Smack in the middle of winter, halfway between the December holidays and spring break, February is the perfect month in which to enjoy a warm-weather escape. If traveling with family or a group is in the cards, take your getaway to the next level by staying in a villa in lieu of a hotel. In addition to privacy and space to spread out, villas also often offer eye-catching design, lots of upscale amenities and, in many cases, the same services as a five-star hotel. Rent one of these three new (or newly-relaunched) Caribbean properties this winter and you just might not want to return until spring is in full swing.
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Villa Wake Up, St. Barths
Image Credit: Courtesy Villa Wake Up Set on a quiet end of St. Barths’ swanky Flamands Beach and offering direct beach access, Villa Wake Up is also just a short walk from the tony Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France hotel, a mainstay hangout for boldfacers and other glamorous types. But the hard-to-beat location is only the start of the six-bedroom property’s appeal. Spread over three levels, the place has a distinct contemporary style, accented by sleek furniture and colorful modern art, as well as an array of wellness-friendly amenities—including a heated pool, Jacuzzi, hammam, sauna, massage room and gym. And forget just one movie theater: here, both indoor and outdoor giant screens await. Renting the place through Eden Rock’s villa service comes with additional perks that amp up the luxe factor, such as a private butler and chef, daily housekeeping, breakfast delivery, a rental car and access to Eden Rock’s beach. Winter rates start at $150,000 a week inclusive of breakfast, housekeeping, a private butler and chef, rental car and airport transfers.
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Nevaeh, Anguilla
Image Credit: Courtesy Nevaeh Nevaeh is “heaven” spelled backwards, and that couldn’t be a more fitting moniker for this Balinese-inspired retreat built on a half-mile of secluded beachfront on Anguilla’s postcard-perfect Long Bay. Each of the nine bedrooms have private terraces with ocean and garden views; the massive terrace of the master suite also comes with a heated plunge pool and outdoor shower. Other villa amenities include a main pool and hot tub, basketball and tennis courts, a golf simulator, a movie theater with leather seats, a fire pit and a huge barbeque area. A full staff, including a chef, housekeeper and butler, are also part of the rental, and guests can avail themselves of watersports equipment such as kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Rates in winter from $85,000 a week, inclusive of breakfast and open bar.
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Valley Trunk, Virgin Gorda
Image Credit: Courtesy Valley Trunk Re-opened this winter, two years after Hurricane Irma wreaked havoc on the British Virgin Islands, Valley Trunk has rebounded better than ever. The estate was originally built in the 1980’s to serve as a private vacation home, which it did for 30 years before the family started renting out their slice of paradise. Set among 19 acres of palm trees and tropical gardens along Virgin Gorda’s most pristine stretch of beach, the eight-bedroom spread sees plenty of natural light and has a warm coastal-inspired interior, with tiled floors, bamboo and wood finishes and bright art. Features include a spa, tennis court, infinity-edged pool, movie theater (with a sofa that seats 20) and several terraces with vistas of the gardens and ocean. But the ultimate in pampering is the hospitable staff, who go out of their way to accommodate your any and every whim. Rates from $84,000 a week, all-inclusive.
