THERE ARE villas and there are villas. These are the latter. We call them mega villas — the large properties with at least six bedrooms that aren’t just vacation homes —they’re vacation estates. These are properties of a different level, for a different kind of experience. They also require a special manner of booking, with all kinds of amenities that need to be arranged. That’s why we didn’t just put together a list of Mega Villas, but also included villa management companies representing the villas. They provide concierge services, security and personal attention. Because when you stay at a mega villa, you get a lot more than just the rental.
Amanoka on the Beach — Jamaica
This 9,600-square-foot home has seven bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms, a staff of two chefs, a butler, housekeepers, a laundress and a gardener. It’s also got a 70-foot private beach. Contact Villas by Linda Smith for more information. Reserve with Jamaica Villas By Linda Smith.
Ani South — Anguilla
Part of a two-villa complex, Ani South has six bedrooms, six bathrooms, a roof deck lounge and a “cliff edge” hot tub. Reserve it through Villas of Distinction and you’ll get a private boat transfer from St Maarten, a private chef, butler and beach butler service and more. Reserve with Villas of Distinction.
Villa Casa del Mar — St Barth
If you called St Barth the luxury villa capital of the Caribbean, it would be hard to argue. This six-bedroom, seven-bathroom estate is the epitome of St Barth’s modern yet laid-back appeal, with two pools, a tropical garden and a jacuzzi across a two-house compound. Reserve with St Barth Properties.
Serendip Cove — Bahamas
Located in the tony enclave of Lyford Cay in New Providence, Serendip Cove has 600 feet of beach, 14 bedrooms, 14 bathrooms and a pool, all set on a magnificent estate. Reserve through Luxury Retreats.
Plantation House — Barbados
This eight-bedroom, eight-bathroom masterpiece is set within the Royal Westmoreland Golf and Country Club. The property includes a a panoramic upper-floor terrace, a sweeping pool and its own butler, housekeeper and support staff. Reserve with Villas of Distinction.
The Beach House at Calivigny Island — Grenada
We didn’t mean to include private islands on this list, as they’re really a separate category, but the Beach House at the breathtaking Calivigny Island off the coast of Grenada was too good to pass up. This 10-suite property directly on the sea has furniture designed by Oscar de la Renta, among others, and its own gym. Reserve with Calivigny Island directly.
Villa Mav Pon — Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
This six-bedroom, seven-bathroom stunner is a group of pavilons, with every section gazing out at an incredible shot of the Caribbean Sea. And then there are the pools. Reserve through Wimco Villas.
Sand Club — St Barth
Set on St Barth’s Baie de Flamands, Sand Club has six bedrooms, a spectacular outdoor terrace with a “mirror” pool and, of course, direct access to Flamands Beach. (Photo: Laurent Benoit) Reserve with Sibarth Villa Rentals.
Villa Alizee — St Maarten
Set on the beautiful Guana Bay in St MAarten, Villa Alizee has seven bedrooms, seven bathrooms and panoramic views of the bay. Six of the bedrooms have ocean views. For more information, contact RE/MAX St Maarten.
Estate Belvedere — St Croix
Not only is this a Mega Villa; it’s even got its own 18th-century sugar mill — one that long ago produced sugar to make Cruzan Rum. Estate Belvedere has six bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms and a 50-foot pool with its own pool house. Reserve with McLaughlin Anderson.
Seascape Villa — Grand Cayman
This three-floor property has six bedrooms, four bathrooms, a third-floor hot tub and even an area that can be converted into a seventh bedroom. But the party piece is direct access to Seven Mile Beach, one of the Caribbean’s greatest beaches. Reserve with Caymanvillas.com.
Ocean Palm — St John
St John is the lush, untouched retreat of the US Virgin Islands; this Coral Bay property has more than 6,000 square feet, six bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms and two pools. Reserve through Caribbean Villa.
Palm Grove Villa 1429 — Nevis
The island of Nevis is home to a select set of luxury villas, many of which are located within the Four Seasons Residences near Pinneys Beach. The Palm Grove Villas 1429 has six bedrooms and six bathrooms across more than 5,500 total square feet of living space. It also has its own plunge pool. Reserve through Four Seasons.