Christmas might spur ideas of snowy landscapes, cosy mugs of hot chocolate by a roaring fireplace, and Father Christmas in his North Pole workshop. However, it is also one of the best times of year to visit the Caribbean, and experience some winter sun. The Caribbean ranks as one of our best luxury holiday destinations. So this Christmas, why not swap the snowy garden for a sandy beach, as we explore the reasons why you should choose Caribbean villa holidays for Christmas. Not only will we look at all the top reasons why to spend your Christmas here, but also a few ideas for some of the best Caribbean Christmas vacations!
Weather
The Caribbean experiences a tropical climate, with the islands situated north of the Equator and below the Tropic of Cancer. As a result, seasons in the Caribbean operate a bit differently to many other parts of the world. The island region experiences two main seasons: the wet season and dry season. The wet season is stormy, hot, and humid, running from May to November, while the dry season runs from December to April. Also known as the high season, the weather at this time of year is perfect. Expect warm temperatures in the high 20s (°C), low humidity and little to no rainfall. Caribbean villa holidays at Christmas fall at the start of this season of idyllic weather. Therefore, it is one of the primary destinations to escape for some winter sun.
Food
The Caribbean is famed for its rich and diverse mix of cultures, which results in a fabled culinary scene. A key reason for Caribbean villa holidays, at Christmas or any time of year, is to experience this cosmopolitan mix of cuisines first hand. A melting pot of culinary options are on offer, including Caribbean, West Indian, African, French, British and more!
Enjoy glamorous meals at beachfront locations consisting of bountiful, flavoursome and colourful seafood. Taste authentic barbecue recipes, unique spice flavours, and pair with delicious rum cocktails. While the Caribbean offers something fresh and different from your typical Christmas meals, if you would prefer a traditional Christmas dinner, you will still be in luck. Naturally, you can still enjoy a turkey with all the trimmings. Although you may also try a few dishes with an island twist, including jerk pork and Christmas rum cake.
Beaches
The Caribbean is home to some of the best beaches in the entire world. Subsequently, trading in fresh snow for crisp white sand will be an easy choice when opting for Christmas Caribbean vacations. From tranquil coves where you’ll be the only soul in sight, to lively stretches of beach, bustling with beachfront bars and restaurants rife in celebration for the Christmas season. In Saint Martin, Orient Bay is one such location; a 2km stretch of sand on the Atlantic Ocean, home to the island’s best variety of establishments. Fine dining restaurants, lively nightlife, laidback beach bars… there’s something for all to enjoy on their Caribbean Christmas holiday.
Of course, for those who enjoy the serenity of a Caribbean island vacation, there are plenty of hidden away, idyllic coves to escape from the hullabaloo of Christmas at home. Why not spend your Christmas morning relaxing in the sunshine on glistening sand and snorkelling the azure waters of the remote Little Bay beach in Anguilla? You might just question why you ever spent Christmas any other way.
Activities
Shopping
A brilliant activity to do on Caribbean villa holidays at Christmas is shopping for presents. Sint Maarten (the Dutch side of Saint Martin) is a particularly great option for this. In fact, Front Street, in the Dutch capital of Philipsburg, is a veritable paradise for shopping. From designer boutiques to charming souvenir shops and high-end technology outlets, finding the perfect Christmas present will not be difficult. Additionally, St Martin doesn’t have customs duties, keeping taxes, and consequently prices, low. You are sure to find a good bargain while Christmas shopping in the Caribbean!
Watersports
The best Caribbean Christmas vacations are all about what you make of them. Thankfully, the islands in the region have a long itinerary of fun activities for people of all ages to enjoy. Naturally, watersports are some of the major highlights of a Caribbean vacation. Due to trade winds, the island region is one of the few areas worldwide where wind conditions can be consistently predicted. Around December, the stronger Christmas winds come in and make it the perfect time of year for sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and other board sports that require some waves.
For more sheltered enjoyment on the water, quieter islands, like Anguilla, are perfect for exploration. Take to the waters on kayak or paddleboards and explore offshore cays, hidden away inlets, islets, reefs and coves.
Wildlife
Alternately, take part in snorkelling and scuba-diving excursions, and you will discover an underwater utopia of incredible biodiversity. The island of Saint Martin is home to a nature reserve, covering 3,060 hectares. The nature reserve was created in order to protect 5 main ecosystems: the coral reef, mangroves, phanerogam seagrass beds, ponds, and coastal forest. Within the nature reserve, in places like Pinel Island, snorkelling is a popular pastime to observe the wildlife without damaging the ecosystem. From sea turtles and iguanas to many different species of bird and fish, the island is a natural habitat of learning and discovery.
If it’s wildlife you’re interested in, another of the best Caribbean Christmas vacation ideas is to go whale watching. Saint Martin, Anguilla and Saint Barts form a geological plateau that becomes a breeding ground for humpback whales. Their mating season is from December to April, making Christmas the perfect time to visit for a whale watching expedition. With over 20 species of marine mammals known to frequent these waters, including different types of whales and dolphins, it’s an unmissable opportunity. The best Caribbean Christmas vacations will involve the magical activity of observing these majestic creatures.
Caribbean Christmas Family Vacation
Christmas is the perfect time of year to come together as a family. A Christmas back home can bring with it undue stress as you host multiple family members and burden the weight of expectations in cooking the perfect dinner for large groups. So why not skip all that hassle and book a family holiday to fully staffed luxury villas in the Caribbean for Christmas. You get all the joy of celebrating Christmas together as a family, with all the worry removed. And all this in one of the world’s most premier destinations for winter sun.
Luxury Villas in Anguilla for Family Celebrations
The services available at these luxury villas in Anguilla are second to none. The team of attentive staff and pre-arrival concierge services will provide you with an amazing villa holiday home for your Christmas celebrations. Your private chef and kitchen team will prepare the ultimate Christmas feast, made entirely to your requirements. Thereafter, the villa staff will handle all the clean-up of dishes, wrapping paper and the like. Furthermore, if you work closely with the concierge team pre-arrival, they will endeavour to fulfil any request, from lavish celebrations to quieter, private affairs.
Villa Indigo
Villa Indigo can provide up to 20 guests one of the best family Caribbean Christmas vacations. Situated in the Little Harbour area of Anguilla, with a private beach, two swimming pools, a tennis court, and over an acre of gardens, it’s hard not to be impressed. The property has a unique set up, with its 10 spacious bedrooms being found across three residences: the main house, the adjacent Little Indigo building, and a courtyard entrance annexe. As such, the luxury vacation home is perfect for multi-generational family groups. Villa Indigo allows you to come together to celebrate, whilst still providing your own space for peace and privacy.
While Villa Indigo is perfect for relaxation, it also comes with plenty to do for the more adventurous. Accordingly, the villa is kitted out with paddleboards, kayaks, snorkelling and beach volleyball gear, meaning there will be no worry about kids and teens getting bored. Additionally, with its location in Little Harbour, the sea here is protected by a breakwater, making it a calm and safe place to enjoy the ocean waters.
For even larger family groups, the property neighbours the luxurious Villa Le Bleu, which sleeps up to 22 guests. While the two are completely private villas, they can link via a gate located in the gardens.
Romantic Christmas Caribbean Vacations
Christmas is often considered the most romantic time of the year. And the Caribbean is one of the world’s most romantic destinations. Therefore, it only makes sense that one of the best Caribbean Christmas vacations would be one centred around romance. Whether it is for your dream wedding celebration, or a couple’s getaway leading to a magical proposal on the beach at sunset, the Caribbean offers a heavenly holiday of unbridled romantic bliss.
Romantic Luxury Villas in Saint Martin
Villa La Perla Classic
This luxury villa in Saint Martin is a luxurious beachfront property, sleeping two guests. Found in a dazzling location on Baie Rouge beach, as part of the exclusive La Perla Estate, Villa La Perla Classic offers an exclusive, romantic, luxury Caribbean villa holiday. La Perla Classic features direct beach access and glamorous sea views, a private outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, and a spacious interior designed with a classical, rustic style. It would be hard not to fall more in love at this fabulous holiday home, especially at Christmas!
Offered on a self catered basis, this gives you the opportunity to explore the lively island of Saint Martin and test out the amazing culinary options at some of the best restaurants in the Caribbean. A range of staff services are available for housekeeping, pool and garden maintenance. Or you can choose to forego these staff services for the ultimate private retreat. The concierge service will work closely with you before your holiday, helping you secure activity bookings, restaurant reservations, and private yacht charters. Everything needed to deliver the very best Caribbean Christmas vacations.
Similarly to Villa La Perla Classic, the La Perla Estate also contains Villa La Perla Bianca. This is another private retreat just for two, complete with the same excellent features, but exhibiting a more modern, chic style to its design.
Are you feeling the inspiration for some winter sun this Christmas? Our Travel Advisors are on hand to make your Christmas wishes become a reality. Contact us on +44 1202 2030656, or send us an email to start planning you perfect Caribbean Christmas vacation.
