If your clients are thinking about renting a villa on their next Caribbean trip, I can’t blame them. The combination of privacy, personalization and, often, resort-style amenities, makes villas a great alternative to a hotel. And there are management companies all across the Caribbean that will make their home-away-from-hotel dreams come true. But before they sign that rental agreement, here are five things to should consider.
Where Do They Want To Go?
In the Caribbean, some islands are more “villa-riffic” (yes, that’s the technical term 😉) than others—meaning they have more villas for vacationers to choose from. In destinations such as Jamaica, St. Barts, Anguilla, Nevis and the BVI, there’s plenty of inventory, at all home sizes and price points. (In islands where there are fewer villas, expect to pay a premium.) Consider also what they plan to do, and try to match their interests with the destination. Into golf? Jamaica is a great choice, with several championship courses. A bit of a beach snob? Anguilla, the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Out Islands of The Bahamas should be on your list.
Who’s Going?
Villa vacations are great options, whether clients are traveling as a two-some, multi-generational group or doing a guys’ or girlfriend getaway. If they’re traveling with older or younger ones, to start the vacay smoothly, prioritize villa destinations with non-stop flights from their gateway. If they’re a couple, a 1-bedroom cottage will be ideal but don’t discount larger villas. In low season, many management companies will allow you to rent a single bedroom (a lockout) in a larger villa, which means they can enjoy the big-house perks on a little-house budget.
When Are They Going?
Just as they do with hotels, Caribbean villa rates rise and fall with the season. For the best deal, target travel between May and November, when rates may be discounted as much as 40 percent. In the December-to-April high season, plan to book months in advance and to pay top dollar. And during “festive” (the week between Christmas Day and New Years Day), double that!
Will They Want Staff?
In destinations such as Jamaica, Anguilla and St. Barts, most villas are rented with a full staff, usually including a housekeeper, chef and houseman. They’re a convenient option for large groups or high-maintenance travelers (me among them!) who don’t want to spend a minute cooking or making a bed. But be sure to budget 15 percent of the total rental tab for staff gratuities. A self-service villa, such as those found in the BVI and USVI), will be a less expensive option.
What Are Their Must-Haves?
Do they want a pool? Must they be beachfront? Is a gym important to them? Do they want a villa that’s part of a resort? Once your crew has decided on their essentials, it makes it much easier to sort through your many options to find the right villa for them.
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