Month: January 2020

We may be reaching the peak of the Christmas holiday season and making plans for the New Year’s celebrations. After that, many of us think of the coming months as quieter times to just deal with the winter weather, whether that means lots of dreary and grey days or lots of snow and ice. However, just after Christmas is done, the Caribbean gets into full gear for its Carnival season.

As one expert said, “Once Christmas season is officially over in the Caribbean, it’s time to dig out your dancing shoes and start thinking about Carnival, that hedonistic celebration that culminates on Fat Tuesday, the day before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. (In the United States, that day and this celebration are known as Mardi Gras.)”

While many of us are well aware of that lead up to the Lenten season as it is done in places like New Orleans, few of us realize that the entire Caribbean area celebrates this in a big way, too. If you are booking a winter’s getaway now, you can consider February and March as a busy time with lots of partying likely to occur if it is getting closer to Fat Tuesday.

However, the word “carnival,” in the Caribbean is not tied only to Lent and traditional concepts of carnival. Instead, as that same expert explained, “Carnival in the Caribbean has a complicated birthright. It’s tied to colonialism, religious conversion, and ultimately freedom and celebration. The festival originated with Italian Catholics in Europe, and it later spread to the French and Spanish, who brought the pre-Lenten tradition with them,” where it spread to places as far-reaching as Trinidad and the entire Caribbean.

It was with the abolition of slavery in the 1830s, though that carnival began to take its new forms in the area. The recently freed peoples of the islands started to celebrate the season with dancing, music and special garments. This, today, is what has become carnival and why we see such things as masquerade parades and events, special music and lots and lots of dancing. There are formal balls as well as street parties and parades, and below are some of the best to experience during your winter holiday to the region.

Barbados – Crop Over

This is actually a harvest festival rather than a freedom celebration and it is usually a three-month affair that runs during the summer months of July and August. As one site explains, though the tradition began in the late 1600s, today it is the largest Caribbean festival on Barbados.

It “celebrates all that is Bajan with dusk till dawn parties, arts and crafts markets and a culinary-driven street fares. Grand Kadooment Day celebrates the end of Crop Over, where Masquerade Bands make their way to Spring Garden highway with revelers dressed in sequin costumes decorated with colorful feathers, jewels, and bright accents; dancing behind music trucks and moving bars.

St Lucia

Here too, the carnival event is a summer celebration rather than a classic carnival happening.  Running for the months of June and July, it is as another site explains, “variety of competitions including the ever-popular Power and Groovy Monarch, Senior and Junior Panoramas (Steel Pan Competitions), and the Inter-Commercial House Calypso completion, dozens of community events, and of course a continuous calendar of parties and fetes.” The real climax of the St Lucia Carnival is the two-day street parade that features amazing carnival costumes, loads of music and DJs, and tons of Caribbean food. It is “as one of the top Carnivals in the Caribbean and becomes a more vibrant and creative event each year.”

Clearly, that means anyone who wishes to participate will want to book their luxury rentals as soon as possible to guarantee a chance to experience it for themselves in 2020.

Antigua

Known for its world-famous regatta, the island is also one to celebrate the end of slavery and pair it with a seasonal harvest festival every July through August. It has its most important day known as J’ouvert and this is when brass and steel bands compete in an island-wide event. The list of events is extensive and includes an almost endless number of parades, pageants and contests. There are musical parades and competitions, food and cooking contests, drinking competitions and more.

When J’ouvert arrives, however, events kick off at 3 AM and continue until midnight of the next day!

St Martin

The only Caribbean island area that has a winter season carnival is St Martin, with dates in February and March of each year. It emphasizes the heritage of the island and as one site explains, is “like mixing New Year’s revelry, costumed parades and lots of loud calypso, soca and steelpan band music together. While Trinidad Carnival’s is the largest and most popular in the region, St Martin Carnival has the longest carnival season and has been growing in popularity year after year.”

This means that any travelers eager to participate in the various parades and events will want to get an accommodation in one of the island’s many luxury villas now. The capital city of Phillipsburg is where most of the carnival events occur in the carnival village area, and because it is easy to reach, accommodation in almost any part of the island will be suitable to participate in the day’s and nights’ long events.

Carnival in the Caribbean is unique from the concept of Carnival that many parts of Europe and the United States celebrate. Utterly unique and reflective of the incredible heritage of the region, it is well worth the effort of booking early and making your way to the areas during these celebrations. With so much to see, do and learn, it is impossible to underappreciate even a weekend of activity and excitement. Whether it is to escape winter’s chill an head to St Martin or wait for the summer season to arrive and celebrate the harvest period in the other areas, Carnival will never mean the same to you again!

Would it surprise you to learn that more than 28 million travelers visit the Caribbean region every year? It is unfortunate, though, that so many think of it under the umbrella heading of “Caribbean region,” because each of the islands and nations found there is utterly unique and well worth a visit. The region encounters some of the finest weather imaginable, and even during traditional hurricane season (autumn months), some islands are far less likely to have trouble than others. That makes it a year-round spot for those interested in good weather, food, and fascinating culture. With luxury rentals and family-friendly destinations on every island, it is a must for travel planning.

If you are considering a Caribbean holiday and want to visit an island that many consider ideal or perfect, St. Lucia should be on your list. Why? According to travel experts at The Telegraph, it ranks as essential for 15 reasons. They include:

  • Its show-stopping views, including the Pitons
  • The option to stay directly on the glorious sands of Sugar Beach
  • All the other beaches, particularly those of the western coastal area
  • The sea life in the pristine waters around the island
  • The option to also climb mountains (The Pitons) during a visit
  • The option to visit and zipline through an actual rainforest
  • The many unique bicycle paths
  • The surprising chocolate culture that prevails
  • The fascinating history to discover
  • The welcoming nature of the people who live on the island
  • The amazing weather
  • The world’s only drive-in volcano is found here

They also note that you can find ways to stay out late due to the weekly Friday night street party at Gros Islet with its fish and chicken fries and its amazing music. However, there is also an enormous number of carnivals that can keep visitors out and about to all hours and throughout the year.

The Many Carnivals of St. Lucia

Many people would say that a summer visit to St. Lucia is the best way to enjoy the carnivals, but there are many events happening from spring through fall. Just consider the most recent list of events for 2020:

  • Saint Lucia Jazz Festival – 7-10 May 2020 – For the first time ever the festival takes place at the Pigeon Island National Landmark and other venues in the Castries area. During the day are many concerts, street parties, and art shows and evenings are all about dining and socializing
  • Saint Lucia Carnival takes place in June/July and will include daily competitions and events, lots of street parties and celebrations, but always concludes with Street Parade on 20-21 July 2020 – Considered the culmination of the event it is a two-day street parade with bands, live music, amazing costumes, dancing and more.
  • Saint Lucia Roots & Soul Festival – 21-23 August 2020 – This will be the fourth annual celebration of the event and it will include spoken word events along with all kinds of musical performances. There are events at the Pigeon Island National Landmark as well as other sites, and headline acts from the past have included UB40, Mya, and more. Each year sees double the number of attendees, so those eager to go will need to book accommodations ahead of time.
  • Saint Lucia Food & Rum Festival – 18-20 September 2020 – As the name implies, this is a gastronomic celebration of the island. Running for several days and nights it never fails to “attract the best chefs, wine connoisseurs, rum fanatics and food critics from the Caribbean and internationally. Inspired in part by the outstanding achievements of Chefs Nina Compton, Shorne Benjamin, and Doran Payne, this unique event promotes Saint Lucian and other Caribbean rums, restaurants, chefs, and regionally manufactured food and drink products to a regional and international audience,” according to one source. It features cooking demonstrations, rum and wine tastings, dinners of many kinds, and more.
  • Saint Lucia Creole Heritage Month takes place in October and began almost 40 years ago. It celebrates the Creole language and culture and there are four communities chosen every year to “organize a variety of events including art exhibitions, musical concerts, beauty pageants, cultural performances, food demonstrations and other forms of Creole cultural expression. These events are a warm-up for the main festivities on Jounen Kwéyòl which translated in English means Creole Day,” as one source explains. There is a huge array of events every year, but there will always be:
    –  The Arts and Heritage Festival 16-18 October 2020
    –  Jounen Kweyole (Creole Day) on 25 October 2020

Clearly, there are many ways to visit the island and celebrate its fascinating culture. The key is to recognize that each of these special events is becoming more and more popular and famous with travelers as well as locals. That means that it is best to book accommodation well in advance.

Luxury Villas Enhance a St. Lucia Visit

One way to ensure your visit to St. Lucia during any of the festivals is as enjoyable as possible is to consider your option for luxury villas on St Lucia. They can enable you to remain outside of the more crowded areas and yet still easily head into the top locations for events, whether it is Castries or the Rodney Bay areas where so many events are held or the quieter parts of the island, everything is within easy reach.

There are condominium-style properties as well as classic villas and they can offer luxuriously private retreats when you are done with a day or night of celebrating at any of the St. Lucia festivals and events. Even visiting when there are no special celebrations or carnivals will be a delight as St. Lucia is very proud of its unique history and heritage. Take the time to choose a season to visit and just know that there are dozens of reasons experts recommend this charming island. Whether you are interested in music, food, beaches, or just relaxing and recharging in world-class luxury villas, St. Lucia is likely to become a new favorite.

Exploring the islands and sights of the Caymans

If one of your top family vacation ideas is a visit to the Cayman Islands, it’s definitely a good idea. Packed with things to do, they offer some of the world’s best snorkeling and beaches. You can do island hopping quite easily among Cayman Brac and Little Cayman from Grand Cayman, or just opt to book one of the many fine, luxury villas available and stay put.

If you do pay a visit to one of the luxury vacation rentals, you should focus mostly on Grand Cayman villas (if that is your initial destination). While the two others (as well as tiny uninhabited Owen Island) are lovely and quiet, and well-worth a day trip experience, it is best to choose single vacation rentals as a base.  From there you can easily dart back and forth to the other islands and make the most of every minute.

Day One: Grand Cayman

Whether you have booked one of the island’s honeymoon villas or chosen this destination as the best of your family vacation ideas, it is likely you will land on Grand Cayman. Once settled into one of the luxury villas or vacation rentals, it is time to plan your explorations of the island. A great way to kick off a visit is to head to its most famous attraction: Seven Mile Beach.

The beach is actually a series of beaches along a 5.5 mile stretch of flawless white sand. It is often listed as the world’s best or most beautiful. If you have one of the luxury vacation rentals or honeymoon villas that line the beach, count yourself as remarkably lucky. If not, don’t fret because all of the island’s beaches are open to the public up to the high water mark (even at the most prestigious resorts).

Spend time locating the preferred areas of the beach – especially Governor’s Beach and Cemetery Beach.

From the beach you can walk or bike to the National Gallery and see its amazing gardens and permanent displays. Another of the great family vacation ideas for the first day is to head to the site known as Camana Bay. This is a village dedicated to shopping and dining and can allow you to stock up on souvenirs.

Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman island. Things to do on Grand Cayman
Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman island

Day Two: George Town

The island’s capital city is also a great spot to do some walking and explorations. Start at the National Museum and learn a lot about the history of the Cayman Islands. Nearby is the Craft Market where you can grab more souvenirs and then head to the historic district to see all of the original legislative buildings – dating to the 1920s and 30s.

A popular spot for dining in George Town is Paradise Grill which also features some snorkeling! After that, we suggest you head back to Seven Mile Beach to enjoy a bit of swimming, snorkeling and even for catching a sunset before returning to your vacation rental or luxury villa.

Day Three: Little Cayman

The smallest island, it has a historic resort, options for fishing and diving, and is ideal for renting a bike or scooter and exploring. If you want to visit a gorgeous beach, Point of Sand is your destination at the east end, and from there you see the “other” island, Cayman Brac. Look for some seashells here and head back to the Southern Cross Club’s restaurant for a meal before heading home to Grand Cayman or taking one of the villas on the island.

Little Cayman, Cayman Islands, beach of South Hole Sound
Little Cayman, Cayman Islands, beach of South Hole Sound

Day Four: Owen Island

Across from Little Cayman it is a good spot for a picnic and some water sports. It is uninhabited and pristine, worthy of a few hours spent exploring and enjoying. A lunch at the Hungry Iguana on Little Cayman is a good choice before returning to Grand Cayman later in the day.

Day Five: Cayman Brac

Larger than Little Cay it has more than two thousand inhabitants on the island and truly lovely sea cliffs. Visitors are welcome to stay at the island’s resort or take one of the luxury villas. If you are a diver, it is here that you want to enjoy your Cayman Islands diving experience, but if not, the snorkeling here is remarkable, too.

Day Six: Back to Grand Cayman

Before leaving the region, whether you are staying in one of the luxury vacation rentals or not, you will want to take some time to visit highlights like Stingray City, booking a spot on a tour that boats travelers out to the area where rays are in great abundance.

Those looking for family vacation ideas may want to pay a visit to Cayman Turtle Centre: Island Wildlife Encounter or Dolphin Discovery Grand Cayman.

The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is another way to spend some time on Grand Cayman during your final day of fun in the sun. It is lovely and home to some of the island’s rare blue iguanas. Kids and adults also love the Cayman Crystal Caves.

Finish the day with a visit to Rum Point to watch a sunset and sip a cocktail while sitting on the dock or in one of the beach’s many hammocks.

Kempa Kai, the beachfront villa at Rum Point

Day Seven: Return Home and Promise to Return

Most travelers who book vacation rentals in the Cayman Islands find that there is too much to see or do during a single visit. Spending time at one of the gorgeous beaches, doing a bit of snorkeling or diving, enjoying some of the fish fry and waterfront eateries, and savoring time in luxury villas is often enough.

However, if you want to explore all of the main islands, we’ve mapped out an easy way to do so. Whether you’ve booked honeymoon villas along the way or you are going to stay in the resorts on each of the smaller islands, you are sure to appreciate the fun and relaxation that the Caymans deliver.

As one of the best family vacation ideas, it is also a good choice for the honeymoon couple, the group looking into some time in one of the luxury rentals, and even solo travelers eager to relax and recharge.

Is the Amalfi Coast on your list of places to visit? It is astonishing just how many people have added this area of Italy’s coast to their “bucket lists.” Magical, postcard-like views of the sea and the stunning cliffs, charming villages and towns, winding roads, and flawless waters are all part of the appeal. However, many people assume it is only a good destination in the summer months.

While it is true that there is a rainy season, that is usually November into December, and the rest of the winter months just improve each day – in terms of the weather and conditions. The same can be said of the traffic. As one expert on the region noted, “If you love quiet towns and the soothing atmosphere of the seaside in the off-season and would prefer to explore the coast without the snarls of traffic and crowds, then visiting between November and March might be for you.”

Typically, tourism season comes to a fairly sharp end in November, but businesses remain open for the long term and the weather is often balmier than many imagine – with daytime temperatures in even the “coldest” months averaging a comfortable 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The most popular town, Positano, is much quieter in the winter, but nearby towns like Amalfi are active and busy. Most shops there remain open throughout, and there are plenty of sights and attractions to keep you busy on even a cooler or wetter winter day. Sorrento and Ravello are also great destinations during the winter months, with each offering a unique atmosphere that reflects the calm and tranquility that descends with the arrival of the cooler, wetter weather.

If you are someone who appreciates that peace and sense of calm that arrives in the off-season spots that are more popular in the sunny summer months, you will love the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast in winter. And there are five great spots to stay and appreciate it all.

Five Luxury Villas to Make Your Amalfi Coast Holiday a Dream

While the major hotels may close up shop as November arrives, or after the Christmas holidays, there are scores of luxurious villas that can be enjoyed as Amalfi Coast destinations of their own. Just consider:

The pool view at villa Vicere in Amalfi Coast

Villa Vicere

In the Positano region, it is a 12-bedroom luxury villa above the town. While the views alone are more than enough to make it a flawless destination for easing the winter blues, it is also a full-staffed and picturesque property that is much like a private estate rather than a villa.

There is a chef, butler and housekeeping team, gardens and manicured grounds with a small orchard to enjoy. Positano is 150 steps from the grounds, and the kitchens can be well-stocked for your arrival. The furnishings are inspired by the ancient history of the region, and every window or corner of this expansive property is a visual delight. There is even a cooking class booked for each rental!

If you are eager to get away with family or friends or host a destination event in the region’s off season, this is the right choice.

Villa Nume

Also in the Positano area, this four-bedroom villa is another visual treat. It also features a chef and housekeeping team, and the pool offers stunning views of the sea beyond. Savor your own unimpeded views of the coastline from the expansive terraces, and marvel at the gorgeous interiors that are a unique blend of antique, modern, and transitional styles. Lounges, salons, and bedrooms designed to emulate luxury suites make this the perfect base from which to enjoy a winter visit, or as the ideal winter destination all on its own.

Villa Dorata, Amalfi Coast.

Villa Dorata

If sea cliff views of the Positano area are a goal, you enjoy them from your private and beautiful terrace when you book at this five-bedroom gem. Sitting brightly above the region, this gorgeous and opulently appointed home is a true architectural masterpiece.

With its bold terra cotta colored exterior, stepped terraces featuring salons, fountains and al fresco dining, it will never fail to appeal to all who visit. There is a private chef, butler and housekeeping team to meet every need, and even if the weather does not cooperate, the interiors are so beautiful and cheerful that the visit is sure to be a success. The indoor pool is also there to guarantee fun and relaxation at all times and the fireplaces in the salons add to the warmth and opulence of the setting.

Villa Pamina, Amalfi Coast

 Villa Pamina

Sitting high above Positano, this six-bedroom gem is another great spot to choose for a winter season visit. The sun will rain down on you as you relax on your private terraces, bask by the pool, enjoy an al fresco meal, explore the gardens and grounds (including an amazing orchard of espaliered fruit trees beautiful at any season), or lounge inside. The sunny colored hues of the décor make it appear that the rooms are brightly lit from within and without, and this holds true whether in the lounges, the kitchen, or the airy and spacious bedrooms.

Though this is a self-catering villa, it is close to town and lets visitors easily walk to local shops, markets and cafes.

Villa Aldana - Amalfi Coast | Isle Blue

Villa Aldana

Tucked into the hills above Sorrento, this four-bedroom beauty has unmatched views of the waters and islands below. The enormous pool terrace faces out over the cliffs and promises amazing sunset and sunrise experiences. The gardens and grounds are ideal in the warmer months, but are just as welcoming even in the chillier winter weather as they feature gazebos and furnished with oversized sofas and chairs.

Inside, the modern and clean lines of the design make this a warm and welcoming spot for groups or families enjoying a winter break. A large and beautifully appointed kitchen makes it fun and easy to whip up meals, snacks or drinks, and the bright and airy bedrooms all offer sea views or private balconies.

There are many luxury rentals in Amalfi Coast for winter breaks and getaways, and whether you stay for a few days or a few weeks, it is sure to be one of your most memorable experiences of this gorgeous stretch of Italian coast.

Winter is already here, and if you have yet to make your plans for even a brief getaway from the cold or gloomy conditions that are part of any winter season, we have five Caribbean destinations that would make a perfect choice.

Before we look at why they are each, individually, a perfect spot for a winter escape, let’s look at some general reasons they will all fit the bill for an idyllic retreat.

  • They are all known for their perfect beaches
  • They each have a great food and drink scene, whether it is five-star dining or beach shack snacking
  • They all have luxury villas that can serve as your sole destination for a holiday
  • Each has a unique culture that will make a visit an enchanting and even educational experience
  • All of these islands have plenty of outdoor activities that guarantee you will be able to overcome even a serious case of the winter blues
  • It is easy to fly directly to each of these islands and transportation upon arrival is easy and convenient

With those general reasons for heading to the Caribbean this winter, let’s take time to consider our five top picks for 2020:

Barbados

The newspaper The Independent says that this island is the “Perfect Luxury Getaway,” for several reasons. These include that it is a “captivating sight, with miles of idyllic beaches and picture-perfect palm trees framing an island paradise that’s a breathtaking testament to nature’s beauty.” They go on to talk about the many things to see and do during any visit.

There are charming colonial-era cities so well preserved as to be UNESCO sites, and there are the amazing beaches. There is the perfect underwater environment for snorkeling and diving, and there are the many natural wonders, including the native wildlife that includes sweet little monkeys and deer.

The island has a wonderful food culture with the oldest rum production facility on the planet offering tasting experiences and tours. Some of the best restaurants in the Caribbean are here, including the famous Oistins Fish Market.

There are also amazing villas perfect for a romantic retreat for two, a solo getaway, or a group holiday.

St Martin

Some of the most iconic images of the Caribbean come from St. Martin, and it makes sense when you think of its nearly year-round perfect weather, its amazing beaches, its many gorgeous mountains and landscapes, and its lovely architecture.

Rich in culture, history, and food, it is a cosmopolitan spot divided in two between French and Dutch holdings. Many travelers say there is a distinctly European flair to the island and there is no difficulty navigating between each side. There is a tremendous food and drink culture, but those who savor the nightlife will also appreciate the presence of casinos.

Here too, though, you find the same prevalence of luxury villas offering a perfect base from which to explore both areas of the island or to serve as the only destination throughout the trip.

Turks & Caicos

Forbes magazine said that Turks & Caicos is the perfect Caribbean Island for its flawless beaches, amazing snorkeling and its many excellent restaurants and bars. It points out that there is an endless number of activities, and then has this to say of the local culture and its “general we-know-how-to-roll-out-the-welcome-mat-for-visitors,” mindset.

Whether you stay on Providenciales (which is the main, busier) area or another of the islands in the chain, you will find that everything is far smaller and quieter than elsewhere in the Caribbean, but also a bit more luxurious. Yet, even those in luxury villas end up heading to the less opulent restaurants that dot the beachfront. A true food culture around conch has emerged and places like Da Conch Shack are must-try destinations just as much as the luxury spots like Magnolia overlooking Turtle Bay.

With an array of locations to enjoy, a stay at one of the luxury villas on Turks & Caicos is sure to place travelers just moments from some of the top activities and attractions.

St Barts

Many travel experts say that St. Barts is a “bucket list” destination, or should be. They explain their argument by explaining that it is one of the most low-key places due to its Swedish and French influences. It is currently one of the top destinations for the world’s most famous celebrities, and yet it remains an accessible and appealing spot for “the rest of us.”

It has 14 white sand beaches that are deemed second to none by many. It has charming harbor towns and lots of cafes and restaurants to savor. There is a European flair to most of the island, but particularly St Jean and Gustavia.

There are many premium and luxury villas to enjoy in town and out on the shore and hills above, and there is a tremendous number of activities for the culturally oriented, including hikes to historic points, and more.

Caymans

Lastly, the Cayman Islands (the three largest, anyway) have long been described as must-see destinations. Home to luxury villas and amazing beaches, experts say that there are scores of reasons to head here for the winter. These include its Seven Mile Beach, its predictable and excellent weather, its world-class diving and snorkeling, its many options for water sports, and its opportunities for exploring and enjoying nature.

The Caymans are also famous for a food culture that credits it as the culinary capital of the entire region. That is why some luxury villas have options for private chefs, but many are close to some of the area’s top restaurants, too.

You now have many reasons to head to some of the Caribbean’s most famous islands for your winter retreat. Whether you go for just an extended weekend or a few weeks of downtime, and whether it is a solo trip, couples’ getaway, or holiday with family or friends, you will find that there is much to love about each of these unique island escapes.

How to Negotiate the Best Vacation Deal Using These 5 Tips

With all of the modern technology making holiday planning easier than ever, it might seem that negotiating or finding the best travel deals is not a possibility…and yet it is! This is true even with luxury villas in the Caribbean. If you are hoping to enjoy a good deal on your winter vacation, and worry that you’ll pay premium prices, you can use the five tips below, and create the best vacation deals possible.

Yes, that says, “create,” and by that, we mean negotiate. You can do this because most luxury villas are privately owned and each owner may have varying degrees of flexibility. Working with a villa specialist company such as St Martin Blue that has considerable expertise on St Martin, will help identify flexible owners and unique opportunities to capitalize on such as a new villa offering with an anxious owner to book up his property or dates that fit perfectly between two reservations. Your villa specialist can help identify these opportunities and provide guidance on the best approach to get the best deal possible.

Take the five steps below, and use the resources suggested and you should have great luck:

1.  Travel within 30 Days

Wait ‘til the last minute…Few times in life allow you to intentionally procrastinate and delay taking action. However, if you decide that you want to head somewhere on holiday, such as booking a luxury villa in the Caribbean, you may find that the window of time within 30 days of departure opens the door to a deal. Why? Many villa or vacation homeowners think exactly as business owners, and when their properties (even their most luxurious villas) are sitting “un-booked” they consider them “expiring inventory,” that poses a serious loss. Because of that, they’ll be open to any reasonable offers. Be advised that you won’t get tremendous discounts, such as a deep 50% discount, but it is entirely likely that you might negotiate from 15 to 25%, and with that in mind…

2.  Be Realistic

As noted, you are highly unlikely to find any owners willing to deeply discount their stock at the detriment of cheapening their brand, but most are happy to open negotiations with potential guests offering reasonable prices. They may have financial means, the owners of luxury villas, but that does not mean they are not eager to see a profit on their investment! Just submitting a fair and reasonable offer typically invites consideration. At Isle Blue, villa experts can also advocate for a client and help them to structure a successful bidding strategy for a period of time when that “inventory,” is at risk for expiring. Be aware too that most owners are more than well aware of reasonable amounts and sums that are simply insulting. Try to be realistic, reasonable, and as accurate and honest as possible because once the door is closed due to an unreasonable offer, it rarely reopens.

3.  Submit Binding Offers

Be committed…A “binding offer,” is one in which you, as the bidder, have made a true financial commitment rather than just tossing out a few figures. Instead of inquiring about the options for a discount, you have made a binding reservation (one guaranteed by a down payment), should the owner accept the deal. Think of it this way, how much more likely are they to consider your offer (even at the lower end of the spectrum) if you are committed financially and obliged to follow through should that offer be accepted? They are highly likely to give it far more consideration.

4.  Stay longer

One of the ways that most travelers get a discount is to stay a bit longer. As an example, typical discounts look like this: Stay free for every seventh night of your booking. This encourages a week or more. When making a negotiated offer to the owner of a luxury villa, you can often make the deal a bit sweeter if you arrange for a stay of ten nights or more. Perhaps ask for a 10% discount off the price for every night past the tenth or 10% of the deal OR ask for that seventh night free on every seven nights, i.e. one weekend free for a two-week commitment.

5.  Target slower periods

There are high or peak seasons, and off seasons and in between are shoulder seasons. In the Caribbean, the offseason is usually the hurricane season (September-October), and the peak seasons are those during colder weather in Europe and North America (December to mid April). That means that there are many parts of the year in which great conditions prevail and yet fewer travelers are showing an interest in heading to the region. Take a look at your schedule, look at the “inventory,” available in your islands of choice, and find shoulder seasons that work with both. You can also just avoid the highest demand periods, including holidays at any time of the year, periods when an island is experiencing a special event such as a carnival season or a yachting event or a food festival. Whenever there is higher demand and lower supply, your negotiations for lower rates are going to be ignored – unless you wait until the very absolute last minute, such as less than seven days before your departure.

Here are a few popular periods to target if you are interested in making a deal.

Ideal Caribbean Travel Dates for Deals

For the Caribbean, slower periods when the weather is still ideal but the tourist travel period is between peak periods are the following

  • 1st two weeks in December
  • January 7th to 15th
  • Second half of May and all of June

Ideal European Travel Dates for Deals

For Europe, July and August are prime weeks and book well in advance. However, the following periods still offer beautiful weather and better pricing

  • May and early June
  • September and October

Are there other ways to get vacation travel deals? Of course, but none enable you to negotiate directly with someone who owns the property in which you intend to stay. There are “bidding” apps and sites that let you put in your highest price (or the price you want to pay), but you are not negotiating so much as waiting to see if anything is made available at that price, and often it is the farthest thing from a luxury villa.

Using these tips you will be able to find the right property at a reasonable time and get a good price for even the most luxurious of villas. Is there a bit of chance involved? Yes, but if you are ready to work with experts like the advisers at Isle Blue, and do the diligence, you can find yourself enjoying the lap of luxury at a less than luxury price!