Month: September 2016

From November 3rd through 6th, 2016, lucky visitors to St. Barth will be able to enjoy the amazing experiences of the island’s third annual St Barth Gourmet Festival . What is this interesting and appealing event? The way it works is wonderful. For three evenings during the festival, specially chosen chefs offer a four or eight course menu that introduces guests to their signature take on island cuisine.

Every year, the festival has a patron chef along with several guest chefs – each offering diners a unique experience. The patron chef for 2016 is the talented Christian Le Squer who is chef at the Four Seasons George V Hotel in Paris. The winner of three Michelin stars, his cuisine and contributions are sure to delight.

Of course, this is not the only Michelin star recipient to appear on the roster, and of the eight guest chefs, six of them have received from one to three stars as well!

The Guest Chefs for St Barth Gourmet Festival 2016

Each of the chefs will be serving as a guest chef of a particular St. Barts hotel during the festival, and as the event planners have said, they will offer “exceptional dinners prepared in a duet with the executive heads of partners restaurants.” The hotels are the very finest and include Le Guanahani, Cheval Blanc, Le Sereno, Christopher, Eden Rock, Taiwana, Tom Beach Hotel and Le Barthelemy.

Christophe Saintagne, chef at Papillon in Paris, will be the guest chef at Hotel Tawaina

Gilles Marchal, pastry chef will be the guest chef at La Plage at the Tom Beach Hotel in St. Barts

Virginie Basselot of the Saint James Hotel in Paris, will be the guest chef at Eden Rock hotel

Fabien Lefebvre of Octopus in Beziers will be the guest chef of La Guanahani

Guy Martin the chef of Le Grand Vefor in Paris will be the guest chef of Le Barthe Lemy hotel

Jerome Banctel the chef of Le Gabriel and La Reserve of Paris will be the guest chef at le Sereno

Arnaud Donckele of La Vague d’Or in St. Tropez will be the guest chef at Hotel Cheval Blanc

Sylvestre Wahid, the chef of Sylvestre in Paris, will be the guest chef at Hotel Christopher

What to Expect

The program includes three evenings of gourmet meals. They will include a choice of a four course menu or the full eight courses, “allowing guests to discover their [the chefs’] individual culinary styles and their signature dishes”. The restaurants will serve the festival menus only on the evenings of Friday, November 4; Saturday, November 5; and Sunday, November 6. Reservations are essential in order to ensure a spot at the tables of your choice.

Additionally, there are many special events slated in locations around the island, and none of them require you to book in advance. Though the full roster of events has yet to be formalized, the current schedule includes an opening reception with a formal cocktail party. There is also a bartender competition, café waiters’ race, a young chefs contest, a beach picnic, barbecue competition, the “little toques” pastry and cake contest, a formal awards ceremony, a closing day brunch at gorgeous Nikki Beach, and more!

While visitors will find that several of the hotels are offering packages for visitors interested in enjoying their stay during the festival, many of the finest villas are also making special arrangements available too. Staying in the luxury of a villa, rather than in the bustling hotels during the festival is an especially fine way to enjoy this delicious taste of the island.

If you have been contemplating a Caribbean holiday and yet you also want something a bit different, booking during the St. Barth Gourmet Festival is a wonderful opportunity. It is like taking a culinary adventure around the globe without leaving the beautifully tranquil island. Meet some of the world’s best chefs and dine in some of the most beautiful settings imaginable, and while away your days at gourmet beach picnics or barbecues, sample delicious pastries and baked goods, and savor three wonderful days of the world’s finest dining in St. Barth.

Did you know that Barbados is often described as the Caribbean’s cuisine capital? Not a lot of travelers are aware of the sterling reputation of Barbadian cuisine or that the island is home to a huge number of restaurants. Ranging from smaller beachside shacks offering the freshest seafood to high-end gourmet restaurants with world-class chefs, the dining on the island can be unforgettable.

Whether you have arranged a stay in a villa that includes the services of a chef, or you are handling this part of the stay on your own, you have to make a point of visiting some of the finest dining establishments available. We offer the following recommendations as they rate as some of the classic, local favorites as well as some lesser known gems.

The Tides

Noted as one of the hottest spots to dine throughout Barbados, the Tides is located in Holetown and is a blend of bar, restaurant and art gallery. It is located in a refurbished, WWII era home that was crafted of mahogany and coral stone. It is saturated in sea blue and green and is a place of instant enchantment. The menu is a fusion of Caribbean and European cuisines and suggestions include their Seafood Tower, Pesto rubbed Colorado Rack of Lamb, or their catch of the day.

Uncle George Fish Net Grill

The Oistins Fish Market is home to a weekly fish fry every Friday, and one of the busiest and most in demand stalls during the fry is this one. Offering “grilled to order” fish that includes tuna, flying fish, swordfish and more, it also provides each diner with a generous serving of the famous side dishes that make Barbadian cuisine unforgettable. Of course, your fish fry would be incomplete if you didn’t also savor it with a Banks beer.

Cin Cin by the Sea

A relative newcomer to the island, it already ranks as one of the best. Living up to its name, it indeed sits right above the sands in the Saint James Parish area and is an open air restaurant noted for its amazing seafood, as well as its fried king fish and jerk pork options. Gorgeous interiors pair well with their delicious and beautifully plated dinner and lunch options, and their Cin Cin Bites are a popular way to sample their offerings.

Champers

Probably the most famous Barbados restaurant, it is in the Christ Church Parish in the south and provides locals and travelers alike with stunning waterfront dining and amazing Caribbean seafood specialties. Open for lunch and dinner, they feature a signature ceviche, a popular seafood medley, and a famous coconut pie.

Island Plates

If you want to eat like a local, and even alongside the locals, this Speightstown establishment has it all. Serving iconic Barbadian dishes, it also provides lunch or dinner with a distinctive fusion spin. Many visitors pop in for coffee and a pastry, or take advantage of the restaurants frequent “taste of” events.

The Cliff

A local favorite, this picturesque Caribbean spot sites on a cliff that overlooks the sea in the Saint James Parish area of the island. It is incredibly stylish and has a distinctly international menu that is a good blend of French, Thai and Caribbean influences.

Runners up include Cariba and Scarlet in Saint James Parish, Café Luna in Christ Church and Tapas in Hastings. There are literally hundreds of restaurants in Barbados, including four and five star establishments in some of the resort areas. Those listed above are well worth a sampling, and you will never regret spending any of your holiday exploring the many other options available.

Those traveling to Mykonos never find it hard to figure out just why ancient peoples believed the island deserved to take its name from a grandson of Apollo. Home of a sun god? Absolutely! With amazing weather, gorgeous beaches, and dazzling views, it is a fabulous place for anyone who loves the outdoors. Naturally, that is why number one of the amazing things to do during a visit is to hit the beaches.

Beaches of Mykonos

Though travelers receive a lot of recommendations about the best beaches on the island, and often get general advice to simply go to the beaches, the finest spots are on the southern shore. These are the places with the finest sands, the best views, and even have protection from the blustery winds and breezes that can make other places unpleasant. Our list of spots to see include Paradise Beach, Psarou Beach (where you are almost obliged to pay a visit to N’Ammos taverna to enjoy fresh lobster), South Paradise Beach, Platis Gialos and Ornos  (the latter two are ideal for families seeking safe waters and much quieter surroundings). Panormos beach is also considered one of the finest.

A Day in Little Venice

Whether you want to snap some unforgettable photos or you wish to explore one of the most beautiful neighborhoods on the entire island, this is the place to go. Home to the Chora neighborhood, it is at the southwestern end of the harbor in that town and it is full of delightfully photogenic houses sitting right along the waters. It is also a spot where amazing cafes and shops.

The Windmills

While you are in Little Venice, it is the ideal time to visit the scenic windmills on the hills above. Built in the 1500s, they were once the only way islanders were able to grind grains in bulk quantities. There are still 6 of them standing, but none of them are operational. While you are visiting these “kato myli” be sure you take a look down at Chora and snap some images of the delightful scenery before you. Whether you are on your way to or from the windmills, if you are in Alefkandra, stop for a sip of ouzo, a little nibble at one of the cafes, and be sure you explore this charming neighborhood.

Museums, Museums…Oh the Museums

You may not think of Mykonos as a place famous for museums, but there are too many to mention. Some are in old homes and some are limited to one room. The best of them includes the Folk Art Museum, tucked inside a former sea captain’s home in the Chora area. If you are at the windmills, take a peek inside the Mykonos Agricultural Museum nearby.

The Other Town

There are only two actual towns on the island, Chora and Ano Mera. This is an inland town without sea views, and less likely to be nearly as crowded as the Chora area. It is the ideal place for those eager to visit the different monasteries and is home to Panagia Tourliani and Paleokastro.

Bonus: Delos

Though this is actually not a Mykonos activity, it is a wonderful thing to experience when visiting the island. Take the ferry over and see for yourself the birthplace of Apollo as well as exploring the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos.

These are only a small sampling of the amazing things you can do on the island of Mykonos. While a stay at one of the many luxury villas may provide you with all that you would need for a completely relaxing, scenic and restorative holiday, these experiences will also add that extra special something that will make your trip unforgettable.

Antigua has long been known as a wonderful location for a tropical holiday, and today it is a premier location for sailing and windsurfing. Trade winds make it a pleasant place all year long and the coral reefs that once made it a nightmare for pirates or enemy ships have become world-class destinations for scuba and snorkeling enthusiasts.

However, there is one part of Antigua that can be described as utterly unique, and even as far removed. This is pristine Long Island, home of the Jumby Bay Resort, that sits offshore and offers travelers one of the most unforgettable settings for an Antiguan holiday. Privately owned, and accessible only by boat, it has retained most of its natural beauty. Wrapped by flawless, white sand beaches, an amazing array of native birds and species, it is also a preserve for the gorgeous hawksbill sea turtles – for which there is a sanctuary on the private island.

Fortunately, it has also been converted into an exclusive property in which a curated collection of estate-like homes and villas are available to those seeking an ultra-luxurious vacation. Currently, there are forty premium guest suites within a resort setting in addition to the villas and houses, and everyone on this private island enjoys access to a long list of upscale privileges.

When staying on Jumby Bay, guests enjoy full access to the white sand beaches of the resort and the many water sports available at each of them. Guests also enjoy bicycling paths, gourmet restaurants and bars, fitness center, classes and guided walks, sunset cruises, spa treatments, tennis courts and other seasonally-curated activities. Kids will love the Rose Buds pavilion that is a children-only zone and a place of constant fun and adventure!

Clearly, it is the discerning travelers who will appreciate this secluded island retreat the most, and we offer a sampling of some of the villas available to book during a stay. Each has household staff that includes a chef, housekeeper and in some cases a butler as well.

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Villa Turtle Reef

The four-bedroom Turtle Reef features classic island architecture that features wraparound verandahs and a bevy of outdoor living spaces. Each of the bedrooms is a master suite with four-poster king bed, luxurious en-suite bath with outdoor shower, and sitting area. They open to the expansive gardens and grounds and these include an enormous private pool terrace as well as manicured walks down to your private beach.

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Villa Blue Pelican

If you require more sleeping quarters, the enormous and visually stunning villa Blue Pelican is a wonderful option. Using an array of buildings, each with verandahs and terraces, it offers everything from a gorgeous blue tiled swimming pool, a huge private beach and a tall stone sugar mill tower offering panoramic views of the entire region. Tucked into manicured gardens and grounds, it is the ultimate, private retreat.

The interiors are a blend of natural materials, creamy palettes and island décor. Spanish colonial influences rub shoulder to shoulder with more contemporary pieces, and it all works to create an opulent, rich and welcoming setting. Whether you are in the fabulous home theater or outdoors at the bar on the verandah, you will encounter style and charm.

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Villa Lazy Lizard

If you want something truly ultra-luxurious, then it has to be the villa Lazy Lizard for you. This enormous, six-bedroom property is more like a full-blown private estate. The gigantic pool in the heart of the property features an island gazebo, and the Pagoda-like lines of the main villa and other structures create a beguiling and enchanted setting. Wraparound terraces create scores of outdoor living areas, manicured gardens offer paths to explore, and your private beach is a dream come true. With Asian-inspired décor and interiors, this villa is a wonderful place to relax, refresh and restore yourself.

Clearly, you have many premium options for a holiday in Antigua, but just offshore is a truly private paradise waiting at Jumby Bay.

It is interesting for those planning a holiday on Mykonos to hear what others say about the island. After all, it is one of the most visited islands throughout the Aegean and is a popular spot for cruise ships. Though that can mean there are some times when it is crowded or busy, it does not mean that visitors should avoid certain areas of this small and readily accessible destination – especially Mykonos Town.

Picturesque and Perfect Mykonos

While those who need to get their shopping bug under control will find plenty of high-end and boutique names in town, there are also areas of truly scenic beauty. The harbor itself is full of the postcard-perfect boats bobbing along the waves and making their way into or out of the harbor throughout the day.

As an ideal starting point for a day tour of Mykonos Town, we suggest the charming little Agios Nikolaos, or the Church of St. Nikolaos. Set right along the waterfront in the harbor, it is tiny and charming and you will definitely want to take a step inside to experience its colorful interior and peaceful beauty.

Typically, visitors exiting the church also encounter the crowds that surround the “mascot” of the island, Petros the Pelican. He appeared in 1954 when found by a local fisherman after a particularly bad storm. The original Petros passed away and the locals missed him so much that they have made sure that there is always a “Petros” on hand. A note here – the pelicans of the harbor area tend to show up in the early afternoons, so you may want to time your tour to coincide with the birds’ usual arrival times.

As you make your way across the harbor, head into town towards the windmills you will see sitting on the hills above. When you do so, you are going to be in direct line with the Panagai Paraportiani. This site you will already know from the many postcards and portraits of the church in use on everything from websites to t-shirts. Dating to the 1400s, it is the most photographed church and is actually five in one. It is a working church, so be quiet and respectful when you visit.

Once you exit the church, continue heading in the direction of the windmills and you will enter a fairy-tale like setting of narrow alleys and those iconic images of Greek harbor towns you have always dreamed of seeing in person. This is Little Venice and is the best part of the town according to many visitors, and because there are no cars allowed, it is a pedestrian’s dream.

Medieval little houses sit along the water’s edge and cobblestone alleys lead to shops and cafes, white washed buildings reflect light into even darker corners and the shade of tress and overhanging plants offers shade when needed.

As you exit the maze of Little Venice you will be at the foot of the hill where the windmills are found. Make your way up to these 1700s gems, and enjoy the finest views of the harbor and town.

As you make your way back down, you can stop for any number of snacks, drinks or even a meal, but keep in mind that Little Venice is noted for its amazing sunsets. You may want to remain on the hills or take in the views from the iconic Katerina’s Bar. Agios Stefanos Beach is also a wonderful place to savor the sunset with a bottle of wine or a picnic from one of the cafes.

A day spent walking Mykonos Town is one you will never forget and a good reason to leave the comfort and luxury of a villa for one day.

Here’s an important thing to discover about the Balearic Island of Ibiza – it is a lot more than the world’s greatest electronic music hotspot. It is actually a relatively pristine and unspoiled place of natural beauty. With forests and beaches, bays and historic sites, it offers you an amazingly appealing place to explore. So, whether you are interested in Ibiza as a great nightlife experience or you are considering it for its luxuries and beauty, we have a few suggestions for savoring truly wonderful Ibiza experiences.

Grab a Ride

First things first, if you are to enjoy all that Ibiza has to offer, be sure you have a car or access to a car and driver. While the island is small and does have some reliable bus services and taxis, it would be much better if you could enjoy a private car that will allow you to come and go, start and stop whenever and wherever you like. There are some truly show-stopping views along the higher elevations of the island, and if you would get the most out of your time spent on some winding roads or small and narrow tracks, it is best to have a car and driver.

The good news? Almost everything on the island is going to be roughly forty to forty-five minutes from anywhere else!

Secluded Beaches

While there are amazing beaches all over the island, we suggest some of the more secluded and even hidden spots. For instance, the Cala d’en Serra is a tiny beach tucked at the edge of a pine forest. Cala Llonga also has an astonishingly pretty little beach, and if you are someone who loves isolation and total privacy, you may feel as if you yourself are the discoverer of Sol d’en Serra that is close to the Amante beach club.

Get Hip at a Hippy Market

You may already know that the island drew many hippies in the 1960s and 70s, and some of their markets are still going strong. If Saturday crowds at the famous Las Dalias make you lose an urge to shop, you will fall in love with the Punta Arabi in Es Cana, that is held every Wednesday. Though it is the biggest it is less like to feel overcrowded and/or overwhelming.

Savor the Local Specialities

Flavored sea salt has been a major commodity on the island since 800 BC, and you will want to be sure to visit the best providers. One of the finest is Sal de Ibiza operating in the Parc Natural de ses Salines d’Eivissa. You will also want to purchase almond and fig jam, rose wine, honey and the famous locally made liquor known as hierbas Ibicencas. If you are fan of wine, pay a visit to Sant Mateu and the vineyards there, particularly those of Can Rich where you can also find olive oil and hierbas Ibicencas.

Visit the Northeast Side of the Island

Visitors are often delighted by a visit to the villa of Sant Joan de Labritja which has a gorgeous pine forest just a few miles to the north. Hiking here can lead you to the Cala d’en Serra where one of those secretive beaches (mentioned earlier) is found.

Give a Day to Dalt Vila

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is actually the “High Town” that is the older part of Ibiza Town. Pay attention to the impressive architecture and the different museums in addition to the delightful shops, cafes and bars. Be sure to give time to the bastions for the amazing sea views and if you visit at least one museum on the island, make it either the Museum of Contemporary Art found here or the even better Archaeological Museum.

Ibiza is amazing, and even if you never set foot in a club or on a crowded beach, you will find so much to love.

Those planning a luxury vacation in the Dominican Republic already know it is a fantastic place for beaches, sightseeing, water sports, and shopping. It is also a world-class destination for dining. In fact, if you ask anyone who has had a family getaway in the Dominican Republic, they will say that food is a big deal.

This is why we have rounded up a list of some of the top places to dine during a vacation the Dominican Republic. Whether you are staying in one of the amazing beach houses or a luxury villa, you will want to make a point of heading to a few of these delicious eateries. They range from beach shacks to five-star restaurants, and each offers a memorable experience.

La Yola

Located in the famous Punta Cana Resort & Club, this is a stunning spot that is ideal for a romantic vacation in the Dominican Republic. It is an outdoor restaurant that sits on a dock-like structure tucked beneath a grass-roofed shelter. Offering Mediterranean inspired dishes and using a lot of local ingredients, it is the perfect place for an unforgettable meal.

Passion

Located in the Paradisus Palma Real in Punta Cana, it is a truly gourmet restaurant that emphasizes Spanish cuisine and seafood. Diners can choose from a sampling menu or dine a la carte, and they also have an enormous and famous wine cellar. Not one for the kids, it is a dinner-only spot.

Eze

A bar and a restaurant that sits right on the Cabarete Beach, it is a fabulous place for people watching, meeting locals, enjoying the scenery of the waterfront just steps from the restaurant, and of course dining. They serve three meals each day and offer family and kid-friendly options such as fresh tropical smoothies and many familiar Italian dishes.

The Beach

Utterly charming, this restaurant is tucked into a delightful little colonial cottage that sits along the beach at Playa Coson. It is actually part of the historic Peninsula House and is quite a bit off the beaten path. This is why diners can also request a beach towel and lounge chair and head to the sands after dining. They specialize in grilled seafood and local ingredients, and it is a good spot for anyone on a luxury vacation in the Dominican Republic.

La Palapa

Also called La Palapa by Eden Rock, this Cap Cana eatery offers fusion cuisine in a gorgeous setting. It serves unique takes on sushi but also many Italian inspired dishes too. It is popular for its amazing Sunday brunches, and is a very high-end dining option well worth the trip.

Las Lenas

For those with a luxury rentals in the Dominican Republic, it can be fun to opt for a breakfast or an afternoon tea somewhere outside of the luxury vacation property. Rather than heading out for a formal meal though, you can find something extraordinary with a visit to Las Lenas. This is known as the best bakery in the entire Punta Cana area and is also popular with locals. It features amazing coffee, full breakfasts, and some of the most delectable pies, pastries, cakes, tarts and flans to enjoy each morning or afternoon of your vacation in the Dominican Republic.

Another choice to consider is Los Gallos in Macao. It specializes in Mexican dishes and is a delight for travelers hoping to savor authentic cuisine in an easy to find location.

Of course, there are countless other spots you will want to consider, including any of the cozy and charming beach shacks serving everything from sandwiches to sweets. A luxury vacation in the Dominican Republic has to include delicious local foods.

By now, many of us know about Turks and Caicos, and how it has become a preferred playground of the famous and the discerning travelers “in the know”. A truly beautiful place, it was only a sleepy little Caribbean island, relatively unknown until the 1960s, when it was first discovered by the then “jet set”. Families like the Roosevelts and DuPonts stumbled on it and began making overtures to the local government, hoping to get permission to begin developing small areas of the pristine wilderness.

They succeeded and though development moved very slowly, things began to really boom in the Grace Bay beach area during the 1990s. It was at this time that the condominium-style resorts first appeared and names like Parrot Cay and Amanyara began to help spread the word about Turks and Caicos as a premiere holiday destination.

By the time of the worldwide real estate and financial crash of 2008 occurred, there were many individual homes and condo complexes on the island. However, that turbulent period did halt development for the next few years. By 2012, though, Turks and Caicos had more than recovered and was already back above its previous peak levels.

The Challenge

The problem with the options for buyers was that they had to choose between two to three-bedroom condominium properties, and free-standing homes. The former meant living in a condominium-type complex and the latter meant the upkeep and challenges of managing a second home.

Fortunately, emerging trends in the travel industry created an innovative idea in Turks and Caicos. The trend was this: groups of friends or families would combine a luxury trip with a reunion. Thus, they might find themselves in search of groups of suites or large homes that would allow them to really share time together, under a single roof.

On Turks and Caicos, they ran into trouble because there were not homes with that many bedrooms and baths readily available. Even when a free-standing home was available, it had no general management, no one to meet traveler’s needs, and no services that made a visit a relaxing escape for the guests.

The Answer

This is when the Beach Enclave development emerged. Led by Vasco Borges, the Founder and CEO of the property, along with a team of seasoned experts, the project involves three luxurious neighborhoods, the first on North Shore opening November 2016, then Long Bay in late 2017 and Grace Bay in early 2018. Each enclave contains several four- to seven-bedroom villas. Tucked inside a gated community and offering luxury resort amenities and services, they will have large and private grounds and offer the famous “location, location, location” that ensures a quality experience.

Beach Enclave North Shore is described as “ultra-low density”, and is unique from any other part of the island. With ten acres and over 650 feet of private beachfront and located along the famous International Drive. This is already an exclusive and upscale area of private estates and amazing views. Just a short distance from the excitement of the Turtle Cove entertainment hub, this property will be a little world of its own.

Though the beach will be one of the most private, with very limited access and part of a nature park teaming with native sea and land creatures, each home will be self-contained with an area of private beach, an infinity edge pool and many outdoor living spaces. As the development team has said, “Nowhere else in Turks and Caicos can owners and guests enjoy a true private beach experience and the elevated views offered from each of the nine beautiful villas.”

The beachfront villas feature a secluded beach area separate from the main beach, with a wooden deck, summer kitchen, fire pit, outdoor shower, and everything needed to savor luxury beachfront living – indoors and out. Resort amenities along with dedicated staff and luxury interiors by Domino Creative will ensure that guests enjoy the privacy of a villa with the bespoke services unique to a boutique resort like Beach Enclave.

If you want to enjoy the ultimate luxury villa vacation and a blissful, worry free holiday, or you are interested in purchasing a flawless property to enjoy year round, consider the Beach Enclave North Shore in Turks and Caicos.

Travelers have long recognized St. Barts as one of the more cosmopolitan of all of the northern Caribbean islands. With its long history of French citizenry, it has a unique culture, and a more laid back and low-key pace than other islands in the region. The natural beauty of St. Barts has been well protected and it is also home to a massive marine reserve. Thus, visitors understand that they will experience tropical beauty and gorgeous scenery when paying a visit, and it can be best enjoyed from one of the private villas appearing in the best areas of the island.

Currently, there are five new St Barts villas that really emphasize the setting and scenery, and we’d love to share the details with you. Three are in the hills of Lurin, meaning scenery to the north and west (ah, sunsets!), and another is in the equally lovely hills of Corossol to the west of Lurin and with southern views along the coast. The final property is in the stunning Anse des Cayes area, with truly show-stopping views to the north as well as a private cove all its own.

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Villa Bastide

The villa Bastide is the first of the Lurin hilltop properties. With three bedrooms and truly stunning views of St. Jean Bay, it is a private island paradise. Balancing flawlessly designed interiors with a generous array of outdoor living spaces, it also uses enormous banks of glass doors and floor to ceiling windows to make the most of its setting. An infinity-edge pool, gorgeous and fully-furnished terrace, and sleek and contemporary style make it unforgettable.

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Villa Legends B

Another of the hilltop villas is Legends B, which is a larger, five-bedroom gem that perfectly balances contemporary design alongside classic island esthetics. A large, wooden pool terrace frames the infinity-edge pool that seems to spill into the flawless scene set out before you. Impressively furnished, the terrace area offers premium outdoor living, yet the interiors are a fabulous match. A fantastic esthetic abounds here and each bedroom emulates the style of one of the legendary fashion houses that gives this unforgettable villa its name.

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Villa Maison Blanc Bleu

The largest of the Lurin hilltop hideaways is Maison Blanc Bleu, with six bedrooms, two stories and a stunning wealth of indoor and outdoor spaces. With its pagoda-like lines and uncluttered esthetic, this villa is a stunner. An expansive wooden terrace wraps the infinity edge pool as well as the villa itself, leading you fluidly from lounging area to dining niche and indoors, and even to a rooftop terrace.

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Villa Utopic

A bit west of the Lurin area is the Corossol region, and this is home to one of the more stunning of the new villas. The villa Utopic is a masterwork of contemporary design and it features a truly stunning art collection that is showcased throughout. The enormous, three-bedroom villa looks towards Gustavia and the beaches below, and offers scenery from almost every room. It is furnished in a way that coordinates with its sleek lines and its art, and features countless living spaces with some of the finest furnishings to ensure optimal comfort and enjoyment of the setting and the art.

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Villa Lita

Heading north and east of Corossol you find the villa Lita, the largest of the new villas. With seven bedrooms, it rests on a ridge above Anse des Cayes beach and even features a private cove to enjoy. Water is the emphasis here, and the pavilion-styled structures seem to straddle space between the infinity-edge pool and the sea just below. Though contemporary in style, it is utterly welcoming and balances private and shared, indoor and outdoor spaces perfectly.

If you have been looking for some of the finest and hottest of the island’s newest villas, these are not to be missed.

One of the oldest races in the world is still held in Barcelona each year – the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalyuna and it takes place in the spring of each year. Located less than 15 miles from Barcelona, in the small town of Montmelo, it is a fantastic experience whether you purchase a luxury paddock pass or take a seat in the stands, it promises to be an exciting race.

Guests of Isle Blue can incorporate their visit to Barcelona to coincide with the race event. It is a three-day, weekend-long itinerary that draws enormous crowds. Because of this, it is important to make your travel arrangements well in advance. You will want to consider your villa, and its proximity to the course as well as your transportation to and from the races each day.

Traffic can be a challenge, and this is a key reason that we recommend guests explore the different VIP and paddock options over standard grandstand or field tickets. Rather than toting food, drinks, seating, and gear with you, a VIP or premium pass comes with excellent seating, full services, dining options, and premium views.

Getting to the Races

Reaching the race course can vary according to your wishes and wants, since there are public transport options that depart from the city center and head out to Montmelo as well as private transportation options. However, those who use public transport will have to rely on a shuttle from the station to the race circuit or walk the 45-minute route. Buses are another option, but take enormous amounts of time to get to and from the track. So we suggest driving to the circuit instead.

With more than 30,000 parking spaces, there is ample room for those who opt to rent a vehicle or hire a car and driver. Taxi services are another option, but to allow the most comfort and freedom of movement, a car of your own is the ideal answer. Our concierge services can work with you to create the ideal transportation to and from the races.

Getting In

Naturally, getting there is only part of the equation and you also require tickets. These can be obtained directly from the Grand Prix site, and you will be able to choose from basic tickets to VIP experiences. We suggest opting for the more inclusive tickets as there are limited services for those who choose lawn seats and even some of the stadium seats.

According to the experts, the key vantage points include Grandstand J and the North Areas of B, C, G and H. Booking far in advance of the trip is also advised as this iconic race sells out very quickly – especially the luxury packages. While you can purchase race day only tickets, it is remarkably enjoyable to book the entire three-day event as this allows you to take in practices and qualifying sessions in addition to the final event.

If you are traveling with friends or family, and not everyone is interested in the races, remember that Barcelona is less than 15 miles from the track, and many special events are planned to coincide with the Grand Prix weekend. While some of your group heads out to the races for the weekends, the rest can remain in the city enjoying guided walking tours, specialty dining events, museum tours, and even day trips into areas outside of the city. Spa days are also an option, and Barcelona itself is a city ripe with places to explore independently. Evenings are also busy thanks to the travelers in town for the race, and you will experience an entirely unique situation if you head to Barcelona for the Grand Prix events.