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A Villa Experience: The Altamer Resort

A Luxury Villa Experience at Posh Altamer Resort

by Tom Wuckovich

Vacations are all about choices. Where to go, what to see, where to eat, where to stay are just a few of the questions vacationers have to deal with when it comes time for that annual or semi-annual pilgrimage to paradise.
Villa at Altamer Resort
Luxurious private villa

There are few things I haven’t experienced over the years when I’ve been fortunate enough to get away—for work or for play. One event that has eluded me over the course of my travels is sampling a stay in a private, secluded villa that would be like a home away from home, except on a more grandiose scale. The opportunity for such an adventure recently presented itself, and true to my quest for all things different, I accepted an invitation to be a guest at Altamer Resort on the English-leaning Caribbean island of Anguilla.

There are three villas at Altamer to choose from: the smallest is 10,000 square feet, the next at 12,000 square feet, and the African Sapphire Villa, ideal for those who are vacationing with friends—as I was— one or two families vacationing together, or other larger groups, and who are looking for spacious, un-crowded accommodations. African Sapphire nicely fit the bill. This vast, yet intimate villa is a handicapped accessible 14,000-square foot palace with eight bedrooms, two master suites and two guest rooms that convert to a third suite. Each of the eight bedrooms contains an en-suite bathroom. The lavishly appointed villa opened in October 2004.

My three companions and I were escorted to Altamer by Chris Irish, the butler and chief of all things related to Altamer. During the short drive to the villa, he promised an invigorating experience. He’s not one for hyperbole!

Room at Altamer Resort
Themed bedrooms decorated with inspired art and artifacts.

As we entered the main room through the impressive foyer, we were amazed at the sheer size and spaciousness. Altamer is the largest of three villas on property and each interior is themed. Ours was decorated and richly appointed with art and artifacts from Africa. The first floor housed a dining room with a glass-topped table that seated 18, kitchen, theater room, and common area where you could simply mingle with friends and guests. The entire back wall was a series of glass doors that provided us with luscious views of the pool, gardens and Caribbean Sea.

Relax and enjoy the MP3 stereo system throughout the villa on 23 speakers located in seven regions with a CD library containing thousands of titles. You can listen to island music or your favorite song in the Entertainment Area while your travel companions are enjoying jazz poolside.

As you exit the first floor to the intimate courtyard, you will see your private 18’ x 45’ pool with a nearby Jacuzzi. From the third floor bedrooms, we thought the view was even more impressive. There is a “bridge” extending from the 2nd floor over the center of the pool complete with a “floating” Jacuzzi for an experience one is sure to remember.

The entertainment pieces in the villa are of the highest quality. The handmade stainless steel Blatt billiard table is one of the highlights of the second floor game room, where there was also a fully stocked card table if you felt the urge to gamble. The home theater area offered a TV, DVD, Video projector system bringing movies and sporting events to life for all to enjoy. In addition to the adult sections, the villa has a children’s playroom to keep the younger ones challenged and having fun.

There are two master bedrooms, each decorated with all the finest amenities. The en suite bathrooms are surrounded by carefully selected Travertine marble placed with architectural splendor. As you immerse yourself in the Jacuzzi for two you can watch television, listen to music, or enjoy the walk-in shower also designed to accommodate a couple. The skylights create natural lighting and stargazing from the Jacuzzi.

Bridge over private pool
Bridge from 2nd floor over the private pool with “floating” Jacuzzi

Each Master Suite offers exceptional views of St. Martin and the beach area. The attached office is complete with a personal computer including Internet access and printer. The office also includes an “in villa” fax machine to send and receive confidential faxes.

This ultimate luxury is easy to get accustomed to. But the best was yet to come. That evening, and subsequent evenings, we were treated to some of the most sumptuous meals we have ever had the pleasure to sample. The villa comes with a main chef and a pastry chef so you can really plan to be decadent and take full advantage of the numerous amenities. No only are the dinner offerings incredible, but breakfast and lunch were equally fabulous.

After dinner, the staff leaves and you and the other guests have the opportunity to truly appreciate your surroundings. I wonder if the peals of laughter and squeals of pleasure bothered the guests in the other villas. Naw…their’s didn’t bother us!

Altamer Resort is represented by CaribbeanWay, the world leader in Caribbean luxury vacation rentals, with over 900 lavish villas and exclusive private islands on more than 25 beautiful islands from Anguilla to Virgin Gorda. CaribbeanWay Villa specialists and concierges will help you personalize your ultimate getaway with meals prepared by your own personal chef, private yoga lessons in a secluded garden, beachside massages and more. To book your CaribbeanWay villa in the sun or for more information, call toll-free (877) 953-7400 from the U.S. and Canada, (514) 393-3003 outside of North America, or visit www.caribbeanway.com.