Several advantages seen for those who choose villas

VillaVEO is offering tourists villa accommodations in Martinique along with the opportunity to return home as something of an authority on that most Caribbean of spirits as well.

The company manages about 150 villas and apartments in Martinique, with most of them available exclusively from it.

And says VillaVEO’s Catherine Gombart, during guests’ vacations VillaVEO will also happily arrange rum tastings in their accommodations if they wish.

“We can arrange rum tastings in all places we manage when the reservation is done seven days before the event. We had a special team trained and dedicated,” she says, adding all on the team speak both French and English and the island is home to numerous rum distilleries. “Rum is an important part of our heritage and the best in the world, but you can also book a chef at home to discover our best local products or deliver menus to experience our gastronomy.”

For the most part and during the high season those wanting to stay in a VillaVEO property must commit to a minimum seven-night rental but some villas are available for four nights.

Clients can also opt for stays that are divided between the north and south sides of Martinique or even ones that combine Martinique with either Guadeloupe, Saint Martin and Saint Barth,  the latter three — like Martinique — predominantly French speaking.

As well, during low season or possibly in response to a last-minute request, some villa owners might be flexible and approve a weekend stay.

Gombart says there’s a clear distinction between a hotel stay and what VillaVEO offers visitors.

“Renting a villa is like being at home, keeping your privacy while discovering the island,” she says. “At VillaVEO, you benefit from hotel services, villa activities and excursions, while retaining the freedom to go out, to chill out or stay at home unrestricted. It means discovering the island from a more authentic angle and meeting the locals.

“Also, traveling post Covid-19 makes you reconsider where you would rather spend your vacation. Travellers might rather opt for a vacation rental rather than a hotel to avoid repeated contact with others guests in the lobby, pool, and restaurants.”

Gombart concedes that some might expect renting a villa is expensive, but adds when people split the cost between a number of guests that can be well above the number of people a hotel room can accommodate “most of the time it’s a better deal.”

As well, kitchen-equipped villas mean guests can cook at home instead of continuously going to possibly pricey restaurants.

“In low season, you can get a five-bedroom luxury villa (capable of accommodating 10 people) that’s fully equipped and with a private pool in Trois-ilets for $570 a night, meaning $57 a night, per person, which is very affordable.”

VillaVEO offers a range of villas from northern to southern Martinique and from the east to west, and plans more. “With 150 villas, I am sure everyone can find the best place to stay and enjoy their favourite activities,” Gombart adds.

Meanwhile, VillaVEo offers a dedicated explorer to agencies it works with, what Gombart labels a “transparent relationship” and commission. “We only promote personally inspected vacation rentals, which is reassuring for a travel agent,” Gombart continues.

Gombart adds that visitors will find Matinique’s rum is of great quality but adds that those who aren’t overly interested in it will find many other ways to entertain themselves on the island.

“Martinique is, among other, famous for its white-sand beaches, including Les Salines, Anse Dufour, where you can swim with turtles,” she reports.

“The island also offers superb hiking trails, including the Caravelle Trail, which takes you to the easternmost tip of the island, offering incredible panoramic views. Mount Pelée or Morne Larcher also offer breathtaking views over the sea.

“Martinique is an ideal place for diving, with coral reefs, shipwrecks and abundant marine life to explore. Regarding watersports, Martinique is a great destination for kite surfing and surf lovers. We do recommend staying in Tartane for a surf trip and consider the Atlantic coast — Vauclin and le François — for kitesurfing.

“Also, the Jardin Botanique de Balata, located near Fort-de-France, is a wonderful place to discover Martinique’s exotic flora, as well as the zoo halfway between St Pierre and le Carbet.”

Gombart adds that VillaVEO is inviting travel agents to reach out to it.

“We encourage travel agents to get in touch with us so that we can share more information about this beautiful Caribbean destination mixing French flair and hints of exoticism. Martinique has so much to offer and we hope we will have the pleasure to welcome more and more Canadians in the future.”

Those wanting further information can access VillaVEO.com or email [email protected].