Month: October 2016

When you mention the name Sandy Lane in Barbados, it can mean a few things. There is the wonderful Sandy Lane beach, open to the public and long considered one of the finest in the entire Caribbean. There is the amazing Sandy Lane resort, which is a world-class destination, and there is the area known as the Sandy Lane Estates. This is close to the Sandy Lane Beach Club, a private and upscale facility that is part of the resort.

The Resort

Described by many as one of the most prestigious resorts in the world, Sandy Lane does offer it all. Golfers enjoy three of the finest courses available, there is the spa (voted the finest in the entire Caribbean, Bermuda and the Bahamas), the four gourmet restaurants and collection of charming bars, and the amazing sports facilities for all to savor.   There is also the stunning beach with everything from reserved seating to drink service. There are the water sports that include kayaking and sailing to opportunities for swimming with turtles, scuba diving and water skiing.  Nine premium tennis courts with skilled tennis professionals offering lessons, and a massive swimming pool with waterfalls and gardens, as well as a pool bar, round out the list of basic amenities.

Sandy Lane is considered a five-star property and it is close to Paynes Bay and Holetown in Barbados. It was started in the 1930s and is situated on a former sugar plantation. The intention was always to make it a luxury hotel and world-class golf course, but it has expanded well beyond this basic concept.

It has more than one hundred luxurious guest rooms and suites, a private villa and that long list of activities and amenities already listed. It is a favorite of many celebrities and frequented by some of the leading golf professionals in the world.

Sandy Lane Estates

The Sandy Lane Estates are a collection of amazing, private villas which all come with access to the facilities at the Sandy Lane Beach Club on the resort. For the best luxury vacation experience that provides space, comfort and attentive service, the staffed villas in Sandy Lane are the desired accommodations for the jet set. Stunning villas such as villa Windward or villa Casablanca are particularly compelling luxury rentals. Guests also savor the use of the golf course, spa, restaurants and tennis facilities. Many of these premiere resorts also provide visitors with an attentive household staff that includes a private chef, laundress and housekeeper. Some sit directly along the waterfront, and a majority feature a pool area and bevy of outdoor living spaces.

The Golf

Because it was always meant as a prestigious area for golfing enthusiasts, the golf of the Sandy Lane area is nearly impossible to match. Visitors can play at the resort’s three world-class courses that include the Green Monkey, the Country Club or the Old Nine. There is a pro shop and many guests renting a villa in Sandy Lane Estates will find that their rate may include access to one or more of these courses.

Of course, the location so close to Holetown and Speightstown also means that visitors enjoying any of the upscale accommodations of Sandy Lane will also be able to quickly reach the amazing cafes and restaurants they feature as well as some fun shopping. Because this area is hot with the rich and famous, it is not unusual to find yourself perusing the market or taking a dip alongside a very familiar, celebrity face or two.

Synonymous with luxury and amenities, the Sandy Lane area of Barbados is a west coast location offering amazing Caribbean views, gorgeous sunsets and one of the finest, white sand beaches. A popular coral reef is just offshore from Sandy Lane Beach and the villas and accommodations are some of the most exclusive and amenities-rich you may find throughout the Caribbean.

Learn more about Barbados villas.

When planning your visit to Los Cabos, you’ll probably get a lot of advice from those who have already enjoyed a stay. Most will tell you about the wonderful restaurants that populate every neighbourhood and area, most will also talk about the need to visit both towns – Cabo San Lucas and its quieter and more laid back neighbour, San Jose del Cabo. Many will also talk about the amazing beauty of the beaches and scenery, the world-class golfing, the many spa and wellness options, and so much more.

However, if there is one thing that you are sure to hear everyone recommend, it is to go out at least one evening to savor the area’s dazzling nightlife. On most lists of “things to see and do in Cabo“, you are going to see a repeated recommendation, and this to people watch while enjoying the nightlife hotspots.

Nightlife in Cabo

One thing to know right away, though, is that nightlife does not mean one thumping dance club after another. The nightlife of Cabo varies quite widely. There are resort based bars and clubs that offer poolside activities, there are local restaurants offering a happy hour type of nightlife with lots of delicious food and affordable cocktails, and there are the more familiar clubs that have live music, dance floors, dazzling light displays and more.

Though Cabo is known as a party destination in many parts of the world, it is distinct from other popular nightlife hotspots. It is a far more laid back and even classier place to go out, enjoy drinks, and get a bit on the wild side, or just sit by the waterfront and enjoy some local music, delicious food and people watching.

Let’s consider some of the most famous names in Cabo nightlife:

Pink Kitty

This is probably one of the most famous night spots with a reputation for being a high end nightclub. One of the best dance floors, it is a distinctly metropolitan place with bottle service and an admission fee, but it is also noted as a place to be seen.

Cabo Wabo

This was made famous by Van Halen front man Sammy Hagar who opened it in 1990. A restaurant and nightclub, it has a stage that features many famous bands throughout the year, and it is a popular dance spot. Louder than other nightlife destinations, it is easily one of the more party-friendly options.

El Squid Roe

Trendy and long considered a “must see” for its upper level balcony open to the night sky, it is also a truly fun place to do a bit of people watching, and the food is known to be good too!

Baja Brewing Company

If you prefer your nightlife on the other side of Los Cabos, this wonderful brewery and restaurant will be sure to please. It has a happy hour every day of the week and live music during weekends. It is in the heart of the art district and features an outdoor beer garden, great food and a classic pub-styled bar inside. This would be an idyllic spot to meet local artisans and fellow foodies and more laidback travelers.

Mandala Food & Wine Club

Noted as the up and coming “in” spot for nightlife in Cabo, it has a remarkable décor that is equal parts Asian and Las Vegas. It has an open air feel with bottle service, and is noted for its attentive staff.

Passion Club

Lastly is this unique spot that offers amazing Land’s End and Sea of Cortez views as well as sitting right along Medano Beach. It is equal parts lounge, restaurant and nightclub with a great and modern atmosphere.

There are certainly many other Cabo nightlife hotspots, but if you want to hit some of the biggest and most well-known, this list will give you the best options.

Imagine waking to the sound of the sea just a short distance from your window. Imagine that the sea is the Caribbean as it laps along the sugary sands of Plum Bay Beach in St. Martin. If you are unfamiliar with this particularly gorgeous stretch of sand, it is most certainly time to learn more about it.

Home to the absolutely stunning Villa C’Est La Vie, it is in the coveted and prestigious Terres Basses area of the island. This is the far western end of the French side offering you exquisite sunsets in addition to stunning coastal scenery. The owners of this luxurious six-bedroom property say that, for them, St. Martin was the perfect location because of its boutique-like feel, and the many “little hidden nooks and crannies on the island.”

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The Inspiration of Villa C’Est La Vie

Architecturally designed by Cecile Desgrus, the implicit details and grandeur of C’Est La Vie captivates the soul. There are also many little nooks and crannies of this property to explore. The designer was Vanessa Deleon, and it is easy to see that she placed an emphasis on contemporary design while also ensuring that uncluttered spaces focused your attention on the outdoors. While the villa itself sits along the sands, it is also surrounded by private grounds and features a surprising number of outdoor living spaces.

One of the most visually impressive yet welcoming and appealing is the pool. It has been designed to offer smooth lines against the more rigid lines of the building. To that end, a pseudo-beach exists along one edge, crafted from gorgeous, sand-hued stone with a mosaic beach scene. A wooden deck frames the rest of the pool with curved lines matching the rounded forms of the modern sun beds.

Full-sized palms make little islands, and a rounded Jacuzzi is built into the terrace as well. A gorgeous gazebo stands ready, and features a full-sized living room from which you will gaze out to sea, savor hours of conversation or relax and watch the sunset, stars, sunrise or the sea. Another unique, sunken island is found in the pool as well, with swim-up bar stools ensuring you savor your time in the sun.

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Just as the designer created a dizzying array of outdoor spaces furnished with amazing style and genuine comfort, there are also terrace, verandah and interiors with the same airy and yet welcoming appeal. Al fresco dining at the marble dining table or formal dining in the great room? Outdoor lounging or casual hours in the stunning, modern living room inside? Dine at the barbecue or in your oversized, modern kitchen?

Whatever choices are made, you will never miss a moment of the scenery thanks to the open spaces, the oversized glass doors and walls, and the fantastic décor choices of the designer.

Each of the bedrooms has been crafted as a private retreat with king bed, large and private ensuite bath and luxury toiletries.

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More Than Gorgeous

While it is easy to see that the Villa C’Est La Vie is a visually stunning spot with a surprising level of comfort amidst its world-class décor, the property itself has a lot that will inspire travelers. It is the first geothermal home on the island. It also has a wine cellar and a special rooftop oven for baking without overheating the villa itself.

The household is attended to by a permanent staff that includes a fantastic chef, housekeeper, gardener and caretaker. The property has an active, organic garden where all of the vegetables are grown, and there is even a small farm with chickens, rabbits, ducks, and a friendly pig who instantly woos all of the children who visit.

With such an attentive staff, an amazing range of spaces to lounge, dine or gather, and a setting that is dream-like at all times, this villa lives up to its name, making many say “Ah, this is the life!”

Learn more about villa C’Est La Vie.

 

Destination weddings add a further level of challenge than more traditional weddings. After all, there is the need to plan a major event without actually being there on the spot. You have to be sure you have the proper paperwork, that all of the travel arrangements are easy for those willing to make the journey for your big day, and so much more. Fortunately, there are some luxurious areas that have become excellent options for those hoping to enjoy a beautiful, nearly fail-proof destination wedding, and Cabo or Los Cabos is one of them.

With more than 300 days of sunny and perfect weather each year, a bevy of luxurious resorts and villa properties to serve as the location for your wedding, and a huge array of skilled planners and experts to help get those proverbial ducks in a row, it is a wise choice.

Cabo Wedding Tips for Success

Wedding planning never boils down to a basic list of “must do” tasks, but there certain universal issues whether you are having a wedding at home or in a destination as coveted as Los Cabos. These items include the venue, catering, photography, flowers, a special cake, and entertainment. Fortunately, most of these tasks are easily handled by a wedding planner in Cabo, and you can streamline the entire process by rolling the event planning into the venue rental.

Los Cabos has long been known for its amazing villas, fantastic resorts and photogenic beaches. When you opt to rent a larger villa or set of sister villas, you can often find that the rental firms have many staff ideal for supporting your wedding planner. This may end up being far preferable to you as it gives you much more control over everything from the types of food and drink to the activities occurring around the actual wedding.

Beyond the Standard

As a simple illustration, your destination wedding will involve a reception for guests who have traveled to celebrate with you. It will involve events like rehearsal dinners, morning-after breakfasts or brunches, and even things like bachelor or hen parties. When you have to manage all of these individual events, it can become overwhelming, but if you are booked in a premium villa, both you and your many guests may be directly on the spot where everything is to occur.

Consider the benefits of eliminating the shuttling, confirming details with many venues and providers, and remaining on top of everything in a place that is a bit foreign or unknown. Simply negotiating traffic or last minute shopping can end up being a headache, but if you opt to choose Cabo as your location and a luxurious villa or resort property as the venue, more than half of the battle is done.

A Cabo destination wedding will provide you with the least amount of hassle and frustration because it can be part of a premium wedding and honeymoon package. You will be able to maintain a much tighter control over the budget, and still enjoy everything you want – this can include the exact type of cocktails and foods, the look of the beachfront wedding setting, the places you are photographed, and so much more.

After the Wedding

Consider as well that you are already in one of the world’s premier honeymoon destinations as soon as your wedding day is over. You can arrange for a smaller, more intimate villa or luxury rental just a short distance from your wedding venue, and start your new life together without the hassles of flying, driving or worrying about anything.

Cabo, or Los Cabos in general, has become a wildly popular place for the ultimate destination wedding, and with so many luxurious locations it just makes great sense to consider it for your wedding celebration.

Many visitors to Jamaica opt to stay in a villa or at a resort property, and this allows them to enjoy the very best that the local area has to offer in terms of the beaches and amenities. However, it may prevent a traveler from getting an authentic experience of Jamaica itself, and this is unfortunate as it is a place of great beauty, delicious foods, and culture.

Explore Jamaica

What should you do on a stay in Jamaica? The top destinations in Jamaica include Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril, Kingston, Port Antonia, and Runaway Bay. These are spread out all over the island, but many feel that the most common location for tourism is the North Coast. Here visitors can enjoy the golf courses, shopping areas, galleries, restaurants, and beaches.

Does this mean an authentic experience of Jamaica has to occur outside of these areas? No. Some of the nicest beaches open to the public are found here, as well as historic sites, rivers, and more.

However, there are some great benefits to stepping beyond the villa and tourism areas to explore the amazingly beautiful inland areas of this country. With these points in mind, our list of top alternative Jamaican destinations will include:

Jamaica’s Beaches to visit

Negril Beach is probably the most idyllic of them all. Extending across two bays and more than seven miles it is dotted with restaurants, amenities, and gorgeous scenery. Doctor’s Cave Beach in Montego Bay is another top beach, though the cave was destroyed in the 1930s. Luminous Lagoon in Falmouth is a unique experience and takes its name from the marine phosphorescence that appears each evening. Port Antonio’s beaches are noted as some of  the very best in the island.

Historic Sites of Jamaica

Rose Hall Great House in Montego Bay is a 1770s beauty with amazing views and spooky candlelight tours for the brave of heart. Falmouth is a town, but it is a Georgian era town that is amazingly preserved with a great house museum, plantation house, and lovely little beach.

Natural Attractions of Jamaica

Head to Martha Brae River near Montego Bay is a wonderful spot for river rafting on classic bamboo rafts with local guides. Blue Mountains and John Crow Mountains National Park which offers more than 200,000 acres of pristine rainforest and hundreds of native species. This park can be explored by mule or on foot, and on Blue Mountain Peak, and the hearty traveler can enjoy views to Cuba. Daniel’s River near Port Antonio makes its way through rocky gorges and ends at Somerset Falls, and is one of the most scenic spots on the island. Rio Grande River is home to excellent guided tours on bamboo rafts, which take you through the rainforest and educate you about the now defunct banana industry. The Black River and YS Falls are where you can still see wild crocodiles and hundreds of varieties of native birds as you tour the river and end at the large and lovely YS Falls (and even enjoy a plunge in the wading pools below).

Jamaica Towns to Visit

Port Antonio is a lovely fishing village that is a very charming spot to shop the galleries, go hiking, do some diving in the local Blue Lagoon, and sample the very best authentic “jerk” at Boston Beach.

We would also say that a day or two in Kingston is a must simply because it is a truly cosmopolitan city with scenic mountains in the background, and a long list of museums, gardens, and cultural experiences. It is also where the Bob Marley Museum is located, and even those who are not fans of the reggae superstar will enjoy a few hours in his former home.

There are also many guided adventures that include zip-line tours and hikes into the mountains, and these too get you outside of the resort or villa and into the lesser known but equally appealing Jamaica.

Learn More About Jamaica & Where to Stay

Beautiful, uncrowded and well preserved, the main island of Anguilla is earning more and more attention from those interested in ultra-luxurious travel. With the persistent trade winds making the climate ideal year round, and the stunning natural beauty of the island itself, it just makes sense to consider a visit. There are many stunning bays and beaches encircling the island, and several of them are home to premium villa estates. We’d like to share some of our favorite grand villas of Anguilla with you, in order to help you plan your next family or group holiday.

Keep in mind that most feature full household staffs, including chefs, butlers and laundresses, to ensure your vacation is entirely relaxing.

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Villa Nevaeh

The villa Nevaeh is the smallest of the villas on our list, but with eight bedrooms it is not, technically, small at all! It rests right along the sands of Long Bay, and is elevated only a bit on its private expanse of verdant and lush lawns and gardens. Designed in the classic pavilion style, it features a series of levels and terraces (some open and some with pergolas) that create a stunning array of indoor and outdoor spaces.

The pool terrace has to be one of the most visually significant spaces with its multiple levels, waterfalls, and separate Jacuzzi. Outdoor lounges are in abundance, and tucked all over the property. Garden paths and stone stairs lead to some, and visitors will never cease to wonder at the array of private and shared spaces. From the outdoor yoga studio to the single pagoda housing one of the luxury bedrooms, this is an ideal spot for a family holiday or even a special, destination event.

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Villa Cerulean

The villa Cerulean features nine bedrooms and is located along Barnes Bay. It is entirely different style with strong white lines and geometrics making it a classic-style structure that frames many outdoor spaces. The heart of the villa is the pool area with its pergola, verandah and sun decks. Steps from the private beach, it uses an airy pale blue and sand palette that captures the sky, sea and air in every room.

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Ani Estate

If you need total privacy and a great deal of space, the ultra-luxurious villa Ani Estate is ideal. Like something out of an architectural publication, this three-story property offers some of the most stylish living imaginable. A blend of wood, stone and water, the building is on the point at Crocus Bay and offers unprecedented views, sunrises, sunsets, and starry nights.

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Villa Le Bleu

The ten-bedroom Le Bleu is also an ultra-luxury option on Little Harbour. It is an expansive, mansion-style structure that features multiple levels of living space, a long stretch of private beach, enormous gardens, a pool terrace, Jacuzzi, oceanfront gazebo, and interiors that easily blur the lines between indoors and outdoors. The uncluttered and streamlined décor relies on a palette of black and white to capture the sunlight and airiness of the setting. With so much space and privacy, this estate is perfect for a special event.

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Kishti Estate

Finally, the Kishti Estate is tucked along the sands of Meads Bay, offering eleven bedrooms and two distinct properties in one. Guests actually book the “east” and “west” sides of the estate and enjoy such amenities as rooftop gardens, fitness centers, a massive pool terrace, sun decks, home theaters, and a stunning range of outdoor living spaces on the verandahs and throughout the beautiful gardens and grounds.

This is but a sampling of the truly grand villas of Anguilla and we encourage you to consider a lengthy visit here when you are ready to savor an authentically luxurious vacation.

Learn more about Anguilla luxury villas

The island of Antigua sits in an unusual location with its amazing trade winds creating year round ideal weather and its seemingly endless beaches. Locals will tell you that there are 365 beaches…meaning one for every day of the year. That may be a good reason to plan repeat visits to the island, but if you have recently booked a luxury villa, it is likely that you will want to hit several during your visit. While the one closest to your villa may be one of the best, we suggest these “locally recommended” spots as well.

Remember that all of the beaches are open to the public, and the only challenge is to find the one that best suits your needs or preferences.

For instance, you have opted to book a stay on the island because you are a fan of water sports. Antigua is a primary destination for many of the world’s top sailors, but also many of the world’s best wind and kite surfers too. This is why you may want to pay a visit to Half Moon Bay.

According to some, it offers five- to six-foot waves on its best days, and is close to Free Town on the far eastern tip of the island. Ideal for body surfing, windsurfing and safe swimming, it is also picture postcard perfect, so bring the camera. It is also close to the famous “Harry’s Bar” and provides you with a picturesque walk along the shore.

Meet the Locals

If you are looking for the “everyman’s beach” of Antigua, or the one where you can hope to spot the famous sailors, a few odd celebrities or the most authentic local islanders, then it has to be the beach at Pigeon Point.  Just across the bay from Falmouth Harbour and close to Windward Bay Beach, it sits at the south of the island and is home to Catherine’s Café Plage, a French restaurant that is a rare find in such a quiet spot. There is also Bumpkins, a beach shack serving unusual West Indies dishes and drinks.

Quiet, Calm and Ideal for All

If you want a picturesque stretch of undeveloped waterfront, Deep Bay is tough to beat. Set along the western coast of the island, it is a long curve of white sand with superior swimming and snorkeling. There are some nice hikes in the area and many people say that a sunset here is as spectacular as it gets. It has a fantastic secret for those willing to look – a 100-year-old shipwreck sits in the center of the bay and is a perfect spot for even the beginner snorkeler. There is also a snack bar at one end offering local treats.

Kite Surfer Paradise

Whether you want to learn, watch or actually get out there and kite surf, there is one rock-solid choice – Jabberwock Beach. Set along the northeastern coast of the island, it is actually a very quiet spot and even good for swimming. There are restaurants nearby but not on the beach itself and if you are someone interested in a bit of island history, you are just a few miles from the Old Sugar Mill, worthy of the quick trip.

Iconic View

If you want a truly flawless beach, one of those “it cannot be real” types is found at Jolly Beach. Along the western coast, it offers a full mile of sugary white sands and is framed by iconic swaying palms. The turquoise, jade and teal blue waters contrast beautifully with the golden grasses of the headland, and that is why there are more and more travelers making their way here. It is not quite a crowded hotspot yet, though and you will enjoy a drink at the beachside bar and might even want to rent a kayak to enjoy a paddle.

That’s five days of beaches done…now you have only 360 more to discover for yourself!

Though the island of Antigua does see a spike in the number of dining establishments operating during its annual yachting season (November to April) it does not mean there is a drought the rest of the year. After all, beachfront living is part of the island’s culture and that means you will always want to explore the beachside shacks in addition to the high-end spots at the premier hotels and resorts.

With that in mind, let’s consider some of the top places to dine while visiting the island. With its relatively smaller size (around 14 miles long and 11 miles wide) it is not difficult to travel to a farther end of the island to savor specialties or enjoy the more scenic spots.

Generally, the restaurants will be in English Harbour in the south, Jolly Harbour to the west, and St. John’s in the north. A few worthy sites are in the east too, but this is also a spot that is wildly scenic and less developed. Interestingly enough, one of the most highly rated of all of the island’s restaurants is found in this more remote area of the island.

Harmony Hall

Harmony Hall is an Italian and Mediterranean restaurant that sits on a Brown’s Bay hill overlooking gorgeous Nonsuch Bay. It rests shoulder to shoulder with one of the few restored windmills on the island and it offers an exquisite location for a ridiculously scenic and romantic meal. Terrace dining is even an option and they have an art gallery to stroll before or after your meal.

Catherine’s Café Plage

Among the other recommended spots is one of the few that is favored by locals and travelers alike. It is Catherine’s Café Plage, located at one end of Pigeon Point Beach. A bit fancier than many expect for its local beach locale, it offers a gorgeous garden of native neem trees and features French and Caribbean fusion cuisine. Some of the house specialties include their tartiflette, snapper in paper and their sumptuous lobster cakes.

Le Bistro

Le Bistro tends to top all gourmets’ lists as it is one of the most elegant spots on the island. Tucked inside a villa, and offering verandah dining, it focuses mostly on French cuisine, but infuses it with Caribbean touches and ingredients. Their specialty is the smoked marlin carpaccio but they are also said to make an unforgettable bouillabaisse using only local fish. This is in Hodges Bay in the St. John’s area.

Hemingway’s Caribbean

Another St. John’s area hit is Hemingway’s Caribbean. This café is tucked in the bottom floor of a small house, and offers verandah dining and street-side café tables. Blending Caribbean favorites with European influences, they offer unforgettable dishes like their chicken in a cinnamon and vanilla sauce or their fricassee of salt fish done in the Antiguan manner.

Trappas

Apart from Catherine’s, another of the top English Harbour restaurants is Trappas and it is a friendly and fun spot that is painted in a blaze of tropical hues and offering an ever-changing menu based on the freshest ingredients available. They are known for their smoked salmon pizzetta and unique Thai fishballs. Cloggy’s is nearby and is a pub popular with the yachting crowd but also famous for its excellent fish specials.

There are literally dozens of excellent spots in all of the major areas, and some in the more remote locales. Whether you are staying in a villa with a local chef preparing meals, a resort with a fabulous restaurant or anywhere else, it is important to be sure and get out to try some of the best dining spots on this beautiful, accessible and unique island.

If you look around Barbados, you may begin to believe that the entire island was designed as a romantic backdrop for holidays, weddings and honeymoons. Some of the finest beaches, stunning sunsets, and the appealing sound of waves gently meeting the shore, all make this a fantastic destination for the romantically inclined. It is a popular choice for a honeymoon, and many couples even plan destination weddings on the island in order to begin their honeymoons right away.

Why Honeymoon in Barbados?

Though most Caribbean islands can be said to have those key components necessary to set the stage for a romantic retreat, Barbados is one island with a huge array of locations, offering visitors amazing choices. For example, if you consider romantic walks along the beaches, those visiting Barbados have excellent spots along three coasts (south, west and east), with some remarkably secluded and beautiful areas in the east.

Its orientation towards the Caribbean to the west means that most travelers visiting or staying in the western or southwestern parts of the island will enjoy truly stunning views, and if they are not staying in such a spot, there are high end sunset cruises that can become a treasured honeymoon memory – including private chartered sunset sails.

Activities are in abundance, though most honeymooners won’t have much on their must see and do list. Still, you can enjoy a fantastic day of dining by visiting the Oistins Fish Market or heading out on a Saturday night to partake of the amazing weekly Fish Fry. There are historic sites, fantastic shopping (particularly at the Limegrove Lifestyle Center), some world famous golf courses, and even options for zip line tours or spending time beneath the waves with sea turtles.

The dining options on the island are impressive, and too numerous to count, and they range from local favorites serving island classics to five-star resort restaurants with seaside dining, award-winning wine lists and truly amazing food.

Secluded Hideaway

However, one thing that ensures that Barbados is the perfect honeymoon retreat is its amazing array of premium, private villas and resort locations. If your idea of a perfect honeymoon includes a private little villa or island bungalow set close to or on the beach, then Barbados has many options.

The eastern coast has the rugged Atlantic shoreline and is popular with surfers, but has the stunning Bathsheba beach. The southern coastal area is known as a family friendly destination with water sports.

There is also the ultra premium west coast area with neighborhoods like Sandy Lane Estates close to the Sandy Lane Beach and famous resort of the same name. Here you can enjoy ultra-luxury amenities, five-star dining, and a stay in a beautifully designed villa. Book a one, two or even three room villa and you will find such options as a private pool and terrace, gardens and grounds, full household staff (including a chef and laundress), and more. With a choice like this, you get the privacy of a luxury island home along with all of the traditional amenities and services of a resort. Concierge services, resort privileges, and access to the best beaches certainly add up to an idyllic honeymoon.

Hospitality and Low-Key Lifestyle

Another reason so many newlyweds are choosing a honeymoon in Barbados is the famous Bajan hospitality enjoyed everywhere on the island. With its more low-key and laid back atmosphere, Barbados is a perfectly relaxed setting for travelers and honeymooners. Enjoy casual days in the villa and wander out to sample the different rum punch recipes or luxury waterfront dining. Book time in one of the spas or spend a day snorkeling…Barbados has it all and at a pace perfect for honeymoons.

If you have been wondering where you should go for your next Caribbean holiday, consider a stay on Turks & Caicos. As one of the loveliest spots in the region, this group of islands is also known for its stunning beaches and remarkably low-key atmosphere that makes it a consistent favorite with many celebrities. It is also earning a reputation for premium accommodations, especially where its villa are concerned. Some of the finest and most luxurious properties are available for visitors to enjoy, and some of the newest include:

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The Dunes

Located on what many describe as the most beautiful beach in the world, Grace Bay Beach, this five-bedroom property is an architectural gem that has clearly been designed to maximize its setting and the surrounding views. It gazes out over Smith Reef and provides up to ten guests with access and privileges in two of the area’s most impressive resorts (Grace Bay Club and West Bay Club).

However, The Dunes villa on its own is worthy of a visit and includes such amenities as an incomparable pool area with an island, outdoor dining, fire pit and sun deck. The interiors are a good match to the exteriors with a great room and gourmet kitchen. The five bedrooms are all luxury retreats with king beds, ensuite baths, balconies and more.

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The Residences at Grace Bay

The Residence villas also sit along Grace Bay, and are part of a gated and private community. There are three new villas under the Residence name, and each offers five bedrooms, an enormous amount of living space and includes a small cottage housing one of the master suits. Described as micro resorts, the properties are stocked with a wealth of premium amenities.

The villas each contain a library, private fitness center, infinity-edge pool, palapa, outdoor showers, daily breakfasts served in the villa and access to the Grace Bay Club’s resort amenities. Bedrooms are king or queen suites with private baths and luxurious settings.

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Beach Enclave at North Shore

This collection of ultra-luxury villas are brand new and offer the privacy of a premium beachfront or hilltop villa in the Provo area, but come with the full services and high end amenities of a luxury resort. Ranging from four to seven bedrooms, these villas have private pools, multiple terraces, al fresco dining and lounging spaces, and concierge services. They also feature private chefs, onsite fitness and wellness classes, and access to the beach with full attendant services.

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Hyperion

Located on Long Bay Beach, the Villa Hyperion is a five-bedroom jewel designed with the most discerning vacationers in mind. Set within the Long Bay Beach Club’s resort property, visitors enjoy full use of the many premium amenities. Within the villa they have concierge services, daily breakfast service and transport options.

This villa is a three-floor property with an amazing array of thoughtful features that give it an estate-like feel. Gardens surround the main level and this includes within the courtyard. There is also a home theater on this ground floor level in addition to some of the bedrooms. The middle floor opens to the beach and pool area. Here you enjoy an infinity-edge pool looking out to the scenery and can take just a few steps to reach the sugar sands. There is also an al fresco living room with fireplace. Inside is a glass filled great room with sunken living room.

Above is the dining room and larger, gourmet kitchen which opens to a terrace. The top floor features two master suites. All of the bedrooms feature king beds, terraces or patio access, and luxurious bathrooms.

As you can see, these villas demonstrate only a sampling of the luxury that awaits those who pay a visit to Turks & Caicos.

Learn more about Turks & Caicos villas.