APRIL 2008

Recent Returns

See What Our Guests Have to Say About Their Recent Trips

Secret Gardens, St. Thomas
"This villa was magnificent!!! This was my first experience at renting a private villa and I would recommend it to anyone. The property management staff were excellent … the most accommodating people I've ever had the privilege of meeting. We lacked for nothing and they were attentive to our every need, even going as far as giving us their private phone numbers in case we needed anything. It was, without a doubt, one of the BEST vacations I've ever had. Salute!!!!"

    - Evelyn H. from US

La Pergola, St. Martin
"We stayed in this villa together with 3 other couples. We found the accomodations to be perfect for 8 adults. The view from the living quarters and pool is second to none. We really enjoyed the open air common areas, covered gazebo area for cocktails and convenience to shopping and restaurants. We hope to return some day soon."

    - Debra W. from FL

Mersoleil, St. Martin
"Simply Paradise!! The view of the Carribean Sea is spectacular. The villa is gorgeous, very comfortable and decorated exquisitively. We loved St. Marteen- the food, the beaches (breathtaking), the people and the entertainment! It's a must for all international travelers!!"

    - The Randles from MI

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 April 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 April is Sand Dollar Estate on the exclusive island of St. Thomas.

Villa of the Month: Sand Dollar Estate

This magnificent, eight-bedroom villa, maintained and serviced by a housekeeper, estate chef, and full-time property manager, overlooks the pristine waters of beautiful Magens Bay. Covering two and a half acres, Sand Dollar Estate is the only luxury vacation rental in St. Thomas that has its own private beach. The estate consists of two properties-the main villa and a guest cottage-that accommodate up to 22 guests in tandem.

Recently remodeled and fully air-conditioned, the main house features multiple levels and full-length windows to showcase spectacular views of the ocean. The upper entry level of the main house has two spacious and lavishly-furnished bedrooms, each with king-size beds, large, luxurious bathrooms, and decks with outdoor showers. The bedrooms on this floor also include alcoves with sofa beds perfect for small children.

Down a short flight of stairs, the main level offers a large, open kitchen with granite countertops; an open-air breakfast nook; a den with a computer, fax machine, and Internet access; a living area with surround sound and a plasma-screen television; and a bedroom suite with a queen-size bed and full bathroom.

The main level also opens to the expansive pool setup-complete with a hot tub, shaded gazebo, and covered dining area-surrounded by three additional air-conditioned bedroom suites, each with its own separate bath and sitting area. If that's not enough, stairs descend from the pool deck directly onto the private beach, where the staff can organize a variety of watersports activities for you.

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: St. Thomas

While the immediate area surrounding Sand Dollar features the beach and the beautiful Magens Bay Arboretum, guests looking for adventure would be remiss not to explore other parts of St. Thomas and its neighboring islands. Some highlights of St. Thomas include a famous shopping experience in Charlotte Amalie, secluded Water Island-a largely undeveloped piece of tropical paradise-and Coral World, the largest natural reef aquarium on earth.

Island-hopping is popular in the Virgin Islands and some of St. Thomas' neighbors also provide many unbeatable Caribbean activities-everything from swimming in calm bays outlined by secluded beaches to snorkeling amidst colorful coral reefs and marveling at schools of tropical fish. For guests who want to see the best of St. Thomas, we recommend our Activity of the Month…

St. Thomas Skyride

The best way to see Charlotte Amalie, the historic capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is to take this mesmerizing tram ride 700 feet to the top of Paradise Point. The five-minute trip features panoramic views, high above St. Thomas Harbor. Catch one of the last trams of the day, and you'll have the pleasure of enjoying this magical vista at sunset. It's no wonder why the St. Thomas Skyride has been consistently voted "Best Tourist Attraction" by readers of The Virgin Islands Daily News.

From a nature trail and bird shows to more stunning views from an observation deck and wedding gazebo, the summit of Paradise Point has many attractions and activities that make the destination as exciting as the ride itself. One of the more intense activities is provided by SkyJump, a bungee/trampoline contraption that allows one to safely and easily jump up to 20 feet high while doing acrobatic maneuvers. There is also a collection of shops for those who want a more easy-going visit to Paradise Point. For more information about the St. Thomas Skyride, visit their website.

With so much to do, it's a good thing that Paradise Point also has a restaurant. For those who build up an appetite, Paradise Point restaurant offers a casual atmosphere, live entertainment, and a diverse menu, including the popular signature cocktail, Baileys Bushwacker. If you want a more refined dining experience, we suggest you take the tram back to town, and visit our Restaurant of the Month…

Restaurant of the Month: Hervé

Nestled in the historic district of Charlotte Amalie, this vastly popular restaurant in St. Thomas has it all: an incredible setting with stellar views, exceptional service, and the best food on the island. Dine al fresco on a large, open-air terrace or inside in a more intimate wine room. All patrons enjoy a 270-degree view of the Charlotte Amalie Harbor and its surroundings.

While the setting, ambiance, and the panoramic view are first-rate features, the restaurant's superb cuisine is the main draw and the reason that it has received excellent critical reviews from the New York Times, the Washington Post, Gourmet magazine, and others. Offering French-American cuisine with a Caribbean twist, Hervé has a diverse and extensive menu that includes 13 seafood dishes and 12 meat and poultry entrées, like filet mignon, venison, duck-and even quail. Specialties include bouillabaisse in a Pernod saffron broth and black sesame-crusted tuna served with a ginger-raspberry sauce. The restaurant also has a wine list that was recognized by Wine Spectator for its excellence in 2007. Be sure to save room for dessert because the cheesecakes on the menu are not to be missed. To view the full menu, visit the restaurant's website.

Hervé Restaurant is open for dinner from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily and for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday. Reservations are requested, 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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