Tropical Villas
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Pine Trees Villa
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Silver Point Living Room Area
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Poolside at Silver Point
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Balcony Views
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View from the balcony at Pine Trees Villas
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Dining room inside Pine Trees
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Villa Jonson - Tropical Villas
- Category
- Villa Rental Agents
- Location
- Cap Estate and North-east
At a glance
Tropical Villas Limited has an unrivalled position in the St Lucia villa market, as the longest established and significantly the best villa management and rental company on the island. If you are looking for a decent rental property with well trained, ever-friendly and willing staff, you are unlikely to be disappointed. Favoured by all the best Caribbean villa specialist travel organisers, they have been operating since 1985 and they have an excellent spread of villas in all sizes and styles. Villas weddings can also be arranged by Tropical Villas, who have a number of properties villas suitable for stylish small scale entertaining.
- Best for:
- Family, Food and Cooking, Golf, Hiking and Walking
- Getting there:
- Direct from Europe, UK, USA, Canada
Key features
A broad range of well-presented St Lucia villa rentals and townhouses with one to nine bedrooms at fair prices. Consistent good all-round service and property management. Villa weddings
Client Profile:
Across the range but St. Lucia villas are popular with families and golfers and those looking to find 'St Lucia off the beaten path'
Journalist’s Review
In Depth
Founded in 1985, Tropical Villas is the leading villa rental agency in St Lucia. They have always been the largest in the island, having been the first company to set up in the St Lucia villa rentals business, but they have almost all the most significant St Lucia villas for rent on their books. Tropical Villas’ core business is short term holiday lets, but they also manage most of the villas that they rent out and they have a St Lucia real estate arm. The number of rental properties varies as owners buy and sell their houses, or decide to live in them permanently, but currently Tropical Villas oversees and rents out around 45 villas and apartments.
The houses they rent are mainly in the north of St Lucia, and principally on the Cap Estate, a former sugar estate that occupies the very northern tip of the island. They also have a number of properties, mostly townhouses/ condominiums, to rent out in Rodney Bay, the key tourist area also not far from the northern tip. Beyond these areas there are not so many villas available, but the company has a few on the Vigie Peninsular just outside Castries and a couple more in the extraordinarily fertile and beautiful area around Soufrière, the ‘South’ of the island.
You pass Tropical Villas’ offices, which are set in a yellow building, each time you enter the Cap Estate. There are five staff based here, but the company oversees around 70 staff in all who work in the villas that they manage.
Tropical Villas has grown in parallel with the villa rental market in St Lucia. In fact they are so much a part of it that there is a case to say that they grew the St Lucia villa rentals business themselves. The company started off with just six villas in the mid Eighties and is now the largest and by far most significant agency on the island. Originally set up by Biddy MacNamara, who is from St Vincent but who has lived in St Lucia for the past thirty years, the company is now owned jointly owned by Karen Du Boulay Hunte, who has spent many years working in the hospitality industry in St Lucia. They deal directly with the villa owners and between them oversee the management of many of the villas.
Tropical Villas also has a St Lucia real estate arm. It has only existed since 2000, but was a logical step for a company so closely associated with the villa market. It is overseen by Melissa Faye Joseph, who has returned to St Lucia after working for many years as a licenced real estate agent in Florida.
Services
St Lucia Villa Rentals
Tropical Villas provides services locally to the guests, such as airport transfers either in a private taxi of helicopter, delivery of a rental vehicle to the villa, pre-stocking the villa with food.
They will always send a staff member to visit you fairly soon after arrival to make sure that everything is ok and to give advice on restaurants, shopping, restaurants and other places of interest in the area including how to enjoy St Lucia off the beaten path.
Part of their services to property owners is the marketing of St Lucia villa rentals, which Tropical Villas does well through a large network of contacts in America, Canada, UK and Europe.
Villa Management
Managing their portfolio of rental villas means that they take care of everything in the owners’ absence, and it is vital to the success of rentals that the management is executed professionally and efficiently. Tropical Villas is good at this. For the owner their services include ensuring payment of utilities, rubbish collection, insurance, staff wages, pool maintenance, garden and general maintenance.
In addition to the short term rentals, Tropical Villas also manages around 20 villas and apartments, which are available for long term let of six months or longer, as well as properties that are not available for rental.
Grocery Supplies
Tropical Villas is happy to pre-stock your villa for your arrival. The service is recommended not least as the cook/housekeeper will then be able to prepare a welcome meal for you. During your holiday, your housekeeper is able to assist you with your shopping if you wish and it can be fun to explore the local markets with the benefit of an expert at your side.
Staff
There are five members of staff in the office. The first you are likely to meet is Natasha Marcellin at the reception desk, who joined the company in early 2005. If you are on renting a villa on holiday you are likely to deal with Margueritte Martin, who manages the guest relations department.
The two principals at Tropical Villas are owners Bridget 'Biddy' MacNamara and Karen Du Boulay Hunte, who oversee the villa management and the short term rentals. The company also oversees around 70 staff based in the villas.
Melissa Faye Bishop runs the real estate arm of the business and oversees long term rentals.
Meet & Greet
If you are booking direct, Tropical Villas is happy to send a taxi to meet you at the airport. Usually it will be Desir who will wait just beyond Customs at the Arrival Hall at Hewanorra. Airport transfers are paid for locally.
If you are booking through a travel organiser, particularly if you are booking a flight inclusive holiday from the UK or Europe, it is likely that the travel company’s on-island representative will be at the airport to meet you. This service and your return airport transfers should be included in the cost of your holiday. Please check at the time of booking.
Check In/Check Out
Priority is always given to preparing the villa for incoming guests and unless you make specific alternative arrangements at the time of booking, the check out time is at noon. If villas are not booked back to back, however, there may be the chance of some flexibility. As most flights arrive in the afternoon, check-in time is generally 4pm. If your arrival on St Lucia is earlier, please make sure that you tell your travel organiser or Tropical Vilas so that suitable arrangements can be put in place.
Departures
If you have a hire car, you can choose to return it at the airport (making sure the luggage will fit, or order a taxi to help you out) or have it collected from the villa prior to your departure. If your travel organiser hasn’t already made the transport arrangements to take you back to the airport, you can book a taxi through Tropical Villas.
Booking Conditions
Tropical Villas require a 25% deposit of the total rent in order to confirm your reservation. This is not normally refundable. All payments made to Tropical Villas Limited should be by VISA, MasterCard, certified cheques, Bankers drafts, Traveller's cheques or cash. The balance is due 45 days prior to arrival. Overseas calls, breakages and any services provided locally, e.g. groceries, should be settled before you leave the property.
Travel Insurance
Since accidents can happen, we recommend that you take out a travel insurance policy that gives you full protection for damage to Third Party property.
Weddings & Honeymoons
Many St Lucia villas through Tropical Villas make excellent choices for luxury Caribbean honeymoons, and several villas in St Lucia, one of the Caribbean’s best wedding destinations, are good for Caribbean weddings. A villa wedding is particularly special because everything can be organised precisely according to your wishes. They give you flexibility and privacy which is difficult to achieve at a hotel.
Tropical Villas are very successful at organising delightful St Lucia weddings for small parties at the villas. Some villas are particularly suited to aspirations for a magical Caribbean wedding – Cap Pavilion and La Paloma are notable.
The maximum number of guests that can be accommodated at the ceremony on the day of the wedding is the resident villa guests plus six invited guests, unless Tropical Villas and the homeowner have given prior permission for larger numbers. There may be extra charges to accommodate a larger party.
If you also feel you need the services of specialist wedding co-ordinators, the company is happy to work with the island’s top wedding organisers, Awesome Caribbean Weddings, subject to a location fee (from US$250 for 1-8 persons, 9-15 persons US$350, 16-24 persons US$600 and anything above 25 persons US$30 per head) being paid for the villa in addition to the villa rental cost. It is important however that you discuss your plans with Tropical Villas in the first instance and allow them to liaise with Awesome Caribbean Weddings and vice versa.
Marriage Licences
Ordinary Marriage Licences (US$1100 includes wedding package - US$1350 for locations in Soufriere) – for an ordinary marriage licence, the application has to be presented to the Attorney General no less than seven (7) working days before it is required.
Special Marriage Licences (Cost US$1200 includes wedding package - US$1500 for locations in Soufriere) – for a special marriage licence, the application needs to be made less than seven (7) working days before it is required.
Flowers
St Lucia grows a wonderful selection of tropical flowers - orchids, ginger lilies, birds of paradise. Tropical villas will provide any colour of flowers required, although it is not possible to guarantee the type of flower provided on the day. Apart from the brides' bouquet, a flower girl basket, corsages and buttonholes are also available.
Music
It can be as simple as your favourite music played on a CD or cassette player in the villa, but the benefit of a villa wedding is the freedom of choice - you might like a steel band, trio, guitarist or saxophonist, even a choir. Tropical Villas are happy to source the right players and make the arrangements on your behalf.
Photographs
A photographer will take your wedding photographs at the villa, in the garden, on the beach. Again it is a matter of choice. You can also choose how many photographs you want to pay for but the photographer usually takes more to enable you to make a selection from the best variety of pictures to go onto a CD.
Video
Both standard and extended video will be provided in European or American System as appropriate.
Standard video includes: The actual ceremony, cutting of the cake and champagne toast. Extended video includes: Shots of the island, bride preparing in room, groom waiting in another room, bride walking to the wedding site, ceremony, signing of registrar book, presentation of marriage certificate, champagne toast, cutting of the cake, music and graphics.
St Lucia Wedding Costs with Tropical Villas
The standard wedding plan offered by Tropical Villas costs US$1100 and includes: the legal fees, Registrar’s fees, general wedding co-ordination such as organising the services of a Registrar, arranging the ceremony and reception at the villa. Ordering the bouquet for the bride, the buttonhole for the groom and any extras requested by the couple. Also… a bouquet for the bride, the groom’s buttonhole, a wedding cake, two bottles of Californian champagne at wedding reception, basic decorated location.
Please see Tropical Villas website for a list of optional extras for your St Lucia wedding and associated costs.
A deposit of 25% is required and the balance is payable at least 30 days before arrival.
Tropical Villas can offer the following accommodation:
You may book the following Cottages & Apartments through Tropical Villas
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La Petite Fleur
With a truly spectacular setting on a ridge 1,000ft up overlooking the Pitons on the south-western coast of St Lucia, this 1-bedroom guest cottage is a rare find.
Tropical Villas can offer the following accommodation:
You may book the following Villas & Villa Living through Tropical Villas
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Admiral's Quay
Enjoy the best of both worlds at this development in the heart of lively Rodney Bay Marina, but tucked away in its own peaceful enclave. Sleeps 5.
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Arc En Ciel
A luxurious fully-staffed villa with a comfortable feel, set in landscaped woodland gardens with a large swimming pool complete with waterfall, grotto and plunge pool. Sleeps 10.
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Bananaquit House
This light and airy staffed villa is an ideal retreat for families and stands out for its fabulous location affording wonderful views of St Lucia’s twin Pitons. Sleeps 10.
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Hummingbird House
A stylish, laidback escape in the hills of the Cap Estate that blends easily into the tropical surroundings and boasts charm and rustic style. Sleeps 6.
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La Fleur Des Pitons
With its natural feel and open-plan design that makes the most of its tropical location and stunning views, this staffed hideaway is made for romantics. Sleep 4.
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Le Gallerie
The elevated location gives this staffed villa a tree-house feel with wonderful views over the Pitons, accentuated by the open, bright interior and wraparound terrace. Sleeps 10.
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Saline Reef
This villa offers Caribbean living with a contemporary twist thanks to its open-plan living area and sun terrace that capitalises on its cliff-side location within the Cap Estate. Sleeps 6.
-
St Remy
Escapists can retreat to the hills to stay in the colonial surroundings of this pretty staffed plantation house and its lush tropical grounds. Sleeps 4-6.
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Wild Orchid
This luxurious staffed retreat capitalises on fabulous far-reaching views with extensive outdoor living areas, while the light décor brings a cool, fresh feel to the spacious interior. Sleeps 6.
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Villa Paradisso
This staffed modern villa combines elegance with modernity, accentuated by classic Caribbean style furnishings that bring out the traditional local flavour. Sleeps 7.
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Cap Pavilion
A luxurious fully-staffed hilltop retreat that oozes glamour, elegance and sweeping views in every direction, while its secluded location promises the utmost privacy. Sleeps 11.
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Smugglers Nest
The enchanting hillside location and grotto-like pool of this idyllic retreat, full of nooks and crannies, make it a perfect hideaway for romantics or honeymooners. Sleeps 4.
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La Paloma
A homely hacienda-style villa acclaimed as one of the best rental properties on the island with its pretty surroundings and picturesque swimming pool with hot tub. Sleeps 12.
Tropical Villas can offer the following accommodation:
You may book the following Cottages & Apartments through Tropical Villas
-
La Petite Fleur
With a truly spectacular setting on a ridge 1,000ft up overlooking the Pitons on the south-western coast of St Lucia, this 1-bedroom guest cottage is a rare find.
You may book the following Villas & Villa Living through Tropical Villas
-
Admiral's Quay
Enjoy the best of both worlds at this development in the heart of lively Rodney Bay Marina, but tucked away in its own peaceful enclave. Sleeps 5.
-
Arc En Ciel
A luxurious fully-staffed villa with a comfortable feel, set in landscaped woodland gardens with a large swimming pool complete with waterfall, grotto and plunge pool. Sleeps 10.
-
Bananaquit House
This light and airy staffed villa is an ideal retreat for families and stands out for its fabulous location affording wonderful views of St Lucia’s twin Pitons. Sleeps 10.
-
Hummingbird House
A stylish, laidback escape in the hills of the Cap Estate that blends easily into the tropical surroundings and boasts charm and rustic style. Sleeps 6.
-
La Fleur Des Pitons
With its natural feel and open-plan design that makes the most of its tropical location and stunning views, this staffed hideaway is made for romantics. Sleep 4.
-
Le Gallerie
The elevated location gives this staffed villa a tree-house feel with wonderful views over the Pitons, accentuated by the open, bright interior and wraparound terrace. Sleeps 10.
-
Saline Reef
This villa offers Caribbean living with a contemporary twist thanks to its open-plan living area and sun terrace that capitalises on its cliff-side location within the Cap Estate. Sleeps 6.
-
St Remy
Escapists can retreat to the hills to stay in the colonial surroundings of this pretty staffed plantation house and its lush tropical grounds. Sleeps 4-6.
-
Wild Orchid
This luxurious staffed retreat capitalises on fabulous far-reaching views with extensive outdoor living areas, while the light décor brings a cool, fresh feel to the spacious interior. Sleeps 6.
-
Villa Paradisso
This staffed modern villa combines elegance with modernity, accentuated by classic Caribbean style furnishings that bring out the traditional local flavour. Sleeps 7.
-
Cap Pavilion
A luxurious fully-staffed hilltop retreat that oozes glamour, elegance and sweeping views in every direction, while its secluded location promises the utmost privacy. Sleeps 11.
-
Smugglers Nest
The enchanting hillside location and grotto-like pool of this idyllic retreat, full of nooks and crannies, make it a perfect hideaway for romantics or honeymooners. Sleeps 4.
-
La Paloma
A homely hacienda-style villa acclaimed as one of the best rental properties on the island with its pretty surroundings and picturesque swimming pool with hot tub. Sleeps 12.
