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Luxury Caribbean Vacation Villas for Large Parties

Are you planning a large party, corporate retreat, gathering or a ceremony in the Caribbean? Let us help. We know finding a luxury Caribbean villa for large parties might be a challenge since most of the accommodations are geared towards intimate gatherings and smaller parties. Below we feature three superb Caribbean vacation rental villas that are ideal for large groups.

Villa Flower/Serena on Antigua

Situated on Antigua’s Galley Bay, this beautiful estate consists of two villas with a combined 12 bedrooms, seven of them within Villa Flower and five of them within Villa Serena. The villas feature open floor plans, dining and lounging areas and outdoor terraces with a pool and Jacuzzi. The bedrooms have air-conditioning, en-suite bathrooms and private patios with ocean views. The property is surrounded by tropical gardens and linked pathways that connect the two villas.

You will also have your own staff that includes your own chef, as well as concierge services, a power catamaran with a captain, a massage therapist and 24-hour security. There is also a fully-equipped gym overlooking the ocean.

Over Yonder Cay in the Bahamas

This spectacular estate in located on a private island in the Bahamas (Exumas). It offers privacy for parties of up to 30. The accommodations are situated within four uniquely designed villas, all with private beaches and sweeping ocean views. All of them also have an infinity pool and Jacuzzi, satellite TVs, high-speed Internet access and iPads, as well as fully air-conditioned living spaces.

The Meridian House features four suites with room for eight guests. West Sands has four bedrooms which accommodate up to eight guests. East Cove has a master suite, a guest suite and two bedrooms that accommodate up to eight guests. And South Point has another three bedrooms with room for up to six guests.

Hawksbill in Turks and Caicos

Hawksbill is luxury beachfront estate on Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos. Its eight bedrooms that accommodate up to 16 guests are located in several different buildings on the property’s grounds. This estate can be rented as a five, six, eight or even a ten bedroom villa if combined with the adjacent beach house.

Located on the grounds is a long swimming pool, perfect for laps, a hot tub, a basketball and tennis court, a fire pit and a beautiful stone terrace. The main house features a stately Great Room with spectacular ocean views. A separate living area houses games and a big screen TV.

Hawksbill features an open floorplan living and dining area that is framed by a high vaulted ceiling and plenty of windows that create a bright atmosphere. The kitchen and screened terrace open to the outside. Located on the other side of the pool from the main house is a stand-alone master suite for ultimate privacy. A two bedroom guest house with its own kitchen and living space is situated behind the main house.

If anyone is interested in these properties or any other in the Caribbean, please let us know 🙂 info@blueskyconcierge.com

BSLC Admin

New Hot December Additions to our St. John Island Villas Collection

As St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands comes back to life after the devastating hurricane in 2017, more and more luxury villas come back to life as well. Here are three top choices that entered our villa collections in December. We have personally checked these villas out, and we highly recommend them to our visitors looking for new and luxurious Caribbean vacation rental villas.

A La Mer

A La Mer is located on Cruz Bay Beach. This is one of the largest villas in the area that accommodates 19 guests in its nine luxurious bedrooms. The setting is resort-like, right on the water with a large swimming pool, sun loungers, swim-up bar, pool toys and tons of other amenities to entertain you and your party. This Caribbean villa is a perfect destination for a family reunion, anniversary celebration or business gathering. There is a private white-sand beach in front of the villa, perfect for beachfront gatherings and relaxation. The villa features custom furniture. It has a very large great room and fully-equipped kitchen with breakfast bar and warm mahogany cabinets. Seven of the bedrooms are in the main house and two are in the guest cottage. All bedrooms are air-conditioned. If you want to go out and play, the villa is only a 10-minute walk from the beach at the Westin Resort and only a short drive from Cruz Bay, where you will find shops and restaurants.

Caribbean Palm Villa

The Caribbean Palm Villa is the perfect place to stay at if you want to be near town. It is only a 5-minute drive from Cruz Bay, where you can enjoy all the island has to offer in terms of entertainment. The villa features spectacular 270-degree ocean views from all three master suites, an en-suite bath, private outdoor shower and private balconies. The villa has a fully-stocked gourmet kitchen with granite and stainless steel appliances. The villa’s décor is a mixture of Mediterranean and Caribbean, which results in a very elegant touch all around. Features include travertine floors, reclaimed Chicago brick pavers on the veranda and pool patio and reclaimed barn wood custom cabinetry. All three guest rooms have vintage vanities with high-end finishes.

Villa La Vita

Looking for ultra luxury villas in the Caribbean? This is one of the best and newest ultra luxury villas on St. John, located in the prestigious Peter Bay community. So come and check it out! The villa has five ultra-luxurious bedrooms and can accommodate groups of up to 10 people. The five bedrooms feature unique Caribbean décor and beds consist of 2 kings, 2 queens and 2 twins. Villa La Vita has a nice infinity pool and Jacuzzi overlooking the magnificent Peter Bay and Peter Bay Beach. You will find plenty of room to do outdoor entertainment, including alfresco dinners overlooking spectacular Caribbean vistas.

BSLC Admin

Top Three Belize Beaches

Belize is a hot travel destination and its beautiful beaches attract people from around the world. The country is home to some of the most azure blue beaches in the world with the most pristine white sands. Many of these places are quite remote and not widely popularized in travel books, which makes them the perfect setting for romantic getaways, as well as for adventurers looking to travel off the beaten path. Here are the top three beaches in Belize loved by travelers and locals alike.

Placencia Peninsula

The Placencia Peninsula has the longest stretch of beach on the mainland Belize, spanning across three villages – Maya Beach, Seine Bight and Placencia Village. Access to all areas of the beach stretch are public. One of the most popular tourist areas is Placencia Village, where you will find some great bars and restaurants. If you are dreaming of a Belize vacation this might be your best choice. There are good accommodation options, shopping, nightlife and activities.

Hopkins Village Beach

This is a 5 mile long white sand beach lined with palm trees, a mixture of local homes, inviting guesthouses and a good choice of eateries. The beach is located in the eastern Garífuna village of Hopkins, an approximately 40 minute drive south of Dangriga town. This beach is ideal if you are planning to do a lot of swimming and sunbathing and be close enough to Garífuna, where you can experience and learn about the local culture. Innie’s Restaurant is a popular stop, and trying the local delicacy called “hudut” – fish soaked in a coconut stew – is a must! Another popular attraction nearby is the Lebeha Drumming Center, where you can take drumming lessons. Hopkins Village Beach offers quick access by bike to neighboring False Sittee, where there are more beautiful beaches, resorts and restaurants.

Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is home of the best diving spots in Belize, and some will even argue that it is the best in Central America. Ambergris Caye is a water sports heaven, and there is so much to do if you like the water – snorkeling, swimming, diving, boating and more. Here you will enjoy an island-style atmosphere, and even though it can get a bit crowded, there is enough space for everyone, especially if you want to do shoreline exploring. Visiting the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is a must. The reef has several protected areas, including the Belize Barrier Reef, the Cayos Cochinos Marine Park, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park.

BSLC Admin

Best Caribbean Destinations for 2019

Planning a luxurious Caribbean vacation in 2019? We are the experts in luxury travel to the Caribbean and we can help you narrow down your choices. Visiting St. John is a must. The island has gone through an extensive renovation in 2018 and there are brand new luxurious villas and amenities waiting for you. After hurricane Irma devastated the island in 2017, many of the island’s beaches have now been cleaned up and are ready to accommodate visitors. Restaurants and businesses have reopened and the island is coming back to life. St John has always been a top destination choice for those looking for ultimate privacy in the comfort of a luxurious vacation villa. The island is suitable for a variety of occasions, such as a couples’ getaway, corporate gatherings and parties, celebrating anniversaries and weddings, etc.

If you are planning a wedding or have another romantic occasion, St. Lucia is your ideal romantic getaway. The island is known as a great place to visit if you want to combine five star romantic accommodations and personalized service. The island focuses on adults only services, and you will find secluded romantic cottages and villas offering all you need to make your vacation the most romantic trip of your life. So if you would like to take your romantic getaway to the next level, contact us and we will arrange all accommodations and perks you dream of.

Are you planning a visit the Caribbean with your family? If so, the Bahamas is a great vacation destination. Everybody loves the Bahamas. Its white sand beaches, stunning underwater world and exciting water parks make this archipelago the perfect family destination. When it comes to a family vacation, Nassau is the family hub. There are many excellent accommodations and a huge choice of activities and things to do, specifically focusing on families. The Bahamas are also very easy to reach both by cruise ship or air. If you fly from Florida it will take only an hour to get to the Bahamas. There is a huge choice of accommodations on the Bahamas, from resorts to private villas and cottages.

BSLC Admin

Celebrate New Year’s in Turks and Caicos

New Year’s on the beach? Why not! Turks and Caicos is the place to go if you want to experience an island-style holiday season with lots of food, festivals and fun things to do. The islands have been known as an exclusive destination for travelers who are looking for luxurious accommodations and services, so spending New Year’s Eve here will not leave you disappointed.  Island resorts are all lit up and decorated with holiday decor, music, and flavors.

A very popular local festival is Junkanoo that takes place as soon as the clock strikes midnight.  The roots of the festival are connected with the time of slavery when slaves were given a day off around Christmas to spend time with their loved ones. So after midnight come visit the streets of Grace Bay and you will see islanders dressed in unique cultural costumes dancing and singing the whole night. Enjoy unique, delightful local music produced by a blend of goatskin drums, guitars and carpenter saws.

Just like at any other location New Year’s Eve means a time to reflect over the events of the past year and a time to have new dreams and goals for the upcoming new year. To make the moment festive you will find many local restaurants and resorts offering special activities and food for that evening. A very popular delicacy around New Year’s Eve is Conch – a world-famous sea snail delicacy that you will find on the menu under names such as conch wontons, conch fritters, conch salad, and conch stew. These and other delicacies will be served for you on the beach or another romantic setting. To take the experience once step further you will be able to enjoy beach bonfires, barbecues, and fireworks on Grace Bay Beach.  The fireworks ceremony is a major highlight that you can’t miss because you will be able to see it from one end of the island all the way to the other. Take your camera to capture this special moment when the sky is lit on fire with colorful displays.

We at Blue Sky Luxury Travels are determined to be the best part of your holiday travel, so take a look at our fine villa selection here http://blueskyconcierge.com/turks-caicos-villas/ and let us know your custom perks and wishes you dream about this holiday season.

BSLC Admin

Celebrate Christmas Holidays in the Bahamas

The Bahamas is a popular tourist destination for the Christmas holidays, and all the islands offer a festive holiday atmosphere with plenty to do and see. There are many carnivals and festivals around this time of year, so bring your slippers and swimming suit and get ready to celebrate Christmas Bahamian-style. Here are some Christmas events you may want to put on your must-see list while in the Bahamas this time of year.

Abaco Christmas Festival

This is a very popular family festival that takes place every year on the first Saturday in December. Shop until you drop at the Arts & Crafts Bazaar where you can get a head start with your Christmas gift shopping. There is a delicious food court area with booths selling delicious local foods, pastries and beverages. During daytime you can also hear performances from choirs, quartets, soloists, marching and calypso bands. If you stay until the evening you can enjoy a top performance of illustrious sounds of Junkanoo,  featuring colorful costumes and the intoxicating beat of goat skin drums.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Exumas

Come visit Regatta Park in George Town on December 6 at 7:00 pm for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. This event is perfect for the entire family, and you can sing carols and see performances by local talents. The highlight of the evening is when the park is transformed with thousands of Christmas lights and the Christmas tree is lit.

Boxing Day

Dedicated to the slaves, the name of this holiday is connected to the fact that slaves were given the boxes left over from their masters’ gifts. These were precious boxes usually sent from England and were well-crafted from fine wood. The highlight of the day is the Junkanoo parades that take place on some of the islands. If you are in Nassau, the Junkanoo Festival is one of the most exciting events of the year. The festival features groups of Bahamians dressed in handmade costumes and dancing the whole night through the streets of downtown Nassau. Dances are a mixture of European brass and traditional African instruments.

Creative Nassau Market

The Creative Nassau Market takes place throughout the year, but becomes a very popular destination around the Christmas holidays. Here you can buy a wide range of unique handmade Bahamian products, such as straw items, jewelry, paintings, ceramics, music, clothing, pet wares, local fruit popsicles and drinks, and so much more!

Authentic Bahamian Christmas Craft Show

This event is being held by The Ministry of Tourism in Governor’s Harbour and takes place on November 24 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. An array of handmade crafts and goods will be available for sale, and there will be a farmers’ market, a native designer fashion show and much more. For your enjoyment there will be live entertainment, foods and drinks as well.

BSLC Admin

New Hot Additions to our St. John Island Villas Collection

The island of St. John is undergoing a complete restoration after the destruction caused by Hurricane Irma, the Category 5 storm that hit the island in 2017. More than a year later the island is coming back to life and is ready to welcome visitors in newly upgraded villas. Here is a sneak peak of three new villas we recently added to our St. John villas collection. We have personally checked them out and highly recommend these Caribbean villas to all of you looking for luxurious comfort and style in the Caribbean.

Mare Blu

Located on the hillside of one of the most prestigious locations on the island at Rendezvous Bay, this villa offers six luxurious bedrooms with majestic views of St. John’s south shore. The villa is suitable for 12 guests and provides seclusion for each party since it features four separate buildings linked together by tropically decorated outdoor paths. All bedroom suites boast unique Caribbean furnishings, air-conditioning, flat screen 24 inch televisions with cable and have bathrooms with double vanities, showers, and are tiled in grey granite from floor to ceiling and many other custom features. For your entertainment there is an outdoor sitting space with a huge 55 inch flat screen television with cable and DVD player. The covered outdoor area flows directly into the sundeck and the infinity edge pool. The lounge also has refrigerator drawers for drinks and snacks, a closet filled with floats and pool toys, and a powder room for convenience. In addition to this luxurious outdoor entertaining area you can also enjoy a fully equipped outdoor kitchen with with awesome ocean views from everywhere you turn.

Taylor House

This newly constructed villa sits proudly on a hillside overlooking the world-famous north shore of St. John. This spacious 4,000 square foot villa is ideal for groups of up to eight guests. All four bedrooms are air-conditioned with private balconies and private bathrooms. One special characteristic about Taylor House is that is is very bright inside. You will get full sun exposure from sunrise to sunset. Outdoors you and your party can enjoy a heated swimming pool with comfortable loungers overlooking views only mother nature can create. The outdoor area is very eco-friendly and features tropical gardens with banana, mango, lime, coconut and papaya trees.

Villa Sunspot

Villa Sunspot is your ultra luxury property located within exclusive Lower Peter Bay featuring modern architecture with island charm. This majestic villa has a two level Main House with the living room, dining room and kitchen on the first level and the master bedroom on the second level. The Sunspot master bedroom has a private deck with views of Cinnamon Bay Beach. In case you don’t feel like getting out of bed, you can enjoy this dramatic view right from your pillow. The guest bedrooms are located next to each other in a semi-exterior hallway with a tropical garden area and are luxuriously designed with an old world Spanish décor. Each bedroom has its own en-suite bath, air-conditioning and a balcony with ocean views. Despite all amazing indoor amenities you will be tempted to spend most of your time in the outdoor pool cabana, an elegant outdoor living area for Caribbean entertainment. A few steps below it is the infinity pool with a pool bar and tropical garden gazebo overlooking magnificent Caribbean panoramas.

BSLC Admin

Top Three Villa Picks in the Bahamas

The Bahamas has 700 islands and over 2,000 rocks and cays spread over 100,000 square miles of ocean. The archipelago is an ecological oasis and has the clearest water on the planet. There is so much to do and see here and it might be an overwhelming choice to decide where to go and where to stay. As insiders who are familiar with the Bahamas well we present some of the best places to stay.

Over Yonder Cay Luxury Villas

How about your own island? Over Yonder Cay is a private island in the Exumas featuring ultimate luxury and privacy. Here you and your group of up to 30 guests can enjoy four private villas and breathtaking beaches. The focal point of the island is the Meridian House that you can already spot as you arrive by plane. Its central hilltop location is the perfect place to enjoy the dramatic panoramic views all around. The upscale and elegant interior boasts a home theater, gym, sauna and steam room. The West Sands is the second villa located just steps from Whale Bone Beach. The villa’s four luxury bedrooms can accommodate eight guests. Here you can also enjoy private alfresco dining, lounging, a fire pit and a hot tub. The third villa, East Cove, is slightly elevated and overlooks Exuma Sound. It has a master suite, guest suite and two bedrooms with Hollywood bathroom.

Farniente

This four bedroom luxury villa located on Staniel Cay’s ocean ridge is a custom-designed masterpiece encompassing 5,000 square feet of indoor space, including four spacious private suites. For your entertainment you will also enjoy a large 6,000 square foot outdoor area with a heated swimming pool, hot tub, outdoor dining area, sun lounges and private beach access to a beautiful white sand beach. The villa combines a modern combination of island living and the fine touches of European design and elegance. The villa is designed for up to eight guests, and each sleeping suite is privately separated from the others, connected by Farniente’s expansive decking. All suites have their own unique design and feature floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a sitting area with flat-screen TV, an Antonio Lupi bathroom with a large glass shower, luxury towels and more.

Villa Carissa

Villa Carissa is another highly recommended gorgeous villa located on Harbour Island. It has three custom-designed tropical bedrooms with own bathrooms. The private home also features an adjoining one bedroom, one bathroom guest cottage. Guests of Villa Carissa enjoy a lushly landscaped outdoor area with a large private pool. The villa is just a few minutes away from Coral Sands Resort, where you will have access to all of the resort’s amenities – a heated resort pool, beach cabanas, world-class dining and shopping and more. If you are looking for an outdoor adventure, there are plenty of things to do here ranging from beach activities to land tours, hiking, biking and more.

BSLC Admin

Antigua Travel Tips

The Caribbean island of Antigua has over 360 beaches and is the perfect beach destination for anyone who is into beach activities. From swimming and walking on a white sand beach, to snorkeling, diving and exploring the coral reef, here in Antigua you will find a beach for every taste. So if you are thinking of a beach vacation in Antigua you will find some tips and information below that will help you plan your trip.

Getting to Antigua

All flights arrive and depart from the VC Bird International Airport (ANU). The airport is about five miles outside of the Antiguan capital of St. John’s. Some airlines offer connections to Antigua, for example: American Airlines from Charlotte, Delta from Atlanta, and United Airlines from Newark, so if you are planning to fly to Antigua there are some seasonal and year-round options. Alternatively another way to get to Antigua is via cruise ship. The island is a popular port for Caribbean cruise liners, and numerous cruise ships dock here. If you are coming from the United States you will get a six-month tourist stamp, so a visa to visit Antigua is not required.

Getting Around

There is an affordable island transportation service, which we don’t recommend because it is largely unreliable. Best is to rent a car because that way you will have more flexibility to explore the island’s wonders. If you decide to rent a car you will need an Antiguan driver’s license, which is easy to obtain and can be issued by most car rental agencies. It requires a valid driver’s license from home. Some of the roads are a bit bumpy and narrow, so if you don’t feel comfortable driving, you may consider getting around by taxi. Even though it could be a bit more costly, the taxi drivers are usually very friendly and can give you travel tips or additional information for your destination.

Best Time to Travel

Overall Antigua has a pleasant climate year round, but what’s considered peak season is from mid-December to early April when visitors from Europe and North America come to the island to escape the cold winter at home. From mid-April to the end of November the climate is a bit more humid and there might be more tropical storms. There is also a hurricane season that is between June and September.

Money

If you are coming from the United States, the U.S. Dollar will be accepted across the island. Many prestigious stores and restaurants also accept all standard credit cards. If you plan to use local currency you will need the Eastern Caribbean Dollar. It is best to exchange currency in banks where rates are better.

BSLC Admin

Things to Know Before Visiting the Bahamas

What makes the Bahamas an attractive travel destination to Americans and visitors from around the world is the combination of good weather year round, picture-perfect beaches and the large selection of land and water activities. Getting to the Bahamas is easy and you can either fly here or come on a cruise ship. Here is what you need to know before you come.

Passport requirement

You will need your passport to visit the Bahamas, and it needs to be valid for at least six months after your trip. So if you still need to do some passport arrangements, make sure you give yourself enough time to obtain a passport before your departure date.

Currency

Even though the Bahamas have their own currency (Bahamian dollar), it is of equal value to the American dollar. So changing currency is not necessary. The American dollar is accepted everywhere and you can also use most debit cards and the standard credit cards – Visa, Mastercard and American Express. When you use your card there might be small international transaction fees.

Accommodations

Just like most of the Caribbean islands, the Bahamas are pricey. But you will get what you pay for. There are a few good resorts here, but most visitors prefer the seclusion and privacy of a vacation home. If you plan to stay at a vacation home you will most likely have access to additional services, such as a cook, butler, concierge, etc, so you will not be missing out on what resorts offer.

Activities

The Bahamas is an activity paradise and there is so much to do and see here. Ocean activities range from swimming with sharks and dolphins, snorkeling with colorful fish in the shallow waters of Nassau’s famous reefs, diving and exploring deep walls, fascinating wrecks, blue holes, tunnels and more. If you don’t want to get wet you can still explore the amazing underwater world of the Bahamas by taking an underwater cruise in your own submarine. Another must-do is a sunset dinner cruise where you can enjoy a casual atmosphere on a sailing catamaran, watch the sunset and enjoy a buffet dinner.  For the most adventurous of you, come and parasail over the clear blue crystal waters of Cabbage Beach. This once-in-a-lifetime experience will take your breath away. If you are into land adventures, you will love venturing out on an ATV. This is a unique way to drive through and explore the lush jungle and enjoy panoramic views of the turquoise sea and beautiful shoreline.

Dining

Discovering the Bahamian cuisine is a must-do for everyone who comes here. The Bahamas offers a large selection of dining options, from casual beachfront cafés and award-winning fine dining restaurants to Mom & Pop eateries featuring traditional Bahamian favorites in a laid-back atmosphere. There are even tours that will take you off the beaten tourist path on a delicious culinary adventure through Nassau’s vibrant downtown neighborhood where you will visit and sample local delicacies, including classic conch fritters, baked macaroni and cheese, rum cake and more.

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