Month: November 2016

Travelers planning a holiday on the exclusive (and “best kept secret”) island of Mustique already know that it is a small and luxurious spot to travel. With a limited number of premium villas and properties, in addition to one guest house and the Cotton House hotel, it is a peaceful and pristine place to explore.

With coastline along the Atlantic and Caribbean, it offers nine gorgeous beaches and a wonderful array of unique scenery. Most travelers love that the emphasis is on the natural beauty of the island, and its tranquil surroundings. Popular with the British royal family and celebrities from all parts of the globe, it offers one of the most unique places for a holiday or honeymoon.

Most of the private villas provide visitors with the attentive services of a private chef. This is a skilled professional well acquainted with the finest cuisine as well as tropical favorites. They will provide meals whenever or wherever the guests require, including picnics for a day at the beach, candlelight dinners on the villa terrace or romantic area of the island, and even a breakfast or two in bed.

However, dining on Mustique is not limited to the tasty meals and snacks prepared by your chef. There are quite a few formal and casual dining spots available to the island’s guests as well.

Where to Dine

Whether you are eager for a barbecue on the beach or a more formal meal, you have many ways to find just what you crave. The dining venues on Mustique include:

The Veranda

This is a famous restaurant which places an emphasis on classic island cuisine. It is an a la carte establishment allowing you to savor only those dishes that appeal to you most. You will find mostly locally sourced ingredients, and you can pair every course to perfection from the restaurant’s award-winning wine list.

Beach Café

Barefoot dining is possible when you head down to Endeavor Bay to savor this restaurant and beach bar. Lighter fare at lunch can be enjoyed beneath the waving palms, and there is also a children’s menu available. There is a bar area for sunset cocktail hour, and there is a casual dining menu for the after sunset crowd.

Great Room Bar

Back at the Cotton House, visitors can enjoy a truly wonderful experience in the Great Room Bar. Daily cocktail hours and after dinner drinks are unforgettable in this beautifully designed and decorated space. Oliver Messel, the famous architect responsible for many of the first properties on Mustique, designed this space and it is a flawless setting for events hosted here. You can also find many island residents enjoying socializing here, and this is a wonderful and rare treat.

Firefly

The guest house on Mustique also features one of the islands bar and lounges. Patrick’s Bar is a popular spot with celebrity guests as well as other visitors, and it sits right along Britannia Bay, offering wonderful views of the Caribbean. With an expansive wine list and signature cocktails it is a perfect spot to pay a visit. The restaurant serves only the freshest ingredients, so its menu changes often. Signature dishes are par for the course, and both spots are open to visitors to the island.

Basil’s Bar

Sitting atop stilts in the Caribbean waters, this famous bar is noted for its party-atmosphere and its delicious rum punch. However, it is also a noted spot for dining with banana pancakes, omelettes, fries, burgers and lobster that are just as famous for their perfection.

The island also has an ice cream parlor at the beach side and is famous for outdoor movie nights on the Cotton House lawn, and here too you can enjoy some snacks and drinks island style!

When you hear or think of the phrase “Caribbean island”, you may not think of a tiny and intimate space. And yet, the popular and famous island of Anguilla is just that. Only three by seventeen miles in size, the island has a large and favorable reputation though it is very small in actual scale.

So, what makes this little gem of an island so popular? One of the first things those who have experienced Anguilla will tell you is that it has a pace that is entirely different from other Caribbean hot spots. Rather than visitors busily hurrying from place to place, those who come to Anguilla seem to arrive with an entirely different agenda in mind. However, this limited agenda is not due to the small size of the island, and the number of gourmet restaurants, musical venues, and activities prove that an island doesn’t have to be massive to have a lot going on.

Rather, the pace of Anguilla seems to be dictated more by the fact that more than 30 amazing beaches ring the island and provide visitors with some of the finest locations in which to relax and enjoy the sun, sky, sea, and air. Perhaps it is being surrounded by beaches that provides the island with its amazingly relaxed pace, and everyone who arrives instantly feels a desire to slow down and relax.

The Great Retreat of Anguilla

Of course, you can enhance this sense of pervading calm and restfulness by choosing the best spot to spend your visit to the island. Find an elegant beach villa on Anguilla that offers the kind of privacy that ensures you relax entirely.

For instance, a lot of visitors enjoy a horseback ride on the beach. Many partake of snorkeling, and some even go for guided swims with dolphins. These are all valuable and fun experiences, but they can be distracting to someone who just wants to relax in total peace.

Fortunately, the island has a host of private villas available to serve as the ideal accommodation. In close proximity to the small harbors and the many different beaches, they provide a guest with a world apart. This is precisely what a trip to Anguilla should be – a visit to a world apart.

Some luxury rentals are ideal as romantic retreats and offer everything from a private pool, beach access, and beautiful garden terraces. Some villas are similar to private estates and feature many rooms, live in staff, and a host of luxury amenities that may make the villa a destination of its own.

Your Villa, Your Sanctuary

Even if you would rather enjoy some scuba diving, golfing, and days spent on the sands or sampling some of the many restaurants (there are more than 70 on the island), a villa may still be your ideal setting. It will allow you to wander freely rather than through public and shared spaces, and this means a morning coffee sipped as the sun slides up over the horizon or an evening cocktail enjoyed in total peace by the pool.

There are many who remind us that life is too short, and when you visit Anguilla you can really begin to overcome the fleeting hours and days. Time seems to slow here and a far more relaxing pace seems to float over the entire island. Why not ensure that your visit is as restful as possible by giving yourself a private villa space that has all of the immense luxuries and comforts of home, and yet all within the heavenly, tropical setting that is Anguilla.

When travelers hear “Cabo” they might immediately envision gorgeous beaches, world class golf courses, and excellent nightlife, and while these are some of the hottest things to do when visiting Los Cabos, there is much more available. For the individual, couple, family or group of friends heading to this premiere destination on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, there is a truly stunning list of activities to enjoy, and we are going to help you eliminate all of the guess work by reviewing some of the finest and most luxurious activities to enjoy during your Cabo holiday.

Understanding Cabo

The official place name for this holiday hot spot is Los Cabos, and it has two major areas or towns – Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Between them is the area known by most as The Corridor. Today, each area is entirely unique, offering its own set of activities and things to see or do, and we’ll consider some of the best in each.

Until the later part of the 20th century, this entire Los Cabos area was relatively undeveloped and undiscovered by the world’s travelers. However, with more than 350 days of sunny weather, miles of stunning beaches, and geography that includes deserts, unique countryside offering hot springs and forest canopies, and both the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez, it is a natural place to emphasize tourism.

If you have planned a holiday to Cabo, you should begin with a few thoughts about the types of activities that interest you most. Though it is a short drive from one area to the other, and roughly an hour to some of the activities in outlying locations, you may not want to spend much time traversing between destinations. Fortunately, the area is well stocked with an immense portfolio of luxury rentals and luxury apartments that can put you precisely where you wish to be.

The Things to Do in Cabo

You will want to divide the activities into specific categories, and these will usually include water sports, boating, fishing, golfing, health and wellness, adventures, and day trips. By considering the things to do in these broader areas, you can better choose your day to day itinerary and your accommodation. Naturally, we left out the more obvious activities such as dining, shopping and nightlife, but these are activities that you must also consider as part of your holiday.

Though the beaches of Cabo are idyllic, the waters are not always the best for swimming or scuba diving. However, they are perfect for activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, scuba diving in the Sea of Cortez, and whale watching. Naturally, fishing charters are a fantastic way to get out on the waters, but sunset and day cruises are also ideal options. If are a golfer, the list of choices is plentiful with courses at the Cabo San Lucas Country Club, Cabo del Sol, Palmilla, Cabo Real and more. Health and wellness activities include days at the many spas, personal trainers at the fitness center within a resort or booked in your villa, and private instruction in everything from yoga and Pilates to surfing lessons.

For the more adventurous or curious, there are many luxurious options available. One thing to consider is an art work in historic San Jose del Cabo as well as a visit to the town’s wonderful organic market. You might also do a guided jeep tour just outside of the area to destinations like Todos Santos, Cabo Pulmo or the waterfalls and hot springs areas close to Fox Canyon.  There are some zip line adventures, four-wheel treks in the desert, and many premium horseback riding options.

There is so much to see and do in Cabo that you will definitely need to plan ahead, and if you have access to a concierge, they can often steer you towards the finest choices and premium providers or guides.

If you are planning a visit to Mykonos, and have never been there before, prepare yourself to be stunned by the island’s beauty, fantastic weather, and amazing food. The name of the island comes from the grandson of the god Apollo, and its ancient to modern history greets you at every turn. Whether it is the Cycladean architecture or dazzling nightlife, you are going to be constantly enchanted.

Something that has to happen during your stay, whether you are in a luxurious private villa with a chef or cook or you are just passing through on a day trip, is a meal in one of the best restaurants. We have gathered together the best, best known and hidden gems that any traveler will come to think of as an unforgettable experience.

Kiki’s

Long known as a cozy island institution, it is a tavern that sits above the gorgeous Agios Sostis beach. You will know you are near thanks to the aroma of the open charcoal barbecues responsible for most of the cooking. With no electricity and phone, you cannot book a table, but don’t avoid it if there is a wait. The tree-shaded terrace offers views you won’t soon forget and the food is simplicity and truly delicious. We recommend any of the barbecued meat dishes or seafood options. Everything off the grill comes with the salads of the day, which might mean anything from fresh artichokes in a zingy vinaigrette to beets with yogurt. Lunch is the only meal served, and you can enjoy it all with a glass of the Greek rose available.

M-eating

Unlike Kiki’s this is located in Mykonos town and is actually within a small house crafted in the familiar Mykonos style. A bit elegant indoors, it also offers a more rustic verandah with views into the garden. Open for dinner and lunch, it is run by a chef with a background in some of the best five-star hotels on the European continent. They are especially well known for their soutzoukakia and octopus to Myconian honey pie.

Madoupas Café

We all know that unspoken rule about eating like the locals to get the best foods, and this is something you can do with a stop here. Another Mykonos Town location, it is in a premium spot, facing the old port, and is actually tucked between a few touristy places. Yet, it is a fantastic place to enjoy the true, authentic local favorites. Souvlaki and moussaka prepared in the ways that natives approve is yours to savor as you gaze out at the port and sea beyond.

Joanna’s Nikos Place

Five minutes from the beach and in the very heart of Mykonos Town, this is a classic taverna that is known for its meze and its amazing mixed grill. The staff is also famous for its warmth and friendliness – not to be overlooked in a town traditionally flooded with tourists – and most visitors marvel that the sea breezes reach them when dining outdoors.

Avra

If you want something quiet and a bit hidden from plain sight, checkout the options here. It is a Mikonos tradition found at the end of a winding street and tucked into a charming courtyard. Straight out of a postcard, the setting also offers some unusual takes on classic Greek fare. We recommend the shrimp saganaki and the stuffed vine leaves, and their panacotta with chocolate is not to be missed.

Runners up for Mykonos must try eateries include Matsuhisa Mykonos, Philippi in Mykonos Town and Sea Satin Market just below the windmills and near the beach of Little Venice.

The food of Mykonos is one of the reasons to visit, and these restaurants are just a few of the amazing taste experiences to explore.

We all know that outdoor markets can be a blend of trash and treasure or they can be a source of a truly wonderful experience. They can offer a mind-boggling range of products that are just too much to take in at once or even over the course of a day, but they can also be a wonderful opportunity to experience some of the truest sights, sounds, scents, and tastes of the area, too.

Hippy Markets on Ibiza

This is what makes the “hippy markets” of Ibiza such a wonderful activity. Though they too can sell so many things as to leave a shopper dizzy, they also ensure that a traveler can get a really great taste of the current culture of Ibiza.

Interestingly enough, some travelers mistakenly think there is but the one, original market. However, there are several described as “Hippy Markets”. Their origins are very basic: In the middle of the world’s “hippy” era, the 1970s, the very first hippy market appeared in Ibiza. Known as Punta Arabi, it was a space set aside for the hippy population of the island to sell their wares.

From that day onward, the concept of hippy markets has grown and spread throughout the island, and many travelers today head to Ibiza simply to stroll these markets and discover all sorts of goods and treasures. While some of them are less idyllic and more akin to a standard flea market in other parts of the world, some are exotic marvels that provide the perfect place for art, clothing, jewelry, food, and unforgettable experiences.

Where to find the Hippy Markets

Scattered all over the island, the top and most frequently recommended of them include:

Las Dalias

“It’s just as much about the show as the shopping, with juice bars, massages, fortunetelling, live music, and more,” says one travel writer, and we would agree. The best known, it is in San Carlos and is truly one of the most picturesque of all of the hippy markets. With around 200 vendor stalls, you can work your island look or pickup up everything from handmade hammocks to true antiques. There are several restaurants in the market, and it also operates a night market during the summers. Here you can take art classes as well as do some cool and casual shopping.

Punta Arabi

Located in Es Cana, it is the original and biggest of the hippy markets with a dizzying 500 vendors at one time. However, it is a source of wonderfully made crafts, live performances, and excellent local cuisine. One of the biggest hints is to arrive very early in the day to avoid the crowds, and even give yourself several days to return and be sure you have purchased all of the beautiful artisan goods available.

Sant Joan market

Perhaps the “hippiest” of them all, this one is more an open-air art gallery and performance space than true market. You can find excellent foods, a locally grown farm stand, lots of clothing, and a massive paella that is available to those who want to sit down with the community and share a meal. If you want to meet the locals, this is the place.

Playa d’en Bossa

This is a true artisan market with less than 65 stalls at any time. Excellent for those looking for handmade products and goods, it is also a nice spot to enjoy a drink and watch the mimes and musicians perform.

This represents the very best of the hippy markets, and a visit to Ibiza is incomplete without at least a few hours spent wandering among their stalls.

Ibiza is one of the three Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean off Costa Blanca in Spain. Renowned for spectacular world-class night life, Ibiza draws famous DJ’s and partygoers from around the globe. Visitors can discover another side to this tropical paradise, especially on the north side of the island. The bucolic rural beauty of Ibiza invites those seeking a tranquil retreat with gently rolling hills, hidden coves and secluded white sand beaches beside the azure sea. Ibiza is an agricultural masterpiece with lovely fincas, the Spanish villas offset by lush groves of almond, orange and olive trees.

Ibiza Beach Guide

There are dozens of glorious beaches on Ibiza, each with its own personality.

Ses Salines

A “see and be seen” beach with trendy beach bars and a backdrop of sand dunes, and you may see flamingoes in the National Park.

Calla Bassa

Calla Bassa is a shallow, tranquil beach supervised by lifeguards and replete with amenities.

Sa Caleta

The place to go for romantic walks atop the cliffs and wonderful views of the sunset

Cala Salada

Cala Salada is located on the edge of a wild part of the island and coveted for it’s secluded beach with cliffs and pine forests.

Playa d’en Bossa

Ibiza’s most popular beach. The famed and action packed beach located near Ibiza Town, is the longest beach on the island. This beach is ideal for families with children and offers everything from amusement parks to tapas bars. Sailing, windsurfing and other water sports are popular here. At night, Playa d’en Bossa beach comes alive with the nightlife that draws partygoers to the island.

Partying Ibiza Style

Ibiza has attracted high profile jet setters since glamorous movie stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Laurence Olivier made the island famous. Today, promoters and DJ’s take over the nightclubs over the summer, bringing their own vibe with music and décor. Famous DJs such as David Guetta, Calvin Harris, Tiesto, and Kygo are some of the club resident DJs. VIP guests include the rich and famous, and on any given night you may witness an impromptu performance by a well-known musical star.

Playa d’en Bossa, known for its nighttime party atmosphere, offers numerous clubs including the wildly popular Space. San Antonio beach is a party destination with the added bonus of fabulous sunsets. Eden and Es Paradis nightclubs are beach party hot spots with exciting DJ’s, and Privilege, with a capacity of over 10,000, is known as the largest nightclub in the world. “Flower Power,” an Ibiza party influenced by the hippie movement of the 1960’s, takes place weekly in summer season at the popular Pacha nightclub.

What type of rental car should you rent on St Martin? Well that depends. St. Martin is a magical island of scenic vistas, fabulous beaches, gourmet restaurants and enthralling entertainment. The best part is that the island is only 37 square miles and roads make it easy to navigate. If you rent a car, be sure to hit some of the hot spots on and around the island. Plan a day trip to the shops of Marigot or Phillipsburg, have a waterside lunch in Marina Royale, hop a boat for some snorkeling off Pinel Island and try out all the glorious St. Martin beaches to pick your favorite. When night falls try a goMarurmet meal in Grand Case or Nettle Bay, and then head out to one of the exciting casinos, nightclubs or beach bars that abound on the island.

The best rental car depends on your style or sensibility as well as your vacation type. Are you on a romantic St Martin honeymoon or a Caribbean family vacation. Here are our recommendations to select the best fit car for you.

The Explorer Adventurer Type

Try a Jeep Wrangler with a soft top for the perfect vehicle to explore the island. Your Jeep will allow you to enjoy the warm sunshine and sweeping vistas of St. Martin.

The Finer Things in Life

If true luxury is important to you, rent a sporty convertible like the Ford Mustang to tool around the island.

The Ideal Island Choice

A small SUV like the Daihatsu Terios is easy to drive and provides extra clearance for days when you go off the paved roads for an island adventure, making it the ideal island choice. There is plenty of space for water sports equipment, beach chairs and towels and a packed picnic lunch.

Value-minded

For the ultimate in value, the Hyundai Accents fills the bill. This model makes it easy to park around town and drive around the island, while providing enough space for guests. A ideal balance between cost and quality.

Go Small

Choose the Hyundai I10 to zip around the island in a smaller model and fit into tight parking spaces, no problem. And, the price is right starting at around $100 per week.

Group Outings- The Family Reunion

When you need the space for a family or group outing, choose a Honda Pilot, Hyundai H-2 or Dodge Caravan. Then pile in for a memorable St. Martin adventure.

Sporty Options

If feeling good in your rented vehicle is just as important as looking good, try the sporty options of a Volkswagen Beetle or convertible Copen. Then set off to explore in style.

Contact St Martin Blue Concierge to book your rental car