Villas Where Privacy Abounds
Caribbean
Winter is coming – and the Caribbean is calling. The colorful islands that stretch from the tip of the Yucatan to the top of South America offer luxury resorts in abundance. However, a personal time-out at a luxury villa in this aquamarine paradise has that little something extra. LuxuryWise has sifted through the sands and discovered the true gems of the islands. Let us inspire you!
Cocosan Villa, Jamaica
Guests at Cocosan Villa near Port Antonio are right in the middle of the action, but still have the place all to themselves. The mega-stylish accommodation is one of three villas that belong to Hotel Geejam, but is operated independently. The ocean is always in sight since Cocosan is on a hilltop. Up to twelve people can be accommodated in six bedrooms with king-size beds, each with its own bathroom. You can have a pretty good vacation inside the villa – with big TVs, a movie collection, a fitness room, and a steam room. But right outside the door the Caribbean feeling is unmistakable: terraces and balconies are plentiful and inviting, enticing guests to enjoy a meal and the environs any time of day. You can cool off in the pool, but the Jacuzzi somehow makes the champagne taste particularly good. The outdoor billiard table is a nice touch, and a playground awaits the children. Art fans will be pleasantly surprised, as a curated art and photography collection hangs in the villa. A concierge takes care of all arrangements, and the villa is carefully attended throughout the stay by in-house chefs, housekeepers, drivers, and security staff. If the day has more of a beach vibe instead of the pool, that's no problem either: guests at the villas have access to the Geejam Hotel's private beach.
Trade Contact: Rose-Marie Barrant, Head of Reservations
Kempa Caribe, Cayman Islands
Lack of space? No no no... this Caribbean oasis located in South Sound on Grand Cayman is enormous: the interior alone of Kempa Caribe from the Haute Retreats portfolio measures 48,000 square feet, sporting eight bedrooms and 14 bathrooms. You don't even need to be careful when playing billiards – the living area is so palatial that you don't bump into anything with the cue. Had enough 8-Ball? Then call it a movie night in the in-house movie theatre, naturally with a drink from the elegant bar. If it's a group of wine enthusiasts, they can pick their favorite vintage from the wine cellar. There is a fitness room for more active guests, and a massage room for those who like to kick back. But the villa also has plenty of outdoor highlights. Caribbean beach vibes abound on the private, 800-ft. beach complete with lounge chairs and cabanas. Tennis and pickle ball are played on the villa's own courts, and the pool isn't just a pool – it also has a quaint, adjacent grotto. By the way, the interior design of the villa varies depending on the area and room – from the elegant and bright, to the dark-toned and powerful with statement furniture pieces.
Trade Contact: Angelica Crudo, Marketing & Sales Manager, Haute Retreats
Palm Point, Antigua
A jolly vacation in Jolly Harbour – this could be the motto for the villa from the portfolio of Luxury Locations Real Estate. The brand new, 10,000 square foot villa is located directly on the beach. The opulent outdoor area is a versatile space that could be used for al-fresco dining, a relaxation day, or for parties under the palms. Also of note: watching the yachts sail during Antigua Sailing Week, April 23 to May 5, 2023 and splashing around in the pool or in the Jacuzzi. The hotel's six suites are chic and feature private bathrooms and walk-in showers. The elegant Italian decor and design pleases the eye, and the spacious kitchen at Palm Point comes fully equipped. It's so spacious that all twelve guests can pitch in and play sous chef along the loooong kitchen island. Good to know: in addition to a marina, shopping facilities, and an 18-hole golf course, the Jolly Harbour residential area also includes a helicopter service. Don't forget your aviators!
Trade Contact: Nadia Dyson, Owner of Luxury Locations Real Estate
Point Estate, Moskito Island, BVI
It's hard to say what's more impressive here: the view or the incredible design. Point Estate is currently one of three properties on Moskito Island, which, like its neighbor Necker Island, is owned by Sir Richard Branson and belongs to the Virgin Limited Collection. There is room for up to 14 adults and eight children. The luckiest guests are those staying in one of the two master suites because they are truly breathtaking. Each is housed in a round, two-story building with a thatched roof, a terrace, and a private garden. But the five other rooms are also impressive: the seamlessly-adjoined balcony and chic sunloungers bring both joy and emphasis to indoor-outdoor living. It also serves as a great vantage point to see, with a little luck, the native sea turtles coming to the beach to sunbathe. The resident private chef takes care of guests with high class dining delights. The pool area wraps around the property like a crescent moon, and is the ideal spot to watch the sunset. A variety of water sports are offered on the beach, and tennis is also available. Good to know: right now Moskito Island still has the Oasis Estate and Branson Estate, and in the fall the brand new The Village will be added to the collection. It will offer space for up to 18 guests.
Trade Contact: Vanessa Rothery, Regional Director of Sales
Silversands Grenada, Grenada
While small, Silversands Grenada is mighty and fine, nestled in the southern part of this spice island. The highlight is the seven villas, which offer plenty of space and privacy. Ocean views at their best are available from the three Hillside Three-Bedroom Villas. Each has three floors, with a Master Bedroom on each floor. The private pool on the second level measures an impressive 540 square feet, and a small plunge pool coaxes from the garden. Those who don't like insects will be happy about the villa's electric fly screens. The butlers can do their magic in their own kitchen, separate from the rest. There are four Four-Bedroom Beachfront Villas which are even larger – the pools clock in at 1400 square feet and the villas themselves between 20-25,000 square feet. From here, you can see the beautiful Grand Anse Beach. All villas have large outdoor areas that make indoor-outdoor living seamless. And when you don't want to cook for yourself? Then it's off to one of the resort's three restaurants or the bar. It won't be too crowded here because the entire resort, including the villas, has only 52 accommodations. Despite its size, Silversands touts the Caribbean's longest infinity pool at 330 feet! And oh yea, the design doesn't skimp: everything is clean-chic with light colors, high-end materials, and an amazing view of the ocean.
Trade Contact: Laura Fordyce, Team Leader, Abercrombie & Kent Beaches
Villa Susanna, St. Lucia
Like a luxurious village, the property is perched on a cliff above Margot Bay, which is known for its magnificent sunsets. In fact, the Sunset Gazebo was built especially for this. Like most of the buildings belonging to Villa Susanna, it is arranged around the main Emerald Bay building that houses the large kitchen, furnished with Italian marble. Seven bedrooms and 10 bathrooms are divided among four separate suites, which can accommodate up to 14 people. One color dominates the surroundings: green! Strolling through the expansive gardens between the buildings is literally a walk in the park, where you can also take a dip in the 70-ft. pool along the way, if you wish. There's an outdoor Jacuzzi, and another private one in the Yellow Flamboyant Suite. A chef is available from Monday to Friday and a service team takes care of the guests' well-being and the villa. A private path brings you even closer to the sound of the waves and leads to Trou Rolland Bay. If you are hungry after swimming, there is an outdoor barbecue with its own dining table. The villa has various water sports equipment, even a powerboat (with captain) is available twice a week. Ahoy!
Trade Contact: Sandro Bertola, Owner of the Villa Susanna
What the Industry Says
"What are the advantages to vacationing in a luxury villa in the Caribbean?"
"Tropical rainforests, gorgeous sandy beaches, an impressive underwater world, as well as warm hospitality are just a few of the many reasons why anyone should vacation in the Caribbean. A villa in the Caribbean offers the ultimate vacation experience and, above all, the maximum amount of privacy. Many of the villas not only have direct beach access, but also a hospitable villa team. That includes cleaning services and a private chef so guests have the same amenities compared to a hotel. A private pool and the freedom of not being tied to times makes the villa experience ideal not only for families with children, but also for groups of friends."
Marco Odenthal, Director of Sales Travel Design and Head of Villas & Rentals at The Passionist
Conclusion
It's back in fashion: leaving the borders of your home country far behind you. Hello Caribbean winter sun! Classy villas are a USP for many of the island states, and play well into the hands of wealthy travelers. First, they are usually ultra-luxurious, and second they offer an extremely high degree of privacy. As a bonus for sales, such properties also come with high rental prices, so 'hello lucrative commission!' In all, it's worthwhile to direct the attention of clients who are interested in the Caribbean away from five-star resorts and toward luxury villas. The result is often win-win.
Author: Cathrin Lührs, Senior Editor