Suite Wars Caribbean : Caribbean hotels

Situated in the world’s second largest barrier reef system just off the coast of Belize, Cayo Espanto personifies the idyllic private island paradise. There are five tastefully decorated villas to choose from, but the most elaborate is the double-story, 2,500 square foot Casa Estrella. The villa’s two bedrooms and main entertainment area all share 180° views of the Caribbean and all windows and doors open directly to the sea. All rooms are appointed in rustic finishes with plush details, such as custom Yves De Lorme beddings.

Needless to say, many a celebrity has sought solace on Cayo Espanto’s secluded shores in search of that ever-elusive private getaway. And with the possibility of renting the entire island for up to 14 guests, and the fact that the island is only accessible by helicopter or boat, makes it the perfect escape from the paparazzi and other unrelenting pressures of celebrity life.

Sandy Lane has been the standard for luxury in the Barbados for over 45 years. Throughout its celebrated tenure, the hotel has impressed royalty, movie stars, and the world’s business elite with its unmistakable charm. From its cream coral stone exteriors to its bright, airy interiors, the Palladian style estate perfectly complements its sapphire coastal surrounds.

As is to be expected of one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated resorts, Sandy Lane pulls out all the stops when it comes to the ultimate in luxury pampering. Its private 7,300 square foot villa is nestled in lush gardens and features a full sized courtyard pool and Jacuzzi. Each of its four garden view bedrooms is en-suite, and fully loaded with flat-screen TVs and a unique Neos entertainment system. A restaurant-standard kitchen with private chef, an expansive entertainment space, and a 14-seater outdoor dining pavilion round out the deluxe inventory at the Sandy Lane Villa. What’s more, one of the hotel’s exclusive fleet of Bentleys is at villa guests’ disposal throughout their stay.

Voted the Best Caribbean Resort several times over, St. Regis Temenos Villas combines the otherworldly beauty of its Anguilla locale with the world renowned luxury and service of a name as revered as St. Regis. Surrounded by a Greg Norman-designed golf course, this exclusive cluster of villas sits atop a bluff overlooking the white sands of Long Bay, arguably one of the most breathtaking sites in the Caribbean. True to its name
(Temenos is Greek for “sanctuary”), the resort features sculpted whitewashed beachside villas, offset only by their verdant surrounds and deep blue accents- a throwback to the quaint island homes of the Aegean isles.

The most sought-after among the Temenos villas is the Sea Villa: 7,000 square feet of pure island bliss. Inside this beachside abode, past louvered French doors, cathedral ceilings, and soaring archways, marble and mosaic tiles and luxe furnishings await. But the pièce de résistance in the Sea Villa is not its four sophisticated bedrooms or even its airy living spaces complete with state of the art kitchens; the true indulgence is to be found in the indoor/outdoor spa-style bathrooms (that really have to be seen to be believed) and sprawling infinity pools.

No tour of luxury in the Caribbean would be complete without mention of a Kerzner International owned property. The group has been responsible for an immense boost of tourism in the region and helped to put the Bahamas on every Caribbean tourist’s map. It is here that we find the One&Only Ocean Club, one of Sol Kerzner’s favorite spots in his vast One&Only network that ranges from the Maldives to Mexico.

There are many ways to “Live the Moment” at this tranquil resort, but we highly recommend the One&Only Villa Residences. The four-bedroom variety is replete with two master bedrooms, and two smaller bedrooms, once of which is detached from the main villa- ideal for a nanny or accompanying staff. Several cosy outdoor living and dining spaces are dispersed around the villas, and a sleek infinity edged pool adds to the sheer beauty and appeal of this entirely self-contained accommodation option. A dedicated housekeeper and chef are always close at hand, and a sophisticated entertainment system, two laptops, and iPods are also at the disposal of ardent technophiles.

Whichever of the isles beckons this season, the Caribbean’s near perfect weather, white sand beaches, and unadulterated pampering will ensure this vacation is an idyllic retreat from the ordinary.