Month: March 2020

Whether you are eager to find that perfect luxury villa rental for the annual “spring break” season, or you are simply yearning for a bit of fun in the sun, the beaches of the Caribbean are difficult to beat. Unmatchable beauty, an immense range of options, and unique features and amenities make them the perfect choice for a bit of rejuvenation and relaxation.

Not surprisingly, many of the beaches in the Caribbean rank as some of the best in the world. This is true whether a traveler seeks a beach for solitude, scenery, gentle and clear waters, or pounding surf. Below are some of the most frequently selected beaches as “the best” or the most beautiful in the world or the Caribbean region. If you are looking for an iconic getaway, it makes sense to determine if there are some luxury villas available near any of them, and then book your spring or early summer holiday close by. This way, you get the best of all worlds – a private island retreat and instant access to a top-notch beach.

The Best Beaches for Spring and Early Summer Visitors

Shoal Bay, Anguilla

This remarkable white sand beach is consistently rated as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. As the team at The Guardian said of it, “Icing-sugar sand, 3km of it, crystal-clear Caribbean water, off-shore coral reef with spectacular snorkeling or diving, a smattering of bars and open-air restaurants …job done!”

Found along the eastern coast, it places you near the fun of Dickenson Bay’s little harbor town and is extremely peaceful and quiet. If you want another nearby beach that is just as popular and appealing, Jabberwock Beach is a frequent “runner up”.

If you are eager to enjoy a lengthy holiday along the famous sands, there are many luxury villas ranging in size from three bedrooms or more. The Beachcourt lives up to its name and sits right along the sands, offering eight luxurious bedrooms and a personal concierge to ensure a fabulous stay. The Black Pearl is a unique find with four bedrooms and a location an easy walking distance from the beach, but full of onsite luxuries that make it a world-class retreat on its own. Waves is a three-bedroom gem that is just above the beach and full of indoor and outdoor living spaces that ensure it is a perfect getaway for a group or family.

Darkwood Beach, Antigua

As one of the finest beaches on Antigua, guests staying at the villas at Tamarind Hills are spoiled rotten with easy access.  You can find other Antigua villas that offer some views of it or the other gorgeous beaches nearby (including those in Jolly Harbour and Fryes Beach).

Described as an escape from reality and undeveloped, it is ideal for those eager to enjoy some relaxing and tranquil beachcombing as well as world-class snorkeling.

If you hope to be close by, villas like Out of the Blue with four spacious bedrooms and a waterfront location; Blossom with a gorgeous pool deck and four bedrooms, and the super-luxurious Indian Sands (with four bedrooms and amazing views), are close to the famous beach.

Crane Beach, Barbados

Noted as the most famous beach on an island full of famous and remarkably beautiful beaches, it is dense with soft, golden sands and groves of palms. It is also backed by dramatic cliffs and a more remote location than the other beaches on the list. Set on the opposite side of the island from Bridgetown, it is not a long drive from almost any part of Barbados.

An eastern, coastal location makes it ideal for a sunrise visit, and then a day in Bridgetown is a perfect way to spend some time before heading to a luxury villa along the island’s coveted gold coast. One amazing option just north of the beach and in the gorgeous St. Joseph area is Zazen. This five-bedroom, luxury villa sits along the sands of Cattlewash Beach and comes with a full household staff, pool, and more.

Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands)

Measuring in at less than six miles (it is closer to 5.5 miles), this beach is noted for its amazingly clear waters, its pink to coral colored sands, and its consistent appearance on many of the “best of” lists about the Caribbean region. It is a frequent favorite of those who enjoy snorkeling and swimming, it is full of unique bars and restaurants (many right on the sands), it is home to the famous Stingray City site where you can feed and swim with rays, it is packed with shopping destinations, and it is convenient to the capital city of Georgetown.

Choosing to stay on the sands is difficult unless you choose a luxury Grand Cayman villa tucked discreetly at one end or another. There are options like Nirvana with five bedrooms and a South Sound location with amazing views and loads of luxury amenities. Serenity Now is a rare find on Seven Mile Beach and features four spacious bedrooms and indoor and outdoor settings that let you make the most of the location.

Wavine Cyrique Beach, Dominica

Dominica is one of the Caribbean’s finest natural islands. This is another beach without any options for a beachfront villa, but it is well worth the effort to reach what is called one of the “most memorable beach experiences ever.” At the end of a steep hike, travelers get to enjoy the views of the waterfall as it crashes to the beach below and then walk on to the pristine golden sands.

Though there are no options close to this natural spot, there are amazing luxury villas in Dominica that will make fantastic retreats, including the Ylang Ylang Villas in different sizes and layouts, the Ti Fey Villa, Zabuco villas, and more.

With these options, you can book a last-minute beach holiday before the heat of summer arrives. Savor the beauty of some of the region’s most noted beaches and find a new favorite that you will wish to revisit each year.

It’s Not Too Late to Attend the BVI Spring Regatta

The 2020 BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival is going to begin on March 30 and run through April 5. While it may seem like a very last minute trip to book, there are still great options with luxury rentals. Not many travelers realize that the route for the regatta takes sailors around all of the islands. Whether you are at the far western end of Tortola, on a wonderful coastal spot on Guana Island, or anywhere on Virgin Gorda, you’ll be able to enjoy the views and comfort right from a private villa.

49 Years of Sailing Fun

The BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival has occurred for almost half of a century and begins with the Round the Island of Tortola race (racers are chasing the Nanny Cay Cup) on the first day of the event. After that are daily activities and races. For example, April 1 is a race to Scrub Island, which is an Invitational Race. This is followed up by an afternoon BBQ. The next day is “lay day,” and the perfect time to savor the relaxation available in your villa or to head out and enjoy the sights, beaches, shops, and dining. There is a Welcome Party that afternoon with lots of live music and fun.

The rest of the schedule (three days) is full of round-the-clock racing with 18 different classes competing for a prize. As the official site says, “Only the best survive to take home the Gold and the Glory, along with great stories and experiences that keep sailors [and race fans] coming back year after year.”

Where to Watch

As noted, the races go all through the islands, and the course marks are found near and around every island. This makes it possible to enjoy a luxurious stay on famous Necker Island, far to the northeast of the BVI island chain and still watch the boats glide gracefully past. You can also find a long list of premier locations on Virgin Gorda and Tortola and Guana Island.

In fact, almost all of Guana and Necker Islands are available for booking, but if you are heading to the BVIs with a much smaller group, on your own, or as part of a couple, there are many other options.

For example, Tamar is a lovely, four-bedroom property that sits just above Leverick Bay on Virgin Gorda. Part of a premier and private residential area, it is surrounded by its own gardens and grounds and provides the ultimate garden escape along with non-stop water views ideal for watching the Regatta.

Designed as the ultimate retreat, it has four master suites and is only a short distance to the harbor and the waterfront of Leverick Bay. Yet it also is a world all its own with an immense number of indoor and outdoor living spaces and multiple levels to enjoy the views of Bitter End and Biras Creek below.

Sea View Cottage is on Guana Island, near Tortola, and it lives up to its name as it offers amazing sea views from the hills above. A one-bedroom hideaway ideal for a solo traveler or couple on a romantic, last-minute retreat, it is the perfect choice for watching some of the races in the waters below or at sea in the distance. Walk to the beach nearby or just delight in the beauty of this charmingly appointed escape.

On the Wild Side is another great choice for its non-stop and totally unimpeded water views, but this three-bedroom masterpiece is located above Oil Nut Bay on Virgin Gorda. With its Atlantic Ridge location, as well as its all-glass walls and scenery from every room, it is the perfect choice for the family or couple eager to experience some of the Regatta’s racing events, but in total privacy and comfort. Part of a resort, it features the use of the beach club with pool and bar, the children’s club, many restaurants, a spa and wellness center, and much more.

Sunny Side Up is a three-bedroom island delight on a bluff high above the western end of Tortola. Part of the Belmont area, it promises unprecedented views of the Regatta in the waters far below. With its views of Long Bay Beach, it is a private and secluded spot surrounded by gardens and offering an abundance of outdoor living space. It has an excellent pool terrace that allows everyone to leisurely paddle around while taking in the action on the waters below. An expansive terrace ensures you remain cozy and cool at any time of the day or night.

If you are eager to have a true getaway with endless views of the waters around the BVIs, Jost House on Guyana Island is a good choice. Set amongst 800 acres of private island grounds, it features three luxurious bedrooms and a surprisingly long list of amenities. Visitors enjoy three meals daily at the Great House nearby, there is a beach club, lots of activities, water sports of many kinds, and transport from Tortola. Sitting as it does above the island, it promises great views of the races, as well as optimal luxury and comfort at all times.

The U.S. News and World Report has long cited the British Virgin Islands as their top choice in Caribbean destinations, and many visit for the excellence of the beaches, the waters, and the year-round option for sailing. If you have yearned to sample the best of the BVIs for yourself, you could pick no better time than during the annual BVI Regatta and Sailing Festival. A true celebration of the waves and turquoise waters around the islands, it is also the ideal pace for relaxing or exploring the area.

Head to the famous The Baths and find out why so many others love these immense boulders and the peaceful grottoes they create. Hit the many beaches, or, as we have already suggested, book a BVI luxury villa with a lot of indoor and outdoor spaces to simply recline, recharge, and rejuvenate.

If you look at a map of the island of Bali, you see that the capital city region known as Denpasar sits in the central, but southern coastal region. It may be an urban area, but it is also surrounded by gorgeous beaches and landscapes, as well as an abundance of luxury rentals to book for an unforgettable getaway. Most will offer you a beachfront destination in which you can savor garden-like surroundings just steps from the sands. Most will have groves of palms and shaded lawns as well as swimming pools and other luxuries. They make for idyllic retreats, and if you pay a visit, it might be difficult to tear yourself away from the comfort and beauty of a villa.

However, you don’t want to miss the lovely landscape and the opportunities for culture, shopping, dining, and adventure all around. Below are some of the must-see destinations of the Denpasar area of Bali, and all of them are ideal options for those who have booked luxury villas in this region.

A Day or Two Touring the Denpasar Area

For many, a day of traveling around the southern part of Bali, particularly around the Denpasar area will begin in the charming resort town known as Sanur. Here, you can watch the colorful little fishing boats ply their trade, and you can spend time on the remarkable beaches of the area. There are lots of eateries and restaurants to enjoy and it is a place often described as “laid-back” and low-key. In fact, one expert said that there are “plenty of things to do here. Some things include going to the beach and water sports. But there are also many places to eat and shop. You can also visit markets, including the food night market.  It’s also easy to hire a bicycle and explore Sanur.”

This makes it a perfect spot for those who have taken one of the nearby villas as that means a bit of time spent in town and then days and nights of relaxation and rejuvenation in the quiet of the villa.

West of Sanur

After some time at Sanur, you may want to head west to the Waterborn Bali Indonesia, which is a massive and popular water park, or pay a visit to the Jalan Legion. This is the Legian Road that runs from Kuta to Seminyak and is full of remarkable shops and hotspots for dancing and nightlife. It is a heavily toured area, and does offer a great place to find souvenirs of all kinds.

Seminyak is another popular resort location that is a hotspot for those eager to enjoy spa retreats, gourmet dining, and high-end shopping. It is full of excellent beaches, too, and most offer unbelievable western views of the sun setting over the Indian Ocean. If you want to try a bit of surfing, this is also a good choice.

One expert in the area described Seminyak as “buzzing with people and things to do. You could easily spend an entire day at the beach. Or getting Balinese massages and other spa treatments. Or shopping. Or eating. Or a little bit of all the above…One thing you shouldn’t miss is watching a beautiful sunset either on the beach or at one of the many beach bars. Seminyak has something for everyone…”

There are excellent Bali luxury villas in this area, too, and though you may not find them directly along the white sands, you are sure to find them with pools ad lots of privacy. From such a base, you can then head out and enjoy the many adventures that await.

Close to the Seminyak area is Kuta, Legian, or Canggu, all of which are great day trips where you can find amazing food, beaches, and even rice terraces.

Tanah Lot

If you opted to head north or west from Sanur, you can next set your sights on Tanah Lot. This is a natural landmark, but another wildly popular attraction for visitors to the island. It is a rock formation home to an ancient Hindu temple, Pura Tanah Lot, and it is a remarkably photogenic spot to spend the day. There are also some options for luxurious villas close to the Tanah Lot area, as well.

Many who pay a visit say that one of the best approaches to a trip to Tanah Lot is via a hired car with local driver. This allow you to really savor the scenery and make safe stops to take what may feel like an endless number of impressive photos. It is best to plan well in advance if paying a visit to Tanah Lot because it is a hugely popular destination. A lesser known “tip” or “trick” to seeing it is to avoid the heat of day and morning crowds, and plan on heading there to arrive near or just around sunset.

You will want to walk the paths and head to one of the small beaches, pack a picnic and enjoy some time in this remarkable spot.

Northward

Alternately, you can head north to place like the Bajra Sandhi Monument and the Bali Museum. Both are outdoor spaces with amazing and unforgettable views, and both frequently appear on “must-see” lists of things to do when on Bali. The Bali Bird Park and the Museum Le Mayeur are also directly north of Sanur.

The idea of spring or an upcoming seasonal holiday in Bali is a wonderful one. With options for premium luxury villas in many southern areas of Denpasar, it makes it very easy to arrive at the main airport and quickly drive or hire a car to take you to your island retreat. From there, you can enjoy easy and appealing day trips in every direction, though you definitely want to head to the villages and attractions mentioned here. There are some ancient sites, natural wonders, and modern towns, and all will enhance the sense of pleasure and wonder you will experience with every visit to  Bali.

Heading to the Caribbean might make you think you are about to be surrounded by lush tropical landscapes bursting with flowers and fragrance, but like all other parts of the world, the Caribbean region also has a time of flowering plants and trees, and a down time when there are few flowers to be found. The spring, as is the case with most locations on the planet, is ripe with opportunity to see the different Caribbean islands at their very best.

In fact, a spring visit is a great time if you are a big fan of birds and blooms. Yet, one of the best ways to guarantee that you see all you hope to see is to head to the different botanic gardens on some of the best islands. Botanic or botanical gardens are places where large collections of living plants and trees (usually natives) are cultivated as both preservation and education. Many also play host to native insects and birds, as well as some mammals.

If you are an avid birdwatcher or flower fan, you probably know that you are going to encounter many wonderful sights while traveling anywhere in the Caribbean, but the list below are some of the top, “must see” spots for birds and blooms in the Caribbean this spring.

St Lucia

The gorgeous island of St Lucia is home to the Grand Pitons, the two enormous volcanic peaks that are also tagged by the United Nations as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Little wonder that the island’s Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens is at the top of most lists of must-see destinations for fans of birds and blooms. It is, quite literally a “drive in volcano” as you are entering the spot between the Pitons. Here you find an immense and stunning natural waterfall, and a garden robust with plants and flowers.

Dominican Republic

The massive 200+ acre botanical gardens feature more than 300 kinds of orchids and is home to a wonderful collection of specimen trees, including palms. The site has a popular Japanese garden and whether you wander freely or you take the guided tour, it is a must-see during the glory of the spring season in the Dominican Republic.

Barbados

As one of the trendiest spots to visit in the entire Caribbean region, Barbados is also home to some of the finest beaches. It also features more than one world-class botanical garden. There is Andromeda Gardens with hits six acre shade garden and abundance of native and tropical trees. This site features a massive banyan tree as well as a lily pond teeming with live. The island is also home to the small Hunte’s Garden site that exists within an actual sink hole. Surrounded by native palms of extraordinary height and size, it is a place packed with tropical flora.

There is also Welchman Hall Gully, and it is where you may be able to sit and await the arrival of the island’s native green monkeys who are hosted with a feeding station on the property. There is also a unique opportunity to see an authentic nutmeg grove at this park.

Dominica

The island of Dominica is not as well-known as many others, and yet just a few short steps from the enormous cruise ship stop is the island’s 50+ acre botanical garden. Noted for its collection of specimen trees, it is home to a banyan, groves of towering bamboo, and a collection of palms. It is also home to a sculpture garden, including a sculpture that cleverly “recycled” a bus crushed by a falling tree during one hurricane season.

Nevis

The Nevis Botanical Gardens are more formal and are framed by amazing views of Mt. Nevis although they are just a short distance from Charlestown. With orchid terraces, a huge collection of native and tropical shrubs and trees, and several lily ponds, they are stunning. More formal than other sites, they are only five acres in total size and date all of the way to the late 1700s. They include a tropical vine garden, a rainforest conservatory, and you can even enjoy a bite to eat or visit the herb gardens.

Jamaica

The stunning landscape of Jamaica often comes as a surprise to those who envision it as a spot full of beaches and resorts. It is home to Hope Botanical Gardens that is full of island flora and fauna. It features a charming animal collection that is a delight to most kids who pay a visit, and the Chinese gardens are noted for their beauty and visual appeal.

Martinique

A true botanical garden, this property is home to thousands of specimens. The garden of an artist, it is (as the garden’s site explains), “animated by the creativeness and visions of his creator who has been caring and healing the plants for more than 50 years and now shares this dream with everyone who walks through this magic world.”

St Thomas

The Phantasea Tropical Botanical Gardens are an absolute essential for fans of orchids. There are more than one thousand varieties housed here, along with a massive collection of native and tropical plants. There are winding paths and plenty of spots to sit and savor the views. Self-guided tours are easily enjoyed by visitors of all ages, and if you are eager to see some unique palms, this is your spot.

As you can see, there are scores of spots where you will be able to take a leisurely, usually self-guided, tour of native gardens and grounds. While a formal botanical garden is always a delight, you should know that there are many luxury rentals in the destinations above where you can be surrounded by your own private gardens. Each of the islands listed has an array of beachfront or secluded spots where a beautifully designed villa sits among groves of palms or beautifully tended gardens. They can make for an unforgettable destination or getaway, and if you are paying a visit to the Caribbean this spring, take time to choose a luxury villa that allows you to savor the local flora and fauna from the moment you wake until long after the sunset.