In MEXICO & CARIBBEAN

FIVE CHIC PLACES TO STAY IN THE CARIBBEAN

LA BANANE • ST. BARTH’S

This oh-so-chic villa complex is quite the sight for sore eyes.  Parisian cabaret star Jean-Marie Rivière designed the tropical hideaway to share with high-profile jet-setting clientele such as Brigitte Bardot back in the day. A recent renovation restored the property’s vibrant history and held on to the heavy influence of 1960’s pop art and colorful culture. Home to nine pastel-painted bedrooms, nine bathrooms with open air showers, and a beautiful pool and jacuzzi, this bright and stylish estate is tucked away behind palm trees and massive walls so you can take in the ambiance among peace, quiet, and privacy. Although this means that there are no ocean views, the beach is only a short distance away. When you’re done lounging by the luxurious poolside, set your sights on the lively mural at the cocktail bar or the Slim Aarons’ books and Hermès playing cards at the poolside library. Please note that this complex must be rented by one party only.

MALLIOUHANA • ANGUILLA

This glamorous resort sits on top of 25 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and luxurious beaches fit for a fashionista. The property offers 800 square foot guest rooms with living quarters and private terraces as well as even larger suites with extended patios and entertaining spaces overlooking the ocean. The resort is home to a world-renowned golf course, lavish spa, tennis courts, and mouthwatering restaurant with spectacular views. Stay in shape at the hotel’s well-equipped fitness facilities that include an extensive list of classes. If the outdoors are more your thing, test out the waters with a paddle board yoga class or take one of the resort’s bicycles for a spin.

THE FLEMING VILLA • JAMAICA

Located just 20 minutes beyond Ochos Rios is the GoldenEye resort, a collection of luxurious villas, cottages, and suites. The Fleming Villa is the top choice here, since its where author Ian Fleming penned all of the famous James Bond novels. His residence has been carefully preserved in pristine condition, and his original desk still remains within the quarters. The entire residence boasts three bedrooms and two guest cottages that sleep up to ten people. Plan on total tranquility and relaxation on the property’s private beach, pool, and garden. Your stay comes with its own butler, housekeeper and chef that are fully dedicated to your every need. Also included? A guided snorkeling tour, a fishing excursion, a meet and greet with Fleming’s gardener, a guided nightlife tour, a Bond movie night and bonfire, and a visit to Firefly that features a tour of Noel Coward’s home followed by cocktails and canapes. The GoldenEye describes The Fleming Villa as “an island unto itself.” However, if you still find yourself wanting to wander, check out the resort’s unlimited list of other activities. If you’re lucky, the hotel will host a fun event during your stay such as a birthday bonfire for Bob Marley complete with a reggae band and rum cocktails.

CERULEAN VILLA • ANGUILLA

Situated along one of the world’s most breathtaking beaches in Anguilla, the Cerulean Villa is an exquisite and impressive estate whose amenities put a five-star resort to shame. The nine bedroom property is yours and yours alone, along with an 18-member service team devoted to giving you a flawless vacation down to every last detail. In fact, it’s the staff’s priority to treat you like royalty and anticipate your every need whether its unpacking your suitcase or serving up your favorite cocktail at precisely the right time of day. Three chefs provide anything from breakfast in bed to picnics to candlelight dinners on the beach. On the property, there is an 800 square foot fully-equiped fitness facility accompanied by a complimentary personal trainer, yoga instructor, sailing instructor and tennis instructor. Indulge in spa services within your own room or outdoors – massages, manicures, facials and more are all available here. Enjoy a leisurely swim in your infinity pool or spend your day kayaking, playing volleyball, sailing, or make your way over to nearby St. Martin for a day of shopping. Pretty much any  activity will be available to you during your stay – in fact, pretty much anything period. Your wish is their command.

THE COTTON HOUSE • MUSTIQUE

Mustique island is home to the historical and beautiful Cotton House that is not to be missed if you’re looking for an intimate getaway in the Caribbean. This cotton warehouse turned boutique hotel houses seventeen suite-style bedrooms with private plunge pools surrounded by private fully staffed villas. Most notably, the presidential suite otherwise known as The Residence is tucked away on its own hilltop with a private pool and outdoor showers. Indulge in the resort’s colorful restaurants or spend the day relaxing at the award winning organic spa. We recommend exploring the island by horseback and snorkeling among the turtles. The entire island was declared a conservation in 1989, so there is a myriad of exquisite wildlife and vegetation to explore.

Images via La Banane, Malliouhana, The Fleming Villa, Cerulean Villa, The Cotton House

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