving of a professional who handles a car like a vintage Fiat or a modern Ferrari. you can take in the avenues of cypress trees, the rolling hills, the golden wheat fields, and the non-stop beauty while savoring the experience of an authentic Italian vehicle. Heading towards a town like Fonterutol in Chianti, you could see historic sites, olive groves and more. A trip might head towards Castellina with its charming courts and cobbled roads, and there you could call it a day.

Explore the Via delle Volte and its restaurants, walk the old city walls and enjoy lunch. If you wanted to see more of Tuscany in this alternative way, a journey towards Monteriggioni is an ideal choice. This walled town is part of the historic rivalry between Florence and Siena, and it is a wonderful medieval destination. Take in the main square and the gothic church and then end your day with a drive home!

Don’t overlook a day on the road, in a classic or luxury Italian car as a fantastic way to see Tuscany.

From the Path

Of course, the truly slow and peaceful way to enjoy Tuscany is on foot. There are some amazing day hikes that even a family with smaller kids could handle. We recommend the Chalk Hills trail. This hike includes Cosona and Lucignano d’Asso, the monastery of Sant’Anna in Camprena and is an amazingly scenic journey. The Brunello Trail is also amazing, taking you through the most famous vineyards and the walled town of Montalcino. Pass through farms, more wineries and be sure to enjoy any dining opportunities along the way!

Tuscany is not to be seen or experienced in just one way. Though it can be mightily tempting to never step off the grounds of your luxury villa, don’t miss a chance to enjoy this region from the many trails, the sky, or inside an iconic Italian sports car!

If you ask the actual designers of the “wings” that took windsurfing and turned it into kitesurfing, they tell you something interesting. What is that? That you need “special circumstances…to make kitesurfing safe and enjoyable” and that one of the most ideal areas for it is Barbados. According to one article penned by a designer and expert in kitesurfing: “this might be one of the most ideal kitesurfing beaches in the world…beaches with slightly onshore winds and all the requirements for the ideal kitesurfing spot”.

With wind probably one of the highest in the entire Caribbean region, it is at the best from December through July. Most of the riders in Barbados will use wave boards and you can find outfitters or contact an Isle Blue concierge to help you locate everything from lessons to gear.

Of course, like any island destination, Barbados is not surrounded by identical beaches and conditions. There are specific locations that qualify as the “perfect” kitesurfing spots, and even the differences in the seasons can alter conditions too. However, the top spots in Barbados for kitesurfing include those close to Inchcape, Silver Rocks, Silver Sands, Long Beach, Worthing Beach (noted for the flattest water) and the beaches upwind of Oistins Bay and the Maxwell coastal areas. The beaches with the best winds tend to also be in areas with stronger currents, so you rarely encounter a lot of swimmers.

Expert to Novice

However, before beginning your kitesurfing activities, remember that conditions must be a good match to your level of skill and experience. The flatter waters inside any reefs are ideal for the novices and it is only the experts who should test the waves that are seen to break outside of the shelter of the reefs. Also remaining upwind of the hottest windsurfing spots is a good idea too as kitesurfing can actually accelerate you and send you into the midst of the windsurfers.

Services

If we are to pinpoint “the” kitesurfing spot in Barbados, it has to Silver Rocks. This is where we direct guests to the top kitesurfing schools and where you can observe the real experts at work before heading out to give it a try yourself. It is also a beach that has plenty of guest services and premium amenities.

For instance, the Beach Bar is the perfect place to sip a cool beer and enjoy a meal while watching all of the action out on the water.

If you are shy of having experts watch you learn how to kitesurf, Long Beach is a better choice. Far less crowded, you may find yourself as one of the only kitesurfers out on the waves. Enter from the middle of the beach and bring a buddy as it can be extremely quiet here, even when conditions are prime.

Worthing Beach is another good one, but it does not have the big waves. In fact, it has some of the flattest water. It can be busy, but mostly with visitors enjoying the resorts at one end of the beach. Here you find a flat bay and consistent wind, there are some amenities at the resort end of the beach too, and this can be a nice way to relax and enjoy a meal after a day on the water.

There are several excellent kitesurfing schools in Barbados, including deAction in Silver Rocks, Endless Kiteboarding and LinUp Kite and Surf School near Silver Rocks. If you don’t need lessons and just want to borrow gear, there are many kite shops on the beaches. Naturally, as a guest of Isle Blue, you can get in touch with your concierge and ask for help or recommendations about a day or two of kitesurfing in Barbados.

If you have booked a luxury villa, it is likely that it offers you the amenities, services, and experiences you crave. However, a Cap Cana vacation would be incomplete without the experience of the region. Fortunately, there is Scape Park designed to introduce travelers to the many amazing sights, sounds, and experiences that only Cap Cana has available. Whether you are enjoying a Cap Cana family vacation or a romantic retreat, you will want to spend at least one-day enjoying Scape Park.

What Is Scape Park?

The designers of Cap Cana cleverly opted to create a natural theme park that captured the essence of the impressive beauty and diversity of the community. The park provides access to the natural beauty, rare and unique animals and plants, and unusual scenery of the Punta Cana area. Tucked into the heart of the Dominican, the park includes more than a million square meters of a limestone mountain, gorgeous shoreline, caves, cenotes, and adventure.

It also gives access to the world-class marina, from which luxury charter excursions allow travelers to spend hours at sea, taking in the Dominican Republic’s coast and native sea life from the comfort of the water decks.

What to Expect

Visitors going to experience the Scape Park adventure will appreciate the flowing and natural design of the beach site, which you enjoy from the moment you step on the grounds. A Caribbean theme dominates the hotel architecture, ensuring that it is low key and in touch with the setting. From the tranquil café where diners enjoy a meal or snacks surrounded by the mature gardens to the relaxed gift shop full of locally made goods, everything sets the stage for what is to come.

Zip Line Adventures

For most visitors, there are several activities lined up during the visit. Chief on most lists of things to do in Scape Park Punta Cana is the zip line experience. You enjoy a journey up the Farallon, a cliff that stands over 100 meters high and runs along the Cap Cana coast, and then you zip down.

There are nine lines to enjoy and you enjoy unprecedented views of the coast along with a journey over our hanging bridge and through a few lovely eco trails.

Cave Expeditions

The Scape Park Cana experience can include an authentic caving expedition that includes a hike up Farallon, a jungle walk, and an educational tour that teaches about the island’s plants and animals. You then enjoy an exploration (along safe and sturdy stairs and walks) through the enormous underground network of caves and tunnels.

Cenotes

Many visitors to the region want to see a cenote, and Scape Park Cap Cana is home to a truly hidden example of the cenote, tucked into the base of a cliff and reached by hiking Farallon and following a trail full of native plants and flowers. This is Hoyo Azul and it is a remarkable experience not to be missed.

There is also the Indigena Las Ondas cenote reached by following a hiking trail through the forest and to a cave where you descend a sturdy staircase to the swimming platform.

Buggy Rides

If you are more interested in seeing multiple sites during your visit to Scape Park, you can rent a Buggy. This is a four-wheel-drive vehicle that you drive along different trails and through unique settings and landscapes. Typically, you will spend time on both the Atlantic and Caribbean sides of Cap Cana before visiting a waterfall at the base of Farallon.

Horseback Rides

If you prefer a quieter and slower pace, Scape Park offers access to gentle and calm horses for riders of all ages, and they take you along gorgeous trails and allow for a half or full day of fun and relaxation.

Biking

Scape Park is also home to excellent trails for cyclists of all ages, and they are dotted with educational stations, amazing views and are free for all to enjoy.

Animal Encounter

Another fantastic educational opportunity for families is the animal encounter at Scape Park that allows guests to interact with the safe and unique creatures that make this area their home. From iguanas to monkeys, you can enjoy a wonderful experience.

Arts and Crafts

Scape Park is home to a wonderful market offering Dominican goods. Watch artisans create their one of a kind hats, cigars, jewelry, masks and so much more. Sample local foods and get an authentic DR experience.

Custom Cruises

Another way to enjoy Scape Park is aboard one of their two private charter vessels. One offers afternoon voyages to the marina and along the coast, while another is a daylong adventure that includes time at Juanilo Beach, gourmet meals, and the Hoyo Azul cenote.

A Cap Cana luxury villa may be tough to leave, but it is well worth it when you leave it to head to Scape Park.

You have decided to enjoy the Caribbean for your next holiday, and you think a Cap Cana luxury vacation is the right answer. If you are unfamiliar with this amazing community, you should know that a Cap Cana vacation is one full of luxuries, services, amenities and unforgettable experiences. A master planned community, its motto is “the world’s new destination” and it is one of the finest luxury resort areas imaginable. A Cap Cana luxury villa getaway is one you will never forget!

Located adjacent to the equally famous Punta Cana community, Cap Cana is actually larger and offers up three miles of pristine white sand beaches, a much larger and protected harbor and marina, and is close to some of the best fishing in the world. It has an award-winning golf course – the Punta Espada – along with high end spas, several five-star hotels, and excellent clubs and restaurants. There is even an adventure park, several convention centers, and more.

A Very Brief History of Cap Cana

In 2001, the area’s golf courses were created through an arrangement with golf legend Jack Nicklaus. It was not yet an existing community, but would soon grow and expand rapidly.
At the same time as the arrangements for the golf courses, designs for the marina began. Within three years, the community announced its exclusive deal with Nicklaus to create the Golden Bear Lodge, and Punta Espada (the golf course) construction began.

Within the next decade, the community boomed and real estate sales exceeded one billion dollars. Today, the golf course is home to PGA championships, the waters around Cap Cana are the site for fishing tournaments, and exclusive hotel properties have chosen this area to offer luxurious amenities and services.

What to Do in Cap Cana

Created as truly luxurious destination, Cap Cana offers far more than its remarkable golfing facilities. Visitors enjoy access to the marina from which amazing fishing and boating excursions depart daily. There is an equestrian center, fitness facilities, the Scape Park facility, and many different venues where you can master everything from culinary techniques to specific sports.

Scape Park offers up 74 acres of forested parklands and a gorgeous ecological trail. Following it takes you to Hoyo Azul, an amazing sight where a natural spring is located, and you pass a variety of endangered or endemic species as you wander the park. From adorable sea turtles and manatees to amazing hawks and birds. You can also take to the beaches that include Juanillo, Caleton, Marina and Fishermen’s Beach. Each offers you opportunities to swim, fish and enjoy many water sports. Recognized by the Boutique Hotel Awards for its “blissful” nature, Caleton Beach is a must see.

Cap Cana offers visitors a unique equestrian experience as well, including an indoor arena, polo fields, and more.
If your Cap Cana villa rental offers a chef, we suggest you enjoy at least one meal in the privacy of your luxury retreat, but keep in mind that there are just over 30 dining spots in Cap Cana. Each can be considered a “must taste” experience. From the charming Maraca Gourmet that offers truly authentic Dominican foods full of traditional flavors and ingredients to the Four Diamond awarded Mediterraneo in the Eden Roc hotel, you can savor a seemingly endless array of taste sensations and masterful techniques.

Do not permit the phrase “planned community” throw you – Cap Cana is easily one of the most luxurious places in the Caribbean. Designed to offer unprecedented activities that range from butterfly and bird watching, hours in the spa, world class dining, days of boating or golfing, and more, a Cap Cana luxury vacation is unforgettable.

Tucked into Italy’s Mugello Valley, less than 35km from Florence, is the famous Mugello race track that is home to the MotoGP each year. This three-day racing event is considered “the” event in the valley, and it is so popular that most accommodations are booked for nearly a year in advance. Fortunately, clients of Isle Blue have a host of luxury villas available from which to choose, and can then easily travel to the Mugello Valley race course to enjoy the historic racing events.

Close to the charming village of Scarperia, visitors can make their way by bus or train if they would prefer to avoid driving. With special routes designated for traffic, the trip can take quite a bit of time if the roads are congested, but a private car provides the most freedom of movement before, during and after the race days are over.

Parking in Scarperia is possible, and it is a simple and easy walk to the course. This is an option that many use, and shuttle buses are also part of the race day events, allowing you to sit back in comfort as you leave your car and head to the track.

Also keep in mind that motorcycles and scooters are a popular form of transport, and you will see enormous numbers of them in the city and making their way to the races. This could be an interesting way to arrive as well!

Getting In

Naturally, if you wish to attend the MotoGP you will require tickets, and be aware that these sell very quickly. If you have not purchased within three months of the race day, it is unlikely that you will be able to gain entrance. Like all of the major racing events and venues, there is a range of ticketing options and prices for the Mugello Circuit.

You can obtain general admission, but there are also many premium classes of ticketing. Each comes with additional services and comforts, and we recommend that you consider those with catering, private seating and facilities. There is a MotoGP Village, several levels of Grandstand seating, pit lane seating, and bronze, silver, gold and platinum packages. These include race day only tickets as well as hospitality packages that give the finest options and one or two-day seating.

Do take note that you will also want to have the tickets shipped to your home in advance of the actual race day or you will have to wait in line to pick them up on the morning the gates open.

Keep in mind that the Mugello Circuit facilities are now a premium destination beyond the racing events. It has been upgraded to accommodate special meetings, conventions and even fashion shows. This makes it a venue that is quite comfortable for families and even those less interested in racing.

However, if you are traveling with a group or family, there will be an enormous range of activities in Florence that coincide with the race weekend. Guests of Isle Blue villas can speak with their concierge to discover more about the special opportunities that occur with the MotoGP event. From private walking tours of the city or its amazing museums to days spent in a Tuscan cooking school, there is plenty for those not attending the races to enjoy.

In the evenings, many of those participating in the race will head into the city for dining and entertainment. This presents a unique opportunity to experience Florence in an entirely different light, with the racing crowd filling the different restaurants and clubs.

If you are heading to St. Martin, you may already know that it is described as the island of 36 beaches. Of course, you might also hear it has 37 beaches! Whether you opt for the higher or lower count, the simple truth is that there are many gorgeous beaches on the island. Because of the geographic location of St. Martin along the edge of the Caribbean island chain, it is also a place where many of its beaches are ideal for surfing and kite boarding too.

The best “season” for those hoping to learn how to surf or kite board, or those who already know and who want to enjoy the waters, is November through April. Even if you arrive out of season, though, be sure to find out about conditions, because it is not unusual for the Atlantic side of the island to have days when surfing is possible.

Clients of Isle Blue can easily find accommodations just steps from the top beaches, and can also contact our agents to discover where to find good waves. The island is home to quite a few “surf” schools, and we can point you towards the spots with quality instructors.

Whenever you are ready to hit the beaches and ride the waves, we recommend the spots listed below. We have ranked them from the best for beginners to the beaches offering the most challenging conditions. You will also find some details about the best kite boarding spots too.

Many guests discover that a large number of the beaches are ideal for “all surfers”, and you may want to spend time speaking with the local surfers about the conditions or just enjoying some great drinks and food at the nearest beach hut while doing a bit of people watching out on the waves.

The Best Beaches for Surfers in St. Martin

Le Galion – This is a reef and coral beach that is ideal for all surfers. Just south of the famous Orient Bay, it is along the eastern shore (Atlantic side) of the island and a short distance from Dawn Beach too.

Wilderness – A bit tough to find, but oh-so-worth the effort, this gorgeous golden pink sand beach has no services, but is quiet, secluded and offers some of the finest conditions for all surfers. You reach it via the drive to the Radisson Blu in Anse Marcel. Local directions are as follows: “Before you get to the steep climb up the hill make a right just after the school. This road will lead you to the dump on the French Side [along] a bumpy dirt track road, keep going until you see the gates for the dump, and park your vehicle just on the right hand side in the parking bay, before the gates. It’s a nice hike…The beach is about a 30-minute hike following the coastline.  Head down the trail to the water, first towards Anguilla as seen in the distance. The trail is marked by the French Marine reserve, so once you get to the beach, make a left and you can see the trail that has been made over the years in the rock and coral on the beach.  Then walk over headland and 30 minutes later you will be on one of the most secluded beaches” on the island.

Mullet Bay – A point break beach at a distance offshore, this western coastal beach is for the experienced surfers only. However, it is also one of the finest beaches with plenty of services and lots of families.

Cupecoy – Just north of Mullet Bay is this experienced surfers beach. Tucked at the base of cliffs and actually a series of lovely beaches, it is another spot to enjoy safe swimming in addition to water sports.

If you would rather experience some kite boarding, there are a few good beaches with equipment rentals and kite boarding schools. The top rated are found at Orient Beach, adjacent to Le Galleon, which also has its own shacks and schools.

William Shakespeare is famous for many sayings and phrases, and one of the most frequently used is this one: “and therein lies the rub”. This is a misquote, actually, and it comes from “Hamlet” who says “there’s the rub”. Whether you say it correctly or incorrectly, it means the same, and is a tidy way of explaining a major hurtle or difficulty. Take the annual Cannes Film Festival…most of us would love to attend, watch all of those award-winning films and do a bit of celebrity spotting. The rub? You have to be a credentialed film industry professional to set foot into any of the events or screenings.

What to do? The answer is actually quite simple – opt to stay in your own private villa in the French Riviera – most especially St. Tropez – at the same time as the film festival itself. This puts you in the heart of things, and allows you access to the restaurants, beaches, spas, and upscale boutiques frequented by the biggest and brightest stars. When you book with Isle Blue, you also enjoy the non-stop support of our concierge team who can help you obtain bookings and services that ensure you enjoy your own celebrity-level holiday.

The Big Events

Each year, St. Tropez is home to a lot of exciting events, or there are equally major activities just a short drive away, such as Cannes and its film festival. If you head to St. Tropez in May, you can enjoy events such as Les Bravades and Long Night of Museums, and of course, you might just run into some celebrities who are attending Cannes nearby.

Of course, the biggest event of St. Tropez occurs throughout the year, and it is the shopping. Paying a visit to the old quarter of St. Tropez puts you face to face with one of the most amazing sights a shopper will ever witness – the world’s biggest designer names standing shoulder to shoulder with a classic European market. As one journalist so aptly described it: “jammed into St Tropez’s narrow streets…is a curious mix of market-cum-designer-outlet with people casually holding Louis Vuitton bags amongst their wares from the market. And if designer goods aren’t your thing, visit the Place des Lices Market where you’ll be jostled in amongst stalls selling food, drink, pottery, plants, antiques and more.”

Naturally, the stars of Cannes are well aware of St. Tropez as a European shopper’s dream, and you will want to make sure you spend time doing some celebrity spotting in addition to picking up some stylish or tasty treats.

The ideal time to shop in St. Tropez is Monday through Saturday from nine to noon or from two to seven, and generally expect crowds during the tourism seasons.

A little gem nearby is Port-Grimaud, and more and more of the Cannes attendees are heading here too. This, as many say, is a modern and miniature Venice, offering authentic artisan goods and beautifully made French wares. Sip your coffee by the waterfront and don’t be too surprised if the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio or Reese Witherspoon stroll calmly past!

Of course, there are far more reasons to head to St. Tropez than the shopping and star spotting. This area is part of the fantastic Cote D’Azur and French Riviera. This means fantastic beaches (though many argue that Cannes has better beaches than St. Tropez), excellent dining, amazing water sports, and scenery that will make you stop in your tracks.

As a guest of Isle Blue, you can count on our team to provide suggestions, recommendations and support of all kinds. Whether you wish to hire a car and driver, have a chef prepare your meals, or to make a booking at a museum or show, we are happy to help you feel like a star during or after Cannes has enjoyed its annual celebration.

You booked your Punta Cana luxury villa because you know it guarantees an unforgettable vacation. Whether it is a family getaway or a luxury vacation for yourself and a sweetheart, or even a group of friends, a villa rental provides a comfortable, luxurious and private place to call home during your holiday. You have thought about the amazing things you can do from your vacation home, and the things you’ll do in Punta Cana in general, but have you thought about your photos?

In this era, we take more photos than ever before. After all, without the cost and environmental issues associated with film processing and photo printing, we are free to click away using everything from iPods and phones to tablets and costly DSLR cameras. While we could go on at great length about the risks of allowing any of our cameras to do the work of composing and correcting the shots, we will way that any visit to Punta Cana is one in which photos are a must.

Not just for memories, but also because this setting is unbelievably beautiful and photogenic. Whether you are a confident photographer who uses the manual settings on your DSLR or someone who allows apps to make interesting and high quality images, we recommend these spots and shots during your luxury vacation in Punta Cana.

Basics

It is a very wise idea to take time ahead of the journey to make a list of the shots you really want to capture. Too often we envision a series of photos, and then don’t make the time to actually go out and snap them. The sunrise on the beach, the color soaked cocktail with its funny umbrella, the kids building the sand castle…stop to itemize the shots you think of as epitomizing a holiday in Punta Cana.

We also suggest you consider waves on the sands, the gates of the resort or the front door of the luxury rentals, shots available only at dusk or dawn, the pool or grounds at night, fountains or gardens, beaches from the water or alternative views (such as empty beaches at dawn), palms…the list can go on, but the main thrust is to think a bit outside of the box, and to put a unique spin on anything that has been photographed from the same angle before.

Higuey

In line with “alternative” shots, we suggest a drive to Higuey. This is around 45 minutes from Punta Cana proper but is one of the most colorful market towns you may ever see. It has a lovely basilica and is home to the country’s patron saint. It is a site likely to fill a memory card or two, so why not just plan a day here – even plan on arriving before sunrise to get the very most out of the light, the different places and all of those colors and lines!

Underwater

Whether it is from a cenote, at the beach, or during a diving or snorkeling session, you will want to plan on bringing your camera below the water. It can even be from the pool in a luxury villa or a hotel, and if you make the right preparations, you may capture scenes that you will treasure forever. Kids in awe of sea life or making faces, creatures and colors you can only imagine, or remarkable effects due to light in water…the options are endless.

Sunset

It goes without saying that you will sit in awe of the sunset each day, so why not also setup the camera to capture some of the action. You can use the timer, filters or just test your luck and click away as you enjoy the sight with your own eyes instead of through the camera’s display. A tip for a great shot is to frame it out with a palm in the foreground to tone down the light and create depth, or with the waves and surf accenting the scene.

Photos are a key part of the experience, and we hope these tips enrich your photos of your stay in a Punta Cana luxury villa.