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Three Romantic Caribbean Villas for Your Caribbean Getaway

When planning your romantic Caribbean getaway, you want to have best of all. As experts in Caribbean travel and accommodations, let us help you choose the most romantic place with an intimate atmosphere, where you can spend unforgettable moments with your loved one. Here are our top three Caribbean luxury villa picks:

The Suites at Paradise Ridge, St. Lucia

The Suites at Paradise Ridge is the place to go if you are planning a honeymoon or are celebrating any other romantic occasion. It is one of the most romantic places in the world, home to the ultimate getaway for honeymooners, couples celebrating an anniversary, or renewing their wedding vows. The location is spectacular – 1,100 feet above sea level overlooking the Pitons. Each villa is 1,400 square feet in size and has a private pool with drop-dead views of the dramatic Piton Mountains and the Caribbean Sea. The villa’s décor has a romantic appeal and features porch swings for two over the pools, tree branches fashioned into lamps, vivid mosaic tile work covering the shower walls, and elaborate carvings in the support columns. If you don’t feel like leaving your suite, you will have the option to be pampered with additional services, such as massage therapy, in-room dining, private butler and more.

The Peter Bay Gatehouse, St. John

The Gatehouse at Peter Bay in St. John is situated in one of the most romantic locations overlooking Peter Bay. The villa features two suites – the Honeymoon Suite and the Penthouse Suite, both ideal for romantic occasions. Each suite is 1,200 square feet in size and has a large balcony surrounded by the splendor of virgin Caribbean panoramas. They both have private entrances and come with upscale amenities and spacious living rooms, air-conditioned bedrooms with king size beds, spacious bathrooms and ceiling fans. The Penthouse Suite has a private spa area with a hot tub overlooking Peter Bay.

The Beach House, Turks & Caicos

This is a luxurious beachfront villa just steps from the award-winning Grace Bay Beach. What makes The Beach House ideal for romantic occasions is the magnificent views featured from its direct oceanfront location. The open floor layout of the living room boasts scenic views of the pool and the sea. The pool is just a few steps away from the sandy beach and has plenty of seating and lounging space, perfect for romantic gatherings and entertainment. When you book this home, you can do custom upgrades for an additional fee, such as villa pre-stocking, a private butler and chef, restaurant reservations, arrange tours and activities and more.

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

BSLC Admin

Introducing new Caribbean Destinations in 2019

As we expand our business and social media presence we are proud to introduce new Caribbean destinations in January – Belize and Costa Rica.

Belize is a small country the size of the state of Massachusetts. It is home of many beautiful tropical beaches you can hardly find anywhere else in the world. Belize’s barrier reef attracts thousands of tourists from around the world who are looking for the ultimate scuba and snorkeling diving experience,  as well as nature enthusiasts who love exploring the country’s unique national parks with their tropical flora and fauna. What makes this small Central American country yet even more unique is the presence of Mayan sites with rich history, so travelers who are interested in archaeology will be quite busy exploring the Mayan sites of Altun Ha, Lamani and Caraco.

Belize is well known in the upscale community as a prime travel destination, and being experts in Caribbean and Central American travel we at Blue Sky Luxury Travels are here for you to help arrange your trip to Belize and answer all questions you might have. As we are in the process of putting together our Belize villa portfolio, we can already make a strong recommendation of where to stay if you are headed to Belize. One of our favorite places we visited is Ray Caye, a private island resort at the Belize barrier reef. Located on the edge of the Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, this island offers the best of the best you can find in Belize – world-class fishing, swimming and diving combined with upscale dining and accommodations. If you are interested in this property, please let us know at info@blueskyconcierge.com.

If you like a vision of lush waterfalls and rainforests, unspoiled beaches and an abundance of wildlife, let us take you to Costa Rica, our second new destination we explored and highly recommend to our adventurous travelers. Costa Rica is one of the best places in the world to hike active volcanoes, zipline through rainforests and surf in the warm turquoise Caribbean waters. As we put together our villa portfolio, we would like to invite you to visit our first Costa Rican villa – Villa Punto de Vista. This is a generous sanctuary surrounded by the tropical rainforest and the beautiful coastline of Manuel Antonio. This modern villa contrasts against the natural surroundings, which gives you the impression of luxury living while being in nature. There are 10 upscale suites that can accommodate up to 30 guests. If you would like to know more about this villa or other Costa Rican properties, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@blueskyconcierge.com.

BSLC Admin

Blue Sky Luxury Travels Expands in 2019

Blue Sky is expanding and we want you to be the first to know! In addition to our full-service luxury concierge and event company, we now offer housing logistics for corporate clients and luxury villa rentals. Blue Sky Global Logistics is our newest division, providing corporate and workforce housing for disaster relief staff. We are currently at work in the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico housing workers who are helping to rebuild and restore areas affected by natural disaster. We’ve also expanded our villa rental portfolio throughout the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Every day, we spotlight a different villa on our Blue Sky Luxury Villas Facebook page.

Our blog has expanded, and we now provide articles each month with all types of information, travel tips, memories and suggestions to make you a more informed luxury traveler.

2019 is shaping up to be an amazing year, and this is just the beginning! We look forward to serving our clients with boutique attention and exceptional service. We are here for all your travel needs, simplifying everything for individuals, families, weddings, and corporations. Feel free to contact us if you need some help planning your next vacation!

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BSLC Admin

How I Stay Fit on the Road

One of the things that people most often ask me is how I stay in shape while traveling so much. When I’m at my home base in Charleston, South Carolina, I play lots of tennis and lift weights at the gym. But for most of the year, I’m island hopping, staying in private villas in the Caribbean and meeting with clients. I love to kayak, hike the trails of St. John, and go stand-up paddle boarding, but none of those things really build muscle tone. That’s why I’ve developed a bodyweight fitness routine that I can do anywhere. The only equipment I need is a pair of athletic shoes and a towel. Oh, and a great energizing playlist!

Here’s how I do it. I turn on the music and set a timer for 25 minutes, then fold a towel into a rectangle and place it on the floor. I alternate a variety of exercises for different muscle groups, changing up the choices each time. I do each move for 25 reps then move on immediately to the next.

I just pick one from each group to keep challenging my muscles.

Legs: Squats, lunges, wall squats, jump squats
Upper body: push-ups, superman lifts, back v’s, handstand jumps
Abs: bicycle crunches, planks, v-sits, reverse crunches

The key is to keep moving for the whole 25 minutes. I’ve found that this workout keeps me toned and strong even when I can’t get to a gym for weeks on end. I’ve compiled a few of my exercises into this video so you can see how it works.

I always pack my favorite workout clothes to make my routine something to look forward to. Here are a few of my favorites that you’ll see in the video:

I love Athleta Tops, they’re cute, sporty, and supportive yet feminine. They come in lots of colors to keep it interesting. I like the Transcendence Bra top, the fabric is soft and breathable, and the strappy back is fun. The Powervita Hyper Focused Bra is another favorite, with a cool strap design and a wide range of colors.

Oiselle Tights are a staple for me- they are super-functional, with hip pockets and a lightweight fabric that stretches with every move. I like that they have a zippered pocket for my phone. That’s a workout essential for me since I like to bring it with me to the gym while keeping my hands free.

And I never leave home without my Nike training shoes. I like the Flex 7 Training shoe since it’s lightweight and packable, but super-supportive so I can use it not only for my daily strength training but also for hiking. Plus, they’re cute enough to wear for a walk around town, and they can handle the hilly paths of St. John. If you’re looking for more Caribbean fashion and lifestyle tips, please check out our new Instagram account: Blue Sky Luxury Living.

I’m always looking for new ideas to stay in shape while traveling. Do you have a favorite way to work out on the road? Let me know in the comments!

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

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

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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