Oct. 7th, 2021
As founder and CEO of Haute Retreats, Sabrina Piccinin’s mission is not only to provide the best in accommodations the world over, but also to provide the best in service. She believes that while the destination itself should be fabulous, the amenities and personal attention to detail are of equal importance.
Having spent more than 22 years within the luxury hospitality sphere, Piccinin possesses a remarkable ability to assess the needs and desires of the world’s most affluent and experienced travelers. She more than meets those needs and desires by offering some of the most sumptuous and indulgent vacation opportunities on the planet. “We are very strict about what makes the list of Haute Retreats,” said the Italian born and raised Piccinin. “Before being accepted onto the Haute Retreats list, our experts take the time to thoroughly verify each listing. Our vetting process is what makes our name worth something, and we work hard to constantly uphold and increase the trust that people put in the Haute Retreats name.”
Haute Retreats offers 1500 villas online and 1300 properties offline in 83 destinations. Here are seven of their Caribbean standouts:
Ani Villa, Dominican Republic
Ani Villa: Located on the north central coast of the Dominican Republic and surrounded by the sea on three sides, Ani Villa was designed by noted Dominican designer Sarah Garcia. This secluded four-acre estate offers a private, fulltime chef, 24-hour butler service, water slides, a tennis court, swimming pools, and even a spa. Twelve of the villa’s 14 suites boast ocean vistas with banks of windows opening onto sunken terraces and unobstructed views of coves and beaches. The estate cleaves neatly between two villas – one with eight suites, the other with six; rent both villas, or one. Each has its own private space. 10 1,200-square-foot (111 sq.m) master suites feature lofty, high ceilings and screens of backlit onyx, and one-of-a-kind art installations. Interior bathing spaces feature deep soaking tubs and enclosed outdoor gardens featuring al fresco showering hideaways. A billiard table, shuffleboard table, theme park-like swimming pool with waterslide, fitness gym, tennis court, bicycles, water sports equipment, and cooking classes ensure never a dull moment. Additionally, three dedicated spa therapists are happy to offer a range of complimentary treatments from deep tissue massage to hot stone therapy.
This and above: Villa Aquamar, Virgin Gorda
Villa Aquamare: Part of the Aquamare estate, this five-suite villa located in Mahoe Bay, Virgin Gorda, lies within steps of the beach. Minutes from restaurants and shopping, Villa Aquamare boasts stunning sea vistas. Featuring native stonework, rich hardwoods, travertine marble, and vaulted ceilings, this spacious villa opens to al fresco living space where an outdoor dining table takes advantage of sunrise and sunset views. The great room comprises a living area, indoor dining area, and gourmet kitchen. Each spacious, air-conditioned suite is equipped with an ensuite bathroom, Bulgari toiletries, and ocean-facing balcony. Three primary suites feature king-size beds and sheltered marble bathrooms with separate shower rooms, which open to the outdoors. The fourth bedroom has two queens, while the fifth bedroom is a junior suite with a king size bed. A pergola covers a bed on the nearby beach. The house also has a crib, satellite TV, WiFi, a hammock, and the use of a power yacht for an additional charge. A Concierge House, surrounded by lush landscaping, is located on the estate.
This and above: Villa Sentosa, Turks & Caicos
Villa Sentosa: Set on a residential stretch of Grace Bay in the Turks & Caicos and steps from the sea, Villa Sentosa is your perfect oasis of privacy. This mansion features an impressive palm tree and cabana lined outdoor area from which to enjoy the beautiful sunsets. Sunbathe on the oceanfront beach deck, or glide up the coast on the Hobie Cat. Enjoy cocktails on your floating lounger in the infinity pool, or under the stars around the fire pit. Villa Sentosa features two primary suites with king-size beds and six suites each with full sized-beds, all with ensuite bathrooms. Six are located on the main villa with access to the deck or garden with ocean views. One of the two primary bedrooms features an outdoor bath and shower. The guest house is just a few steps from the main villa, and has two suites with queen-sized beds, a kitchenette, and private terrace. Between the ultra-modern kitchen and the living room is a gym equipped with cardio equipment and weights, as well as a media room with games and theater-style seating. Fully-staffed with a chef, butler, housekeeper, and pool/beach attendant, guests don’t have to lift a finger. The following are provided: laundry service, grocery shopping, pool and beach service, and drink service.
This and above: Casa Sirenus, Riviera Maya
Casa Sirenus: Beachfront Casa Sirenus enjoys the best location in the private gated community of Playacar, Riviera Maya. This beautifully curated villa features a tropical indoor garden and seven opulent suites, six in the main villa and another within the grounds. Unique details are found within the beautiful carpentry, luxuriant textiles, and décor. The swimming pool and jacuzzi are on the beachside deck area, while a large beachfront palapa (featuring bar, kitchen, and indoor dining and lounge area) is the perfect spot from which to watch the sunrise. Steps from the beach and the majestic, turquoise ocean, Casa Sirenus offers swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and great proximity to the famous 5th Ave., lined with restaurants, boutiques, cafes, and bars. But the full staff of butler/bartender, gourmet chef, and concierge make off-property ventures unnecessary.
This and above: Villa Le Reve, St. Martin
This and above: Villa Le Reve, St. Martin
Villa Le Reve: Set along the gorgeous Baie Rouge Beach in St. Martin, Villa Le Reve is a modern, seven-bedroom villa within an estate-like setting with shady palms, a private garden and beach. Its multitude of amenities include its enormous swimming pool, home theater, game room, fitness room, and an array of fine art. Six bedrooms, including two primary suites, are located in the main home, and one is located in the smaller guest house. Each room features a king bed, entertainment system, and a private bath with outdoor shower. Several al fresco areas open into impressive interiors that include a bar and large gourmet kitchen.
This and above: Villa Acamar, St. Barth
Villa Acamar: This three-bedroom St. Barth beauty is hidden on a hill within minutes of Toiny Beach and is just a short drive from St. Jean and Gustavia. Villa Acamar features ocean views, a large outdoor living area, heated pool, and a chaise lounged-lined main deck that merges with a common area that opens on either side to the ocean air. The lower deck features a hot tub. The living room features several sitting areas and a billiards table. A game room includes foosball and ping pong, and a home theater includes full cinema seating and a large flatscreen TV with U.S. satellite channels. A Sonos sound system provides music across the interior and exterior. The fully equipped kitchen features ultra-sleek cabinetry and modern appliances. Each suite features an ensuite bathroom and a Smart TV. The primary suite, which opens directly to the pool deck, has a king bed, a workspace, a dressing room, and a private terrace with ocean views. The second suite offers a European king bed, ensuite bathroom with both an interior and exterior shower, and a private terrace. A spiral staircase leads down to the third suite, which has a European king bed, an open bathroom with a shower, and a private garden terrace.
This and above: Bachelor Hall, Barbados
Bachelor Hall: Haute Retreats offers the vintage chic Bachelor Hall as one of the finest Barbados vacation rentals in its portfolio. The regal estate, located along the beachfront on the Platinum West Coast, is steeped in rich history and set within more than 3.4 acres. It’s marked by a private entrance, a winding driveway, and majestic gardens with swaying palms. Two open-air courtyards with Koi-filled ponds are adjacent to the large drawing-room – a separate space with a spacious wraparound patio and a bar, perfect for sunset cocktail service on the terrace where views of the gardens and the ocean beyond provide a soothing backdrop. All seven bedrooms feature ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning, and flat-screen TVs. The tucked-away primary suite features a sea-facing patio, a super king-sized bed with sea views, a spacious walk-in closet, adjoining his/hers bathrooms, a writing desk, and superb WIFI connection. The pool includes a lounge area with seating for 15. The adjacent dining room offers a choice of pool or garden views, where guests enjoy local and international dishes, all catered to requested dietary needs by a full kitchen staff. Guests can visit Holetown to experience luxury shopping, fine dining restaurants, golf and tennis, or let the Concierge Can team arrange on-island activities. Pristine, white sand beaches are minutes away.
All photos courtesy of Haute Retreats
Ani Villa, Dominican Republic