MARCH 2008

Villas of the Month: Mystique The Island: Anguilla Horseback Riding along the Beach Restaurant of the Month: Koalkeel Passport Reminder

Recent Returns

See What Our Guests Have to Say About Their Recent Trips

Maison Veldkamp, St. Thomas
"Fabulous panoramic views, well appointed villa and very attentive concierge service. The interior was luxurious and comfortable. Spending time at the villa and pool was just as much fun as the beaches and shopping. If privacy important to you, you'll love this villa. My family will definately return."

- K.A. from NY

West Shore, Barbados
"This was our first time booking with Island Hideaways and oh what a delight. As for our villa, it was absolutely spectular and everything we wanted (eight adults). The beach was literally at our doorstep. The staff Julianna and Lianna were great and the meals were wonderful."

- Lori M. from Canada

Mersoleil, St. Martin
"What a great villa! We hardly ever left it. Great staff! Can't wait to go back."

- Trish M. from NJ

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 March 2008 Edition of Island Hideaways' Caribbean Villa Newsletter!

Thank you for visiting our website at www.islandhideaways.com, which was featured by Forbes Magazine in its "Best of the Web" Issue.

We have more than 22 years of experience arranging luxury villas and private islands for rent in islands throughout the Caribbean including Anguilla, Barbados, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Mustique, Nevis, St. Barts, St. Croix, St. John, St. Lucia, St. Martin, St. Thomas, Tortola, Turks & Caicos, and Virgin Gorda. It would be our pleasure to assist you with planning your next vacation.

Our Villa of the Month for March is the luxurious Mystique on the exclusive island of Anguilla.

Villas of the Month: Mystique

Mystique is one of three villas at Sheriva, Anguilla's only boutique villa resort. Situated in the island's hip West End, Sheriva opened in December 2006. The 10-acre, waterfront property has since taken the Caribbean by storm, and, in February 2008, it received the coveted AAA 4-Diamond Award for its "superior personal service, first-class amenities, and impressive surroundings." In addition to dreamy views of neighboring St. Martin, Cove Bay, and the Caribbean Sea, Sheriva offers accommodations ranging from oversized one-bedroom private pool suites to expansive villas and features many resort amenities, such as signing privileges at three world-class restaurants inside Cap Juluca, the 5-star luxury resort nearby. Sheriva also provides services such as VIP roundtrip transfers to and from the airport; twice-daily housekeeping services, including complimentary laundry and pressing services; complimentary shuttle service to Cove Cay Beach and Maundays Bay beach at Cap Juluca; and more.

For those who rent villas at Sheriva, it's the best of both worlds: resort amenities and services AND the privacy and comfort of a private home. In addition to the benefits offered to suite guests, villa guests also enjoy private chef services and a private concierge available to respond to requests-whether they are needs or mere whims-around the clock. Of the three villas, two-Harmony and Infinity-are identical 14,000 square-foot residences. Each has seven bedrooms, two private pools, and a media/entertainment room.

The largest of the magnificent villas at Sheriva, Mystique offers 21,000 square feet, featuring four Grand Villa Suites, a Loft Junior Suite, a Garden Suite, three swimming pools-including an infinity pool-and a private, fully-equipped workout facility. Guests of Mystique also enjoy the 5-star assistance of two maids, who provide twice-daily housekeeping services, and their own private chef, who is available to prepare three meals a day. Some of the villa amenities include cable television with a CD/DVD player, air-conditioning, a computer, a FAX machine, and wireless Internet access.

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: Anguilla

Situated east of the Virgin Islands, north of St. Kitts, Nevis, and St. Barts, this small, tranquil island is still one of the Caribbean's best-kept secrets. Best known for the hospitality of its people and its stunning white-sand beaches, Anguilla also draws visitors with its spectacular and ecologically important coral reefs that allow for some of the best dive waters in the world. For golfers, a recently completed 18-hole championship golf course designed by Greg Norman is not to be missed. The Temenos Golf Club, the first and only course on the island, features sweeping views of the ocean. Other popular activities on Anguilla include boating excursions, sailing, snorkeling, and our Activity of the Month...

Horseback Riding along the Beach

For many, riding a horse along a secluded beach is only a fantasy that only happens in the movies. In Anguilla, however, Seaside Stables can turn these idle thoughts into reality. Allow owner Tonia Downing to take you on the ride of your life. As a longtime resident of Anguilla and an accomplished British equestrian, Tonia can deliver just about any riding experience you wish to have, tailored to your level of experience. From an outing for the whole family that begins with the sun rising to a romantic, moonlit ride through the surf of Cove Bay, Seaside Stables can customize its services to create your desired experience. While most rides take place on the beach of Cove Bay, rides along the shores of Merrywing Bay and Rendevous Bay and a two-hour journey to Meads Bay are also options. Tonia promises a safe and comfortable ride to everyone, and she and her staff are available to provide instruction to any rider, from beginner to advanced.

Reservations are required, and we at Island Hideaways would be happy to make them for you; please contact us toll-free at 800-832-2302. For more information about Seaside Stables, visit their website.

While horseback riding can a relaxing and easy-going activity, it is never effortless, and any experienced rider will tell you that a long ride is a great way to build up an appetite.

Fortunately, the perfect way to reflect on a fulfilling day of riding is nearby...

Restaurant of the Month: Koalkeel

This vastly popular restaurant in Anguilla owes much of its charm to its historic background. Originally part of a 18th century sugar and cotton plantation, the restored building that houses Koalkeel has a 200-year-old rock oven still in use by the restaurant and the on-site bakery. In addition to the restaurant and the bakery, the establishment also includes an exceptional 15,000-bottle wine cellar. With all of these special features, it's safe to say that this is not your average restaurant. In one visit you can dine, shop for vintage wines, and buy tea, fresh French bread, and croissants. The restaurant is also decorated with West Indian antiques that help to transport you back to another time.

While the décor, atmosphere, and features are draws unto themselves, the restaurant's culinary experience is impressive in its own right. Offering both innovative Euro-Caribe cuisine and traditional Anguillian plates, Koalkeel has a diverse menu aimed to satisfy all. Specialties include fresh seafood classics, like steamed Mahi Mahi and grilled tuna, as well as traditional Tandoori dishes. If you want to go all out, try the chef's signature dish: Rock Oven Chicken. It's enough to satisfy two people, but, be advised, it must be order 24 hours in advance. To view the full menu, visit the Koalkeel website.

KoalKeel opens Monday through Saturday at 6:30 pm. Reservations are required, but why make a reservation when Island Hideaways can make it for you? If you would like our assistance, 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 is a Best of the Web pick by Forbes Magazine. Please call us toll-free at 800-832-2302, or email us at villas@islandhideaways.com with any questions, suggestions, or comments.

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