By MARK ELLWOOD
Last updated: 7:05 am
October 14, 2008
Posted: 3:15 am
October 14, 2008
A BLAST of southern sun is the best winter medicine; tight times don't mean a tropical getaway need be out of the question. While the idea of "renting a villa" conjures up images of spoiled celebs and their entourages, there's another side to the coin: Avoiding overpriced hotels and resorts can save you big money. We've pulled together some of the best value rentals across the Caribbean, all of them less than $500 per person, per week - and even one that starts at just $110.
PHOTOS: Hot Caribbean Villas For Less
$416pp on JAMAICA
Chris Blackwell's "no worries, mon" hotel chainlet, Island Outpost, also oversees a smattering of villas: the best value of these is Itopia, on Jamaica's northern coast. Built in the 1600s, it's gloriously isolated, set in swathes of tropical gardens. There's a full staff including a cook, and Runaway Bay Beach is just 10 minutes' away. Another plus: Unlike many villas, there are high-tech mod cons (WiFi, cable TV) if you need to get away from getting away from it all.
The skinny: $2,500/week based on a total of six guests; islandoutpost.com
$400pp on NEVIS
On the tiny island known for its expanse of beaches, coral reefs and volcanic springs, the two so-called eco-cottages of Firefly perch on the hilly terrain (the balconies have gawp-worthy mountain and ocean views). The smallish homes are built in the old Caribbean-style - think cedar shingles, pine floors, whitewash and a shared pool. Make sure to stay up late for the fireflies that fill the nearby ravine each night.
The skinny: $800/week, based on two guests sharing; nevis1.com/firefly-cottages.html
$110pp on DOMINICA
Extravagantly lush and bird-crammed Dominica - the postage stamp-size island named after the day Christopher Columbus chanced on it - is one of the best bargain spots in the Caribbean, thanks to its nascent tourism . Case in point is the dirt cheap, pool-equipped four-bedroom Pete's Casa villa on the southwest coast. It comes with all amenities (AC, washer-dryer, twice-weekly maid service), killer views (a sea-facing balcony) and even fruit trees in its half-acre garden. At prices this low, a couple could rent this sprawling pad solo.
The skinny: $880/week based on eight sharing; natureisland.com/MDVilla.html
$450/pp in KEY WEST
Florida's homegrown Caribbean has the same why-worry vibe as Jamaica, and it's much easier to reach than many of the traditional Caribbean destinations. Half-a-block from main drag, Duval Street, the rehabbed historic Bahama Street is a classic Conch house, with wooden siding, a full-front porch and antique moldings. The high-ceilinged interior is a mash-up of modern art and antiques, though it's unlikely you'll linger inside since there's a heated pool in the garden out back, a rarity for Key West private homes.
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