Blog Archive

BSLC Admin

Blue Sky in the NEWS!

This month, Blue Sky Luxury Travels’ Shanna Dickerson went on Lowcountry Live WCIV for an interview about her company and how it was born. She also discussed her favorite island for couples looking to celebrate a honeymoon or other special occasion. And the winner is…….ST. LUCIA! On the segment, Shanna spotlights 3 of her favorite resorts on the island. Take a look at the video for drool-worthy images of Jade Mountain St. Lucia, Ladera Resort and Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort.

Blue Sky Luxury Travels has also been selected as the luxury travel advisor for NUE Magazine which covers Charleston, SC and Denver, CO. We will also be featured in their international magazines. And what did we pick for our 1st editorial?!! A story on one of our FAVORITE rental villas on St. John USVI, of course! Check out the feature on La Vita:

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We are so grateful for these opportunities to share insider information about our favorite luxury travel destinations. Feel free to reach out at any time if you need help coming up with a vision for an upcoming vacation, family reunion, wedding or corporate retreat.

BSLC Admin

Celebrate the New Year in the Virgin Islands

If you’re lucky enough to be in the Virgin Islands for the holidays, you’re sure to be looking for a place to celebrate. We have several clients who rent villas year after year for the coveted week between Christmas and New Years, and we always love helping them make plans for holiday celebrations. There’s no better way to ring in 2020 than on the beach with friends and family in a tropical paradise. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite events to celebrate the turning of the calendar from 2019 to 2020.

St. John
There will be a myriad of events on St. John to ring in the New Year, from dance and costume parties to live music performances. In Cruz Bay, the Beach Bar will feature live music from 7:30-10:30 p.m. while Drink! will offer DJs, dancing, fire dancers and a screening of the Times Square Ball Drop that goes from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. For a big New Year’s Eve party, head to Morgan’s Mango for free champagne and a $500 prize for the fanciest hat. The festivities here will go from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Heading over to Coral Bay, check out the Indigo Grill which will be hosting a masquerade party with live reggae music from 5 p.m. until the last partiers go home. Skinny Legs will be featuring live music by “The Digs” for a funk/soul/dance party. Ready to get decked out? Skipper’s Brit Pub will be offering costume prizes, free champagne at midnight and the legendary music of the Beatles performed by Poet’s Lounge. For those who want to hit the sack a little early, Oasis is hosting Old Timers Night with prime rib and a DJ, and a ball drop at 8 p.m.

St. Thomas
Moving to St. Thomas, Busspipe Records presents Pressure Busspipe at 9 p.m. at Chicken N Bowling, including additional performances by Verse Simmonds, Jada Kingdom, Monea, Th3rd, Jahman & King Lion. Early bird tickets are available for $25 online at www.PressureBusspipeNYE.com.

Breathe St. Thomas is hosting a Conscious New Year’s Celebration at 4 Elements on Water Island. This uplifting event features yoga, breathwork, meditation, a DJ fire party and more!

British Virgin Islands

Foxy’s Old Year’s Night on Jost Van Dyke is a legendary party every year. The 2019/2020 party theme is “Arabian Nights” and party guests can expect whimsical décor, complete with a flying carpet photo booth, belly dancers, genies and other themed performers. Partygoers are encouraged to participate and dress in costume to reflect the theme. As always, out-there or barely-there attire is encouraged!

If you want to join the island celebrations on NYE, we can arrange private boat charters so you can cut down on travel time, avoid ferry crowds and be on your own schedule.  Or you can skip the crowds, charter a yacht and go island hopping to ring in 2020! Blue Sky Luxury Travels team wishes you a Happy New Year. Where will you celebrate this year?

BSLC Admin

Necker Island is BACK!

I’ve spent many busy, blissful days at Necker Island, leading group trips and managing entertainment, and sometimes just enjoying connections and relaxation with friends.  It was heartbreaking to see the island in ruins after Hurricane Irma almost two years ago, but I’m happy to say that Necker is back in business. I took a group to Sir Richard Branson’s private island in the British Virgin Islands a couple of months ago, and Necker is gorgeous and the lemurs are as playful as ever.

After being shuttered in September 2017 after the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma the luxurious resort has been completely restored and updated with new additions. Branson, who rode out the hurricane in the wine cellar with family and staff, has been very involved to support Unite BVI and the BVI community as the whole of the British Virgin Islands recover after the devastating storm. Now completely rebuilt, Necker Island offers an enhanced experience that’s ideal for corporate, social or family groups looking for a luxurious retreat.

Ready for a new chapter, the Great House, where people come to dine, party or just relax together, has been completely re-created with the addition of 2 new rooms (11 rooms total) in a Balinese style. New completely freestanding, the Leha Lo house sleeps two adults with panoramic sea views, private sundeck, hot tub and an improved and expanded Bali Hi complex offering private plunge pools in each of its houses.

ituated in the picturesque British Virgin Islands, Necker Island’s 74-acre estate has all the ingredients for a holiday of a lifetime. One of the most exclusive and private-island destinations in the Caribbean, guests can look forward to the gorgeous white sandy beaches, a full array of exciting watersports equipment (scuba, sailboats, paddleboards, wakeboards), refreshing drinks timed perfectly to sunset views and multiple gorgeous freshwater infinity pools. From private tennis lessons with a resident professional coach and top-class watersports to relaxing on your own stretch of private beach, guests have everything they need to truly enjoy the tranquility of the island.

The fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down! Necker Island has held some of the most legendary parties that you can offer to your guests while staying on this private island. From Casino Night, complete with poker and roulette tables, to Disco Fever with a setup including a variety of colored disco lights, Necker Island is ready to give your guests a memorable experience they will be talking about for yers to come.

Unsurprisingly, one of the most common questions asked when booking a luxury vacation on the idyllic island is about the weather. In the British Virgin Islands, the average monthly temperature ranges from highs of around 82°F (28°C) in January to highs of roughly 95°F (35°C) in July. In short, it’s pretty much sunny pleasant weather year-round!

Regardless of when you plan your next visit to Necker Island, you can expect warm and sunny beach weather in an island paradise, a fully stocked bar, meals served on the roof terrace and a stunning array of wildlife from flamingos to lemurs to giant tortoises! Experience the world’s most exclusive island retreat and savor inspiring beauty from amazing panoramic views of the Caribbean, the Atlantic, and neighboring islands. One word of warning, once you’ve experienced the astounding beauty and luxury of Necker Island, you may never want to leave!

 

BSLC Admin

Ten Questions to Ask Before Your Next Luxury Vacation Villa Rental

Here at Blue Sky Luxury Travels, we select only the best in villas, resorts, yacht charters and private islands for our discriminating guests. Our local team ensures quality and unique experiences as well as planning tailored and unique itineraries. When you’re making the decision of which villa is right for your island vacation, here are 10 important questions to consider:

1. What is the location of the villa?

Is it located near a city or town or is it in a more rural area? Are there any shops nearby? Banks? Ferry boats? Asking the right questions about the area can help you get a better idea of the location you’re staying at and how accessible it will be to pick up any last-minute supplies or gifts.

2. What services and activities are offered?

As an all-inclusive operation, Blue Sky offers a variety of services at most of our villas including private chefs, personal trainers, childcare professionals, massage therapists, tour guides, private transportation services, and more. We are able to tailor a dream vacation that is unique to your interests and desires. Experiences can include day charters for powerboats, catamarans, and sailboats, private jets, event planning, helicopter charters, excursions (guided hikes, kayak, and paddle boards), private local land and sea tours, and more. If you’re looking for a specific diving experience or for snorkeling near to where you’re staying, you might want to choose a close-by villa for your stay, and we will be glad to advise you on the best selections.

3. Can I send a wish list of important things we are looking for in a villa?

YES!  The more specific the better!  You can let us know the location you prefer, your range in budget, if full AC is important or if AC in the bedrooms only is ok, beachfront or a high up view, etc.  Asking the right questions can help narrow down your options.  From there Blue Sky will go to work on locating your perfect villa!

4. Do I get to choose the food?

If you’re opting for a private chef or villa provisioning, you’ll be able to make dining plans for your entire villa vacation in advance. For provisioning prior to your luxury villa vacation, you’ll fill out a shopping list so our team can do the shopping for you and have your kitchen stocked before you arrive. For private chef services, you’ll fill out a questionnaire to provide the chef with your food and beverage preferences along with any dietary or medical conditions in your party. Then the villa chef will work their magic to prepare gourmet meals for you to enjoy!

5. Can I have a party at my villa?

Blue Sky is a company with over 15 years of experience planning events from small intimate parties to large scale corporate gatherings and even worldwide tours. From arranging talent to planning production logistics, we handle all aspects of private events and believe anything is possible. Our team can make your party or wedding dreams come true during your vacation, but you’ll want to make sure that the villa you select allows this type of function.

6. Do the luxury villas allow pets?

We are pet lovers! Let us know if you have any pets joining you during your stay. We are at your service to create the ultimate luxury vacation for you and all your loved ones. Our concierge team will help you choose a villa that allows pets if you choose to bring your furry friends along on vacation.

What is the cancellation policy?

Great question! Cancellation policies vary by property, but we are always here to answer any of your questions. Please let us know which property you are interested in and we can discuss the cancellation policy with you before you plan your luxury vacation.

8. Is the area safe?

We personally visit all of our luxury villas to make sure we know what’s out there. Many villas have extensive security systems and are in guard-gated communities. When security is paramount, our concierge team will help you select the appropriate villa for your needs.

9. What should I pack?

Your villa will come fully equipped with everything needed for luxury, safety, and meal preparations. Of course, you’ll want to remember the basics like passport, prescription medication, reef safe sunblock (we can recommend some great ones as well as chemical free if you like), lip balm, and insect repellent. As far as clothing, definitely pack several cute swimsuits, comfortable walking shoes, and sunglasses!

10. How do I get there?

Some villas are more remote than others. If time is short, you may want to select a villa that has quick access to a local airport so you can start your vacation quickly. For longer vacations, it might not be such a big deal to take a ferry and a boat to get to your vacation home. Either way, our team will make sure you have all the information you need on the easiest and most convenient way to arrive at your vacation destination.

Here at Blue Sky Luxury Travels, our clients are our top priority and we strive for excellent service. You will have access to our luxury concierge, Shanna Dickerson, and her on-site staff to assist during your entire luxury villa stay. We hope these questions, along with our personalized assistance, will help you choose the perfect vacation villa for your next luxurious escape.

BSLC Admin

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

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

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

St. Lucia – the Most Romantic Honeymoon Destination

Looking for an exotic honeymoon getaway where you can enjoy five star accommodations and personal service? If so, St. Lucia is the place to go. Here you will find luxury private retreats for couples with stunning panoramic ocean and sunset views.  Since the atmosphere on the island is very intimate you will not find mega resorts here. Instead, all accommodation options are unique and personal focusing on adult only services. Because of its honeymoon nature you will find many island providers that will entice you with their custom all inclusive honeymoon packages. Typically such a package includes:

Warm welcome – guests will get picked up and dropped off at departure. Upon arrival to their romantic home, honeymooners will be greeted with a welcome gift that includes a bottle of champagne.

Luxury accommodations – it can come in the form of a special villa, intimate waterfront cottage or a private junior suite in a beachfront resort. What honeymoon packages have in common is they usually feature an open-floor living space with private outdoor pool revealing unobstructed Piton and sea views, which acts as an extra mood enhancer for the couple. Couples will also have access to very discrete butler service.

All inclusive meals and drinks – when a couple plans a honeymoon of such a fine magnitude they usually enjoy all inclusive meal and drink services, including unlimited reservation-free gourmet dining, unlimited wine and premium spirits, gourmet in-suite dining, treats served along the pool and more.

Water and land activities – Honeymooners are welcome to explore the island’s wonders and underwater world. Honeymoon packages include access to private outdoor activities, such as snorkeling for two, sailing on a private catamaran, kayaking, as well nature hiking, biking and island sightseeing.

Honeymoon bonus items – some resorts include special bonus items you can bring home or enjoy while on the island. For example, some packages include a box of chocolate, photo frame, fruit basket, turndown service with rose petals on the first night, or breakfast in bed with fresh flowers. Other resorts offer additional discounts or a resort credit for the couple.

BSLC Admin

Getting Married in Antigua

Imagine it’s your wedding day – you and your loved one holding hands surrounded by classic Caribbean scenery – palm trees, white sands, azure blue water and a tropical warm breeze creasing your hair. If this is how you have always dreamed of saying “I do”, come visit the island of Antigua. Getting married here is easy, inexpensive and there is no waiting time. There are three easy steps: visit the Ministry of Justice which is located on lower Nevis Street in downtown St. John’s, bring your valid passports, complete the application and pay the application fees (a registration fee of US $40, marriage license fee of US $150 and Marriage Officer’s fee of US $50).

All you need is your valid passport in order to proof your citizenship. If you have had previous marriages, bring a proof of your divorce papers. If you are a widow or widower you will also need to bring your late spouse’s marriage and death certificate. Please bring all original documents. Necessary copies will be made in the Marriage Office. The legal marriage age in Antigua is 18, but if you are lucky to find your loved one earlier and you are 15+ you will also need to present authorization from your parents or guardians.

Depending on the type of wedding ceremony you desire you will also find a large list of island wedding providers that will serve your needs. Most of the island’s resorts have their own wedding packages that come with a discount rate if you stay with them. All ceremonies are both legal and binding. If you choose, you can get marred in a church. You will need permission from the church authorities where you wish to be married. If you have your own pastor you can ask them to establish contact with the church where you wish to perform your wedding ceremony. Keep in mind some churches will require the couple to attend a pre-nuptial consultation. So if you are planning to get married in a church, keep this in mind and plan ahead.

BSLC Admin

Caribbean Island Destinations within Easy Reach of the United States

Blue Sky Luxury Travels specializes in VIP concierge services in the Caribbean and beyond. They can help you connect you to your travel destination in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, Antigua, Anguilla, Belize, Turks and Caicos, St. Lucia, Nevis and St. Kitts and other destinations. All of these locations are within easy reach of the continental United States. Below is an overview of how to get to these tropical vacation destinations.

Getting to the U.S. Virgin Islands

There are two major airports in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas and the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix. Non-stop and connecting flights from the continental United States to St. Thomas and St. Croix are available from several major cities, including Miami (2.5 to 3 hours), Charlotte (3.20 hours), Atlanta (2.5 hours), New York (3.5 hours), Houston (8 hours) and San Francisco (10 hours). Some flights also make connections in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Inter-island flights in the U.S. Virgin Islands are available as well.

Getting to the British Virgin Islands

The main airport in the British Virgin Islands is the Terrence B. Lettsome Airport. Flights from the United States to the British Virgin Islands connect through another Caribbean airport, such as St. Thomas, Antigua, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts or St. Maarten.

Getting to the Bahamas

There are regular flights from Charlotte, Atlanta, Miami, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and other East Coast hubs to the Bahamas. The majority of flights arrive in Nassau or Freeport, where passengers can connect to another flight if they plan to visit the Out Islands. The Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau is the Bahamas’ number-one entry point, followed by the Grand Bahama International Airport in Freeport.

Getting to Antigua

Antigua’s main airport is the V.C. Bird International Airport, located bout 5 miles east of St John’s. Several U.S. airlines fly directly to Antigua from various North American gateway cities, such as from New York City (4.5 hours), Charlotte (4.10 hours), Atlanta (4.25 hours) and Miami (3.20 hours).

Getting to Anguilla

There are no direct flight from the continental United States to Anguilla. The easiest way to get to Anguilla is to fly to neighboring St. Maarten to the Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM). From there, there is regular ferry service to Anguilla. Ferries run approximately every 45 minutes, and the trip takes about 25 minutes.

Getting to Belize

With daily flights from many cities across North America, getting to Belize is easier than one would think. Airlines all land at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) in Ladyville, located just minutes from Belize City. Flights are available from, for example, Los Angeles (4.5 hours), Dallas (3 hours), Miami (2 hours) and Charlotte (3.5 hours).

Getting to Turks and Caicos

Almost all visitors to the Turks and Caicos Islands arrive by either plane on Providenciales, or by cruise ship to Grand Turk. All scheduled international flights into the Turks and Caicos arrive at Providenciales International Airport (PLS). The remaining inhabited islands have domestic airports. There are currently flights offered from many major United States cities. Flights are available from Charlotte, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Dallas, Atlanta, Boston, New York and Newark. The average flight time from these destinations is about 3-4 hours.

Getting to Nevis and St. Kitts

Travellers from North America can fly to the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (SKB) on St. Kitts from several U.S. cities. Non-stop flights are available from New York (4 hours), Newark (4 hours), Charlotte (4 hours), Atlanta (4 hours) and Miami (2.5 hours). Nevis is accessible from St. Kitts via a ferry. Small cruise ships and ferries dock at Charlestown, from where it is easy to get a taxi to reach other island destinations. Guests flying directly into Nevis will arrive at the Vance W. Amory International Airport. Tradewind Aviation, for example, flies direct from Puerto Rico to Nevis. Another option is to fly to Antigua and fly with Tradewind Aviation to Nevis.

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