Caribbean Villa News / June 2005 /

June 2005, Caribbean Villa Newsletter, Featuring Tortola

Welcome to the June 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!

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In This Issue:

1) BVI Carnival Festival, Tortola, BVI.
2) Villa of the Month: Frenchman's Lookout, Tortola, BVI
3) Recent Returns: See What Our Clients Have to Say About Their Recent Trips
4) Restaurant of the Month: Brandywine Bay, Tortola, BVI
5) Reservations for winter '06

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1) BVI Carnival Festival, Tortola, BVI

On August 1, 1834, the Emancipation Proclamation ending slavery was proclaimed at "The Monday Morning Well" in Roadtown, Tortola. Every summer for the past fifty-one years, Tortola has thrown a celebration to commemorate this historic event. The BVI Emancipation Festival (also known as Summer Festival) is Tortola's version of Carnival. This year's events are scheduled to take place from July 22 through August 5, 2005.

There's something for everyone here-beauty competitions, sailing and power boat races, horse races, parades, musical competitions, fishing tournaments, arts and crafts, food and fun. A week before Festival Monday, the festival village--with its food booths offering West Indian specialties such as rotis, whelk, conch, johnnycakes--opens in Roadtown. On Festival Monday, the fun begins with a Rise and Shine Tramp, a prelude to the day's other parade. Early morning revelers travel the same route that the Grand Parade will take--all the while making music, dancing, and celebrating. Later in the day, islanders and visitors can enjoy the Grand Parade down Main Street. There is much to see as costumed dancers move to the sounds of fungi, reggae, steel band, and calypso, while Mocko Jumbies (colorfully garbed dancers on stilts) demonstrate their talents.

There are plenty of other events as well. One lucky miss competing in the beauty pageant is proclaimed "Miss BVI" and goes on to the well-known Miss Universe pageant. Musicians vie against each other for top honors in the Calypso Competition. A horserace takes place on Festival Tuesday, and sailboat and speedboat races garner lots of participants. The Festival's final event takes place on Festival Wednesday with a parade through the East End.



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2) Villa of the Month: Frenchman's Lookout, Tortola, BVI

Frenchman's Lookout is aptly named: This panoramic spot high above Sir Francis Drake Channel was originally a pirates' lookout. Now, guests can relax in the same spot and enjoy the sweeping views from the home's wide verandas. Four hammocks entice guests to while away the time relaxing, napping, reading, or just enjoying the spectacular views.

Built in the style of homes found throughout the Carolinas, Frenchman's Lookout is a two-story villa with an open-floor plan. Every room in the house opens onto these sweeping verandas through pairs of mahogany French doors-64 in all. The great room, gourmet kitchen, large dining room with banquet table, and master suite are located on the main level. Upstairs are four large air-conditioned bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a fully equipped office with computer, high speed internet access, fax, and printer/scanner/copier.

The downstairs master suite features a queen-size bed, tiled bath, and air conditioning. The upstairs bedrooms offer a variety of sleeping accommodations. One bedroom has two double beds, one bedroom has two twins, and the other two bedrooms are furnished with king-size beds.

Frenchman's Lookout offers plenty to do on site. The state-of-the-art gym is equipped with a treadmill, exercise bike, full weight machine, and free weights. The room doubles as a recreation room: guest can play billiards, table tennis, and foosball here or watch TV. Other amenities include DVD and VCR players, a movie collection, plenty of books and games.

Guests of Frenchman's Lookout can swim in the 50-foot L-shaped freshwater pool. There's also a shallow area that is just right for children. A six-person hot tub is nestled in the estate's magnificent tropical gardens and gives its occupants a terrific view of the beautiful blue waters below.

Those loathe to leave these beautiful surroundings can prepare and enjoy their meals in the poolside gazebo. This outdoor gathering place has a full bar, sink, refrigerator, and top-of-the-line gas grill.

Nearby are two of Tortola's best beaches. Smuggler's Cove and Long Bay are only a seven- or eight-minute-drive away.

Maid service is available 5 days a week, and arrangements can be made for private chef service.

A stay at Frenchman's Lookout is truly a 5-star luxury vacation.

For more information, please see the listing on our web site: Frenchmans Lookout, Tortola Villa

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

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3) Recent Returns: See What Our Clients Have to Say About Their Recent Trips

"All of the employees / staff both at Island Hideaways and at the villas were absolutely spectacular! Jennifer and IH staff made the planning easy and fun! Everyone thought I was crazy for not going to a local travel agent to set everything up! The trip went off like clock work which meant more time for fun and excitement. We will definitely use your services many, many more times! You guys have a great staff!"
Mike A, PA
Bellamare, V Gorda
Bellamare, Virgin Gorda Villa
Island Magic, V Gorda
Island Magic, Virgin Gorda Villa
Loblolly - V Gorda
Loblolly, Virgin Gorda Villa

"Excellent property value, with incomparable views and privacy. Really a tremendous value and service was great. Thanks!! We will use you folks again."
Steven L., MD
Blue Moon, St. Thomas
Blue Moon, St. Thomas Villa

"We had a wonderful time in Barbados. Old Tree Bay is beautiful and the villa West Beach was beyond our expectations. The staff, Carmen and Cecilia, made our vacation! It was everything I was promised and more! Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and my family before making recommendations. Your kindness and enthusiasm made planning this trip a pleasure. The look forward to working with you again in the very near future."
Debra T., NJ
West Beach at Old Trees Bay, Barbados
WestBeach at Old Trees Bay, Barbados Villa

"Your description of Little Jazz Bird was accurate, It is a beautiful home and its location is privileged. The spot is unbeatable and the view is breathtaking. It is definitely the place to relax and enjoy a dream vacation. Your service from the very beginning was excellent."
John G., Puerto Rico
Little Jazz Bird, St. Martin
Little Jazz Bird, St. Martin Villa

"We had a fantastic trip. The staff was professional and classy. We were so well taken care of and would definitely consider going back."
Dave T., Ontario, Canada
Summerhill, Jamaica
Summerhill Villa, Jamaica Villa

"Thanks for everything! The villa was wonderful... and the ocean views were good. Loved every moment! You will definitely hear from me again."
Gina C., LA
House of the Rising Sun, St. Thomas
House of the Rising Sun, St. Thomas Villa

"It is a great help, being able to talk to Paul, since he has been to the islands and knows the villas."
Diane R., PA
La Paloma, St. Lucia
La Paloma, St. Lucia Villa



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4) Restaurant of the Month: Brandywine Bay, Tortola, BVI

Considered one of Tortola's finest restaurants, Brandywine Bay sits on a hillside with a breathtaking view of Sir Francis Drake Channel. This terrace restaurant is just the place for a romantic dinner. Guests have a spectacular view of the yachts and sailing craft in the sparkling waters of the Drake Channel below.

Cele and Davide Pugliese have created a Tuscan-inspired menu. Because the chef uses only the freshest ingredients, the menu changes daily according to what is available that day. Diners rave about Brandywine Bay's wonderful fish dishes, roasted duck with mango, homemade mozzarella and pasta, beef carpaccio, and roast rack of lamb. Other favorites that have been featured include the grilled lamb chops with ricotta and sun-dried tomatoes, and roast monkfish with tomatoes and peppers. The restaurant has an excellent wine list with selections from Italy, Australia, the United States, and France.

As one would expect, the dessert menu includes Italian classics like biscotti, panna cotta, and tiramisu as well as a mouth-watering lemon tart.

The owners also run a small outdoor cafe in Roadtown called Capriccio di Mare. The selections include homemade pasta, gourmet pizza, salads, panini sandwiches, espresso, pastries, and the signature drink, a mango bellini.

Bon Appetit has declared Brandywine Bay its favorite Italian restaurant in all the Caribbean, and it's obvious why. Brandywine Bay is open Monday through Saturday for dinner only. Dress is casual elegant (no shorts).

Reservations are required at this popular restaurant. Please see Brandywine Bay Restaurant, Tortola Restaurants :: Caribbean Edge for more information and reservations.

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5) Reservations for winter '06

Many of our more popular destinations are already nearly sold out for the holiday weeks next winter. For example, there are only 2 Mahoe Bay villas still available for Presidents week. Please remember to contact us early to plan your winter getaways!

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We have been receiving some calls and e-mails from clients commenting that they are no longer receiving our monthly newsletters. Please let us know if you change e-mail addresses so that we may keep the newsletters coming your way.

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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 Caribbean Villa Rentals by Island Hideaways received the prestigious "Best of the Web" award by Forbes magazine each summer from 2000 - 2003. 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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Our selection includes villa rentals on the following Caribbean islands: