NOVEMBER 2005

Recent Returns

See What Our Clients Have to Say About Their Recent Trips

"La Perla was a beauty to behold. This secluded little hideaway was the perfect spot for a private getaway. Simply Paradise! The location, setting and serenity of La Perla makes it a benchmark for future vacation spots."

David T, PA
La Perla, St. Martin

"I would definitely recommend Island Hideaways to all my friends. The staff is very knowledgeable and go out of their way to accommodate your needs. Thanks to all of you for assisting us in our choice for a vacation villa that was as great as you represented it to be."

Donna R., MD
West Shore, Barbados

"We really enjoyed ourselves at Reeds - Everyone there was polite and helpful - The place was well kept."

Debbie S. from NJ
Reeds House 3 - Barbados

"We enjoyed our stay and would have to book through Islands Hideaways on our next trip to the Caribbean."

Len U. from PA
Pelican Reef, Virgin Gorda

"My wife and I really enjoyed our stay. We loved the villa, it was wonderful. I would definitely recommend you to my friends and I look forward to working with you again in the future."

David M. from WI
Harmony, St. Martin

"Another great trip - No more cruises for me -"

KK from TX
Infinity, St. Thomas

"The usual wonderful experience! Thanks!"

RS from TX
Pelican Reef, Virgin Gorda

"We had thought that you helped to arrange the perfect vacation when we visited St. John, USVI a couple of years ago, but we were wrong. Virgin Gorda, BVI is truly paradise found! Everthing was wonderful. The villa was perfect for our family of five. We had miles of beach and reef to ourselves. Dinner at Giorgio's Table was exquisite. You can bet that we will come back to you again to help arrange another escape to the Caribbean. "

KY from VA
Double Sunrise, Virgin Gorda

"Rockworks was the perfect place to get away from it all! We will definitely be back!"

JB E. from OK
Rockworks, St. Thomas

"We LOVED Thomas House. We had such a good time and I can't thank you enough for all your assistance on making this such a memorable, enjoyable, and all around FANTASTIC vacation. The house was beautiful, the location perfect, the staff really nice... it was great. The vacation was all that I imagined and more. Thank you so, so, so much for helping us plan it and make it a success. "

Nyasha W. from NY
Thomas House, Jamaica

"The view was spectacular - everything we'd hoped for! Great experience - so nice to have our own space, pool and air conditioned bedrooms!"

Shane M., IA
Blue, Tortola

"Very, very nice home. Great view. We really enjoyed it and look forward to working with you in the future."

Cindy F., VA
Honeymoon Cove, St. Croix

"I just wanted to tell you what a fabulous time we had in Barbados. Reed's House #1 was a great property. Its location, right on a wonderful, calm, secluded beach was idyllic. There are two reefs right off of our beach and we really enjoyed swimming and snorkeling there. We even swam with a leatherback turtle right in our own backyard! We found the condo to be very comfortable, and our daughters loved having their own "apartment" upstairs. As a point of information, not only were the bedrooms air-conditioned, but also the extra large bathrooms, as well as the lounge on the 1st floor (we think of it as the 2nd floor). To me, one of the best aspects of this vacation was the service. Upon our arrival on the island, we were met promptly at the airport by the transfer service and whisked away to our condo. Our cook, Elyse, was fabulous. She went out of her way to cater to us, and no dish was too much trouble for her to whip up. Her culinary skills are superb. I begged her to come home with us!! Beverly was our wonderful housekeeper. The house was kept spotless and our laundry was done daily including ironing when needed! Wow!! The property manager, Mark, was very helpful and the night-time security guards checked on us regularly every evening. Needless to say, we all felt safe and cared for during our (too short) stay. It will be our pleasure to plan a future vacation with Island Hideaways. "

James H. from NJ
Reeds House #1, Barbados

Welcome to the November 2005 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 19 years. It would be our pleasure to assist you with your next Villa Vacation!

Sint Maarten's Casinos

If you are looking for a fun night out, try one of the the island's many casinos located on the Dutch side of the island. These European-style casinos are more sophisticated and quieter than their glitzy Las Vegas counterparts.

The Atlantis Casino in Cupecoy pays homage to the legendary lost city of Atlantis. One of only two casinos open 24 hours, the Atlantis is one of Sint Maarten's most popular casinos. The casino is a great destination for a night of dining and gambling--some of St. Maarten's best restaurants like Temptation, the new steakhouse Rare, the Italian favorite La Gondola, the classic Montemartre, and the lively Cheri's Cafe are located in or near the casino. The Atlantis has a private salon for high-stakes baccarat and offers plenty of table gaming, such as roulette and blackjack. Poker aficionados have their choice of a variety of games like Texas Hold'em and Caribbean stud poker and can also participate in the casino's poker tournaments. The Atlantis also has a number of slot machines.

The Casino Royale is another of Sint Maarten's larger casinos. Like the Atlantis, the Casino Royale is open 24 hours. Located at the Maho Beach Resort, this casino has plenty to keep gamblers and visitors happy. There are 16 blackjack tables, 6 roulette wheels, 3 craps tables, 3 Caribbean-stud poker tables, and 250 slot machines. The casino also offers live entertainment ranging from dance revues and musicians to comedians and magic shows.

As you would expect of a casino named the Princess Port De Plaisance, this casino is one of Sint Maarten's most luxurious casinos. The 12,000-square foot Princess offers plenty of action--from gaming to live floorshows a la Las Vegas to a number of restaurants. The casino has 20 table games, including roulette, craps, blackjack, and Caribbean stud poker, as well as a number of slot machines.

The Rouge et Noir Casino in Philipsburg is one of St. Maarten's smaller gambling venues. This casino's slot machines and table games attract the cruise ship crowd.

The Dolphin Casino has moved from the Caravanserai Beach Resort to the ground floor of the Sunset Theatre in Simpson Bay. Gamblers can play a variety of slot machines, ranging in currency from a quarter to a dollar to five dollars. There's also video poker, keno, roulette, and blackjack. Those wanting to try their skill at table games can choose from Caribbean stud poker, baccarat, craps, American roulette, and Las Vegas-style blackjack.

The island will also gain another casino when the Dune Casino opens at the Caravanserai Beach Resort, once its license is approved.

A celebrity theme is the hallmark of the Hollywood Casino located in Simpson Bay. This Las Vegas-style casino offers its clientele table games like craps, roulette (single-zero and double-zero), blackjack, and poker (Antillean, Texas Hold'em) as well as 100 slot machines. This casino, located at the Pelican Resort, also has a sports book with nine screens showing all the major races and sporting events. There's also a late night buffet for dedicated players.

The Coliseum has an ancient Rome theme. With its three floors of entertainment, the Coliseum has much to offer gamers who will find slots, poker machines, and a private gaming room that features blackjack, roulette, and Caribbean stud poker.

The Lightning Casino is a favorite with sports fans. Its numerous wide-screen TVs keep fans up to date on the latest baseball, soccer, boxing, hockey, basketball, and football games.

The Diamond Casino in Philipsburg has plenty of gaming with 250 slot machines, and table games ranging from blackjack to roulette to poker like Caribbean stud and three card.

The Golden Casino can be found at the Great Bay Beach Hotel. This casino offers its clientele both slots and 10 table games such as blackjack, roulette, and Caribbean stud poker.

No matter what your game, you'll find a number of casinos offering plenty of opportunities to dance with Lady Luck.

Villa of the Month: La Perla, Baie Rouge, St. Martin

This secluded hideaway is a wonderful place for a rendezvous with that special someone. La Perla is a romantic one-bedroom villa directly on one of St. Martin's best beaches--Baie Rouge. Every room in the villa delights offers exquisite views of the sparkling blue waters and pink-tinged sands. The villa's decor is sophisticated European with tiles, color-washed fireplace, and contemporary furnishings.

The air-conditioned bedroom is furnished with a king-size bed. The bedroom also takes advantages of the trade winds with a ceiling fan and screens.

The beachfront terrace beckons with its lovely pool and awe-inspiring views. Baie Rouge is a lovely beach and has a number of diving spots.

La Perla's amenities include a fully equipped gourmet kitchen, daily maid service, CD player, cable TV, and VCR.

Although La Perla gives its visitors the feeling of being far away from civilization, the villa is only a 10-minute drive from the capital Marigot.

A stay at La Perla promises to be one getaway you will never forget.

For more information, please see the listing on our web site: La Perla, St. Martin

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: Cheri's Cafe, Sint Maarten

Cheri's Cafe is known as much for its ambience as for its food. This casual, open-air cafe is located in the Maho Beach Shopping Complex on the Dutch side of the island across from Maho Beach Resort & its Casino Royale. Considered one of the island's best bars, Cheri's serves a wide selection of cocktails and a classic menu with something to please everyone. An extensive appetizer menu has all the favorites--popcorn shrimp, fried calamari, wings, mozzarella sticks. The restaurant serves both lunch and dinner, and is also a great spot for after-dinner drinks. Cheri's aims to please any meat lover with its 18-ounce steaks and 1/2-pound burgers. There's also a nice selection of fresh seafood and fish dishes. Pasta such as fettuccine alfredo and lasagna, chicken entrees, sandwiches, omelets, and salads round out the restaurant's offerings.

While many come to enjoy the food and casual atmosphere, others stop by for the potent drinks like the guavaberry colada and the lively entertainment. The house band keeps the place hopping in the evenings. Sweet Chocolat plays Caribbean music as well as favorites from around the world. The dancing and entertainment start at 8 p.m. and continues until midnight.

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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