JANUARY 2008

Passport Reminder

With recently implemented exceptions for special cases*, all travelers must present a passport to enter the United States. This includes U.S. citizens returning from the Caribbean. U.S. citizens visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico do not need a passport because they are U.S. territories. Obtaining a passport can take a month or more, so plan ahead for holidays in the Caribbean.

* Announced by the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security on September 4, 2007: The temporary Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) accommodation, allowing U.S. citizens to travel by air within the Western Hemisphere, including the Caribbean, using a Department of State (DOS) official proof of passport application receipt, ended as scheduled at midnight on Sept. 30, 2007. U.S. citizens who departed the country under this travel accommodation prior to Oct. 1 with a Department of State official proof of passport application receipt and government-issued identification will be readmitted with these same documents if returning to the United States after Sept. 30.

Effective Oct. 1, 2007, U.S. Citizens traveling by air to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda must present a passport or other WHTI-compliant documentation to enter or depart from the United States. It is always strongly recommended that U.S. Citizens verify the specific documentary requirements for their destination country.

Welcome to the January 2008 Edition of Island Hideaways' Caribbean Villa Newsletter!

We have more than 21 years of experience arranging luxury villas and private islands for rent in Barbados, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Mustique, St. Croix, St. John, St. Lucia, St. Martin, St. Thomas, Tortola, and Virgin Gorda. It would be our pleasure to assist you with planning your next villa vacation.

This month, we feature the beautiful island of Nevis and Four Season's Palm Grove Villa as our Villa of the Month…

Villa of the Month:
Palm Grove, Four Seasons Resort, Nevis

Nestled among palm trees and lush gardens and located just moments from Pinney's Beach, Palm Grove provides luxurious homes that offer stunning views of Nevis Peak and the resort's Robert Trent Jones II-designed golf course. Staying in these homes offers the best of both worlds: the privacy and comfort of a private home and the amenities and personal service of a Four Seasons resort.

Available in a variety of sizes and configurations, including two, three, and six bedrooms, many of these villas feature either an in-ground plunge pool with sun deck, protected by foliage for privacy, or a full-size swimming pool. Some of the layouts also include screened verandas.

Inside, warm colors, upholstered furniture, bed linens with vivid tropical palettes and spacious living quarters accentuated by the height of the cathedral ceilings characterize the inviting décor of the Palm Grove villas. Each home rental features fully-equipped gourmet kitchens, king-size beds, and luxurious marble bathrooms. Among the many amenities available in all Palm Grove villas are multiple television sets, DVD players, and a washer and dryer.

Guests of any of the Palm Grove villas also have access to all the features of Four Seasons Resort Nevis, including full room service. Only a short stroll from the villas, the resort offers a state-of-the-art fitness center, a Four Seasons spa, three free-form swimming pools, extensive tennis facilities, the aforementioned golf course, and multiple dining choices (described below).

For more information, please go to the listing on our website by clicking here .

It would be our pleasure to personally describe this exquisite property to you; please call us toll-free at 800-832-2302 for more information or to make a reservation.

The Island: Nevis

This quiet, unspoiled getaway and its more rowdy sister island St. Kitts boast some of the most temperate weather in the Caribbean with annual temperature of 79 degrees and low humidity.

At 36 square miles, Nevis is miniscule in size, but still full of historic landmarks and attractions, including the majestic 3,232-foot Nevis Peak, a dormant volcano, the famous Pinney's Beach, and a rain forest.

The island's natural beauty and seclusion sets it apart from the more crowded St. Kitts and make it a desirable alternative for nature lovers or travelers seeking peace and quiet or a romantic atmosphere. In fact, development control measures have prioritized privacy and the preservation of the island's natural beauty by not allowing buildings to be taller than two stories.

For those seeking a more active nightlife, there is always a half hour catamaran ride to St. Kitts where a great time can be had before returning to the serenity of Nevis. For those who prefer to remain on the island for their entire vacation, the solitude and beauty of Nevis can be accentuated by some excellent outdoor adventures-even beyond everything offered at Four Seasons Nevis-including our Activity of the Month…

Horseback Riding

Founded in 1996 and visited by many celebrities, the Nevis Equestrian Centre offers a lineup of trail rides over a variety of terrains according to riding skill level. Take a leisurely ride along the beach or get adventurous with a more rugged mountain ride. In all, there are four standard rides to choose from: the Most Popular Beach & Trail Ride (1.5 hours), the Extended Beach & Trail Ride (2 hours), the Tower Hill Mountain Ride (2.5 hours), and the Cross-Island Ride (5 hours) which includes lunch. Private rides, customized to riders' experience and scenery tastes, may also be arranged. In addition, the Centre offers group and private lessons in its arena.

Note that no children under six are allowed on the trail rides; however, prior to arrival, visitors may arrange to have children under six led around the arena on a leadline. For more information horseback riding in Nevis and for details about each of the four rides, visit www.ridenevis.com.

A horseback riding adventure is sure to be a highlight of any trip to Nevis. And a fun-filled day under the sun often works up an appetite…

Restaurant of the Month
Mango, Four Seasons Nevis

From casual outdoor meals to formal dining in an elegant candlelit atmosphere, Four Seasons Resort Nevis offers a variety of experiences in their four restaurants-The Dining Room, Neve, The Pool Cabana, and Mango. The Dining Room is a large, indoor gourmet restaurant with expansive windows that provide stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. It features regional cuisine with French and Asian twists and offers a children's menu. In contrast to the formal setting of the Dining Room, Neve is a casual restaurant that is open for lunch and dinner. This Italian bistro-style eatery features a relaxed, contemporary décor and an open-air layout that includes a terrace for outdoor dining. Open only for lunch, The Pool Cabana is the most informal dining option at Four Seasons Nevis. This poolside dining area has a full bar and offers sandwiches, fresh seafood, vegetarian fare, and a children's menu.

While each of the four restaurants is special in its own way, Mango sets itself apart with an unbeatable setting in which diners enjoy their meals and a fantastic view of neighboring St. Kitts from an outdoor deck above crashing waves. The 18th hole of the resort's golf course is also nearby. The restaurant has become a popular spot to witness dreamy sunsets, while sipping on cocktails, such as the signature Mangojito. The creative yet casual cuisine is also a strong draw. The menu includes traditional tropical favorites such as ceviche served in coconut shells and baby back ribs with Jamaican Rum Barbecue Sauce-a chef special-as well as local seafood fresh from the Caribbean such as spiny lobster and Mahi-mahi. Many of the restaurant's dishes include exotic ingredients and spices from the island's fertile volcanic soil, including coconut, mango, and passion fruit.

Mango is normally open Wednesday to Monday 6 pm - 10 pm; however, hours may vary according to the season. Call Island Hideaways for details. Also, the restaurant takes and recommends reservations because of its popularity.

We'd be happy to make reservations for you; please contact us toll-free at 800-832-2302.

About Island Hideaways

Island Hideaways has specialized in Caribbean villa vacations since 1986. We represent hundreds of luxury vacation villa rentals throughout the Caribbean islands. Island Hideaways was named "A first-rate agency that specializes in Caribbean properties" by BusinessWeek magazine and our website received Forbes magazine's prestigious "Best of the Web" award each summer from 2000 - 2005. Please call us toll-free at 800-832-2302, or email us at villas@islandhideaways.com with any questions, suggestions, or comments.


We have been receiving some calls and e-mails from clients commenting that they are no longer receiving our monthly newsletters. Please let us know if you change e-mail addresses so that we may keep the newsletters coming your way.

This communication is a special deals notification only. Island Hideaways shall not be liable for any clients' failure to receive such e-mails.

Copyright © 2008