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Over Yonder Cay – One of the Best Vacations in the World

Located in the heart of the Bahamas’ Exuma chain about 200 miles from Florida, Over Yonder Cay is the perfect vacation destination if you are looking for privacy and ultimate luxury. The 72-acre island used to be a quaint fishing outpost in the past. Today, it features four stunningly beautiful island villas spread out around the island, yet within a golf cart ride away from each other. Each one of the villas offers an amazing level of comfort and features stunning architectural design and state-of-the-art green energy technology.

The main villa, Meridian House, offers guests plenty of space, with four en-suite bedrooms that sleep eight guests. It is situated on the highest point of the island with panoramic sweeping views of the Exumas on all sides. Situated close to the main beach is West Sands, which accommodates eight guests as well. This villa also has four bedrooms, two of which share a bathroom. Overlooking the eastern beach is East Cove, which also sleeps eight guests. The remaining villa, South Point, is surrounded on two sides by the sea as it is located on a peninsula. The villa has room for six guests, with three bedrooms, two of which share a bathroom. All villas have satellite TV, Wi-Fi Internet and iPads, as well as a Kaleidescape entertainment library and Crestron control system. Meridian House also features a 12-seat movie theater; the three other villas each have a 70-inch TV. Suites are also equipped with a 40-inch TV and en-suite bathroom.

Another unique feature of Over Yonder Cay is the island’s cutting-edge hybrid energy system. It is almost entirely powered by wind and solar energy harnessed by three wind turbines and a 1.5-acre solar field. Several back-up generators provide power to the island if necessary.

Over Yonder Cay offers guests a variety of activities – both on land and in the water. Guests have full access to the island’s boats and water sports toys, including crewed motorboats for snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and excursions to the neighbor islands. The 120-foot sailing yacht is perfect for a great adventure at sea, while the 50-foot Merritt is available for a fishing tour. A pair of 30-foot sailboats and catamarans are available as well.

The West Beach Club features a pool, hot tub and a great sound system, so it is the perfect place to relax during the day and party by night. Over Yonder Cay also features a nine-hole par three golf course, a floodlit tennis court, a beach volleyball court and two fitness centers. The island also features three spectacular pools and hot tubs throughout the property.

With its 320 days of sunshine per year and average temperatures that rarely fall below 77°F (25°C), Over Yonder Cay is a year-round travel destination. There are several ways to reach the island. Guests can arrive directly from Miami or Fort Lauderdale on one of the island’s two eight-passenger Cessna Grand Caravan seaplanes. Nearby commercial airports include Staniel Cay (a 10-minute boat ride away from Over Yonder Cay), or Georgetown (30 minutes away from Over Yonder Cay by seaplane). Georgetown has an 8,000-foot runway that can accommodate large private jets. Over Yonder Cay can also accommodate larger vessels for those arriving by yacht. The island’s deep-water marina can handle multiple yachts of up to 13 feet of draft at mean low tide.

BSLC Admin

Things to Do in Turks and Caicos

Located in the Caribbean to the southeast of the Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos archipelago consists of 40 low-lying coral islands. The island group’s main hub is the island of Providenciales, also known as Provo. It is home to beautiful Grace Bay Beach, which is lined by luxury resorts, shops and restaurants. There are many things to do in Turks and Caicos, and below are some of the highlights – popular things to do among visitors to the islands.

Relax on Grace Bay

Located on the north shore of Providenciales, Grace Bay Beach is everything you could want from a picture perfect tropical beach – the water is an amazing turquoise blue and the sand is powdery soft and white. Spend a day sunbathing on Grace Bay Beach and enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters. Grace Bay is also backed by most of the island’s luxury resorts, so there is no shortage of entertainment – meaning shops, bars and restaurants are never too far away.

Kiteboard at Long Bay Beach

South of Grace Bay in the southern part of Providenciales Island is Long Bay Beach, known as a popular spot for kiteboarding. Here, the Atlantic trade winds create perfect conditions for this water sport. The bay is ideal for first-timers, and you’ll be able to rent all the necessary equipment from local providers. Kiteboarding lessons by professional instructors are being offered as well.

Visit the Turks and Caicos National Museum

Learn about local history at the Turks & Caicos National Museum, which is one of the top heritage draws of the archipelago’s capital, Cockburn Town. It features many exhibits about the local culture, including an exhibit about the native Lucayan peoples who resided here before the arrival of the Europeans. Another fascinating exhibit is the reconstructed archaeological remains of the iconic Molasses Reef Wreck, which is the oldest shipwreck in the entire Americas. This ruined Spanish caravel is thought to have been sunk around 1500.

Explore the Conch Bar Caves

Located on Middle Caicos Island, the Conch Bar Caves cut deep into the limestone rock beds and form a subterranean labyrinth of caverns, tunnels and chambers. Some of the cave system’s interesting features include stalactites, stalagmites and columns, along with pools that fluctuate with the ocean tide. Some of the chambers have graffiti depicting the names and dates of some visitors from the early 20th century. Due to some sensitive cave features, all visitors to Conch Bar Caves must be accompanied by a guide.

Discover the Columbus Landfall National Park

Located along the west shore of Grand Turk, the Columbus National Park marks the very spot where Christopher Columbus is believed to have first set foot on the lands of the New World back in the 1400s. The park extends out into the water, and the main draw of this park is the natural wonders that abound offshore. It is here where you will find many of the best beaches and dive sites on Grand Turk, including Cockburn Town Beach, Governor’s Beach, Pillory Beach, English Point and the Cruise Center Beach. This is where many visitors are doing their PADI qualification, and there are numerous outfitters on offer in nearby Cockburn Town.

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Our Top Three Villa Picks on St. John USVI

St. John is the island to go if you are looking for luxury accommodations, unspoiled landscapes, scenic views and pristine beaches. Most of the St. John vacation rentals specialize in private and secluded accommodations. Here are our three favorite St. John villas that have it all and will make your vacation unforgettable.

Villa Marea

Villa Marea is our favorite and we recommend it to anyone who is looking for a combination of ultimate luxury and seclusion. It is a very private and spacious seven acre estate located at the end of Ditleff Point. The villa is away from neighbors and features immaculate oceanfront views all around. There are five luxurious suites with room for up to ten guests. All suites are facing the east side, so your day will start with a beautiful Caribbean sunrise you can observe from your private suite balcony. All five suites have oversized windows, private balconies with outdoor showers, air conditioning and upscale entertainment equipment. The kitchen features a state-of-the-art design with Italian ceramic dining ware, two ovens and an eight burner stove. If you are in a mood of wine, check out the wine cellar that features over 500 bottles of imported wines. Read more about Villa Marea or call us at 615.604.2447 to make a reservation.

The Cliff House

The Cliff House spans over 12,000 square feet of prime land in the exclusive Peter Bay community and presents four upscale bedrooms for parties of up to eight guests. We would highly recommend this villa to anyone who would like to enjoy privacy and outdoor beach living and activities. The villa has its private beach access that will take you to Peter Bay Beach, one of the best swimming and snorkeling spots on St. John. Since the villa is elevated at 100 feet above sea level you can see island’s best beaches and attractions from your home – all the way to the neighboring British Virgin Islands, the Sir Frances Drake Channel and the Virgin Islands National Park. There is a spacious outdoor pool deck ideal for group entertainment. The villa features custom-designed island-style furniture. Read more about The Cliff House or call us at 615.604.2447 to make a reservation.

Finnesterre

Finnesterre is a recent addition to our St. John’s villa collection, and it is already one of our favorites. We love this villa because of its spectacular hilltop location and because it features six private bedrooms with their own private entrance and patio, which gives you yet another level or extra privacy to enjoy. Finnesterre sits on a prime spot on Bovocoap Point from where the views of Hart Bay, Rendezvous Bay and Rams Head are unbeatable. The villa’s location is ideal if you plan to do island exploring. Finnesterre is a few minutes drive from Cruz Bay, which is the island’s hub and place for shopping, dining and entertainment. In the same time the villa is in close proximity to St. John’s popular north shore beaches, where you can enjoy world-class swimming and snorkeling. Read more about Finnesterre or call us at 615.604.2447 to make a reservation.

BSLC Admin

Best Activities on St. Lucia

Located in the Eastern Caribbean, St. Lucia is a beautiful island nation with volcanic beaches lining its shoreline and the Pitons on its west coast. Trails in the island’s interior lead to waterfalls. St. Lucia is a popular tourist destination, and there are several luxury resorts on the island. Castries, the capital, is a popular Caribbean cruise port.

One of St. Lucia’s top attractions is Sulphur Springs, also known as the “world’s only drive in volcano.” Located near Soufrière in the southwestern part of the island, the Soufrière Volcano last erupted in the 1700s. Today, it is considered to be a dormant volcano. The water at the center of the springs boils at about 340 Fahrenheit (170 Celsius), and it is possible to drive up right to the edge of the springs. A few hundred yards downstream from the springs, the water temperature is cool enough for people to enjoy a hot mud bath, about 110 Fahrenheit (45 Celsius). These mud baths are believed by some to have medicinal properties, and they attract people from all over the world who hope to heal a variety of conditions, such as eczema, arthritis, sore joints and sun burns.

Another popular St. Lucia attraction that is also located in Soufrière is St. Lucia Botanical Gardens, also known as the Diamond Botanical Gardens, which is the oldest botanical garden on the island and home to the Diamond Waterfall, which has been described as one of St. Lucia’s natural wonders. Encompassing six acres, the botanical garden is a haven for birds and insects and features an abundance of tropical flora. What makes the Diamond Waterfall truly unique is the fact that it is probably the most colorful waterfall in the Caribbean. That’s because its waters have a high mineral content. Its stream is a mixture of rain water and volcanism fed by the Sulphur Springs. Minerals that are found in the water include sulphur, magnesium, iron, manganese, calcium and copper sulphate, all contributing to the kaleidoscope of colors that make up the rock face behind the waterfall. A well-maintained path winds through the botanical garden, making it a popular tourist attraction.

The Tet Paul Nature Trail is a popular destination among hiking enthusiasts. Located just 10 minutes from Soufrière, the trail features spectacular views. From the majestic Pitons and Jalousie Bay on St. Lucia’s south shore, to the far away neighbor islands of Martinique and St. Vincent, you can enjoy many fantastic photo opportunities along the way. The hike itself is considered easy to moderate and is great for solo travelers and families alike. Another popular hiking destination are the Pitons, which are two volcanic mountains. Gros Piton rises 2,619 feet (798 m) above sea level, and together with Petit Piton (2,461 ft / 739 m), the two mountains are the hallmark of St. Lucia’s western coast. While it is possible to hike up both mountains, only Gros Piton is legally sanctioned by St. Lucia’s government. Petit Piton is very steep and more dangerous. Gros Piton, on the other hand, is still a challenging hike, but it is considered as not too difficult for most hikers. From the peak, you can see a vast portion of the island.

BSLC Admin

Top Bahamas Beaches

Situated in the Atlantic Ocean southeast of Florida, the Bahamas archipelago encompasses 700-plus islands and even more beaches. Many of them are picture perfect tropical beaches and stand out for their perfect mix of sand and surf. The islands of Grand Bahama and Paradise Island are home to many hotels and resorts and are among the best known. Top snorkel and scuba diving sites include the spectacular Andros Barrier Reef, the black coral gardens off Bimini and Thunderball Grotto.

Located on Grand Bahama Island within the protected Lucayan National Park, Gold Rock Beach is the most beautiful section of this island’s 90 miles of south shore coastline. This white sand beach is almost a football field wide at low tide, and the shallow nearshore waters are perfect for wading and snorkeling. For those who prefer to stay dry, the park is also home to limestone caves that are worth a visit.

Due to its proximity to the most popular resort in the Bahamas, Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island is a must-see. Since it is just a short stroll from Atlantis Resorts Bahamas, it is one of the most visited beaches in the Bahamas. The beach is a great place for swimming and snorkeling. There are many things to do here. Atlantis Resorts Bahamas is a huge property, home to six luxury hotels, a fabulous gambling casino as well as Paradise Beach, made famous in movies like Pirates of the Caribbean and James Bond’s Thunderball and Casino Royale.

Another top Bahamas Beach is Pink Sands Beach, located on Harbour Island, which is accessible via a two-hour ferry ride from Nassau. The island is known for its 35-plus miles of pale pink sand beaches. The pink sand comes from broken coral pieces and shells of foraminifera, a single-celled organism. Harbour Island is one of just a few locations in the world with pink sand beaches, so this island is well worth a visit.

Long Island is home to Deals Beach, which is situated along the island’s main road. It’s a beautiful two mile stretch of sand with a shallow bay, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, wading or sailing. Another top Bahamas beach is Long Bay Beach on San Salvador Island. This beach was named after the longboats that Christopher Columbus and his crew used to come ashore here in October 1492. The exact location is marked by a white cross, and it is the most photographed place on the island. Swimming and snorkeling are popular activities here, and there are a few large reefs just offshore that are teeming with marine life.

Looking for a beach that’s off the beaten path? Visit Tahiti Beach in the Abacos. Located on the southern tip of Elbow Cay, this stunningly beautiful white sand beach is lined with coconut palms. It is very secluded and accessible only on foot, bike or by boat, so you are sure to find a stretch of sand to call your own. Tahiti Beach is a great spot for swimming or collecting sea shells, starfish and sand dollars.

BSLC Admin

Top Antigua Beaches

Ringed with coral reefs, the island of Antigua is known for its many beautiful beaches. One of the best beaches of the island lies directly north of St. John’s. Dickenson Bay features a mile of white, powdery soft sand and azure calm waters, making it especially attractive for families with small children. It is the archetypal Caribbean beach, the perfect destination for swimming and other water sports. A few hotels, restaurants and beach bars line the beach. Dickenson Bay also features spectacular views, from the lush green hills to the gorgeous sunsets.

Also located just a ten-minute drive from St. John’s is Deep Bay, a great destination for snorkeling as a wreck lies right in the middle of the bay. Almost 100 years ago, the Andes, a ship from Trinidad, sank here and its mast reaches out of the water until today.

Often hailed as the most beautiful beach of Antigua, Half Moon Bay is a beautiful, 1.5 km long curve of light pink and white sand, located on the island’s east shore. The nearshore waters are protected by a reef, but windsurfers find good conditions beyond the reef.

The main public beach on Antigua’s south shore is Pigeon Point Beach. Situated at the mouth of Falmouth Harbour, it has calm and shallow water, making it popular among families with children. Located on Antigua’s southwest corner are three beautiful stretches of sand – Darkwood Beach, Ffrye’s Bay and Crab Hill Bay, which are relatively undeveloped and remote by Antiguan standards. Only a couple of small hotels and beach bars are located here, but the beaches are worth a visit because the sand is stunningly white and the sunset views are superb.

Hawksbill is a collection of four beautiful beaches, one of which is easily accessible to the public. The other three can be reached by going through Hawksbill Resort. The beach was named after the craggy red rocks that protrude from the water just offshore. The public beach is the most popular of the four since you don’t have to be a hotel guest to access it. The beach features soft sand and calm waters. The second and third beaches that are reserved for hotel guests are a bit quieter in nature, and the fourth beach is the only clothing optional beach on Antigua and is located directly in front of Hawksbill Rock. It is a beautiful beach with fine white sand and palm trees that provide shade.

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Luxury Villa by Blue Sky Luxury Concierge

In today’s blog, I highlight a luxury villa that has been one of the favorite rentals among many on St. John. Having personally stayed there for a week when it first opened in 2010, I can attest to its exceptional setting located above the water within a peninsula jutting out into the expanse of the Caribbean Sea with waves crashing on the rocks below. Panoramic views of Fish Bay on the left and Rendezvous Bay on the right coalesce with deep blue water directly ahead and a hint of St Croix on the horizon some 40 miles away.

Blue Sky has had the privilege of offering rental of this luxury villa on many occasions and has been one of our most popular choices … for good reason. The unique layout allows for as many as 8 guests with 4 bedroom enclaves, each with adjoining baths separate from the large central living area but connected with covered walkways. The large central room houses the professional kitchen, dining room and comfortable seating looking out through retractable doors onto the covered deck and beyond to an infinity pool. The deck allows for grilling and entertaining and a circular tower enabling one to climb higher for breathtaking 365 degree birds eye views of the ocean and the steep cascading hills of St John.

Located in a gated community, this luxury villa affords complete privacy due to its elevation above the sea and surrounding terrain.   A private beach is accessible by a short walk down a manicured path. And for those who wish to explore St John, Cruz Bay, great restaurants, shopping and the USVI national park with its world famous beaches are just a few minutes away.

This is truly a traveller’s dream . . All the amenities of a luxury villa with unsurpassed views of the Caribbean . . . and the privacy to enjoy St John without compromise.  No wonder this gem is in such demand and why guests return year after year.

If you would like more information on renting this prestigious villa please visit our website at www.blueskyconcierge.com and contact us with any questions.  As always our booking services are complimentary to our clients.

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