St. Lucia Villa Rental - Start with the ARC race and finish with a St Lucia Vacation at a special price

The yearly ARC race starts on the 20th November this year and after the crew endure some grueling conditions they will hit the calmer  Caribbean sea and pass the finishing line just north of Akasha.

This annual transatlantic rally starting each November in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, has now become the most popular way to cross the Atlantic. The largest transocean sailing event in the world, every year the ARC brings together over 200 yachts from all over the world. The Caribbean destination is Rodney Bay in Saint Lucia, one of the most beautiful islands in the Lesser Antilles. The 2700 nautical mile passage on the NE tradewind route takes on average between 14 and 21 days.

The crews will then dock in Rodney Bay Marina.  A full programme of social activities, safety seminars and demonstrations will be organised by World Cruising Club in Las Palmas prior to the start, and after the finish in St.Lucia.

We invite all racers and observers of the race to finish this race in style and spend a few days at Akasha – at a special rate.  With this St Lucia vacation you will be able kick those crocs off, take a dip in the cool pool, watch your favorite movie while Juliette cooks her special local dishes for you.

Drop us an email by filling in the Contact form to learn more about our special prices for ARC participants.

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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.

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.

The Diamond Waterfall in St Lucia does not hide any diamonds and nor are there diamonds in St Lucia. So how did this waterfall become to be named “Diamond”?

Akasha believes this waterfall got its name from the French under the rule of King Louis XVI. The French had settled in Soufriere in the 16th century. Translated from French, the name was given because of the colourful sparkle of the waterfall, similar to how diamonds refract light into all different colours. The French were in those days ruling many parts of the Caribbean.

The water which falls over these rocks starts from a boiling sulphur spring at the top of the volcano. It then runs down the mountain slope, mixing with fresh water until it pours over a dark rock, 60 feet high, creating what we call the Diamond Waterfall, now one of St. Lucia’s most well-known and characteristic attractions.

The always-changing composition of fresh water to minerals creates the varying colour effect – diamond like. The minerals include sulphur, copper sulphate, magnesium, iron, manganese and calcium, all of which paint the rock face behind in a kaleidoscope of colours. These waters are alleged to have rejuvenation and healing properties, which is why the French constructed a series of mineral baths. These were used by the French soldiers and also by Josephine, the wife of the famous, Napoleon. So you could be bathing just like a queen at the springs when you come to visit St Lucia’s Best Villa Rental. So maybe we cant make you feel like a Queen we sure can make these baths part of your St Lucia Honeymoon when you book direct with the owner.

You can visit the wonderful falls and walk through 6 acres of unimaginably beautiful garden in which you find the falls. While St Lucia’s Best Villa Rental doesn’t run to 6 acres there is the National Park (more than 6 acres) right behind the villa where you can climb to the top and take in even more spectacular views than those available from our Luxury Villa Rental.

So if you fancy being pampered while you stay at the best all inclusive villa rental in St Lucia then Akasha is for you. Our on-site team meet, greet and organise your vacation. Just let us know what you want – a trip to the Diamond falls or any of the other places and consider it done, after all this is St Lucia’s Best Villa Rental.

Canadians – or snowbirds as they are known locally are coming to St Lucia in bigger numbers.  Canadian airlines have increased flights to St Lucia as the word has spread among Canadians about how wonderful the island of St Lucia is and the warmth of its people.  Akasha St Lucia’s Best Holiday Villa Rental has seen its fair share of Canadians, including Justin Bieber.

Most visitors from Canada tend to be from the East coast, not surprising as direct flights come from Toronto.  Air Canada is the main airline that flies from Canada to St Lucia’s Hewannora (UVF) airport in the south.  The other airline is the budget airline WestJet, again they fly into UVF.  Have to say, have heard really good reports about WestJet service.  It is owned by the employees so maybe they do try harder.

Air Canada has flights on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer (April to early December).  WestJet has flights on Thursday and Sunday.

If you are flying into Toronto airport to make the International connection to St Lucia make sure you allow sufficient time to transfer between terminals.  We have experienced delays in the transport system there, nothing major, just needs to be incorporated into your travel plans.

For Canadians living outside the Toronto area there are several local carriers who fly from major Canadian cities to Toronto.  For example WestJet flies in from Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton at very reasonable rates.

For those living in Vancouver on the West Coast its well worth looking for flights from Seattle and checking out American Airlines.  Flight times will be longer but are usually more competitive than the Canadian fares.

Don’t forget for guests booking direct with the owners airport transfers are included so you are met at the airport.  So you do not need to worry about finding the villa.

We are expecting more Canadians to stay at Akasha St Lucia’s best Holiday Villa Rental, which offers all inclusive options, as the word about Aksaha and St Lucia spreads.  Add to this our local Concierge team waiting to help you and that makes a truly great combination for your Caribbean Vacation.

The Caribbean is becoming even more popular with residents of America and over the last 5 years they are realizing what a great place St Lucia is for a vacation.

This is not only due to the great people of St Lucia, and the St Lucia Tourist Board doing a wonderful job but also as the result of an increase in the number of high quality accommodation becoming available in St Lucia.  Akasha is probably the best holiday villa rental added to the accommodation stock over this period. To enjoy the best Vacation Villa Rental available directly by owners then fly here.

Flying to St Lucia from the US has also become easier with more airlines starting routes and increasing frequency of flights to St Lucia.  The airlines which fly to St Lucia from the USA at this time of the year are;

• American Airlines, daily from Miami to Hewanorra (UVF) in Vieux Fort.  Miami has become more of a hub these days and has undergone a lot of upgrading.  We were impressed when we flew thru there this year.  There is plenty of on and off airport parking.
• American Eagle, twice a day from San Juan’s Luis Munoz Marin International Airport to George Charles Airport (SLU).  Best option for this route is to take an American Airline flight to San Juan as they interconnect their timetable (same company really).  Flying into SLU means your trip to your accommodation in the north of the island is a lot shorter.
• Delta from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport on a daily basis plus another flight on Saturday and Sunday.  Delta come into UVF in Vieux Fort.
• Jet Blue from JFK in New York on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, again there are extra flights on Saturday and Sunday.  Jet Blue fly into UVF in the south.  So you can fly into JFK with any airline and then hop on to the Jet Blue flight.
• US Airways flies from Charlotte NC on a weekly basis – Saturday, into UVF in Vieux Fort.

For the current schedule you should take a look at the airline websites – see what deals you can get.  If you need assistance with finding and booking your flight then just get in contact with us and we will do all we can to help find the right flight for you.  We can help you find the right flight to create your perfect Villa Rental Vacation in the Caribbean when you book Akasha.

Guests, who book directly with the owners of the villa, are picked up at the airport by our Taxi Driver when they clear immigration so they do not need to worry about finding St Lucia’s Best Villa Rental.  For those who want to add further luxury to their Vacation at St Lucia’s Best Holiday Villa Rental our concierge service can arrange helicopter transfers from UVF airport to the north of the island.  This means your drive to Akasha is a mere 15 minutes.

If you are flying in on your own private jet then we suggest you fly into George Charles airport (SLU).   Please check that the runway is long enough to accommodate your plane as the runway at SLU is shorter than the one in UVF.  Again our driver will meet you after you clear immigration.

So when you book your vacation rental, Akasha is the perfect private villa accommodation available direct from the owners and is sure to make your Caribbean Vacation something to remember. Our all inclusive option is just the icing on the cake.

To try and help future guests at St Lucia’s most exclusive holiday villa, Akasha, we thought it might be helpful for UK guests to have some information of how to get to St Lucia.  The team in St Lucia are waiting to meet you at the airport.

St Lucia is becoming even more popular with the British and not so long ago British Airways recognised this and increased the number of flights to St Lucia from England. Virgin also fly from the UK and have been a big supporter of the tourism industry in St Lucia.

To check out the prices and schedules visit British Airways website  - easy to use.  Daily flight depart from Gatwick Airport.  Access to Gatwick could not be easier by road or by train from central London.

Virgin fly three times a week – on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday also from Gatwick.

Gatwick Express is a non-stop service between London Victoria Station (Central London) and London Gatwick Airport which runs every 15 minutes. The journey takes 30 minutes (35 minutes on Sunday).

The train is modern and comfortable, with air conditioning, spacious carriages, and drinks and refreshments being served in both Express Class and First Class. First Class passengers will also have the advantage of large, reclining seats with tables plus complimentary refreshments and newspapers.  Prices start from just £16.90 for a single ticket and £28.80 for an open return ticket. Tickets can be easily booked online at Gatwick Express.

If you are travelling from London Victoria station you can even track the status of your flight before boarding the train on the screens displaying Gatwick flight information, including the airline, flight number, departure time, terminal and the destination.  How helpful is that!  The rail terminal at the airport is located right below the South Terminal.

If you are coming by car then there is on site and off site parking.  Off site tends to be more reasonable with regular shuttles to the terminals.  Alternatively why not look for a local hotel or B&B and leave your car there for free – usually a good idea when you are catching an early morning flights and also if there are children travelling.  Its all part of your holiday so make it last and enjoy the journey.

Once you arrive in St Lucia and clear immigration our Taxi Driver will meet you and take you to the Best Holiday Villa Rental on the Island – Akasha.  During your journey north he will make a stop at local view point so you can begin to take in the beauty of the island – and perhaps sip on a cold local beer.  For those you have booked the helicopter transfer, you will be met by a representative from the firm and taken to the helicopter.  This is a really awesome way to start your stay at St Lucia’s most prestigious holiday villa rental.  On landing in the north of the island again our Taxi driver will meet you and take you on the short trip to Akasha.

Our team in the villa will have prepared the villa for your arrival and show you around when you get there.  All the luxury that are available will be shown to you.  During your stay at the villa you have the option to have the all inclusive meals, any combination of Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner can be booked.  This will truly be your holiday in paradise.

St. Lucia is proud to know that it has produced 2 Nobel Laureates. Yes, from this little island of 180,000.

The 1979 winner of the Nobel Prize for Economics, was Sir Arthur Lewis whose credentials include, Honorary Fellow of London School of Economics and Weizman Institute, Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, James Madison Professor of Political Economy at Princeton University, and President of the Caribbean Development Bank. He was the author of “The Theory of Economic Growth ” and “The Agony of the Eight ”. The Award was made in recognition of his “pioneering research into economic development research with particular consideration of the problems of developing countries”.

In 1992, St. Lucian born poet, Hon. Derek Walcott, OBE,OCC, won the Nobel Prize for Literature for his Epic Poem, “Omeros”. In 2011, he won the T.S. Elliot prize for his poem “White Egrets”. His credentials include an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Essex, chair at Boston University until 2007, distinguished scholar-in-residence at the University of Alberta, and in 2010, Professor of Poetry at the University of Essex.

Coincidentally both Sir Arthur Lewis and Hon Derek Walcott were born on January 23, fifteen years apart. On a lighter note, it is quite possible that persons born on January 23, have a special Nobel Laureate gene.

Akasha, is proud to be able to offer its guests a visit to Castries where a square named after Derek Walcott sits in the middle of the hustle and noise – a spot of tranquility. Near by you can shop in the llocal market or take in the more expensive duty free shopping. Staying at St Lucia’s best Villa Rental means you will get Luxury, Quality and Service.

Akasha, St Lucia’s premier Holiday Villa Rental is pleased learn that a new visitor attraction was opened recently, Our Planet Centre.

This is designed to engage visitors on environmental conservation in a fun, interactive way through the use of new wave technology.

The multi-million dollar Our Planet Centre will donate all proceeds to local environmental projects, which is great news. Our Planet features the largest mirror-sphere in the world, producing a giant kaleidoscopic display for video screening; a hologram recorded specifically for St. Lucia by Prince Charles; multiple touch screen displays; a simulation hurricane room; as well as a “NASA Room” designed specifically by the NASA team to stream weather information. This is certainly the state of the art stuff, just like your Holiday Villa Rental – Akasha.

Guests who visit this attraction will learn about the island of Saint Lucia, the endangered species of St. Lucia and even the wonder of viewing the never-before-seen Castries harbor through a snowstorm with the use of snow machines. Sounds like fun.

The attraction is funded primarily by the German Government with support from other corporations including Marks & Spencer, Hilton Group of Hotels, and the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA). Our Planet Centre is located at La Place Carenage in the Castries harbor.

This is a short drive – about 20 minutes from Akasha one of the Caribbean most impressive Holiday Villa Rental available directly from the owner. Like the Rental Villa this attraction is high tech and adds to the St Lucia product by raising the bar offering visitors another experience.

So when you are booking a Holiday Villas and Akasha is your choice for Renting a Villa in St Lucia then we can arrange a trip to Our Planet Centre and combine it with a Duty Free shop – education and shopping therapy what a Luxury Villa Holiday. Combine this with our all inclusive options then Akasha should be your Holiday Villas for Rent.

The Pitons, which Oprah noted as a place worth visiting in an issue of O Magazine once in your lifetime.

The Pitons are twin peaks rising from the sea and are said to be remnants of 2 dacitic lava domes that formed 200-300 thousand years ago. Gros Piton is 2619 ft (771 metres) and Piton Piton is 2461 ft (743 metres). Gros Piton is the only one authorized for climbing by the government, and has 148 plant species and 27 bird species (5 of them endemic). The Pitons Management Area is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the Pitons appear to be lying side by side, Gros Piton is in the town of Soufriere and Piton Piton is in the village of Choiseul. They are linked by the Piton Ridge.

When you come and stay at Akasha we can organise trips to the Pitons for you to enjoy their beauty and also your hike. Our taxi driver will take from the door at the villa all the way to the Piton where you will be met by a registered guide – you need one just in case. You don’t want to be rescued by a helicopter as this can be costly.

All you need to do is tell you want to do the “hike” and leave the rest to us. Our aim at Akasha, is to provide you with Luxury, Quality and Service when you stay at the best villa rental in St Lucia. For those not so energetic then there is a much shorter hike just behind Akasha.

St Lucia has many things to offer which keep guests staying at the best Villa Rental entertained. We do our best to encourage them to understand St Lucia’s beauty.

The island has the only drive-in volcano in the world….the Sulphur Springs has many hot springs, mud pools and fumaroles, and is a major tourist attraction in the town of Soufriere. Guided tours are conducted daily, with visitors staying a safe distance on a viewing platform. Previously, it was possible to get much closer to the open calderas, that is until one day a Guide was jumping on the edge of an open caldera to express a point, and fell in and was severely burnt. The Caldera has since been named after the Guide, and is called Gabriel’s Caldera.

The hot springs that flow from the volcano are thought to contain healing properties for ailments such as arthritis, acne and other skin blemishes, and many come to bathe in the hot springs and to have a free mud scrub. Some say this would cost a fortune back home! The waters of the hot springs are black, and is said to be caused by a chemical reaction between the sulphur and iron.

Additionally, there are other warm sulphuric pools for bathing, located a short way from the geothermal fields. A strong smell of sulphur is continuously emitted into the atmosphere…a smell very much like rotten eggs. Yes it can be that bad.

St. Lucia as the Sulphur Springs is a dormant volcano, and it is believed that the last minor steam explosion from the Sulphur Springs occurred in about 1766. So its not expected to erupt any time soon.

When you stay at Akasha – the best Villa Rental in the Caribbean, we are able to organise a day out on a boat trip and combine this with a trip to see the Sulphur Springs and if you want some beauty treatment – we think its like a mud bath. Great fun which the whole family can enjoy.

Our aim at Akasha is to make your stay here one you remember – Luxury, Quality and Service is what we offer. Three reasons why you should stay at the Best Caribbean Villa Rental.

Getting married is a big step and can be rather stressful for all those involved. St Lucia is a great place to get married and stay for your honeymoon. Here at Akasha, we can help you make the arrangements along with local planners and photographers when you book your vacation in paradise.

Enjoy the sprawling beaches, Caribbean sunshine, blue green waters and fabulous resorts. Relax; St Lucia has created a formula for creating a magical experience without the intense planning that usually goes into such an incredible event.

Starting with the laws, St Lucia has made it quite easy to facilitate marriage ceremonies. In fact, wedding planners can handle all the details once they’ve received the proper documents. You won’t need to worry about contacting a local attorney or filing papers.

We can look after the flower arrangements, button holes and bouquets to steel bands, wedding cakes and catering your desires can be fulfilled.

The options are endless. Beach weddings, Botanical Garden weddings, horse and carriage rides, sunsets, whatever you want can be arranged relatively easily, on your part. Even photography and videography can be procured to document your perfect Caribbean wedding.

You will need some documents to make the process go smoothly;
• Passports (valid for a minimum of six months)
• Birth certificates
• Deed poll certificate (if your name has been changed)
• Parental consent by way of an affi davit if below age 18.
• Death certificate and previous marriage certificate (if you’ve been widowed)
• Decree absolute (if you’re divorced)
• Originals or certified documents only
• All legal documents should be faxed to us or the wedding planner to begin the legal process. Documents in a foreign language require authorized English translation.

St. Lucia has a NO RESIDENCY POLICY and visitors arriving to the island for a day can be married within hours.

Some of the local costs involved in getting married include license fees which are as follows:
• $335 if staying on island for 3 days or more.
• $540 for a SPECIAL LICENSE if staying on island less than 24 hours. Application to be married in St. Lucia must be made by a local solicitor to the Attorney General or notary who prepares and signs the license.

Fees you will need to pay
• Notorial Fees and Marriage License: $335EC
• Special Marriage License: $540EC
• Registrar Fee: $100EC
• Marriage Certificate: $8EC

A Few Tips to improve your special day;
• Independent photographers on the island are good – use them, we have a really good one – just look the photos of the villa!
• Sunset weddings can be tricky. Since St Lucia is so near the equator twilight is very short. This could ruin some perfect shots. Instead consider an earlier ceremony with photography scheduled during the sunset.
• Seashore ceremonies are romantic. They can also be hot, sweaty affairs depending on the time of day and the season. Consider photography on the beach and a ceremony at a nearby gazebo or other location.

We can make all this happen if you book the Caribbean’s Best Villa Rental. Bring along some close friends or family members and they can enjoy the villa with you. There’s plenty of space.

If you want to take more strain off your wedding let ask for the all inclusive options – Julietta can even handle the catering for parties of up to 20 guests. International and Creole dishes can be prepared for your feast. We can provide servers for the party so no one has to lift a finger – come and enjoy your wedding, champagne and honeymoon.

Caribbean Best Villa Rental making your wedding less stressful – what are you waiting for.

Akasha not only boasts many features but it can also now boast the fact that the hill behind the villa is a National Park and actually owned by the St Lucia National Trust. This means no one can build on this land and that it is accessible to members of the public.

Mr. Christopher Lutz of Cambridge, Massachusetts donated the property called Morne Pavillon located at Cap Estate to the Saint Lucia National Trust to be held in perpetuity as a nature reserve. The donation was facilitated by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the Government of Saint Lucia. In donating this 9.38 hectare property, Mr. Lutz reiterated his concerns over the rapid loss of green space in the north of Saint Lucia and requested the Trust to declare the property inalienable under Section 10 of the Saint Lucia National Trust Act Chapter 6.02 of the revised Laws of Saint Lucia, which Council did on July 21st, 2010.

From this land you get super views of Martinique and St Lucia. At the top you can walk around an old fort which was used once by the English during the continuing wars with the French over the islands in the Caribbean. The entrance to the park is a short walk from the villa, a mere 5 minutes. You can trek up to the top – you wont be disappointed with the views. Not many people know that this is the best view in the north of St Lucia. The views from Akasha, St Lucia’s Best Villa Rental are almost as good.

Its not as high as the Pitons nor does it take as long to hike up – use it as a warm up for the Piton.

So when you come to stay at St Lucia’s most luxurious rental villa this park is a super short hike which most of us can manage. Akasha can organize your hike to the Pitons as well as many other activities.

St Lucia is an island which has become more dependent upon the Tourism industry over the last two decades. Akasha, St Lucia’s most modern villa rental was built to service high end traveler who want to enjoy luxury while sampling the culture and beauty of the island of St Lucia not to mention its beaches, Pitons and everything else etc.

Not so long ago the UK government decided to introduce a Tax for holiday makers to St Lucia and other Caribbean islands. This was seen by all the island as a deterrent for the Tourism Industry. The island even sent over a representation to protest about it but to no effect.

The Caribbean has thrived on the tourism from the UK, receiving more than a million British visitors last year. So any impact as the result of additional taxes was not good news. Other islands like Barbados were also affected by this decision and as the main island for UK travelers felt the impact more than St Lucia.

Now the UK has decided to go some way to alleviate the tax and hopefully this will help the industry recover after the impact of the credit crunch. The UK government has announced their new budget will place a freeze on APD charges that were previously resulting in higher aviation taxes for travellers to the tropical islands. So airlines such as British Airways and Virgin were forced to increase their prices when consumers were already feeling the effects of the credit crunch and recession.

St Lucia’s most exclusive villa rental welcomes this news as it feels this tax did deter travelers to the Caribbean as there is no equivalent tax to other holiday destinations. Akasha offers you the option to go all inclusive or mix and match – the choice is yours. Luxury, Quality and Service is our aim.