SEPTEMBER 2006

Recent Returns

See What Our Guests Have to Say About Their Recent Trips

"The location is perfect for children. Island Hideaways was excellent."

Peter C., CT
Beachcomber, Virgin Gorda

"We hiked to top of the point, snorkeled off the dock, walked back and forth to smuggler's cove beach, etc. and some swam all around the point, too. It really was a great situation, with the view and the proximity to the ocean/ beach. We would absolutely rent again."

Andrea R., AZ
Gun Point, Tortola

"We're back from our trip and I have to let you know that it was by far the BEST villa I've stayed at to date. It was FANTASTIC. We had the best time. Thank you so much for helping to make this the perfect vacation. We were not disappointed in any way. I think Island Hideaways is the best villa company I have used. You guys are dependable, friendly, and reputable. Thank you!!!"

Nyasha W., NY
Bleu Passion, St. Martin

"This was our second visit- Island and caretakers were excellent again!"

Derek W., GA
Seagrape Cottage, Little Thatch Island

"The house staff was wonderful. The house was perfect for a group of adult friends. We especially enjoyed Marigot and Grand Case. Thank you - we will call you again in the future."

Alexandra C., PA
Belvedere, St. Martin

"Wonderful vacation. Couldn't ask for more. The staff of this house was exceptional."

Ilene D., CA
Point of View, Barbados

"We were both very pleased with the service Island Hideaways provided. Thank you so very much you were such a huge part in our wedding plans:)"

Jennifer W., TX
Mahogany Hill, Barbados

"We had one of the most relaxing and memorable vacations EVER!"

Beth N., MD
Lune de Miel

"The staff at La Paloma was wonderful. They kept the villa spotless and provided great information about the area that helped to make our stay very enjoyable. It was like having a personal friends or relatives in the area. They were terrific. The local contact person, Margarite, was also outstanding. All around it was an excellent experience."

Sara S., ME
La Paloma, St. Lucia

"We have finally settled back into our routine after our whirlwind wedding week in St. Croix! I wanted to thank you and everyone at Island Hideaways for all your help; Clairmont Mill was really the perfect setting for our wedding. Miss Clark was very helpful and is a fantastic cook."

Jennifer B., CT
Clairmont Mill, St. Croix

"I couldn't imagine a better place to stay! Nothing could ever measure up to the views, the accommodations or the beautiful plant-life surrounding the house. I loved that there wasn't a single detail overlooked (cute little signs with painted geckos...the beautiful tile everywhere...amazing amphitheater and incredible beach) Thank you for making our stay one we will NEVER forget!"

D. B., NY
Coco de Mer, St. John

"This villa was great!!!!!! The staff was excellent. I hated the fact that I had to leave. Everyone was GREAT. Howard I miss you...xoxoxox. I'll see you again when I return next year."

Marice C., NC
Skylark, Jamaica

"Was everything we hoped. "

Mark J., NE
Caribbean Wind, Virgin Gorda

"The house and services were excellent!"

Lisa Y., MA
Bellamare, Virgin Gorda

"The personnel of Island Hideaways could not have been more helpful in all aspects of our vacation. The villa was wonderful and I can't say enough good things about the staff. Thank you all for a wonderful vacation."

Keith P., SC
Hibiscus, Barbados

Welcome to the September 2006 Edition of Island Hideaways' Caribbean Villa Newsletter!

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

We have represented 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 for more than 20 years. It would be our pleasure to assist you with your next Villa Vacation!

Exploring the HMS Rhone, BVI

One of the most popular dive sites in the BVI is the HMS Rhone. A hurricane on October 29, 1867 sent this Royal mail ship to the waters off Salt Island. The sea has claimed this wreck turning it into a fascinating dive spot that is as much a natural reef as it is a wreck. This wreck dive fits the image of a ship wreck that most people have--so perfectly does it fit this image that it served as the filming location for the 1997 movie The Deep, starring Nick Nolte, Jacqueline Bissett, and Robert Shaw.

The HMS Rhone, a 310-foot long mail packet powered by sail with an early steam-driven propeller, was built in Southampton, England, in 1865. The bow section remains intact and can be clearly seen. Divers and snorkelers can also recognize the mast and crow's nest as well as the ship's signaling cannon. The stern rests in the shallows where the propeller and potholes are visible. Orange cup coral and schools of fish can be viewed inside the wreck.

Experienced and novice divers as well as snorkelers will enjoy exploring this popular dive site. Snorkeling excursions, dive boats, and charters visit this site daily.

Villa of the Month: Tara, Tortola, BVI

This grand villa on a hillside in Tortola's West End is one of the island's grandest vacation homes. The villa encompasses three bedrooms and a main living area in four rambling pavilions. The large main pavilion features the Great Room, Tara's comfortably furnished gathering space. Off this room is the veranda, a breezy outdoor living space where guests can relax and enjoy the views. The gourmet kitchen in the main pavilion also has direct access to the veranda and adjoining pool terrace. Guests can dine poolside on the terrace. A tiki bar, equipped with refrigerator and icemaker, creates a fun atmosphere and great place to enjoy a cocktail from the honor bar. Guests can swim in the lovely pool or relax in the six-person hot tub.

Adjoining the main pavilion is the garden pavilion with its lovely fountain--a romantic spot to enjoy an al fresco gourmet meal.

Pavilion One, located on the west side of the pool, serves as the master suite. This air-conditioned room has a king-size canopy bed, TV with DVD, and private balcony. There's also a private alfresco stone shower.

Just off the dining terrace pavilion is the third pavilion. This one features two rooms. One serves as the office and guest room. The office equipped with a computer with a DSL connection and printer/scanner/fax. The room has an extra twin bed and pullout double sofa bed. A connecting bath leads to the second room, an air-conditioned bedroom suite with a queen-size bed and private deck and garden.

The fourth pavilion features an air-conditioned suite furnished with a queen-size bed. It has its own balcony as well as a private alfresco stone shower.

Tara is only a six-minute walk from the beach at Smuggler's Cove.

For more information, please see the listing on our web site: Tara, Tortola, BVI.

It would be our pleasure to personally describe this exquisite property to you, please call us at 800.832.2302 for more information.

Restaurant of the Month:
Sugar Mill Restaurant, Tortola, BVI

One of the Caribbean's best restaurants is the Sugar Mill Restaurant in Apple Bay. The Sugar Mill has won numerous awards and been listed on the best restaurant list by travel magazines and reader polls. The restaurant's owners, Jinx and Jefferson Morgan, are long-time contributors to Bon Appetit magazine, and their recipes have been featured in the magazine's pages. The magazine's May issue included the Sugar Mill restaurant in its special collector's edition devoted to the Caribbean.

The Sugar Mill's setting is as wonderful as its food. The restaurant is part of the Sugar Mill Hotel, housed in a 370-year-old stone sugar mill. This hillside property offers guests stunning views of the ocean. Each evening the restaurant features a different menu with an outstanding selection of soups, salads, appetizers, entrees, and desserts. The menu might include Jamaican jerk pork roast, curried banana pumpkin soup, ginger lime scallops, curried lobster patties, and a fresh fish entree. Other evenings it might feature oyster gratin with smoked bacon and Guinness hollandaise and a dessert of coconut-rum flan. Other menu selections have included peanut pumpkin soup, prosciutto and mango with a mango pepper puree followed by a main course of scallops in puff pastry, spicy chicken with pineapple salsa, or almond-crusted lamb loin. There are also vegetarian dishes on the menu like black bean pancakes with vegetable salsa or wild mushrooms in puff pastry among other choices.

Those wanting to enjoy these sublime meals back home can purchase the restaurant's' cookbook, The Sugar Mill Cookbook.

The restaurant has a nice wine list and the menu suggests food and wine pairings for those so inclined. There is a dress code for dinner, and reservations are required at this popular dining establishment.

Please contact us at 1-800-832-2302. We would be happy to make a reservation for your next trip to Tortola.

Still Available for the Thanksgiving holiday!

One of the most popular villas in Jamaica has become available for Thanksgiving! Golden Clouds is a wonderful home with an amazing staff and is perfect for a large family gathering.

Golden Clouds, Jamaica

Please note that the full house rate applies over the thanksgiving holiday.

Winter '06

For those many guests who reserve villas with us year after year, please be reminded that winter space, and even spring space, for our most popular destinations and villas is almost completely sold out. Please remember to make your reservation early to avoid disappointment!

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 Business Week Magazine and our web site received the prestigious "Best of the Web" award by Forbes magazine each summer from 2000 - 2005. Please call us toll-free at 800.832.2302 or e-mail us at villas@islandhideaways.com with any questions, suggestions or comments.


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