Recommend October 2010 - (Page 72)

Stunning views at L’Oasis in St. Martin. five high-end VIllA STAyS ciara lavelle With families traveling in larger, intergenerational groups and an increase in groups of friends taking trips together, luxury villas have emerged as a tremendous value in the industry—one that agents shouldn’t miss out on. Here are our favorite high-end villas in the Caribbean. twin palms, jamaica Due to its wealth of activities and attractions for all ages, Jamaica is particularly suited for families, says Kim Palmer, senior villa specialist at Villas of Distinction. And that’s doubly true for families in search of a high-end villa experience. The spectacular Twin Palms villa, set in the Tryall area near Montego Bay, has seven bedrooms—enough for any family, or even two families traveling together. From its entrance via candlelit driveway, through halls and entertaining areas decorated with Italian furnishings, to its spectacular spiral staircase that leads to an even more spectacular 270-degree view from an open-air deck, the villa is truly palatial. The villa designers also included connecting rooms for families, as well as a kids’ playroom with foosball and TV. Outside, clients have a choice of seven connecting pools of varying depths, as well as a shallow children’s pool and whirlpool. Grownups have plenty of time to play as well, thanks to the villa’s location near the Tryall Club’s famous golf course, tennis facilities and beach club. (Club membership is included in villa rental.) And of course, the villa is fully staffed with chefs, butlers, nannies and more. Rates start at $2,858 per night. 72 october 2010 african sapphire, anguilla Traveling with friends, while fun, can have its awkward moments, and deciding who gets the best bedroom in the villa can be one of them. The solution: African Sapphire villa in Anguilla, a 6-bedroom villa with two master suites—perfect for two families traveling together. And that’s just the beginning of its charms. The main room boasts spectacular Caribbean Sea views, while the balcony’s large enough to house an 18-ft. by 45-ft. swimming pool and the second floor boasts a raised bridge leading out to a “floating” jacuzzi perfect for creating intimate moments within a large group vacation. African Sapphire is one of three villas at Altamer, set at the southern tip of the island, each sharing two tennis courts, basketball courts and one volleyball court. The master suites each offer marble bathrooms with walk-in showers, and massive balconies with private bars. But don’t feel sorry for clients in the other four bedrooms—they’ll enjoy marble bathrooms as well, plus showers with vertical spa systems and 2-person bathtubs. Rates start at $5,186 per night. continued on page 74 recommend.com http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend October 2010

Editor's Notes/Agent Speak
Hotel Desk
Tour Talk
Luxurious India by Rail, Plane and Boat
The Heavenly Taj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces
Experiencing the High Life in Kenya
Savoring the North of England
Riviera Nayarit Travel Planner
Marival Residences & World Spa
Wildly Luxurious––High-End Vacations
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Does it Again
Guadeloupe
Five High-End Villa Stays
Compagnie du Ponant's Le Boreal
Palm Beach: Playground for the Rich and Famous
Hawks Cay Resort, Florida Keys
La Costa Resort and Spa, California

Recommend October 2010