St. Lucia Villa Rental - Blog

A St Lucia Vacation can include bird watching and its not just for the ornithologists or Twitchers.

During the summer months, seabirds from Africa migrate across the Atlantic to the Maria Islands at the southern tip of St. Lucia to nest and breed.

Maria Islands (major and minor) are a great place for an up-close bird watching experience.  The rocky shores of the island can be reached in a fishing boat.  Birds will fly all around you – so many of them that even the widest camera lens will not capture a fraction of them. You might be tempted to stare up in awe with your mouth hanging open, but this is not advised. Watch out for the endless bird-dropping missiles from the sky!
A guide is recommended as they can show you many interesting things along the way, including the St. Lucia Ground Lizard which is endangered. These islands of St. Lucia are also home to the rarest snake in the world! It’s called the Kouwes, or St. Lucia Racer (and yes, it’s fast).

The island has cacti, as the island is so hot and rocky. The volcanic rock beneath your feet which is black, sucks up the heat from the sun like a frying pan.

For non regular bird watchers wherever you go you will see many of local birds everywhere, including parrots (known locally as the Jacquot Parrot) in the rain forest, play golf and you will see many of the local variety of birds such as St Lucia Pewee.

When you book your  vacation in St Lucia and stay at Akasha you have a nature park right behind the villa. So bring your binoculars or if you forget them we have some at the villa so that you can enjoy these birds in paradise close up.

Saint Lucia nominated for the “World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination” Nerdin St. Rose, VP, Marketing & Sales, Saint Lucia Tourist Board and Graham Cookie, President & Founder, World Travel Awards

St Lucia does it again – it won the award of the leading Honeymoon Destination in the Caribbean at the prestigious America’s Travel awards ceremony. A press release by the Tourist Board was issued.

Saint Lucia accepted the award for “Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination” at the 2011 Caribbean & The America’s Awards Ceremony on October 19^th, travel and tourism’s biggest night of the year. This is Saint Lucia’s ninth win since 2002. Hosted in Montego Bay, Jamaica at Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort and Private Island, the event, now in its 18^th year, was established for the purpose of recognizing and celebrating achievements in all areas of the world’s travel and tourism industry. As the winner of this regional award, Saint Lucia is also nominated for the “World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination,” to be announced at the World Travel Awards 2011 Grand Final in Doha, Qatar in December.

“We are thrilled to be accepting this award for St Lucia” said Nerdin St Rose, St Lucia Tourist Board VP of Sales and Marketing.  ”We have worked hard to maintain our leadership position as the most romantic destination in the Caribbean and 2012 is poised additional growth”.

For those looking for luxury, paradise and service then Akasha offers you the honeymoon of a lifetime and a Caribbean Vacation like no other.  You can make it all inclusive or just the run of the mill luxury, either way you know where to come for the honeymoon that you will not forget.

Our honeymoon offering, like the wedding package is bespoke – you can chose from massages, zip lining, diving, romantic cruises and much more.  One thing you can be sure of is that it will be what you want and not what the crowd ordered.

Akasha Luxury Villa Rental is pleased that honeymoons like St Lucia Vacations are getting the recognition they deserve.

There are many reasons to take a vacation in St Lucia and according to Virgin Atlantic one reason is to mend your broken heart and repair your relationships or start a new one.

Foreign holidays are increasingly being used as a way of getting over failed relationships, according to VirginAtlantic.  The airline carried out a survey which found that nearly 10% of people on long-haul vacation were going away in an attempt to mend a broken heart.

These travellers have been dubbed ‘Elvis passengers’ by the carrier because they are jetting off to a heartbreak hotel.  A little corny is you ask us but that’s OK.  Renting a villa maybe just the perfect solution for those seeking the opportunity to move their relationship forward.

Destinations known for luxurious and indulgent holidays emerged as the top options for holidaymakers trying to forget their relationship woes in the British summer, with St Lucia the most popular choice in the Virgin Atlantic network, followed by Antigua, Jamaica and Las Vegas.

So why not rent the best St Lucia rental – Akasha, here you can mend not just your own heart but your partners because this is paradise.  The sunsets are amazing, sea is crystal clear and the local beach pure white sand.

Akasha offers something extraordinary for honeymooners and those looking for that special location for a wedding.  The villa has enough space to host your guests and gives you the privacy you will need.  We can arrange everything or we are happy to work with a wedding planner.

St Lucia vacations recently got better – if that was possible.  Not only can you enjoy all that this paradise offers but you now can get to another super island – Mustique.

The Mustique Company launched a nonstop 25-minute flight between St. Lucia’s Hewanorra Airport and Mustique in July. The new flights are expected to improve access to Mustique from key U.S. gateways. The 18-passenger flights depart daily on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and complement existing flights between Barbados and Mustique, which operate twice daily, seven days a week.

If you want to take advantage of this opening up of the Caribbean area then we can book the flights for you when you decide to make Akasha part of your St Lucia vacation.

The Caribbean tourist market needs more initiatives like this to expand the total tourist market and this will help each island grow, create new jobs for the local communities and show the world what it has to offer.

Many of us who live in St Lucia know this is like paradise on earth and want to preserve it. So we need to make sure that we educate tourist to take nothing but happy memories and leave nothing but footprints in the sand.  That way, future generations can enjoy and see what we have seen.

If like me you’re a soccer fan, you’ve been following the World Cup qualifying games, you will have seen some interesting countries crop up in the rounds.

St Lucia first tried to qualify for the world cup in 1994, however they were ousted by St Vincent and the Grenadines during 1992.

Recently we have tried again to qualify for the 2014 World Cup which will be held in Brazil. Saint Lucia played Aruba in the first qualifying round – losing the first leg 4–2 in Aruba. The return leg in Saint Lucia ended in a 4–2 victory after 90 minutes, sending the tie into extra time, and then to penalty kicks. Saint Lucia won the shoot-out 5–4 and advanced to the main draw for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

We qualified into group D, with other countries; Canada, St Kitts and Nevis and Puerto Rico.

Unfortunately the hopes of raising the gold World Cup in St Lucia were cut short by Canada. The national side lost to the Canadians 4-1 on September 2nd 2011, knocking them out of the competition.

Maybe next time St Lucia can make it further into the competition, the next world cup after Brazil will be held in Russia in 2018.

Stay tuned for more St Lucia football news, and don’t forget to check out our St Lucia Rentals for when you visit St Lucia!

Honeymoons are big investment, emotionally and financially.  It is however there to be enjoyed and a time that you will want to remember  and recall to your friends, family including grandchildren.

At a time when most people are looking to get the most for their buck we have put together a few suggestions of how you can maximize your investment in your honeymoon.

1  Compare prices for your honeymoon destination

As you would to book a flight or buy a new car, go to the Internet to compare prices. Stick to the websites that afford you the ability to compare rates for traveling to your honeymoon destination. There are a myriad of them out there. If you are looking for an all inclusive then make sure you included everything. Take a look at the villa websites – you would be surprised at how reasonable they can be.  Just imagine the space and privacy you get.

2 Travel in the off-season

4 Become a travel agent – or get your wedding planner to be one

You might laugh at this; a travel agent seems so 20th century. The Internet can turn anyone into a travel agent. Professionals with the training and skills can find the gem of a hotel or villa.  If you feel like you want to explore all your possibilities, spend time on the internet it’s easy.

Whether you take the most lavish honeymoon possible or opt for a cost-friendly alternative, remember that a honeymoon is not a destination or a splurge. It’s a time to cherish each others company.  Do that and your new life as a married couple will be off to a great and profitable start. Villa rental offers you this chance.

Akasha offers honeymoon packages for those who want luxury, privacy and service.  Make your romantic honeymoon at St Lucia Rentals memorable,  All honeymooners get free helicopter transfers to the villa.

The St. Lucia Tourist Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation has announced changes which will greatly improve and support yachting for private and charter yachts wishing to cruise St. Lucian waters as well as those wishing to conduct yachting business in the country. Some of the changes include the following:

- Yachtsmen will now be permitted to stay in St. Lucia waters for 6 months
- Yachts with owners temporarily on island will be allowed to remain in the state free of duties and taxes for up to 3 years, after which they will become payable on current value
- 100% waiver of import duty and tax on yachts imported into Saint Lucia
- 100% waiver on income tax from operations for the first 5 years for local charter companies with a minimum of 1 captain and 3 crew members, and has a fleet of 3 or more power or sailing vessels
- Approval has been given for the formation of a Yachting Committee, that falls under the purview of the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation and will incorporate all relevant institutions that function to regulate the yachting sector in St. Lucia
- 100% waiver of import duty and consumption tax on boat safety equipment and watercraft activity equipment, which includes sport fishing, SCUBA diving, kite surfing and other water sports, subject to verification of the Bill of Quantities by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation for 5 years from date of cabinet conclusion
- 100% waiver of import duty and consumption tax on all equipment and materials imported or purchased locally for use in the establishment of infrastructure to service yachts over period of 5 years, subject to verification and approval of the Bill of Quantities by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation
- The Government of Saint Lucia has waived the visa requirements for Russian and Australian nationals so that Russian and Australian nationals no longer require visas to enter Saint Lucia

Sailing in the Caribbean is one of life’s pleasures and enjoyed by many – young and old.  Here the pirates may have long gone but their stories live on.  Visit Pigeon Island and you will see what we mean.  This national park is only seven minutes away from your villa when you stay at St Lucia’s best villa rental.

Akasha is a great supporter of the yachting industry and the sailors who visit these shores.  Every year you can watch all of the competitors in the ARC race sail around the north of the island and into Rodney Bay.  Its a great site.

Its interesting to note the architect of the villa sailed in the ARC race to view the plot so he could visualize the setting for himself – we think he didn’t believe us when we told him what a great location it was.  It didn’t take long for him to realize what a gem it was.   It inspired him to create the most exclusive villa rental in St Lucia.

Akasha St Lucia’s most luxurious villa is pleased to see Le Sport re-open after a major refit.  As a family we first visited Le Sport over ten years ago.  It was these visits that persuaded us to buy land and build a villa in St Lucia.

Our villa over looks the resort and we have watched the works unfold over the last few months.  Akasha is pleased that Le Sport is investing in improving the resort and thereby the quality of what is on offer to visitors to St Lucia.  This will surely help the economy of St Lucia.

The extensive renovation will unveil significant updates to the resort’s public spaces and dining venues, a new infinity-edge swimming pool and boardwalk, and an expanded Watersports Center.

The resort tapped design firm International Design Concepts to shape a setting that relies as much on innovation as tradition. The renovation will transform the public areas into a stylish haven for socializing, fine dining, and relaxation, and also add on a Penthouse Suite to the current guestroom options.

“Our decision to renovate the property was motivated by requests for upgraded and expanded facilities from guests of the resort,” stated Craig Barnard, owner of The BodyHoliday. “We are fortunate to have a large percentage of repeat guests, and we are excited for them to experience the resort after the renovation is complete.”

For those who want more private space and more privacy then Akasha is the way to go.  Here you get an all inclusive option – breakfast and lunch is included in our rates, and you can also have dinner prepared for you.  Other options available at the villa include massages in the privacy of the villa.

Le Sport is a mere ten minute walk down the hill from St Lucia’s (if not the Caribbean) most luxurious villa rental.  The sand on the beach has also been replaced with white sand so now, more than ever, its worth the short walk down the hill (take a taxi back).  If you wish to spend a day at the resort then you can buy day passes – this gives you access to all its facilities and also includes lunch and or dinner.  Akasha certainly recommends at least one trip to Le Sport during your stay at the villa.  Don’t forget the beaches in St Lucia are public so everyone can access the beaches on the island.

Akasha offers something extraordinary for honeymooners and those looking for that special location for a wedding.

St Lucia is slowly gaining a reputation for smart and savvy investors.  If you are in the market for a luxury second home in paradise then why not consider St Lucia.

Andrew Strauss, the England cricket captain is the latest to open his wallet according to media reports.  In the Daily Telegraph he is quoted as saying ” I could have gone for Barbados, it is certainly an island I love. But St Lucia is more unspoilt and offers greater privacy. I want somewhere I can go and relax in peace with my family.”  He goes on to say “The setting could hardly be better, while the people are among the friendliest in the Caribbean.  I simply want a place where I can chill with my family from time to time. This secluded corner of St Lucia seemed the perfect place to do that.”

The Daily telegraph reports – The days when the St Lucia sector was dominated by three-star resorts, with little to offer high-rollers, are firmly in the past.  Remember there are no bars on non-residents buying property in St Lucia, but you will need to budget for the cost of an Alien’s Landholding Licence, at approximately £1,500 or 2250US$.

The St Lucia government is actively encouraging investors and there is currently no VAT or capital gains tax on the island. Make sure you get up-to-date tax advice before signing on the dotted line.

If you are looking for a ready made luxury villa then why not consider Akasha – the most luxurious villa on the island.  It has caught the imagination of many celebrities, including Justin Bieber, who have vacationed there.  You could rent it to the stars when you are not in residence, how cool is to have stars vacation in your home.

So if you want to invest in the Caribbean and Barbados in not for you then St Lucia might be perfect for you.

The villa offers more than any other villa or resort especially for those who want privacy and be away from the crowds.

A Perfect Honeymoon is something that requires planning – not planning for it is one sure way to get off on the wrong foot, not what you want to do for your new life together. So here are some steps we at Akasha St Lucia’s Best Villa Rental think you should consider to make your honeymoon perfect;

1. Start planning early – probably at the same time you start planning your wedding.  Some people know where they want to go for their honeymoon before they know who they will marry, so ask you partner where they want to go, they may already know.  St Lucia has been voted the top Honeymoon destination in the Caribbean for the last 8 years. So there must be something it has to offer you.
2. Having decided where you want to go, things to consider should include; the local weather at that time of the year – it maybe not be perfect but is it OK for you? what do you want to do while you are there – just chill and sunbathe or be more active? do you want be alone or do you want lots of other honeymooners around? do you want cook for one another or be totally pampered by an all inclusive? do you want to make this a once in lifetime trip?  When you book at Akasha, you have the choice of everything you could imagine from Spa treatments to just chilling to Scuba diving – but main thing is we leave you to decide.  You are on your schedule not our set routine which just happens to suit us.  You decide what, when and where and we do the rest.
3. Having thought about the points above you will get a sense of the budget you will need – is it too much or are you happy with it?  You could always ask your parents or friends to chip in for your honeymoon.  When you book direct with the Owners you have the choice of a honeymoon package or “a la carte” honeymoons which are both luxury personified.
4. Do you want to handle the booking yourself or are you happy to let an Agent handle the logistics etc for you?  Well why not ask the Best Man or Maid of Honour to do the prep and booking for you. Maybe someone in the family is a great planner and event organiser – their service will be free!

So these are just some of the major things you need to consider for that perfect honeymoon – we think St Lucia and St Lucia’s Best Villa Rental make the perfect choice for those who want to make their honeymoon memorable. Just complete the Contact Form with what you want and we will give you a personal quote and make all the local arrangements.