Frequently Asked Questions
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St. Lucia
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Villas of Distinction?
- Are the rates per person or for the entire villa?
- What is the required length of stay?
- Does a weekly rental always start on the same day each week?
- When is High Season and Low Season?
- Do we have to pay full rent if we book a home with more bedrooms then we need?
- If we do not book all the bedrooms in a villa will someone else (i.e. strangers) be using those bedrooms and sharing the house?
- Is a villa a good idea for a honeymoon?
- Aren't villas more expensive than a hotel?
- Which destination is the best?
- Do all of your villas include staff personnel?
- What is your deposit and cancellation policy?
- Are children welcome in all the rentals?
- Do I need to purchase travel protection?
- What is the Accidental Damage Waiver?
- Have another question?
Who is Villas of Distinction?
Villas of Distinction is a premier luxury villa provider that has helped travelers find their perfect vacation home since 1989. We offer an extensive selection of luxury villas in the most sought-after locations around the world, with a team of experienced agents ready to find the perfect match for your vacation needs. Your Villa Specialist will match you with the ideal property for your romantic vacation, family reunion, golf getaway, wedding, or corporate retreat, and your personal Villa Concierge will ensure your vacation begins the moment you arrive by arranging everything from private chef services to customized excursions.
Villas of Distinction represents thousands of villas in more than 50 destinations across the globe, from the Caribbean, Mexico and Hawaii to France, Italy, Greece and beyond. Our villas range in size from 1-bedroom apartments to 42-bedroom estates and many are equipped with private pools, butlers, maids and chefs.
Are the rates per person or for the entire villa?
Our rates are for the entire villa; however, parties, weddings or large gatherings require written permission. Some larger villas offer lower rates for use of fewer bedrooms within the house. Villas may not be occupied by more guests than specified in the rental agreement.
What is the required length of stay?
Normally a 5 to 7 night stay is required. Many villas do accept shorter stays, especially if it is close to your departure date. During the Christmas and New Years Holiday period, most villas require a minimum of 10-14 nights.
Does a weekly rental always start on the same day each week?
Generally, in most of our destinations, you can arrive on any day of the week, as long as the villa is available. In Europe, in particular France and Italy, the normal arrival and departure day is Saturday.
When is High Season and Low Season?
Seasons vary depending on the destination. In the Caribbean, High Season begins in mid-December and lasts until mid-April. The lower rates of Low Season take effect until mid-December. Your villa consultant will reconfirm this upon your inquiry, as there are a few exceptions. In Europe the opposite is true, with July and August being High Season.
Do we have to pay full rent if we book a home with more bedrooms then we need?
Not necessarily. Many villas can be rented at a reduced rate when you do not use all the bedrooms. This is noted on the villa rate listings on this site.
If we do not book all the bedrooms in a villa will someone else (i.e. strangers) be using those bedrooms and sharing the house?
Absolutely not. You are renting the entire villa and you never have to share a villa with anyone other than those in your party.
Is a villa a good idea for a honeymoon?
It's an exceptional idea and a great value. Villas are private and spacious, and most come with private pools and hot tubs or Jacuzzis. Many of our listings are incredibly romantic and offer packages and reduced rates for 2 guests or honeymooners.
Aren't villas more expensive than a hotel?
As you explore the villas we represent, you'll see that many villas are often much less than prices at hotels of the same quality standard. When you factor in all the benefits and amenities of a private villa, you'll quickly realize that villas offer a superb value. For example, three rooms at a high-end hotel may run you $690/night per room, while one 3-bedroom luxury villa with the same amenities and services could cost you $990/night. That's a savings of $1,080/night!
Which destination is the best?
There is no one correct answer, as each place is different and unique. Villas of Distinction specialists can match your preferences to the perfect getaway. More importantly, we'll make sure your rental villa will meet or exceed your expectations and requirements.
Do all of your villas include staff personnel?
This and other considerations vary from destination to destination. If you are looking for cook service, Barbados, Jamaica, and St. Lucia have homes staffed with cooks. Cook service can be arranged at additional cost at most of our other destinations. Maid service is included in most destinations but please confirm frequency of this service with your Villa Specialist.
What is your deposit and cancellation policy?
For most places the following standard practices apply: A 50% deposit is required within 3 days to hold a reservation. Reservations are not considered firm until the deposit and rental agreement form are received. A confirmation letter is sent to you upon receipt of the deposit. The balance of your payment is due 90 days prior to your arrival date. In general, for written cancellations received outside the 90 days of arrival - 35% of gross rental price is retained. For cancellations inside the 90 days of arrival the entire deposit is forfeited. Please note that ALL holiday bookings are 100% non-refundable. Also, please be sure to check on deposit and cancellation policies for your specific villa as payment and cancellation terms may vary. Please check at point of booking. Travel Protection is strongly recommended.
Are children welcome in all the rentals?
There are a few homes that have restrictions. Our Villa Specialists can help you choose the perfect villa for your family, as certain homes are more child-friendly than others in terms of safety and bedding considerations.
Do I need to purchase travel protection?
Even the best-planned trips can get blown off course by unexpected circumstances like a broken leg, 24-hour flu, an unexpected hurricane, or worse. Travel Protection provides coverage for everyone staying at the villa for one affordable plan cost. Please see our Travel Protection section for further details.
What is the Accidental Damage Waiver?
The Accidental Damage Waiver covers unintentional damages to the villa, vacation rental, or condominium that occur during your stay. For additional information visit https://www.villasofdistinction.com/accidental-damage-waiver.
Have another question?
Please call US & Canada: 800.289.0900, UK: 0808.234.5158 or email us with any additional questions. Thank you!