Villa Life - Our Blog

Bella Vida - more beautiful by the day!

St. Thomas villa Bella Vida (formerly Maison Veldkamp) has been a work in progress since new owners took over late last year. Since then, new window treatments, re-upholstery, vibrant wall colors and original paintings have combined to create a light tropical feel for this 3-BR villa overlooking the historic Charlotte Amalie Harbor.

Renowned interior designer Twila Wilson lends her expert touch to the ongoing transformation of this longtime favorite vacation rental property with an eye to the personalities of the owners. One of the owners, who is an artist who favors the great impressionists, has added his own works to the mix, creating a delightful tableau of colors that seem to whisper to the mind's eye of joyful times.

On our last visit to the property, we were amazed at how the blues in the archways and the subtler hues of the paintings, embraced the overall décor.  The addition of new lounge chairs at poolside make Bella Vida a truly inviting villa - in Spanish, it is "Beautiful Life"!

See the new photos of Bella Vida on our web site along with live availability and virtual tours.  Or better yet, come and be charmed by this island delight!

Click any image below to see a larger version...

 

Chez Shell, St. John + The Baths, Virgin Gorda: Awesome!

St. John villa Chez Shell.  July 2012

McLaughlin Anderson Luxury Villas Concierge and Guest Services Director Angela St. Hilaire received the following report and kudos from a very happy St. John guest:

Chez Shell was AWESOME!   The managers were kind and  informative about the villa;  absent until called upon. Quick to respond. The villa was impeccably clean!  Denise does an incredible job there!!
 
My massage by Lina who was filling in for Arlene, ROCKED; I am happy to report (I think they share office space).  I am a tough critic in this area so...take it for what it is worth.

Your advice on the boating was excellent.  We did a dinghy one day and then used your tip and got a GREAT captain, Jason (from another company) and took that to the Baths and other spots.  While the captain was refueling, I walked my niece and nephew around town. Got a call from my husband to come watch the car as a police officer warned him he had 5 mins.  My husband tipped (the captain) and said a quick goodbye. The other three of us never saw him again.

So the day we departed my husband stopped by to tell the Steve (the owner of the boat company), how great Jason was on our trip to the Baths.  Really a NICE young man who clearly was competent and knowledgeable.   Please feel free to send along our further compliments and thanks to him!

We never go wrong using McLaughlin Anderson!  It was fun showing a niece and nephew where it is we go when not at the New Jersey shore with them every summer.  They were awed by the fish, turtles, and The Baths.

Sincere thanks to you for all your help and correspondence. Hope we will be back before too long.

Take care!

100 Pond Bay's 6th bedroom: quiet space for nannies and children

100 Pond Bay, the new and ultra-luxurious 5-bedroom villa on Virgin Gorda, BVI continues to evolve to meet the needs of its most discriminating clientele.  The gym area, previously under the main house near the office, has been found to be the ideal spot for a nanny, parent or caretaker to provide a respite to the little ones after a long day's travel. During a vacation stay, this 'nanny room' can offer brief spots of 'quiet time', undisturbed by the bustle of busy adults.