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Luxury Dining Experiences on St. Barths

The French and Creole roots are strong on St. Barths—hence why the island may just have the best food in the Caribbean. With the island’s many international influences and creative inspirations, restaurants on St. Barths offer a variety of different flavors that are sure to surprise and delight. Our Blue Sky Luxury Travels guests enjoy the myriad of upscale dining options that await them when they stay in luxury villas from our collection, and we are often called upon to reserve private dining experiences. Our team has researched and selected some of the most exquisite dining experiences on St. Barths. From casual, toes-in-the-sand lunch to elegant, Michelin-quality fine dining by the sea, the restaurants on St. Barths are as varied as they are exquisite and all of them are worth discovering. However, here’s our list of the six most exceptional, not-to-be-missed culinary experiences on St. Barths that are sure to satisfy every traveler’s tastebuds.

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L’Isola

Considered one of the best restaurants in St. Barths, L’Isola is fine Italian dining with an island twist located on the hillside in Gustavia. The head chef, who hails from Rome, serves up cuisine that’s authentically Italian in style and offers only the best dishes, prepared with the finest ingredients exclusively imported from Italy. The extensive yet extremely well established menu includes homemade pastas, thick veal chops topped with sage and Roman-style grilled artichokes. L’Isola also offers an outstanding wine list with selections from Tuscany, Sicily and many other parts of the Italian peninsula. Come for the fabulous food and stay for the warm welcome and amazing atmosphere.

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Bonito

Located in an elevated position overlooking Gustavia Harbor, Bonito is one of the island’s most famous restaurants praised by foodies around the world. Boasting stellar views and even better food, executive chef Laurent Cantineux and chef de cuisine Ronan Mahe serve up a wonderful fusion of bold French and South American flavors that work extremely well once combined. Bonito offers fresh, locally sourced seafood prepared in all sort of manners from raw to stews, grilled and salads—each delivering a modern twist on exotic flavors. The restaurant is also one of St. Barths’ hotspots. It’s not unusual to spot celeb patrons like Simon Cowell, Beyoncé and Pippa Middleton enjoying their meals right beside you.

Le Tamarin

One of the hidden secrets of St. Barths’ dining scene, Le Tamarin is set in one of the most beautiful tropical gardens on the island, full of lily ponds and sweet-smelling flowers. Named after the 200-year-old tamarind tree that marks the entrance, this quaint Saline restaurant specializes in a range of cuisines reflecting Caribbean and Swedish cultures with dishes such as pan-fried foie gras, tuna tartare, chicken and hummus salad and gambas a plancha with soba noodles. Tamarin is easygoing by day but the restaurant really comes to life at night when the gardens are beautifully lit, people have migrated to the foosball and ping pong tables and the cocktails are flowing.

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Francois Plantation

Fusing traditional French elegance with Colonial style, Francois Plantation transports you to the heart of Provence on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Open for lunch and dinner in high season, this restaurant—nestled in the hills of Colombier—serves up gastronomic delights with inspiration taken from West Indian and European cuisine. Delicacies include a beautiful homemade foie gras, pissaladieres, barigoules and a not-to-be-missed langoustes flambé. They also offer an outstanding range of old rum and wines. A true cabinet of curiosities, marvel at the tropical touches such as old wooden boat models, rare shells and Colonial woodworking that accent a refined, yet relaxed atmosphere.

Black Ginger

Serving up authentic and refined Thai cuisine concocted by a head chef and sous chef who both hail from Bangkok and were trained by the world’s best Thai chef, Vichit Mukura, Black Ginger is the place to go for Thai food in Gustavia. The food is exquisite and beautifully prepared with the freshest ingredients and spices and served in a luxurious, yet comfortable dining environment. The unique interior courtyard opens on the starry sky and boasts huge dome-shaped lights that create a wonderful contemporary atmosphere. Renowned for their knowledgable and friendly staff, you can be assured you’ll discover a new favorite dish when dining at Black Ginger.

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Eddy’s

Protected from the outside world by a courtyard garden strewn with fairy lights, Eddy’s is one of the most cherished addresses in Gustavia and one of the most romantic restaurants on the island. The affordable menu with a French Creole and Asian influence includes locally inspired dishes such as codfish fritters, wahoo with ginger sauces, roasted rack of lamb with Indian spices and wild prawns with curry and coconut milk. The inviting French Polynesian decor leaves diners with the feeling they’re not in St. Barths, but rather an even more exotic land, far off in the tropics—where parties last well into the wee hours of the night. After 9 pm, the locals start arriving and the atmosphere becomes electric.

Bon Appétit!

Caribbean Locations for Trips with Friends

Once the world gets back to normal and it’s safe to stop considering trips from our bedroom to our kitchen “vacations”, there are two things I’m sure we’ll all want to do: hang out with our friends (in person) and travel (around the world). One of the best destinations to bond with your besties has to be the Caribbean. The Caribbean is a melting pot of cultures, with 13 sovereign states and 17 dependent territories in the mix. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, traverse the great outdoors, or anything in between, these five locations truly deliver in terms of making the most out of quality time.

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Harbour Island, Bahamas

Harbour Island is a quick getaway for East Coasters ideal for many reasons—the biggest one being that it’s entirely surrounded by water. The island’s lifestyle revolves around the ocean: playing in it, eating by it, drinking by it, and fishing in it. Plus, a large amount of vacationers from NYC that always make their way here give the island a pretty sizable social scene. Fine dining and nightlife can be found at the luxury resorts on the shoreline. When it comes to your vacation headquarters, I’m partial to Rosalita, a new beachfront villa. Rosalita sits on beautifully landscaped oceanfront grounds. The villa features six bedrooms and sleeps twelve guests. Five of the bedrooms are located in the villa’s main house. The sixth bedroom is located in the guest house and features a king bed. All bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms, and four have alfresco showers. Both the master and the guest house bedroom suites have private terraces with fantastic views, while the other bedrooms have private entrances from the veranda or garden.

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Sugar Beach, Saint Lucia

Once you arrive in Sugar Beach, you won’t want to leave. Surrounded by St. Lucia’s twin volcanic Pitons, the Beachfront Collection villa blends seamlessly into Sugar Beach’s untouched beauty, with sweeping views of the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea. This four-bedroom villa has an infinity pool and suites has floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors for an unobstructed view. You and your friends can relax, take in the epic views and enjoy the private walled garden. Make sure to connect with Blue Sky Luxury Travels to make plans ahead of time, we can arrange for private chef and spa services and luxury catamarans for a day on the water.

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St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

St. John is an exclusive enclave that offers the convenience and flexibility of staying within the U.S., with the tropical splendor of the Caribbean. Located on the north shore of St. John, Estate Solenborg is a luxury Caribbean vacation rental villa overlooking the Sir Frances Drake Passage and Denis Bay. This secluded estate is a private paradise with seven bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms and ocean views. Gather with friends and enjoy the luxe modern design, two heated pools, an expansive terrace, and outdoor living and dining areas.

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Sailing Catamaran, British Virgin Islands

Island hopping in the BVIs is the ultimate way to enjoy the Caribbean with friends. Ten guests can explore the coves, go diving, fishing, and paddleboarding among the islands in the spectacular Bella Vita sailing catamaran. This super luxury catamaran offers an all-inclusive crewed yacht charter experience with a crew of six. It was formerly named Necker Belle, was owned by Richard Branson, and won a World Superyacht Award in 2010. In true Branson spirit, the Bella Vita was built to maximize fun, featuring a spacious trampoline, a diving board, and a unique crow’s nest that can lift you to the top of her mast.

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West End, Anguilla

With easy access to St. Maarten, Puerto Rico and Antigua, Anguilla attracts a high-end, sophisticated crowd. It also boasts more than 30 beaches (some of the best in the entire Caribbean), a wealth of fine dining and enough outdoor activities to satisfy any nature lover. For groups who want the ultimate private villa and spa experience, the Four Seasons Villas are the only choice. The oceanfront villas with private pools combine the privacy of a villa with the luxury of a world-class resort. Your group of up to 13 guests can relax at the indoor and outdoor bars while the Four Seasons’ legendary staff caters to your every desire. Whether you want to spend your days relaxing at the beach club, working on your cardio on private tennis courts or vacationing like celebrities in a private spa, the Four Seasons Villas certainly won’t disappoint. Savor tailored luxury, privacy and service on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

Best Locations for a Wedding in the U.S. Virgin Islands

It’s that time of year again- engagement season, and so many of my clients are calling me to find out their options for a Caribbean wedding. I love helping to plan this kind of thing- it’ s just magical! Did you know that about 340,000 destination weddings take place every year? That’s a quarter of all weddings! What makes this genre of weddings so popular is the opportunity to hold a wedding in a romantic location without spending a fortune. Couples love the idea of removing many of the stresses of planning a regular wedding as every detail can be arranged at a resort destination to suit their taste from afar. One of the hottest places to tie the knot is the Virgin Islands—which delivers big time on romantic inspiration with breathtaking views, pristine white beaches, and very relaxed marriage laws. Plus, weddings in the Virgin Islands offer year-round ideal weather, some of the most professional and knowledgeable vendors in the business, and many gorgeous venues to choose from! Looking to walk down the aisle in America’s Paradise? Here are some of the best wedding venues the Virgin Islands have to offer.

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Gallows Point Resort
Ranked #5 of the Top 22 Budget-Friendly Honeymoon Destinations in the World, Gallows Point Resort offers three stunning wedding locations for your once-in-a-lifetime wedding in the Virgin Islands. From a lovely oceanfront gazebo to St. John’s world-famous white-sand beaches, each location features picturesque water views and gorgeous sunsets. Their coordinators will help you plan every aspect of your wedding here and will iron out the schedule, while you and your spouse-to-be start popping the champagne. Choose from ocean view or harbor view one-bedroom suites—all of which offer king beds, sofa beds, full kitchens, dining areas, and living areas. The property also has an outdoor pool, hot tub, sundecks, and wonderful on-site snorkeling.

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The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas

This newly renovated resort in St. Thomas welcomes families, couples, and adventure-seekers to encounter the beauty of the Caribbean in a new light. With both indoor and outdoor event spaces, couples can choose between fresh-air oceanfront ceremonies on the golden sand shores of Great Bay (the most popular setting for ceremonies and feet-in-the-sand receptions) or comfortable receptions inside the hotel itself in their grand marble ballroom with vaulted ceilings, glittering chandeliers, water views, and an adjacent stone terrace. The resort boasts 180 exquisitely refreshed guest-rooms—each with its own balcony—and even has its own 53-foot luxury catamaran for snorkeling and sunset excursions.

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Private Villas for Virgin Island Weddings

If you’re planning a smaller destination wedding, a private villa rental in the Virgin Islands might be the perfect solution for you. These St. Thomas and St. John villas can sleep up to 25 people and offer complete privacy. You’ll want to work with our team to find a villa in the Virgin Islands that will accept wedding parties since some of them will not. We can also help you locate villas in the Virgin Islands near to the one where you are holding your ceremony so that you’ll have plenty of accommodations for guests. Here are a few we recommend:

kismetpavilionKismet on St. John

It’s kismet! Fortune will be on your side when you begin your life together at Villa Kismet, a luxury vacation rental in St. John. Positioned on a verdant hilltop with spectacular ocean views, this villa can accommodate up to twelve guests. Moroccan-style architecture and unique design create a tranquil atmosphere. For your ceremony, a romantic stepping-stone path winds through lush gardens to a gorgeous solitary pavilion. Your reception can be held indoors or out, this villa offers terraces and verandas that are perfect for gazing out on the turquoise waters of Cruz Bay.

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A La Mer on St. John

Located on a white sand beach at Great Cruz Bay on St. John, A La Mer is a spectacular resort-style villa that boasts an incredible waterfront location. A La Mer features spacious living areas and 9 bedrooms that can accommodate up to 18 guests, making this Caribbean vacation rental a perfect destination for a wedding.

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Eco Serendib

Eco Serendib Villa and Spa sets the standard for eco-friendly luxury on the U.S. Virgin Island’s tranquil and unspoiled St. John. Dramatically set atop Point Rendezvous in the southwest, with sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea and the magnificent southern coast, Eco Serendib Villa and Spa offers eight individually designed and elegantly appointed suites that give the look and feel of a private estate. Guests delight in the finely appointed features including a full-service spa and Life Fitness gym; Epicurean Theater kitchen with professional-grade appliances from Sub-Zero/Wolf (private chef service available); elegant dining area overlooking Fish Bay; and a spacious terrace with a pool that overlooks the ocean.

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Our Blue Sky Luxury Travels team has the inside scoop on some off-the-radar destinations for your wedding in the Virgin Islands. Whether you want to tie the knot in a tropical forest, a secluded beach, or even underwater, we can make your wedding dreams come true. There are all sorts of fun activities and serves available in the Virgin Islands for your wedding celebration.  One of our favorite things to book for large groups is a private 50’ sailing catamaran for day trips to the British Virgin Islands and sunset sails.

The possibilities are endless with Blue Sky! We also can provide in-villa chefs, childcare, spa services, private transportation, watersports activities, and more. No matter where you choose to tie the knot, let us help you make it a day to truly remember!

5 Reasons Why Anguilla Wins World’s Best Island Every Year

Earlier this year, Anguilla was ranked the #1 island in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas for the third year in a row in the 2019 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, honoring the top travel destinations and companies around the globe as rated by its readers. It also claimed the #6 position in the Top 15 Best Islands in the World. In 2018, the Anguilla Tourist Board launched its Beyond Extraordinary destination campaign, which aims to capture the diversity and richness of the Anguilla experience, and it’s certainly paid off. This slender length of coral and limestone fringed with green tucked away in the Northern Caribbean has managed to retain a charming character and appeal that have kept vacationers returning again and again. Here are just a few of the reasons we can’t recommend it enough.

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Breathtaking Beaches

Anguilla is surrounded by more than 12 miles of stunning, powder-white sand sparkling-clear turquoise waters for visitors to enjoy. All of the island’s 33 beautiful beaches are public, uncrowded, and unspoiled, and every cove, bay, and stretch of sand is marked by unique characteristics like rock and coral formations and picturesque tropical plants. It’s actually not uncommon to get a beach all to yourself—especially those inaccessible by land as they require some effort to reach. From the super serene secluded coves of Little Bay and the gentle shoreline and sparkling sea of Rendezvous Bay to the popular and striking white sands of Shoal Bay East and the party atmosphere of the picturesque Sandy Ground, there is truly a beach for everyone and every mood.

Delectable Dining

If Anguilla’s beaches are the most enviable feature of the island, its world-class restaurants come in at a close second. The award-winning dining scene offers discerning travelers international sophistication and elegance with creative cuisine that fuses fresh local flavors from land and sea with elegant imports. The artistry of the island’s chefs—both Anguillan and international—is unmatched anywhere in the Caribbean and provides an opportunity to savor the culture. Stop by a roadside barbecue shack for a slab of jerk chicken or book a reservation at a beachside bistro and hear the sound of lapping waves in the distance. Presenting eclectic culinary techniques complemented by a touch of local flavor, Anguilla’s culinary scene is uniquely Anguillan and authentically Caribbean.

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Renowned Resorts

Three Anguilla resorts are featured in the Top 25 Caribbean Resort Hotels category of Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards: Frangipani Beach Resort ranked #2, Malliouhana, Auberge Resort Collection ranked #14, and Zemi Beach House Hotel & Spa ranked #24. The Frangipani Beach Resort is also the only property in Anguilla to be featured in the Top Hotels Overall category, ranked at #46. This Meads Bay hotel only has 19 rooms and suites and offers a luxury experience with a boutique feel—guaranteeing you’ll have attention and beachside access all to yourself. Our favorite hotel on Anguilla is the Four Seasons; we frequently book our clients for stays at this luxurious property. Many hotel rooms on the island provide a spectacular view of the island’s sensational sunsets where you’ll spot an elusive green flash as the sun kisses the water goodnight—but that’s just one of the many perks of Anguilla’s award-winning resorts.

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Abundant Activities

Despite it being one of the smaller Caribbean islands, visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to activities. Anguilla is chock-full of limestone caves to explore, wildlife to observe (like sea turtles and native birds), and sandy beaches to tan on. Take in the island’s natural beauty on a hike or learn more about the island’s heritage on a self-led or guided tour. Many hidden treasures are tucked away on unmarked roads, so it pays to have a knowledgeable guide by your side. Explore the island by sea and hire a boat and dock on some of Anguilla’s most scenic beaches or rent a snorkel and swim around the island’s massive coral gardens, which are home to pufferfish and squid alike. The island offers a variety of popular water-based activities, with the incredible sense of tranquility undoubtedly being Anguilla’s main attraction.

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Humble Hospitality

Anguilla’s Ministry of Tourism credits the people of Anguilla and their longstanding tradition of warm hospitality for their recurring award win, and it’s not hard to see why. Anguillians are always willing to help if you need a hand and not because they expect anything in return. They do so out of the goodness of their hearts. True, life-long friendships have even been known to form between Anguillians and visitors. Long after vacations end and visitors return to the States, Canada, or the UK, there are many stories of people inviting Anguillian friends up north wanting to play host to them in their home. “The people here have been some of the friendliest that I’ve encountered in the Caribbean,” a Travel + Leisure reader wrote. “They’ve been hard hit by the latest hurricanes but haven’t lost track of what they consider important.”

Choosing a Private Island for your Corporate Retreat

Corporate event planners are increasingly choosing private islands for incentive trips, corporate retreats, and executive planning sessions. Here at Blue Sky Luxury Travels, we are seeing a lot of companies making this choice, and it’s a trend that makes a lot of sense. In the time of the American financial crisis of 2008, traditional large-scale corporate events were going away in favor of smaller groups getting together. Once the crash hit, the presence of corporate retreats diminished as it just didn’t look right to be spending thousands of dollars on seemingly frivolous activities like yoga retreats and shark diving. As companies have begun to reemerge, though, they’ve resumed the practice of rewarding their employees with smaller group actives that have an emphasis on bonding. These old-but-new retreats are centered around contributing to a company’s long-term success.

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Avoiding large metropolitan cities can have great benefits for hosting productive corporate retreats. By staying away from the noise and distractions of a city, you can get more done and provide better opportunities for your team to get to know one another. Companies are finding that more personalized corporate retreats set in natural surroundings prove to be more constructive. Instead of the same old team-building challenges in the forest or trust exercises on a rope ladder, indulge yourself and spoil your employees with a tropical getaway!

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A private island is great for companies, especially those that want something secluded and ultra-luxurious. They offer a totally unique experience and can be the perfect setting for a company retreat as they allow you to reward your employees, encourage team building and motivate your staff to be inspired by the idyllic settings that surround them. After all, people work best when they’re happy and who wouldn’t be happy while staying on a private island?

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In a private island villa, each person typically gets their own room and most often their own bathroom, while the whole team can gather in comfortable living areas, cook in a high-end kitchen, or relax in a hot tub. When all the planning details are taken care of for you, you get to focus on what’s truly important: building great work relationships. There will also always be wait staff ready to pamper you to your heart’s content.

When choosing a private island for your retreat, a number of factors must be considered. First, you need to choose an island that your company can comfortably afford. Private islands are notorious for being expensive, but who can complain given their rarity and the luxury and privacy that guests enjoy? That being said, there are a number of resorts that are more within reach than you’d think. Call us for rates or simply submit a Booking Inquiry Form on any of our Private Island pages.

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Secondly, the location of the island matters. Usually, private islands are found in warm, tropical areas, although there are some that can be found in drier climates. You want to choose a location that fits the climate you’re expecting. Confirm expected weather conditions are fair so that nothing interrupts your company’s perfect island getaway.

Blue Sky Luxury Travels’ private islands are located in amazingly beautiful tropical destinations. Your guests will want to come as soon as they hear keywords like “Fiji” or “Bahamas” or “the Caribbean”. They’re sure to be looking forward to the trip even if it is a working vacation. Contact us to make your 2020 corporate retreats something truly special!

Recommended Private Islands

Bawah Reserve
Middle Cay
Eustatia Island

Top 5 Things to Do on Sugar Beach in St. Lucia!

A vacation on the gorgeous white sands of Sugar Beach, St. Lucia is an experience unlike any other and we here at Blue Sky are committed to making sure that experience is a memorable one. So while you could spend your days lounging away on the beach—soaking up the incredible views and listening to the lullaby of the ocean (and we certainly wouldn’t blame you)—we thought we’d let you know about some fun activities you can do during your stay. Here are the Top 5 Things to Do in Sugar Beach!

1. Speed Boat Tour with Solomon Water Taxi & Tours

Hop aboard Solomon’s boat, Justice/Justice Again, and cruise the coastline to Anse Chastanet, Saint Lucia’s very own black sand beach where you’ll go snorkeling. You’ll then head over to Soufriere to visit a bat cave before getting in a land taxi that will take you to a mud bath/volcano tour. Rub yourself or your partner in mud and then bathe in warm sulphuric pool water before rinsing off at the Toraille waterfall. Finally, you’ll grab lunch at Solomon’s mom’s delicious restaurant!

Organic cacao beans2. The Tree-to-Bar Experience at Boucan by Hotel Chocolat

Calling all chocoholics! This one’s for you. Unique to the Rabot Estate—and drawing on their expertise as a chocolatier and grower of chocolate—this is an exclusive opportunity for you to discover cocoa like never before and even have the opportunity to create your own chocolate! The experience starts with you walking through the estate’s cocoa groves and selecting ripe cocoa pods to harvest from the tree and ends with you making your own bar of chocolate. The tour also includes all the interesting steps in between—from the cocoa seedling nursery, fermenting room and sun-drying station to grinding, mixing and, of course, loads of tasting!

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3. Real St. Lucia Tours’ Petit Piton Trail Hike

Seeking some adventure? You’ve come to the right place. Hiking Petit Piton isn’t for the faint of heart but truly provides one of the most exhilarating experiences you’ll ever encounter. Real St. Lucia Tours provides you with an experienced guide, and while the climb itself is quite difficult, you’ll find yourself surrounded by lush rain forests and met with a breathtaking view at the top of Soufriere, Gros Piton, and the majestic blue ocean beneath you.

4. Morne Coubaril Historical Adventure Park

This 18th-century estate is an all-in-one experience that offers lots of activities for every member of the family. Learn about their local history and culture from their working plantation where you’ll even get to taste crops like coca, coffee, coconut, orange, grapefruit, and lime and then strap in for an exciting zip line through the canopy with amazing views of the Pitons. You can even mount a horse and explore the estate cowboy style, riding into the Sulphur Springs volcano and onto the beach, or hike through the lush rainforest and experience a natural spa treatment at a mineral waterfall. You can then satisfy your appetite with a delectable local creole buffet lunch in their open-air restaurants.

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5. Action Adventure Divers

Grab your flippers and wetsuit and get ready to experience the world below in a whole new way. Join Dive Master Chester for a single tank, double tank, or even a night dive in the reefs of the Soufriere Marine Management Area. Explore the fantastical Fairyland, the dazzling Devil’s Hole, the sublime Superman Flight (where Superman 2 was filmed), the remarkable Wreck of the Lesleen M (a 165-foot freighter that sunk in October 1986), and so many more magnificent sites. Everyone is welcome—from newbies to seasoned pros!

Blue Sky Luxury Concierge Announces Rebrand to Blue Sky Luxury Travels

Top Caribbean Luxury Travel Provider Expands Services and Scope for Worldwide Reach

Today, Blue Sky Luxury Concierge, Inc., the leading provider of luxury travel services in the Caribbean and Bahamas, announced the company’s rebrand to Blue Sky Luxury Travels. The comprehensive rebrand elevates the focus on bespoke travel planning services to individuals, families, groups, and corporations across the globe. With the rebranding effort, the company will continue to offer personal travel planning, while investing further in both global expansion and expert support for corporate clients.

The new corporate name for the longtime trusted travel provider signals a shift in the company’s vision and strategy in the travel market. “The Blue Sky Luxury Travels name represents the expansion of the company’s reach, increasing the service level at every touchpoint of the customer travel experience. “We are proud of the new vacation and corporate retreat offerings we are building for our clients as we work to become the foremost boutique luxury travel group worldwide,” said Shanna Dickerson, Blue Sky Luxury Travels CEO. “From our humble beginnings in 2010 as a grocery delivery service on the island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands to today’s global full-service travel experience design company, Blue Sky has grown with our customers’ needs. This new name reflects the company’s worldwide reach, and now we can bring the personalized service of our experienced team to each step of our clients’ travel planning process.”
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In addition to the company’s core offerings of full-service luxury concierge travel and event planning, Blue Sky provides housing logistics for corporate clients. Blue Sky Global Logistics is the company’s newest division, providing corporate and workforce housing for disaster relief staff. They 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.

Blue Sky has also expanded their villa rental portfolio and now offers properties throughout the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Hawaii, Fiji, and South Carolina. Every day, Blue Sky spotlights a different villa on the company’s popular Blue Sky Luxury Villas Facebook page. The company provides tailored and unique itineraries for personal travel and corporate retreats, including yacht charters, and private island rentals. The Blue Sky Luxury Travels blog publishes all types of information, travel tips, memories and suggestions to empower informed luxury travelers.

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“Blue Sky helped us to plan our most successful company retreat from start to finish. Their planning advice was invaluable, their recommendations were spot on, and their service and support were smooth and professional throughout the entire outing. Blue Sky helped us with finding the ideal accommodations for our group, meal planning and reservations, transportation throughout our stay, arranging group activities (on land and on the sea!), and designing team-building events. I would highly recommend them for any corporate event and would love an excuse to use them again!” writes Scott Berman, President, HawkPartners.

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Blue Sky Luxury Travels stands ready to assist individuals, families, weddings, and corporations with every aspect of travel and event planning. The Blue Sky business is connecting people to their travel destinations wherever that might be. The company has perfected this model to be an all-inclusive operation with an emphasis on client service, offering personal attention and availability around the clock. Blue Sky Luxury Travels provides outstanding service, enabling people to create memories and better enjoy their travel experiences.

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.

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

Popular Hikes in Antigua

As you may know Antigua is the ultimate beach paradise, but outdoor adventures don’t end there. There is plenty more to do and see in Antigua. If you are into hiking you will discover there are a good number of coastal hikes, as well as hikes in the southern hills. Most of the trails are easy to moderate, but experienced hikers can test their skills with some challenging hikes too.

Desmond’s and Carpenter’s Trail Loop

This easy 1.5-hour loop will take you up to Shirley Height in the English Harbour area. The walk begins at Galleon Beach, and the Desmond’s Trail starts at the main road approximately 100 meters before the resort gates at Calabash Beach. It takes about half an hour to climb up along one of the ridges from where the views of English Harbour are simply stunning. There you will find a small trail down to the sea featuring scenic views of the cliffs between Shirley Heights and Indian Creek. As you reach the bottom of the slope the trail turns back to Galleon Beach. As you keep walking you will see beautiful rock pools and magnificent coastal scenery. Bring your camera, there are plenty of photo opportunities on this trail!

Middle Ground Trail

This relatively easy hike is one of the favorite trails of adventurous hikers. The trail leads along the ridge of the Windward Bay Peninsula. The walk is easy, but there is some steep climbing at the beginning. You will also walk through bushes along the ridge from where you will have picture-perfect views to Falmouth Harbour, Windward Bay and Nelson Dockyard. This trail is popular among residents and visitors alike and is frequently used as a popular morning or evening jog or walk destination.

Jones’ Valley Trails

 Jones’ Valley Trails are two popular and easy trail paths that takes less than two hours to complete roundtrip. Both start at the Galleon Beach and they split at about a quarter of the way on and rejoin at about the ¾ mark. One of the trails continues north, while the other continues south. Even though you will not get the typical awe-inspiring views here, both paths are very popular among tourists because they let you walk off the beaten path and enjoy the nature outside of the hustle and bustle of the city.

Shirley Main Road

This is a moderate trail to walk or bike on a good asphalted road. Morning and evening are popular times here, so you may see other folks enjoying this trail too. The last part of the portion is steep and fun to cycle, but when you go back you will have to bike the steep portion back up.

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