Hiring your own, private villa retreat in the Caribbean instead of a dazzling hotel comes with many perks; the freedom to dine as you choose without restricted hours, a place to gather your family and friends for great celebrations, and the perfect base from which to explore the sights and fascinating culture of the island, without sacrificing the luxury. 

From the opulent 10-bedroom mansions with pools, to the quirky Caribbean cottages just steps from the beach, our experts have hand-picked some of the most desirable villas in the Caribbean, and here are just a few of our favourites.

Langara at Sandy Cove, Barbados

As part of the impressive Sandy Cove estate, this luxury villa spans the entire top floor of one of their outstanding residences. This magnificent home evokes a glamorous feel, with plush furnishings, chandelier lighting and a spectacular setting within a secluded swimming cove. Boasting 4 bedrooms and an expansive living area, the interior is adorned with modern artwork, a full sound system and a piano for the entertainer of the group!

Dining is a social event, with a huge dining patio, wet bar and BBQ overlooking the pristine beachfront; and if you don’t fancy cooking yourself, then the Sandy Cove Chef will be on hand to rustle up delicious Bajan delicacies for you. A lift takes you directly down to the white sand beach, glistening pool, gym and sauna for you to enjoy at your leisure, while nearby you can find the Tom Fazio designed Green Monkey golf course. A quick 15-minute drive takes you to the capital of Bridgetown, with bustling streets, British colonial buildings and a constant buzz from local cricket matches, water sports, nightlife, and endless shopping.

Crystal Springs at The Garden, Barbados

A beautiful collaboration of indoor and outdoor living, this delightful private villa is distinctly Bajan in style, with fresh white interiors broken by splashes of bright colour.  The open brick façade features a pastel green roof and wooden shutters, delicately blending into the lush vegetation that hugs the property on the cliff edge, while a natural gully meanders through the villa grounds. 

With 6 buildings connected by coral stone pathways, this charming villa offers 10 bedrooms, sleeping up to 20 guests in total and making it perfect for large, family celebrations. And there’s plenty to keep your guests entertained, with an intimate bar area overlooking the cerulean beach cove, harbouring a speedboat for water sports, as well as a home theatre decorated with memorable film posters and leather reclining chairs.

Smugglers Nest, St Lucia

This quaint hideaway in St Lucia oozes romance and is ideal for a honeymoon. Set above the glittering cobalt waters of Smugglers Cove (excellent for snorkelling!) and hidden within the blossoming foliage, it peers down from a privileged hilltop position yet retains its isolated feel. 

Impressively refined and discreet inside, you’ll find wooden furnishings, Indonesian antiques and soft pastel colours; the master bedroom boasts a four-poster bed and a soaking tub for two, while 3 linked, open terraced living areas epitomise luxury indoor and outdoor living. White stone steps take you down to an azure-blue lagoon pool, while a winding footpath leads couples to a charming gazebo which seems to hang effortlessly over the water’s edge, a perfect spot for admiring the sunset.

Eden at Sugar Hill, Barbados

The elegant entrance sets the mood for the rest of this astounding villa, with a grand marble stairway leading up to a graceful lounge area with high pine ceilings. Accommodating up to 10 guests with 5 generously-sized bedrooms, it is truly a home-away-from-home with a fabulous interior design offering both luxury and the utmost comfort; expect wicker chairs with snuggly cushions, warm lighting from bedside lamps, and modern amenities like WiFi, TV and DVD player, and stereo system.

Dinners are accompanied by ocean breezes, with a handcrafted ebony table seating up to 12 people, an enchanting gazebo, and BBQ with drinks fridge and ice maker. The upper terrace draws your eyes towards the spectacular sea front, which all guests can make full use of with access to the Royal Westmoreland Beach Club included in your stay.

Bolt House, Jamaica

Brimming with character, Bolt House flaunts a rich heritage dating back to the 50s and 60s as a social hub of the island; famous neighbours included Ian Fleming, author of the Bond escapades, and many glitzy events were held here, hosting British starlet Audrey Hepburn and Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor to name a few. But aside from a history of name dropping, the Caribbean spirit of the villa remains; overlooking Port Maria’s turquoise-hued harbour and surrounded by 50 acres of organic vegetable gardens and tranquil lily ponds, life here is slow paced, with modern facilities such as a hot tub, yoga platform and sauna. Guests also have full access to the Golden Eye beach with an array of water sports on offer, or you might wish to venture out to Ocho Rios, just a 30 minute scenic drive away, for shopping in the craft market, climbing Dunn’s River Falls or swimming with dolphins at Dolphin Cove.

If the solitude, space and freedom of your own, temporary home in the Caribbean appeals to you, please contact our experienced staff to see our full brochure of luxury villas, and let us find the perfect one for you!