In the Caribbean the island shapes the stay almost as much as the house. St Barths and Barbados have nothing in common, and neither do Mustique, Antigua or Turks and Caicos: the atmosphere, the way in, the food and the type of villa all change. This guide sums up what each island offers, when to go and how to book a staffed house from Europe.
St Barths
A small, immaculate island of hills and coves, with Gustavia as its harbour and capital. The villas are spread across Saint-Jean, Lorient, Gouverneur, Flamands and the Petit Cul de Sac and Grand Cul de Sac area, almost always with a pool and sea views. It is the island of discretion, the best food in the Caribbean and white-sand beaches without large hotels. Access is by small plane or boat from Saint-Martin; the St Barths runway only takes small aircraft, which is part of its charm.
Barbados
The west coast, the so-called Platinum Coast between Sandy Lane, Holetown, Speightstown and the St. Peter coast, holds the great beach houses on calm water, the golf courses and the restaurants. It is the easiest option for families and large groups: direct flights from London and the United States, fully staffed houses and the whole island a short drive away.
Antigua, Mustique, Turks and Caicos and the Dominican Republic
Antigua has private estates and sheltered bays, with English Harbour as its sailing landmark. Mustique is a private island of staffed villas without large hotels, for stays of complete privacy. Turks and Caicos stands out for beaches such as Grace Bay and Long Bay, and in the Dominican Republic, Casa de Campo and Punta Cana combine golf, marina and staffed villas. On these islands we work on request: we do not publish the houses, we send a private selection for your dates.
When to go
High season runs from December to April, with Christmas, New Year and Easter the dates in highest demand; the best houses for those weeks are booked many months ahead, often with minimum stays. June to November is hurricane season: houses are available and rates more flexible, with the caution that period calls for.
What we publish and what the service includes
We publish 4 properties in the Caribbean, in Barbados and St Barths, sleeping 6 to 16 guests with 3 to 8 bedrooms, with indicative rates from 50,000 € per week for those with a published price.
Every house is rented with daily housekeeping, concierge and continuous attention; chef, butler, transfers, boats and bookings are coordinated through a single point of contact. The selection published in luxury villas to rent in the Caribbean is only part of the houses we have access to. For groups of fourteen or more, the guide to large villas for groups explains what to look for and when to book.
Other winter-sun destinations
If the trip is about warmth between November and April, we also publish villas in Mexico (Riviera Maya, Punta Mita and Los Cabos, with its own guide), Costa Rica and Panama and Rio de Janeiro and Angra dos Reis.
How to book from Europe
Write to us with your dates, number of guests and the bedrooms you need, and whether there is a celebration. We reply with concrete options, confirmed availability and written terms before any commitment, and help you arrange the inter-island flight connections.
Dates in mind for the Caribbean?
Request a proposalSee also: villa rentals by destination · villas in the Caribbean · luxury villas in Mexico