What Is The Difference Between A Villa, Cottage, Bungalow or Condo?
A villa is a detached luxurious, imposing residence while a cottage is a small quaint house. A bungalow is a one-storied house with a low-pitched roof and a condo is an individually owned apartment in a multiunit structure,
(either a townhouse, mid or high rise).

Are Villa Vacations A New Concept? NO
Senators and wealthy merchants of the Roman Empire had their villas in the countryside to escape from the frenetic crowds of their cities. Europe's aristocrats had the châteaux. The American tycoons escape the city heat to their manor in a temper climate. Vacation villas are nothing new.

Can A Villa Vacation Be All Inclusive? YES
A villa vacation can be totally inclusive, airfare, meals, etc., you can even have a driver with vehicle at your disposal.

Are Villa Vacations Increasing In Popularity? YES
Since the early 90's there has been a real trend toward space and comfort in the hospitality industry. Witness the growth of the all-suites hotel for the business traveler in urban settings. And more and more vacationers are seeking a home away from home in place of a crowded, cramped, expensive hotel room.

Are Villas More Costly Than Big Hotels Surrounded by Humanity? NO
It can actually be more affordable to rent a private, exclusive villa with or without a staff than it is to stay in a pompous big hotel.
The mathematics are quite simple. When the cost of a weekly villa rental is divided between the number of individuals in a vacation party the per head accommodation cost can be unbelievably low, under $100 per night on some islands.
And the dining has always been a bargain no matter where the properties are located. On some islands we offer an all-inclsive rate.

Are The Rates Always The Same? NO
The rates are governed by the seasons: High Seasons starts December 15th and ends April 15th. Low Seasons starts April 16th and ends December 14th.
Exceptions are made at Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year which are traditionally more popular and therefore more expensive.

Is There Value In A Villa Vacation? YES
Much is made of the "exclusive" nature of a villa vacation ... the exquisite service, the privacy, the gorgeous surroundings ... yet a little bit of arithmetic demonstrates that the kind of vacation normally associated with an expensive lifestyle can actually be very affordable.
For example: if five couples rented a five bedroom villa for a week at a cost of $5,000, the rate per person works out at a little over $70 per night. That compares very favorably with staying in a hotel and when you consider the care provided by your personal staff, there is just no contest.

Lower Rates In The Summer
Please don't base your decision on price alone. Some dream villas that may be too costly in January might be well within your budget in April. Unlike hotels, after Easter, villa type accommodations still have a seasonal decline in rates. As the cold weather ends, people in the cold climates lose their urge to escape winter.

How Is A Villa Vacation Different From Staying In A Hotel?
A villa getaway is more than an alternative to a hotel; it's a regal experience, a dramatic change of pace. You'll have a spacious comfortable base from which you can explore the island paradise, play golf or snorkel. A villa offers you privacy in an environment that's opulent grander. The villa's private pool and breathtaking view are yours alone to enjoy.

Is There A Cost For Domestic Staff? NO
The ultimate experience in luxury is personal service. If you choose a villa with a full domestic staff, you will enjoy an extraordinary level of luxury and lots of pampering. When you want cocktails and horsd'oeuvres by the pool? Just ask! Our professionally trained staff renders excellent service with a mixture of friendliness and dignity! Their presence is felt only when needed. The size of the staff is proportionate to the size of the property. Domestic staff includes maids, cook, laundress, gardener, and where appropriate, a butler.

Who Does What?
The Butler serves and tends bar. The chambermaid and laundress take care of the details for your bedrooms and bathrooms providing a sun fresh supply of linens and flowers and every evening your bed is turned down. The gardener immaculately maintains the pool and grounds. Jamaica is the only Caribbean Island where fully staffed villas are the rule, not the exception.
Unquestionably this appears to be a vacation lifestyle affordable by only the wealthy.

Will We Have A Choice Of Menus? YES
Your cook will handle grocery shopping and meal preparation. She will pre-purchase your first few meals plus pantry staples then finish the week's shopping after meeting with you. At that time, you will reimburse her for pre-stocked goods and fund her for the remainder of your week's groceries. A typical grocery budget is $175-$195 per adult per week ... less for children. This may vary up or down depending on the island and menus. If you wish to go to the various markets with her, you are welcome. Otherwise, simply review with her your tastes and distastes and she'll handle it all while you stay at the villa and relax. (Note: If you prefer to pre-pay for groceries, we can handle this for you.)

Do All Of The Villas Have Domestic Staff? YES
All properties are provided with maid service. However, each island varies as to whether maid service is daily, bi weekly or weekly. The islands of St. Martin, St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, Tortola, Anegada, and Virgin Gorda villas have complete gourmet kitchens but are not staffed with cooks.

Is Additional Staff Available? YES
Villas By The Sea can make arrangements for additional staff and services at any of our villas on any island. Please let us know your special request such as: special dietary needs, a chauffeur, car rental, cook, someone to care for the children, professional nanny, chef, masseuse, wedding coordinator, calypso or reggae band.

What Travel Documents Will I Need?
Everyone in your party will need ONE of the following:
A valid passport
An official birth certificate with a raised seal plus a driver's license
Or a notarized copy of a birth certificate plus a driver's license
Is There A Damage Deposit?
Some properties require a refundable $500 damage deposit with each villa rental. This will be refunded promptly when you return home if no damage occurs during your stay.

What are the Check-in and Checkout Times?
Check-in time varies from island to island. However the norm is Check-in time is 1:00 p.m. Check-out time is 11:00 a.m. However, if no other guests are scheduled to occupy your villa on arrival and departure days, you are welcome to check in earlier or check out later. You must first check with our office.

Contact us at:
888 703 0233
Email: Info@VillasByTheSea.com