MAY 2008

Villa of the Month: Petite Plage 4 The Island: St. Martin/St. Maarten Nightlife in St. Maarten Restaurant of the Month: La Cigale Passport Reminder

Recent Returns

See What Our Guests Have to Say About Their Recent Trips

Peace Bay Villa, Cayman Islands
I love the layout and the color scheme. I love the beach front and pool access to the ocean. The Mahogony furniture adds the uniqueness and style that captures the essence of the Carribean elegance that any family would enjoy any season. I recommend this vacation excursion to all family, friends and executives. The family atmosphere is one of value that enhances the golden rule of putting family first. Well done.

- Terrie T. from OH

Magic Castle, Tortola
We recently returned from our 3rd visit to the beautiful Magic Castle Villa. This beautiful villa, in an idyllic spot, is a true vacation hideaway. The beautiful views, great breezes and really great amenities make this an ideal Tortola vacation rental. Eva is a most gracious host and the private setting with the beautiful beach below is truly amazing. This was our 8th visit to the BVI, we love it. The Magic Castle is a definite must stay place.

- Larry & Dawne from ME

Coral Cove, St. John
We had such a great time at Coral Cove. It was truly a tropical retreat but we were still close to restaurants, hiking and surrounding beaches. The house was so easy to live in and truly beautiful. The children had fun at the pool and exploring the surrounding area and we just relaxed :) We haven't been to a more beautiful villa. It is so nice that you are in your own private area but still a part of the main house. I haven't had a better set up...anywhere.

- Susan from OH

Amonoka, St. Croix
I can't imagine a better place to vacation than Amonoka on St. Croix! The view is spectacular, the pool delightful, and amenities plentiful and the floor plan just right for a relaxed vacation with friends. Yet it is not far from some of the best restaurants, beaches and shopping. I will highly recommend this villa to anyone!

- KCW from MA

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 May 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 May is Petite Plage 4 on the beautiful island of St. Martin.

Villa of the Month: Petite Plage 4

This spacious, four-bedroom villa offering brilliant sunsets is located just a ten-minute walk from Grand Case and a ten-minute drive from Marigot, the charming, historic capital of St. Martin. In addition to its ideal location on the beach, the property also features a large swimming pool and Jacuzzi, and, for those rainy days, plasma-screen televisions in each bedroom and in the gourmet kitchen. With satellite service, you'll easily feel at home when you just want to relax in this fully air-conditioned home.

Other amenities include a washer and dryer, a generator, and an electric gate for added security. In addition to the main villa, an air-conditioned studio with twin bedrooms is available to accommodate guests, staff, or any others who are part of a large group.

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. Martin/St. Maarten

If there were a single island that could represent the Caribbean and the variety of travel experiences to be had there, this would be it. Located midway through the Caribbean chain and surrounded by warm, blue waters and cool trade winds, St. Martin/St. Maarten is uniquely governed by two nations: France and the Netherlands. As such, the island has two halves, the Dutch St. Maarten in the north and the French St. Martin in the south. This unique dynamic draws a sizeable contingent of European tourists and gives the island a decidedly international ambiance. St. Maarten offers more excitement and bustling activity, while St. Martin is more laid-back and known for its many superb restaurants. This duality, of course, makes St. Martin/St. Maarten a destination compatible with a wide range of personal preferences. Visit this Caribbean island, and you'll discover coral reefs for diving and snorkeling, beautiful white-sand beaches, countless duty-free shops and boutiques, and over 250 restaurants. St. Maarten is also known for its thrilling nightlife . . .

Nightlife in St. Maarten

Chilling in hip night clubs, late-night shopping, dancing disco, listening to live music, and the list goes on. The day isn't over when night falls on chic St. Maarten. But the most prevalent nighttime activity on the Dutch side of the island is casino gaming.

The island's nine casinos-all in St. Maarten-feature a diverse range of themes, so you're never bored-even if you visit them all. For instance, the Atlantis World Casino has a design evocative of the legendary underwater city, while Paradise Plaza Casino beckons sports fans with its large, flat-screen televisions with satellite feed and the camaraderie of its sports bar.

For more information about what each casino has to offer, visit their websites:

While St. Maarten provides most of the fun on the island, St. Martin offers most of the destination's world-class dining experiences, and that's where you'll find our Restaurant of the Month . . .

Restaurant of the Month: La Cigale

Situated on Laguna Beach in Nettle Bay and surrounded by idyllic palm trees, this small French restaurant has a family atmosphere, a secluded setting with stellar views, first-rate service, an extensive wine list, and superb cuisine. Dine al fresco on a large, open-air terrace or inside. You'll enjoy unobstructed views of lovely Simpson Bay Lagoon and its surroundings.

Your experience at La Cigale begins when Olivier, the owner of this family-run restaurant, personally greets you and the personal attention continues throughout your meal. From lobster bisque to Provencal-style sea bass, the traditional French cuisine is as good as to be found anywhere in the Caribbean. House specialties include salmon carpaccio and beef Rossini with black truffle sauce. Also, save room for dessert because the melting chocolate soufflé cake is the ultimate conclusion to an amazing dining experience. To view the full menu, visit the restaurant's website.

La Cigale is open for dinner from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. six days a week (closed Sundays). 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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