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.

if(function_exists('special_recent_posts')) {
special_recent_posts($args);
}
?>

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.

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.

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.

The islands in the Caribbean are well known for their rum punches and St Lucia is no different. Here, in St Lucia, you will find Chairmen’s Reserve a super rum of which there is only a limited quantity produced every year. Now you can find this in the Spicy variety – a great addition to their family.

When you stay at Akasha, St Lucia’s Premier Villa Rental you can use the cocktail mixer to create a great rum punch. Here is the recipe;
Serves 10 to 12
3 cups orange juice – preferably freshly squeezed
3 cups pineapple juice – can variety is best
1 cup lime juice – available from our garden
a healthy pinch of cinnamon
a healthy pinch of nutmeg
6 generous shakes of angostura bitters
2 1/2 cups dark or light rum – Chairmen’s or the Spicy variety
grenadine syrup
1 1/4 cups simple syrup

In a large bowl or pitcher, mix together juices, spices, bitters and rum. Add grenadine syrup until the punch reaches the color of a flaming sunset, if in doubt about the colour take a look out of the kitchen window and match the colour of the sunset. Grenadine syrups differ in sweetness, so add the syrup after this point and taste along the way to make sure it’s to your taste.

Now if you are really adventurous you could serve this over crushed ice. Alternatively just leave in the fridge for a few hours and then serve over ice.

If you are not the Barman of the year why not ask Juliette to make this for you – she always adds her secret ingredients which she wont tells us but it gives the punch one hell of a kick!

The punch is best enjoyed by the pool at sunset time – heaven or paradise, chilling at its best.

When you are out and about in the bars around Rodney Bay Marina, just a few minutes drive away from St Lucia Best Villa Rental, feel free to ask for their version – they have their own personality, just like the barmen.

So when you stay at St Lucia’s Premier Villa Rental Akasha, you can either do it yourself or get our team to help out. All part of the all inclusive options that are available when you book direct with the owners.

Akasha is pleased to announce that we have secured the services of the island’s top Sommelier to host wine and rum tasting at the villa.

Parties staying at St Lucia’s most Luxurious Villa Rental will be able to sample the delights of some super wines. Get coached in what to look for in wines and how to judge a good wine under the guidance of an experienced Sommelier who settled on the island some years ago. He responsible for buying wines and rum for all the top resorts and restaurants in St Lucia so he knows his stuff. For those who want to investigate local rums, for which St Lucia is famous, then just say the word they can be included – they might just blow your socks off.

When you book your vacation – it doesn’t matter if it is inclusive or not, the Wine and Rum Tasting can be booked irrespective. Just gives us an idea of what your preference is (if you have one) and the wines and rums you will sample will be adjusted accordingly. You can be guaranteed that they will be good. We can also arrange for your pick of wines and rum to be sent to your home – or take them with you.

At St Lucia’s most Luxurious Villa there is ample room to undertake the tasting – with these views the wine and rum will taste inspiring.

St Lucia’s most Luxurious Villa Rental, Akasha has just seen the line up for this year Jazz Festival and it is truly full of stars and quality – a little like the villa.

The line up over the week has international and local artists who will perform across the island including Pigeon Island where the main attractions will be.  This is just down the road from the Akasha – Luxury Villa Rental a mere 6 minute drive away. Not only that you can actually see the stage from villa!!

St Lucia`s Jazz festival will attract even more visitors this year as the Barbados festival has been cancelled. This will be the 20th year St Lucia`s festival will be run – thats incredible.

The big hitters this year will include;

• John Legend who performed here before and we were lucky to see him then. He lived up to expectation and so its great to see him come back
• Mike Stern who has been nominated for a Grammy award nomination
• Angelique Kidjo previous Grammy award winner, great African artist, recorded and sung with Joss Stone and Peter Gabriel
• Ledis – not heard her music before but listening to her voice this could be a star waiting to happen

Other able and talented artists include;

• Chuck Brown
• Anacaona
• Maceo Parker
• Yellow Jackets
• Taj Weeks
• Morgan Heritage
• Carimi
• Mervin Wilkinson
• Sixun
• Augustin “Jab” Duplessis – local artist,  featuring Derede Williams
• Reginae Carter – Jazz violinist chill to this video
• Allison Marquis & Electric pan Jazz who have performed here before, see this recording St Lucia Jazz 2008

If you are coming to the festival then there is still time rent St Lucia`s most fabulous villa – there`s nothing like it on the island.

St Lucia`s most luxurious villa rental Akasha is pleased that it has secured its first wedding party next year.

St Lucia was once again voted as the top spot in the Caribbean for honeymoons – that is 8 years running. Weddings in St Lucia are easy to arrange with the help of a local specialist. Akasha Villa Rental will work with your chosen planner and make sure Akasha is looking great for the special day.

If you are thinking about getting married here it is worth knowing what documents you will need. So make sure have the following documents:
1. Birth Certificate
2. Passport or other Valid ID proof

Also in certain circumstances you may be required to have;

1. Death certificate of former spouse (in case of a widow or widower)
2. Papers relating to name change
3. Final divorce decree, if one or both are divorced
4. Proof of parental consent if any one or both the individuals are below 18 years of age

Permission for marriage has to be sought through an application made to the Attorney General who issues the license after a short residency period and your local planner will advise you about this and organise it.

You have a choice of where in the villa to hold the ceremony – take a look at the various terraces and sun deck or maybe you prefer the the entertainment area

Don`t forget that Akasha St Lucia Villa Rental offers flexible honeymoon packages With these you can chose what you want to include for own honeymoon.

If you are considering getting married in paradise then complete the Contact Form and we will be happy to assist you and put you in touch with the right people.

Our happy couple on this occasion will be accompanied by some of their closest friends and family members for the ceremony and their reception at St Lucia`s most Luxurious Villa Rental.

Akasha luxury villa rental is pleased to hear that the ARC race is about to start very soon.

The ARC 2010 fleet leave Las Palmas, Canaries (Spanish island) for Rodney Bay in Saint Lucia, crews from the 205 yachts, of all shapes and sizes are berthed in the marina and took part in the official ARC 2010 Opening Ceremony.  The final 34 yachts are expected to arrive in Las Palmas over the next few days, bringing the fleet total to 239 yachts, an all-time ARC record and that should make the race an all time success.  All of these will sail past Akasha luxury villa rental as they cross the finish line and into Rodney Bay.

At midday Sunday 14 November hundreds of ARC participants took part in the Official Opening Ceremony for ARC 2010.  Flag bearers from 28 different nations representing the countries of the yachts in this year’s event led the procession as it made its way around the marina. The grand parade had a real festival atmosphere as crews gathered at the northern end of the marina and were led by an enthusiastic brass band cheered on by local spectators.  This sounds great and Akasha villa rental in St Lucia hopes the start of things to come when they get to St Lucia, West Indies.

Andrew Bishop, Managing Director of World Cruising Club declared ARC 2010 officially “open” and the country flags were proudly hoisted on flagpoles around the marina as fireworks were launched in celebration.  High Commissioner of Saint Lucia, Eldridge Stephens, gave a rousing speech thanking ARC participants for visiting Saint Lucia after the devastation caused hurricane Tomas 10 days ago.

The fiesta atmosphere continued with ARC participants and local people taking part in Don Pedro’s famous International Dinghy Race.  Water bombs and flour missiles were commonplace! A prizegiving for the dinghy race and Don Pedro’s dockside BBQ went on late into the evening.  So St Lucia will, I know, create even a bigger party atmosphere once the race is under-way and when they finish in Rodney Marina. When you stay at Akasha Villa Rental you get to enjoy that atmosphere as the Marina is only a few minutes drive from your luxury retreat.

Akasha St Lucia luxury villa is pleased to inform you:

* ARC 2010 will depart from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on Sunday 21 November.
* The finish destination is Rodney Bay Marina in St Lucia, a distance of 2,700 nautical miles from Las Palmas and it’s a passage that will take most of the yachts between 18 and 21 days.
* Whilst fundamentally a fun rally for cruising yachts, the ARC does have a more serious Racing Division, run under the auspices of the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC). Yachts in the Racing Division are not permitted to use their engines for propulsion (unlike the cruisers), although use of autopilots is allowed.
* ARC Official Entry list – ARC yachts
* ARC 2010 is sponsored by the Tourist Board of Gran Canaria, the Port Authority of Las Palmas, the Saint Lucia Tourist Board, Rolnautic, and is run in association with Yachting World magazine.

So our guests who will be in residence at Akasha – the luxury villa rental, get a great view of the boats as they sail around the north of the island, past the finishing line and into Rodney Bay – all visible from the terraces, and every one of the bedroom suites.

Akasha St Lucia luxury villa rental is pleased that cruise liners have sailed back into St Lucia to support the communities that were affected by Hurricane Tomas two weekends ago.

The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) and its member lines quickly restored cruise business in the wake of the hurricane and have also shipped in humanitarian assistance for affected residents. “The quick action by the cruise lines was of enormous help for us and underscored the huge value of tourism to our recovery efforts,” Prime Minister Stephenson King, thanking the Florida-based trade organization for its support of his country’s cruise industry.

Most of St Lucia’s attractions have reopened and, on Sunday, both Holland America’s Noordam and P & O Oceana brought thousands of passengers who were able to experience some of them. They also brought 200 tonnes of water along with clothing, food, furniture, mattresses, sheets and blankets which were distributed to needy communities by the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) and the St Lucia Red Cross.

Akasha villa rental is also pleased that the air industry is also doing its bit, tourism got a boost over the weekend with the arrival of JetBlue Airways, American Airlines/American Eagle, Air Canada, Delta Air Lines, British Airways, among other carriers. They are bringing in many tourist to boost St Lucia’s economy which it badly meeds given the damage to the banana crop. The international and regional carriers landed at both the Hewanorra International Airport and George F.L. Charles Airport. So both airports are now open and functioning.

“Tourism is our lifeblood, and we are grateful to our regional and international partners for the confidence they have placed in St Lucia. By returning so quickly, they are assisting the nation recover in the aftermath of the storm,” asserted Minister of Tourism, Senator Allen Chastanet.

St Lucia needs the tourists even more than before and we at Akasha St Lucia’s most exclusive villa rental will be doing our best to help our fellow St Lucians and encouraging even more tourists to come to this beautiful island.

Akasha has only been available for luxury villa rental for the last 10 months and has done well but like the rest of global economy St Lucia tourism has suffered from the recession over the last few years.   However, according to some experts things are looking up and will help St Lucia recover.   This is the message from leading lights in the industry.  Below is an article sent out by Caribbean 360.  Italics are our comments.

LONDON, United Kingdom, Monday November 8, 2010 – Three experts on tourism trends in the United Kingdom and Europe have painted an optimistic picture of the British market for the Caribbean tourism sector in 2011, despite challenges such as the Air Passenger Duty (APD) which saw another increase take effect this month.  APD is such an imposition on holiday makers and has a negative impact for small businesses like Akasha luxury villa rentals.

A panel of media and industry practitioners concluded that the worst is over for the global economy and that the Caribbean region can look forward to an improved performance next year.

“The global recovery has begun,” John Taker, the purchasing director for Virgin Holidays told dozens of Caribbean tourism ministers, directors and private and public sector officials gathered at the London offices of the Daily Telegraph for the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) European Marketing Forum.  Many of our high end clientèle fly Virgin who have increased flight to St Lucia.

Taker added that there was a clear opportunity to grow the family travel market for the Caribbean, pointing out that price was a more important consideration for consumers booking a Caribbean holiday than it was for holidays to destinations like the United States.  Families are well come to Akasha St Lucia’s most exclusive villa rental with so much to do at Akasha.

While admitting that the APD “is a punishment that the Caribbean will have to live with for a very long time”, Graham Boynton, the Daily Telegraph’s travel editor, said there was hope for the region.

“While ultra long-haul is still suffering from the effects of the recession, medium long-haul is seeing recovery (and) the Caribbean is doing relatively well when compared to (other regions). The Caribbean is doing better than Australia…it is doing better than South Africa,” Boynton told delegates.  By adding to the quality of the St Lucia product Akasha villa rental is doing its bit to increase the appeal of St Lucia to a bigger market.  We believe that St Lucia will over take Barbados in the long term as a destination of choice.

However, he advised, there was a need for Caribbean destinations, individually and collectively, to communicate the realities of the region in a more dynamic manner.

Meanwhile, Daniel Pearce, editor of the travel trade magazine, TTG, unveiled exclusive research which painted a confident picture from British travel agents. The research revealed that two out three agents felt the reputation of the Caribbean had increased in the past year, and half the travel agents surveyed said they expected sales to the Caribbean to increase in 2011.  We at Akasha villa rental are seeing more and more interest from our UK agents.

This year’s CTO European Marketing Forum has as its theme: “2011, A Year of Opportunity or Threat?” The annual event is held as a precursor to the tourism trade show, World Travel Market (WTM).

If you check out the rest of our website you will see a lot of information about the island and how we work with our local contacts to personalise your holiday in paradise when you stay at Akasha St Lucia luxury villa rental.

Akasha Saint Lucia luxury villa rental offers all its guest the opportunity to book a variety of activities prior to the arrival.  This means guests have more time to relax and do what they came to do – vacation, and not spend time arranging things.  So if your idea of all inclusive includes taking in the local culture then one of the things we can offer is local food and/or Creole cooking lessons at one of the most idyllic restaurants on the island – Jambe De Bois.  This is located on St Lucia’s National Park (Pigeon Island) which is only a 5 minute drive from the villa.  Creole cooking is wide spread across the Caribbean including islands like Barbados and Antigua.

This rather chocolate box looking restaurant is set by the waterside and looks back over the Rodney Bay towards the local town of Gros Islet and the mega marina.  So while you dine you can watch the mega yachts and the local fishing boats sail by.  Less than 10 yards away from you seat there is small sandy beach – safe for kids and good for snorkelling. This place is one of Akasha villa rental’s recommendation.

If you come to dine then we also suggest you go up the steep hill just behind Jambe De Bois and take in the super views from the old fort ruins.  Do this before you dine – great for working up an appetite.  Take care as the path is rather steep (with stairs in certain parts).  From the top you can see Martinique to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the West and lush green island to the East and south.  If look carefully to the North East you will see Akasha your luxury villa up on the hill looking straight back at you.

At Jambe De Bois you can just have a meal or if you want to know how to make some of the local recipes then we will arrange for the Chefs there to show you how it’s done. The local chefs take all day preparing the various dishes using local indigenous ingredients so if you want to learn and have some fun we can arrange your own personal Creole cooking lesson.

The food here is unpretentious, served without fuss, and very reasonably priced.  Our favourites are the Roti(s) – fish, chicken, lamb, or local fish – cooked any way you like, and Barbara’s personally prepared desserts.  I can recommend anyone of these but be warned if you are on a diet – stay away from them because once you have one you will be back for another! Barbara also helped us at Akasha – St Lucia’s most luxurious villa rental, with our Feng Shui aspects , helping us to ensure our guests enjoyed good energy flows and good fortune.

Check out the work of some local artists that’s on display or in the ‘library’ at the back.  The décor is rather rustic and wobbly chairs are part of the charm of the place as is the owner Barbara – charming that is not wobbly or rustic.  This is the complete opposite to Akasha luxury villa rental where luxury is assured, we hope you appreciate the contrast – we do. Barbara has been on the island a long time and hails from the lovely county of Somerset in England.  Everyone on the island knows her and she is a great lady who contributes to so many local causes.

She makes a mean cocktail and there is a “two for one” all day every day! You have been warned.

If you ask Barbara nicely, she will let you have a take out to take back to your luxurious villa rental.

So as part of your all inclusive vacation we can include a meal (or two) at Jambe De Bois and or a few Creole cookery lessons just let us know and consider it done.

Akasha St Lucia’s most luxury villa rental offers you what you want in your all inclusive vacation.

Akasha Saint Lucia luxury villa rental offers all its guest the opportunity to book a variety of activities prior to the arrival. This means guests have more time to relax and do what they came to do – vacation, and not spend time arranging things. So if you are after an all inclusive golf vacation then this may be for you. Let us know how many times you want to play and our personalised quote will be inclusive of your games.

In this blog we expand on playing golf in St Lucia. The only 18 hole championship course in St Lucia is a 4 minute drive away from St Lucia’s most luxurious villa rental.

If you want to play golf we would suggest you bring some extra balls along as the course is rather difficult and it’s all too easy to lose them. But you will be able to buy them back, at a very reasonable rate, from the locals who collect them from the bushes or the lakes that are found all over the course.

A famous golfer once said “don’t forget to smell the roses on the way round” well here you should also take some deep breaths because the air is so pure and clear. From all over the course you will get super views of the Atlantic and Caribbean Sea and from certain advantage points you will see your home for this vacation – Akasha the best St Lucia luxury villa rental on the island.

The course is a par 71 and 6685 yards and has plenty of challenging holes. Power carts are mandatory. The club house is a large warm and friendly place – there are changing rooms and showers available. The pro shop also offers duty free shopping as well as the customary club and shoe rentals. Power carts are mandatory – and trust us you will appreciate them by the end of the round. The green fees here are much more reasonable when compared to the likes of Barbados. If you want a lesson then there is a pro available but if you here during the high season seek out “Regis” – the best golf coach on the island, in my opinion.

It is hard to pick one hole which is a favourite – they are so well designed around the topology of the local landscape. My top four are:
• 5th Which is a tricky blind dog leg left, don’t over hit your tee shot or you are in trouble. The second shot to the downhill green requires the accuracy of a sharp shooter.
• 7th The most difficult hole on the course, not only because it’s long but there is OB on the right and trees down the left. Some locals will even play for the fairway (4th hole) coming up the other side to avoid trouble. Take care as the fairway slopes right to left and there is the strong Atlantic wind in your face. But the view out from the tee is awesome and sometimes you can see a ship sailing over the horizon towards St Lucia.
• 11th A downhill with water to the front of green. Watch for the glory hole on the right hand side by the bunker – this is big trouble if you end up here. Again the view from the tee is incredible, this time over the Caribbean Sea.
• 15th Another great view out to the Caribbean sea from the tee and is a deceptive downhill – be warned the green always runs right to left, your eyes will be deceived. Take care not to be too far right otherwise your ball may just end up in the back of a local truck heading in to Rodney Bay!

After playing why not stay and have a few Piton beers on the large expansive terrace which overlooks the 18th hole. The club house also offers good quality food including local St Lucian dishes like salt fish and broth. If you are there during a tournament you can get to play in them as the members always welcome guests to join in.

Our suggestion is you should play as early in the morning as you can – course is open from dawn, my favourite time is 7.00am. Our Concierge Manager will book a tee off time for you and drop you off or call the shuttle from the course to pick you up. We would also recommend you take a few bottles of water to stay hydrated – again our Manager will pack those for you (and if you insist a few beers).

There are also two 9 hole courses on the island but in comparison to the St Lucia Golf course in our opinion do not compare. Two other 18 hole courses are being built but at the moment these projects are effectively on hold. As soon as they are completed and playable we will let you know.

Coming back to those who want all inclusive vacation i.e. more than golf check out Akasha’s concierge service to see our list of what we can include in your vacation of a lifetime.

We at Akasha Villa Luxury villa rental want to make your round and vacation a memorable one so if you have any questions about the golf (or villa) just ask.

St Lucia’s Best Villa Rental from Akasha St Lucia on Vimeo.