Month: February 2020

The travel enthusiasts of Lonely Planet say that the “Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) are blessed with all the elements of a perfect Caribbean getaway: turquoise waters and fine-sand beaches; world-class diving and snorkeling; and a sophisticated chef-driven food scene.” Clearly, if you haven’t paid a visit, this is the year to make it happen.

What they also say is that few visitors actually encounter authentic TCI culture (i.e. the native foods, music and history) and that when you want to experience Turks & Caicos, you want to be sure you incorporate opportunities to discover the culture of the region, too.

Grace Bay Area, Discover Turks & Caicos
Grace Bay Area, Turks & Caicos

What is Different about Turks & Caicos?

It is unfortunate that a lot of travelers believe that most Caribbean islands will be similar to one another in geographic features, culture, and overall scenery. If you have visited more than a single Caribbean location, you know that belief is farthest from the truth. As a prime example, consider that Turks & Caicos is note for its ultra-soft white sands and for having some of the clearest and bluest waters in the region.

A British Overseas Territory, it consists of two groups of islands (the Turks islands and the Caicos islands). Most are only sparsely populated, and your visit is likely to focus around the island known as Provo, but which is officially Providenciales. This is among the Caicos islands and home to the Grace Bay Area. Though you will find that a large amount of the tourism occurs in that specific area, you will want to set out to discover the other regions, too.

For instance, if you are taking our advice and heading there for a spring holiday, you should also make a point of heading over to the island of Salt Cay. Why? As one expert notes, “visitors can either charter their own whale-spotting boat or stand on the rugged, salt-sprayed cliffs and look out to the Turks Head passage that connects the western Caribbean to the waters around Hispaniola, spotting pods of majestic humpback whales as they drift southward to give birth in the warm waters of Silver Banks.”

You might also consider heading to the bay opposite Grace Bay (called Long Bay Beach) to test your luck with the Atlantic trade winds and learn how to do a bit of kitesurfing. You can rent all you need, get lessons and even sail out “to the deserted sea lagoons and secluded cays to try your hand on the more challenging swells.”

Visiting Governor’s beach takes you away from the Grace Bay area, too and puts you over on Grand Turk island. Here, the uncrowded beach is backed by pine groves and palm trees and features lovely golden sands and calmer waters.

Beautiful Turk & Caicos Beach, Discover Turks & Caicos
Beautiful Turk & Caicos Beach

The Must Do Activities on Providenciales

Of course, you may wish to do the same things that lots of other travelers to the islands do, which includes:

  • Booking a luxury villa
  • Dining at one of the islands great beach shacks
  • Doing one of the Fish Fry nights
  • Enjoying some diving or snorkeling
  • Exploring island history
  • Shopping (Forbes says that “the best shopping is in the Grace Bay area of Providenciales. Check out Caicos Café Plaza, Ports of Call Plaza and The Regent Village shopping mall, but plan on spending most of your shopping time at The Salt Mills Plaza”)
  • Viewing at least one sunset over Grace Bay (preferably at a top-notch bar or restaurant)
  • Enjoying many of the great island eateries

Selecting a Turks & Caicos Holiday Rental

Because the islands comprise less than 300 square miles, it is amazingly easy to do all of these things during even a short visit. Of course, you will want to stay in a premium accommodation, and one thing for which Turks & Caicos is noted is the diversity of private, luxury villas.

For instance, Villa Wild Cherry sits directly along the sands of Grace Bay and is a premium, two-bedroom villa designed for solo travelers, couples, or small groups. It features an expansive pool terrace with infinity edge pool gazing out to the sea. There is a lovely terrace, an upper story balcony, and an open-air floor plan that erases lines between interior and exterior spaces. Both bedrooms are opulent master suites with huge private baths, and there is even a gourmet kitchen, entertainment system, and barbecue area to enjoy.

Villa Milestone, Discover Turks & Caicos
Villa Milestone, Turks & Caicos

Larger groups will want to book Villa Milestone, with four luxury bedroom suites and a location on the sands at Grace Bay. With a household staff that includes a butler, immense lawns and gardens, and a diversity of outdoor living spaces, gazebos, and airy interiors, it is the perfect spot for a family gathering. The modern design only enhances a visit, and with a massive gourmet kitchen, full office space, and beautiful pool terrace, it will serve as a great base for an island exploration or as a destination on its own.

Beach Enclave, Discover Turks & Caicos
Beach Enclave, Turks & Caicos

Beach Enclave North Shore – Beachfront, is a luxury villa in the Babalua Beach area of Provo, putting it along the North Shore Beach an offering the very finest in amenities, setting, an privacy. A five-bedroom home, it provides guests with a butler, daily breakfast, a private fitness studio, non-motorized watersports, and more than seven thousand square feet of luxury living spaces. There is a vast pool terrace with verandah and sun deck. There are several private balconies, and the overall design incorporates natural elements of the landscape, including massive boulders that shape terraces and inspire the palette of the interior design.

So, if you have yet to pay a visit to Turks & Caicos, or you are about to revisit the area, you will want to savor some of the activities we’ve mentioned above, and examine your options for exploring the culture of the island, too. Start by selecting a Turks & Caicos luxury villa, which sets the stage for an utterly relaxing holiday. Then, plan which beaches to visit, which shops to explore, and which sites to discover in order to get to know this remarkably beautiful island destination.

The seasoned travel professionals at Conde Nast love St Barts an ecstatically describe a spring time visit to the island, saying that you know it is spring when “wooden schooners pull-in for the West Indies Regatta over the first weekend of May. Outdoor movie screens set up on Flamands beach and the docks of Gustavia for the…annual St Barth Film Festival,” and savvy St Barts visitors cherish this season for it’s ideal weather conditions and cultural offerings.

With some of the finest luxury St Barts villas available, it makes it doubly-savvy to book a lengthy weekend holiday to St Barts this year. For example, Villa Raisiniers sits right on the sands of Flamands Beach and is a two-bedroom luxury villa ideal for solo travelers, couples, and small families or groups eager to savor the serenity of springtime on St Barts. Villa Clementine, however, is an opulent villa with three-bedrooms and sits perched high in the Vitet area. Offering truly stunning views, it features an immense private pool area, lots of gardens and grounds to enjoy, and opulent and modern interiors that will make for a truly rejuvenating getaway.

For larger groups or families eager to book an unforgettable spring week to visit St Barts, Villa Ginger is an amazing find. In the hills above Petite Saline, it is easily among the most coveted spots. Loaded with world-class amenities, including an enormous pool terrace overlooking the views, it can easily serve as your only destination, or your flawless base, for a visit.

There are many excellent and trendy villas in St Barts from which to choose, and once you have decided upon yours, you can then start to make your plans for the optimal long weekend.

Gustavia View. Spring in St Barts
Gustavia View

Gustavia and St. Jean

Many travelers begin to explore or re-visit the island in the Gustavia area. The capital of the island, it is hardly a “city,” and is easily one of the most walkable destinations imaginable. It features an unforgettable array of red-roofed buildings and stone structures that give it an iconic island appeal. It has a lovely harbor with lots of small craft bobbing in and out, and the open-air fish market is a fun and exciting experience.

Most visitors will want to experience the shopping of Rue de la République and the Rue du Roi Oscar. After that, you can head out of town and stop at such sites as the Gustavia Lighthouse, the Col de la Tourmente, with a bronze statue of Savaku (a unique memorial to an Arawak man native to the island), and then on to Corossol. With its fishing boats, market selling handwoven hats and baskets and charming locals, it is a must.

After that, you can finish up the day in Saint Jean where you can stock up for your trip to your villa at the local markets (many packed with imports from France and other parts of Europe). There are excellent restaurants to enjoy here, including beachfront gems.

Villa Les Sables, Lorient Beach

On to the Beach

After settling in at the end of your first day, you will want to make plans to hit one of the islands gorgeous 14 beaches the next day. As one expert noted, St Barts is “so small you could easily pack in a visit to two or more in a single day.” If you are in the St. Jean area, there are beautiful beaches and calm waters in the Eden Rock area, but there is also one of the more famous beaches in the region – the one at the end of the airport runway. Here, you can thrill to jumbo jets soaring just above the waters and sands as they land a few hundred yards beyond.

If you are close to Grand Cul de Sac, you can savor kayaking, windsurfing, and shallow water fun. At Lorient, you get the opposite and there are lots of options for surfing as well as some delicious meals at the local, beach shacks (particularly JoJo Burgers).

When you head to Salines beaches, you enjoy some of the best in the entire region as well as a walk past a former salt-harvesting pond and some dunes. The waters here vary from rough to tranquil, and there are often crowds at any time of year. The Tony beaches are a bit wilder and more dramatic, and ideal if you are staying in the western areas of the islands or the hills in the central regions. Colombier is past Gustavia at the northwestern end and is available only to those who want to walk. It is well worth the half of an hour of gentle hiking and you’ll find only locals. Lastly, Gouverneur is another relatively quiet spot with areas to picnic and sparse crowds. You’ll find wild goats nearby and it is rumored to be home to an undiscovered pirate’s treasure!

View from the villa Pink Flamingo, Grand Cul de Sac

After a day spent exploring the best beaches, you may want to revisit the towns or just head to your luxury villa for a day or two of lounging in the sun or shade of your pool area. Most villas are well-designed for relaxation and will features large verandahs and terraces around the pool. There may be hot tubs, barbecue spaces, outdoor showers, and more. Inside, there are often floor to ceiling doors that allow sunlight and sea breezes inside at all hours, and most use a great room design that allows the kitchen to be open-air in design. Most have home cinemas and some feature fitness options.

With the ability to book St Barts luxury rentals, tour the towns, visit the beaches, and even book yourself some time on the water enjoying fishing, diving, or other options, your spring visit to St Barts is sure to rejuvenate you just in time for the change in seasons.

The spring may seem like it is far away, but there are only weeks until you can count on snows beginning to melt, dreary weather to turn to warmer and brighter days, and those first darling buds to arrive. Because of that, right now is the time to choose your next getaway destination, and travel experts are pointing towards the western areas of Portugal as fantastic spots for spring holidays, with the Lisbon and Algarve areas as top choices.

As one expert said of this area, “Often overlooked for its popular European cousins, Lisbon specializes in lulling tourists into its laid-back charm.” They go on to outline the many amazing things you can do if you choose to stay in one of the luxury villas of the Lisbon area.

For example, you might book into the remarkable The Forte in the Lisbon area and enjoy an exclusive setting within the OItavos Dunes, where you get Atlantic Ocean views along with amazing views of the hills of Sintra and the Cabo Da Roca area. With a private pool terrace, access to the nearby golf course, meals at the gourmet restaurants, and spa services, it could prove an amazing springtime break.

However, you are also only a short drive from the heart of Lisbon, and here you can explore the many centuries-old neighborhoods dotting the city’s seven hills. You can take a trip to St. George’s Castle, spend hours wandering from café to café comparing each of the different variations of custard tarts (pasteis de nata) available, or go to Barrio Alto and take in the views. The nearby beaches in the Cascais area will make most travelers swoon with delight, and the Feira de Lada flea market will be a sure winner with those who like a bit of treasure hunting while on vacation. You can also sample the different ways that salted cod is prepared in the local cafes and gourmet restaurants, and a stop at the Oceanarium is a must when visiting Lisbon.

Lisbon is home to the Tram 28, which also takes you on a full tour of the city, or you can stick to the nearer sites like the palaces that dot the hills of Sintra. Be sure to spend time along the waterfront at Belem, head up the Santa Just Elevator, and spend a bit of time at the Gulbenkian Museum or the Tile Museum.

Then, head back to your private retreat.

Algarve rock - coast in Portugal. Lisbon vacation
Algarve rock – coast in Portugal

Algarve – A Must Visit Destination

If you are a  bit farther south in the Algarve area, you are fortunate to be situated in what Vogue Magazine notes as the “must visit” area of Portugal. As one expert recently said, Portugal “has turned up on more must-visit lists lately than nearly anywhere else. And no wonder—the sun-soaked, western sliver of southern Europe has much to offer: rich culture, beautiful architecture, and a dazzling culinary scene. While scores of travelers are drawn to the vibrant cities of Lisbon and Porto, would-be visitors should also look to the south—namely, the Algarve region—for an under the radar coastal retreat that’s full of authentic Portuguese pleasures.”

Comparable in its beauty to nearby regions like St. Tropez or Majorca, the region is home to a long list of Michelin starred restaurants, unique wines, and stunning beaches. The beaches remain one of the top attractions and there are over 150 of them with golden sands just waiting to be enjoyed as the weather warms.

The coastal area is famous for its crabby cliffs, and they are among the most photographed features of the region. The most popular and best are Falesia and Sao Rafael in the Albufeira area, and in Aljezur is some surfing options. One of the most famous and popular of all beaches in the Algarve area is the Praia de Marinha, with a cliff walk and stunning views. If you are more of a sand dune and lagoon fan, the Ria Formosa Nature Park is a good beach alternative.

The food is another big draw to the area and with the unique climate of the region, which enjoys more than three thousand hours of sun, none of the hot and dry winds that other areas experience, and a climate ideal for growing, the area is a culinary dream. The finest and freshest seafood is also a staple on most menus, and the region is developing a reputation for its wines and beers. This is why there are more than five Michelin reviewed restaurants in the area.

And the unique Negra Mole grapes that grow only in the Algarve area are behind the region’s many remarkable wines. Though you can find a Pinot Noir made with them, there are also Moscatel and Arintos made from them, and they too are a must.

Villa Zona Noreste 123, Algarve, Portugal. Lisbon vacation
Villa Zona Noreste 123, Algarve, Portugal

Luxury Vacation Rentals in Algarve

Staying in the Algarve area is becoming easier and easier due to the emergence of a few resorts. There are also amazing, private luxury rentals, which can range from small to grand in size and scale, and most will feature household staff, private pools, and acreage that ensures the utmost in privacy and scenery. There are options like Encosta Lago 12, with its five spacious bedrooms and world of luxurious amenities. Golfe Poente ensures you have the best of all worlds with a private pool terrace, amazing al fresco dining and living spaces, and room for the whole family. A luxury villa, it is close to all of the beaches and scenery but could also provide the ultimate spring retreat.

With so much to see and do in this one small area of Portugal, it makes for the perfect spring destination. With a unique climate and an emerging foodie culture, as well as lots of historic and cultural sites to enjoy, you can spend weeks making yourself familiar with this lesser-visited part of Europe. The western and southern coastal areas of Portugal, especially Lisbon and the Algarve region are becoming true “hotspots” in the world of travel, so make sure to pay a visit before the summer season arrives.

If you appreciate guidance from travel experts, it is likely that you pay sharp attention to the entire team of Conde Nast. Long noted for recommending only the finest and most luxurious destinations, they have pointed towards The Maldives as a spot to visit “right now.” Also identified as one of their 30 top destinations for 2020, and especially the spring of 2020, we think you should take some time to determine if it is the right spot for you.

As they noted in their list of 2020 hotspots, The Maldives is an “island cluster in the Indian Ocean,” and famous as a “honeymoon mainstay.” As they continued, it has “year-round temperatures hovering in the low 80s, and rarely suffers from rain outside monsoon season in November. The best weather, though, is from January through March, when the water is at its calmest and the sky a permanent sapphire-blue.”

And is it just the weather and beautiful surroundings that they identify as the reasons travel aficionados should pay a visit? No, they go on to indicate that it is a must-see location because it offers:

  • Some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world
  • Its many reefs are at risk of disappearing due to bleaching, and many are visiting now fearing it may be too late even a decade in the future
  • It is home to some of the finest luxury rentals and resorts in the world
  • Over the water bungalows and luxury villas that are unmatched anywhere else
  • It has a balance of relaxation and adventure opportunities
  • It retains a pristine and “leave-the-real-world-behind” atmosphere
  • Remarkable roadside markets and some of the freshest foods available
  • The opportunity to see bioluminescent phytoplankton
  • The famous Maafhushi shopping street that ranks as one of the most photographed areas in the region
  • Unmatched sunsets over the Indian Ocean
  • The opportunity to see mass gatherings of manta rays or dive with whale sharks

As you can see, that is a list of both adventures and relaxing and recreational options. Sample local foods or dive with whale sharks, watch epic sunsets from your over the water bungalow or stay up late and wait to see that bioluminescent plankton; there is always something unique to see or do.

However, it is the over the water accommodations that continually attract honeymooners and others, and if you are interested in learning more about them, we’ve identified several for you to consider, plus a few “onshore” options packed with luxurious amenities and comforts.

Luxury Villas of The Maldives

Konotta villas can be found on land or over the water. A one-bedroom overwater villa at the amazing resort will provide solo travelers or couples with a private deck, an infinity-edge pool, a separate living room with views of the sea, and the bedroom that opens to the deck. There is an ensuite bath with a rain shower and soak tub, and you enjoy a pavilion with lounges. Your overwater bungalow also features an entertainment system, 24-hour room service, and an outdoor shower.

Konotta Resort, arrival dock

Of course, you also have the many services of the resort at your beck and call, including a host, a personal concierge, and more. The same applies to the beach villas and the lagoon villas.  You can find premium overwater bungalows with sunset views and larger villas with two to three-bedroom options. If you are traveling with a group of discerning friends or your family members, the Grand Konotta Villa may be your ideal spring destination.

With room for up to six guests, it is a full-sized, overwater villa that offers unimpeded views and the ultimate in private luxury. The chef comes to the villa each day to make meals, there are spa and yoga treatments provided in-house, and watersports gear is delivered whenever desired. It is a multi-story bungalow with an array of al fresco living and lounging spaces, and its infinity-edge pool is the only one to gaze out directly at the sea without any neighboring bungalows within view.

Konotta is not the only area with remarkable properties, and the SFushi or Soneva Fushi is a luxury beach resort with amazing waterfront villas. All are private retreats and include the full gamut of experiences and services that the resort offers. These include everything from private picnics on your own atoll and lagoon, glassblowing instruction, full spa experiences, technology-free zones, celestial observations, diving options, and more.

Jungle Reserve at Soneva Fushi. Luxury villas Maldives
Jungle Reserve at Soneva Fushi

There is five-star dining in the treetop garden restaurant, the culinary theater space, and more. The resort has individual retreats, like Sunrise Retreat with its grass roof and multiple levels of outdoor living, a three-bedroom villa suite with pool, and classic villas of many different sizes, but each boasting a pool and a unique design. There is also the enormous Jungle Reserve ideal for a family holiday or even a destination event with its multiple structures, enormous private beach, and premiere services.

The Maldives are so popular that they have also attracted the attention of the Four Seasons resorts and you can book an over the water bungalow in the two-bedroom, three-bedroom or larger size. There is even the Voavah Private Island option for the ultimate retreat from the real world. Other properties include Anantara Naladhu with ocean villas and a full ocean house.

Soneva Jani Aerial View. luxury villas Maldives
Soneva Jani Aerial View

Soneva Jani is another over the water hotel noted for the luxury villas and bungalows. Their one-bedroom water retreat is the ultimate hideaway with a private pool and deck, and lots of screening to ensure you enjoy sunbathing and relaxing in privacy and style. They also have an entertaining option that includes a slide into the sparkling waters below. Soneva Jani has one to four-bedroom bungalows over the water, and all will feature those coveted amenities, including slides, pools, terraces, and round the clock service.

With so many options, and all of them as luxurious as the next, it makes sense to look towards the Indian Ocean and the Maldives for your next getaway and remedy the winter blues long before summer begins.

isleblue.co/…/villa-konotta-1br-sunset-overwater-villa

Not long ago, the popular HuffPost website wrote about the island of Nevis, saying that guests can enjoy the “true flavors of the Caribbean,” with each visit. They went on to say that in “addition to many restaurants offering a diversity of European or American cuisines, most of the villas and guesthouses strive to serve food of the islands…”

With only a single, larger resort on the island, it is unique in its ability to hold on to its character and culture in ways other, neighboring, islands have not. Nevis has a history of both European and new world cuisine. This is why visitors to the island will want to make an effort to dine out and enjoy as many of the different eateries and dining options, as possible.

If you are preparing for a stay in one of the many luxury villas of Nevis, we recommend you ensure you sample many of the island (as well as the Caribbean region’s) iconic dishes and flavors at some of the dining options below. Keep in mind that reservations are usually a must for the more formal or “sit down” locations, but a personal concierge can usually get a table reserved.

When it is a more casual setting, or a beachfront option, you may be able to get a table even during a busy time.  As an expert on Nevis said about casual dining, one of the things you will “love most about going to the Caribbean is eating at local joints, the ones that serve up jerk chicken, spiny lobster, and a plate of rice and beans.  Once in a while, however, you want to eat off of real silverware instead of plastic utensils.  Despite being a tiny island, the dining options on Nevis are spectacular and something not to miss.  Many of them are located on old sugar plantations, offering up quaintness in a truly unique setting.”

Where to Dine

Nisbet Plantation Restaurant
Photo: Nisbet Plantation Website

Nisbet Plantation

The Nisbet Plantation is a historic plantation with a rare beachfront location. While a visit is worthwhile just for the history of the property and its amazing grounds, the meals served in the great house (which dates to the 1700s), is a must.

Basing its options on the freshest seasonal ingredients, it changes on a daily basis. The main dining room of the Great House requires reservations, but there is also the more casual Sea Breeze and Coconuts from which to choose. Coconuts emphasizes breakfast service in a very casual al fresco setting, but also serves up barbecue along the waterfront several nights a week. Sea Breeze is a bar with small plate options, and also boasts a waterfront setting.

Golden Rock Inn Restaurant. Where to eat on Nevis
Photo: Golden Rock Inn Website

Golden Rock Inn

Golden Rock Inn is a popular spot for its accommodations, but even more so for its unique spin on Caribbean cuisine. Using a bit of “global flair,” the restaurant (The Rocks) specializes in the freshest lobster and fish; often the day’s catch. Meals are served outdoors with views of the sea and surrounding garden, and the bar inside features vaulted stone ceilings and a signature rum punch.

Bananas Restaurant. Where to eat on Nevis
Photo: Bananas Restaurant Website

Bananas

Bananas is what many described as distinctly “shabby chic,” and it sits in private and lush gardens with amazing sea views, a rooftop deck and many porches. It is a spot for vegetarians and seafood lovers as those are the only items on the menu.  Serving lunches and dinner, and offering specialized group menus along with a collection of aged rums to sample, the food and the location make it a must see, and must taste, on Nevis. They are especially noted for their lobster and conch dishes.

Restaurant 750. Where to eat on Nevis
Photo: Restaurant 750 Website

Restaurant 750

Restaurant 750 is part of the Montpelier Plantation and Beach property. With buildings from the 17th century, it is a beautiful spot with lavish gardens and grounds, and is home to an inn, an old sugar mill, and what some describe as “a once in a lifetime dining experience” inside the converted barn. Drinks can be enjoyed inside the original Great House and small plates are available. Dining can also be enjoyed on the terrace, where homemade pasta is a house specialty and their wine list is also famous throughout the island.

Emphasizing local ingredients, spices, herbs, and seasonal foods, this is where food and wine pairings may exceed your expectations, but save some space for a few samples from the aged rum collection.

Mango is part of the only resort on the island of Nevis – the Four Seasons – and it offers modern design and décor in an appealing waterfront location. It specializes in cocktails and small plate dishes. Lunch and dinner are available each day and there is an emphasis on Caribbean classics with a bit of an extra “Nevis-inspired” flair for many dishes.

Double Deuce

Double Deuce is one of the most casual spots and is noted for its fresh locally caught fish and lobster dishes.  Their DD Stinger is a famous variation of rum punch and a must for those eager to enjoy the most authentic island flavors.

Chrishil Beach Club

Chrishil Beach Club lives up to the name and is directly along the sands of Chrishi Beach. Offering contemporary design, it serves a remarkably relaxed and low-key brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, or early evening drink.  The menu is described as being “full of signature tastes and spices representative from all over the world,” making it a must for those eager to sample tasty dishes in a casual setting.

The Gin Trap Restaurant View
Photo: The Gin Trap Website

The Gin Trap

The Gin Trap is a popular bar and restaurant that is a favorite of locals and travelers alike. Less than 40 steps from the sea, it serves casual meals that are packed with flavor. The menu emphasizes locally farmed foods, fresh fish from local waters, and premium meats. Drinks get the same attention with freshly squeezed juices and quality ingredients paving the way for unforgettable experiences. There are 101 varieties of gin from which to choose at all times, too!

These are only a few of the many excellent eateries to enjoy on your upcoming visit to Nevis. Whether you are in a luxury villa with your own chef, at a resort, or somewhere in between, you must try a few of the island’s restaurants to experience the remarkable cuisine for yourself.

Whether all of you are adrenaline junkies or you just enjoy doing unusual things when on a family vacation, New Zealand is a land full of opportunities. When booking vacation rentals or looking for family vacation ideas, it is a great idea to think of the many adventures open to those who visit this large, island nation.

The Best of All Worlds: New Zealand Holiday Rentals

If your family vacation needs to check all the boxes, ensuring that someone gets time by the pool or a soothing body of water, someone else gets a lot of retail therapy, and still others get all kinds of adventures, there are vacation rentals in New Zealand that can help meet the demands. As one expert explained, “New Zealand has so much to offer and is the perfect destination for outdoor pursuits. The best part is that the range of activities available is so wide, you’re sure to find something to suit any level of fitness or bravery.”

Even better is that all of these activities and family vacation ideas will occur in a land that is utterly beautiful, diverse and readily accessible. You won’t have to book all kinds of extra-special transportation when you opt for New Zealand holiday rentals and adventurous activities. As a simple example, your family vacation can include:

  • Bungy jumping
  • Jet boating
  • Skydiving
  • River rafting
  • Zip lining
  • Off-road driving
  • Rappelling
  • Climbing
  • Caving, and more

Many of the best vacation rentals will also include some low-key adventures that can include snorkeling or other water sports, off-road excursions, and hiking or trekking excursions. There are family vacation ideas that include more sedate adventures such as horseback riding and even rolling around in a ZORB inflatable ball.

If all of these adventures sound appealing, you can find many of them close to premium New Zealand holiday rentals.

The Adventures Ahead

If you are ready to book your family vacation to New Zealand, and want to know more about those adventures mentioned above, let’s take a moment to review a handful of the most popular.

Bungy jumping

There are many popular spots for taking a plunge off a bridge or bungy tower, and if this is among your top family vacation ideas for adventure, you will want to look at Nevis, the Kawarau Bungy Site, Taupo Bungy, the Auckland Harbour Bridge options, and more.

Rafting

It might surprise you to learn that your family vacation could include rafting from the “highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world?” Talk about an extreme adventure! Found in Rotorua, it is 7meters tall and features incredible rapids. There are also New Zealand holiday rentals near other top rafting sites like the West Coast, Queenstown, Tongariro River in Lake Taupo, and many more.

Ziplining

While it may not sound like an extreme adventure to enjoy during your holiday, some of the options near the country’s many vacation rentals are far from “average” ziplining sites. There is the amazing tree top lines of Rotorua, the Queenstown lines that give unimpeded views of the Remarkables Mountains, and the gorgeous harbour scenery in the ziplining options of Waiheke Island. The West Coast also has zip lining and river rafting adventures where glow worms are easily seen after dark.

Skydiving

The landscape of New Zealand is varied, as is made plain in the famous Peter Jackson series of films dedicated to the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. Just heading up in a plane is sure to be memorable. The most common locations for diving include Queenstown, Lake Taupo. Wanaka, Auckland and Bay of Plenty – all of which have many vacation rentals nearby.

Caving

Among the most extreme family vacation ideas is spelunking or caving. However, New Zealand is known as a top caving destination throughout the world. It is home to black water rafting (i.e. floating) inside enormous underground networks, and some of the best for those on a holiday to experience are in the Nelson area, which is also where one of the world’s most immense sinkholes is found.

4×4 Adventures

Off-road driving is a fairly common activity and something you will want to enjoy when in one of the region’s vacation rentals. It will be unlike anything most families have ever experienced, and the country has an extensive network of backroad, off-road and country tracks. These include stunningly beautiful spots like Ninety Mile Beach, the hills of Marlborough, and the alpine region known as Canterbury, among many others.

Jetboating

Those enjoying New Zealand holiday rentals anywhere near jetboating sites will want to savor the adrenaline rush this brings. It was invented in the area in the 1950s when a local adventurer found he had to navigate “the fast-flowing shallow rivers of his farmland.” He became quite adept at it and started taking tourists on rapid tours of the nearby rivers. Today, travelers near Queenstown and Lake Taupo savor the heart-racing thrill of riding in a speed boat as it does a full 360-degree spin or navigates within a hair’s width of the banks and cliffs of the rivers.

If your family holiday in New Zealand has to create a bit more adrenaline than the activities already mentioned, don’t forget that there are areas for diving with sharks is possible (in a safe aquarium setting!). There is also ice hiking that includes a brief helicopter ride to the starting point. Sledging is also an option, though not for the faint of heart. It is a form of hydrospeeding or river boarding that has the adventurer riding a float through river rapids and eventually learning how to “surf” the powerful currents.

As you plan a holiday to New Zealand, be sure to set aside a bit of time for the most adventurous of the country’s activities. We’ve outlined a few above, and you’ll want to consider them f a bit of adrenaline is what you seek. New Zealand can also be ideal for those eager to sit on the sands or in the privacy of a villa and savor the amazing beauty, culture, food, and friendly people of New Zealand, too.

There are always spots that enjoy “peak seasons” during certain times of year. The winter season, for example, is famous for causing people to head to warmer climes, while the hot weather may drive them to cooler locations. The Caribbean region is popular for a majority of the year, but each island is unique and has its own peak, shoulder, and quieter seasons. One area that is enjoying a tremendous amount of attention and which offers amazingly luxurious villas to enjoy during a stay is St. Barts.

Nothing Like It

A recent article in Forbes Magazine explained that you “will not find anything like it in the Caribbean. Imagine a charming village in South of France plunked down on a tiny island in the Caribbean. Throw in fantastic beach bars, an array of great restaurants, and the harbor side town of Gustavia where ancient stone buildings now house chic boutiques, and you will find yourself asking ‘why did not I come here years ago’?”

You might even find yourself asking why you are waiting to go right now? Though it is part of the island’s peak season in the later winter months, it is still a perfect time to pay a visit. This is particularly true if you book your visit at one of the trendier villas of St. Barts.

Why? Although the villas are all going to be different in size, location, amenities, and style, you will discover that the trendiest luxury villas in St. Barts are also often one-stop destinations. In other words, they are each designed to offer a full retreat to the single, couple, or family or group on holiday.

As an example, they may be close to the beach, but most have swimming pools or plunge pools. Many have small to large gardens and grounds, sun decks, terraces or verandahs, balconies, and some may even offer rooftop sun decks. Most will have modern, gourmet kitchens and premium entertainment systems. Many have household staff, and all are going to be within minutes of one of the charming towns or villages.

The Trendiest of Trendy Sites

If you are curious about the trending luxury rentals of St. Barts, we’ve pulled together a handy collection of the current hotspots. They include:

Villa Raisiniers, St Barts Vacation

Villa Raisiniers

This is a two-bedroom villa in the Flamands area of the island and places a single traveler, couple, or small family directly along the sands. Flamands is the biggest beach area, and so this alone makes it a good choice. However, it also has a private pool area with wooden deck, and it sits concealed by its private palm grove, while offering a short drive to town.

Villa Alphane. St Barts Vacation

Villa Alphane

Ideal for the solo traveler or honeymooning couple (or couple’s getaway), it sits in the hills of Mont Jean and gazes down at the sea. Surrounded by lovely gardens, it also has an infinity-edge pool, covered verandah, sun deck and a floor plan that erases the lines between interior and exterior living space.  It features lots of al fresco spaces for dining and lounging, and is sure to be a delight.

Villa Upside

Set within the popular Pointe Milou area of the island, it is lavishly appointed with luxuries and offers unprecedented sea views. It has a glass walled terrace and pool area, with the pool just steps from the great room. The open air design of the entire villa means you don’t miss a moment of the sea breezes and amazing scenery. With three bedrooms it is an ideal choice for the larger family or group of discerning travelers. Spa like baths and suite-like bedrooms make it a truly luxury villa on St. Barts.

Villa Nita, St Barts Vacation

Villa Nita

Another find in the Lorient area of the island, it is a remarkably funky property with three bedrooms and inspired décor. Designed in an iconic island style, it features an immense great room that opens to a well-designed wooden deck. Step out and relax in the al fresco lounge and living room or take a dip in the huge pool that gazes out to the sea and the bay below. Minutes from town, it is a true retreat and one of the trending villas o St. Barts.

Villa Enzuma

The last of the trendiest luxury villas of St. Barts, it has an immense pool terraces that gazes out at the unique landscape that surrounds the property and the sea just below. A classic island style, it has that oversized pool area and a lot of shaded outdoor living spaces. Dine at your al fresco dining area, lounge in the hammock, swim in the pool, or bask in the sun, and all in the privacy of your expansive terrace. The modern design and décor inside is the utmost of chic style, and captures the airy atmosphere from just outdoors. With three bedrooms, it is sized for a family or group of friends.

There you have a small serving of the trendiest villas of St. Barts, but there are scores more from which to choose in all areas of the island. Most are close to the excellent beaches, including those of Gustavia, like Shell Beach, Grand Cul-De-Sac, St. Jean, and Flamands. Make sure to explore the options among the trending villas of St. Barts and choose the size and style ideal for your needs. There are much larger properties offering the same sorts of amenities as those above, and many can make for an ideal choice for a destination event or family gathering.