14 properties on the market right now that are perfect for first time buyers

Read article : 14 properties on the market right now that are perfect for first time buyers

It is all about getting on the property market.

First time buyers may find it the hardest step of all, but help is at hand.

Peter Alan estate agents has a whole host of properties in that category throughout South Wales.

Ranging from the £50k mark, up to £120k, could any of these become the first home you call your own?

1. St Brides Gardens, Newport

Price: £50,000 leasehold.

This studio apartment offers compact accommodation for a first home on a budget.

Comprising a lounge/bedroom, a fitted kitchen, a dressing area and shower room all on the ground floor, it also has off-road parking available. There is no onward chain.

Click here to view this property

2. Ty Meriel, Llanelli

Price: £55,000 leasehold.

This maisonette benefits from having three bedrooms, a lounge, a kitchen/diner, communal parking areas and two sheds.

It is close to the town centre and has easy access to schools, shops and amenities.

Click here to view this property

3. The Kingsway, Swansea

Price: £59,950 leasehold.

The first floor purpose-built studio apartment located on the first floor is approached via a secure communal entrance with a staircase leading to the front door.

It has an open plan living area and a kitchen leading to the bedroom and shower room. It is an ideal investment for first time purchase.

Click here to view this property

4. High Street, Abergwynfi, Port Talbot

Price: £70,000 freehold.

The three bedroom semi, with beautiful views to the valley, has a loft room, an enclosed garden and a garage.

This lovely home situated in a quiet valley is an ideal family home and viewing comes recommended to appreciate the space on offer.

Click here to view this property

5. Upper Adare Street, Pontycymer, Bridgend

Price: Offers over £70,000 freehold.

It would make an ideal investment or a first time buy.

The well-presented three bedroom mid-terrace property is within close proximity to the local high street that offers plenty of amenities, including a bus route to Bridgend town centre.

Click here to view this property

6. Brynmair Road, Aberdare

Price: £80,000 freehold.

This semi-detached property comprises of three bedrooms, a bathroom, a lounge and a good sized kitchen/diner. It is in a popular village location, on the local bus route and close to amenities.

Click here to view this property

7. High Street, Abersychan, Pontypool

Price: £80,000 freehold.

Located at the heart of the Abersychan community, this two bedroom family home is close to local village shops, amenities, public parking and link roads.

Early viewing is essential.

Click here to view this property

8. Bartley Terrace, Plasmarl, Swansea

Price: Offers over £85,000 freehold.

This beautifully presented three bedroom property in Plasmarl is located with great access to local amenities, including shops, schools, restaurants and is less than two miles to the M4 motorway, plus Morriston's high street.

Click here to view this property

9. Fairyland, Neath

Price: £69,950 freehold.

A deceptively spacious three bedroom property in the popular location of Fairyland, it has great access links to Neath town centre and many local amenities on the doorstep, plus transport links to the M4 motorway.

This would make an ideal first time buy.

Click here to view this property

10. Maiden Street, Maesteg

Price: £90,000 freehold.

This three bedroom mid-terraced property in the popular area of Cwmfelin is within close proximity to local schools and amenities.

To the outside of the property is an enclosed rear garden leading to a garage.

The property further benefits from no on going chain.

Click here to view this property

11. Haywain Court, Bridgend

Price: Offers over £95,000 freehold.

It would make an ideal investment or first time buy.

The two bedroom end-of-terraced property is offered for sale with no on going chain. It is within close proximity to local schools, shops and other amenities.

Click here to view this property

12. Burford Street, Blaenavon, Pontypool

Price: £99,000 leasehold.

It is a stunning two bedroom family home situated in the heart of Blaenavon village.

It would make a fantastic first time buy, a family home or buy to let investment.

Click here to view this property

13. Llangewydd Road, Bridgend Price: £118,000 freehold. A well presented two bedroom semi-detached offered for sale in Cefn Glas, it is within close proximity to local schools, shops and other amenities. The property benefits from a driveway and front and rear garden. Click here to view this property 14. Hazlitt Close, Llanrumney, Cardiff Price: £120,000 freehold. It is ideal for first time buyers or as an investment. This three bedroom house with a great family friendly rear garden also benefits from off road parking and is being offered for sale with no chain. Click here to view this property For more properties visit www.peteralan.co.uk .

Hyatt Centric Montevideo in Uruguay Opens Today

Read article : Hyatt Centric Montevideo in Uruguay Opens Today

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hyatt announced today the opening of Hyatt Centric Montevideo, the brand’s first hotel to open outside of North America, and the second Hyatt-branded property in Uruguay. The 178-room hotel is located in the bustling Pocitos neighborhood, a prime destination for guests to explore and discover the heart of Montevideo. Hyatt Centric Montevideo is in close proximity to many of the area’s business and leisure districts, including the World Trade Center, Montevideo Shopping and Ciudad Vieja, as well as La Rambla, the coastal avenue where locals meet daily to exercise, socialize and take in the city’s best sunsets.

“We are delighted to welcome the first international Hyatt Centric hotel to the charming city of Montevideo,” said Myles McGourty, senior vice president of operations for Hyatt in Latin America and the Caribbean. “Hyatt Centric Montevideo was designed to make guests feel welcome and connected with the heart of the destination. We are confident that this contemporary new hotel will allow for exploration and discovery, while introducing Hyatt’s well-known hospitality to both guests and residents.”

Arrival Experience

Guests can begin their journey cruising the Uruguayan coastline along La Rambla, the 19 mile (30km) waterside promenade near Hyatt Centric Montevideo. Upon entering the hotel, a large lounge welcomes guests as they make their way to the stylish lobby area. A stained-glass inspired ceiling invites natural light into the space and marks a central point that integrates the hotel’s restaurant, lobby and bar. The hotel design sets the stage for an authentic Montevideo experience and includes mosaic floors, eclectic ambiance and local artwork combined with modern luxury design, creating a touch of local culture. Large windows from the bar, deli and library offer sweeping views of the Rio de la Plata.

“We are thrilled to open our doors in Montevideo and present a hotel that truly captures Montevidean culture and innovative design,” said Guillaume Paupy, general manager of Hyatt Centric Montevideo. “Our team is ready to welcome guests and share their insider knowledge to help guests explore the best of the destination.”

Guestrooms

The hotel’s 178 spacious guestrooms, including 14 suites, balance the energy of the city with a calm, inviting respite. The minimal yet upscale features include contemporary furniture, destination-inspired artwork and modern colorful touches. Guestrooms offer impressive views of Rio de la Plata or the serene cityscape, and combine amenities to meet the needs of the millennial-minded traveler, including a luxurious plush bed, 47-inch LED TV (55-inch in suites), mini bar, large walk-in shower (additional bath tub in suites), generous work desk with enhanced lighting, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, premium bath amenities, JBL Horizon alarm clocks, a salon-grade hairdryer, concierge service, and 24 hour in-room dining.

Executive rooms and suites also have access to special services and amenities such as the rooftop lounge, which offers 180-degree waterfront views, continental breakfast, and evening cocktails, among other services.

Dining and Drinking

Hyatt Centric Montevideo features distinct dining options including breakfast, business lunches, intimate dinners, quick drinks or casual dining experiences designed to inspire food lovers during their journey to explore the best of local flavors.

The hotel’s signature restaurant Plantado features a regionally inspired menu offering locally sourced produce and classic Uruguayan favorites for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Behind the culinary concept and menu is the talented Executive Chef Federico Ferrari, formerly of Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt Buenos Aires.

When the sun sets over the city, guests can retreat to the hotel’s vibrant Moderno Bar. Eclectic décor and scenic views complement creative signature cocktails, gourmet small plates and a unique selection of acclaimed local wines and artisan beers.

Additional food and beverage amenities include the Deli, a specialty market featuring Uruguayan olive oils and gourmet cheeses, freshly baked goods, local pastries, coffee and teas service, organic juices, to-go foods and other local goods.

Meetings and Events

Hyatt Centric Montevideo’s event facilities total more than 18,700 square feet (1,700 square meters), with each meeting room named after an influential female Uruguayan poet, a tribute to local literature. The fully integrated area features an elegant, multi-purpose ballroom and six sophisticated meeting rooms that provide an extensive range of options for upscale meetings, conferences, social events such as quinceañeras and weddings of all sizes, complete with state-of-the-art audio visual services and dedicated staff to assist in planning and execution.

Wellness and Recreation

Hyatt Centric Montevideo features a 24-hour fitness studio with the latest high-tech cardio and strength training equipment from Life Fitness®, and offers a massage treatment suite to relax and unwind, as well as a heated indoor pool.

Guests that like to take their workout outdoors will have the perfect opportunity to do so along La Rambla, the ideal spot for a walk, jog or to take one of the hotel’s custom-designed vintage bicycles for rides.

Hyatt Centric Montevideo is offering a special opening rate of USD $190 plus taxes for standard guestrooms, including breakfast. For full offer details, including terms and conditions, or to make a reservation, please visit hyattcentricmontevideo.com or call +598 26211234.

The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one of its affiliates.

The Hyatt Centric Experience

Hyatt Centric is a brand of full-service lifestyle hotels located in prime destinations. Created for millennial-minded travelers who want to be in the middle of the action, Hyatt Centric hotels are thoughtfully designed to enable exploration and discovery. The lobby lounge is a launch pad providing guests with information about the most sought-after food, nightlife and activities the destination has to offer, sourced from a community of “in the know” local explorers. The bar and restaurant are local hot spots where great conversations, locally inspired food and signature cocktails can be enjoyed. Streamlined modern rooms focus on delivering everything guests wants and nothing they don’t, including environmentally conscious bath products, Bluetooth-enabled electronics and restaurant to-go delivery service. A team of associates are always available to aid guests in their discovery of the destination and make the most of their stay.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 12 premier brands and 652 properties in 53 countries as of March 31, 2016. The Company's purpose to care for people so they can be their best informs its business decisions and growth strategy and is intended to create value for shareholders, build relationships with guests and attract the best colleagues in the industry. The Company's subsidiaries develop, own, operate, manage, franchise, license or provide services to hotels, resorts, branded residences and vacation ownership properties, including under the Park Hyatt®, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Andaz®, Hyatt Centric™, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt™,Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®,Hyatt Ziva™,Hyatt Zilara™ and Hyatt Residence Club®brand names and have locations on six continents. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.

Carla Beck Stables, Carla Beck Lane, Carleton, North Yorkshire - 5 bed - £409,500 - Dacre Son & Hartley

Read article : Carla Beck Stables, Carla Beck Lane, Carleton, North Yorkshire - 5 bed - £409,500 - Dacre Son & Hartley

Bedrooms: 5

A very substantial individual home providing five bedroom family accommodation together with ample parking, a double garage and mature gardens abutting open countryside on the edge of this sought after Craven village.

PRICE REDUCED FROM £415,000 JAN 10.

'NO FORWARD CHAIN'

GROUND FLOOR

Entrance Lobby .

Reception Hall with stairs to first floor having cupboard under, plasterwork and radiator.

Lounge having external door with exposed beam, feature stone fire place with full height chimneybreast and substantial timber lintel, stone flagged hearth and cast iron multifuel stove together with corner display plinths and built in alcove cupboard. Exposed stone features and recessed bookshelves, wall light point, french doors to rear garden, two radiators.

Dining Room with two wall light points, french door to front, radiator.

Breakfast Kitchen having a range of fitted base and wall units with white facades and splashbacks, granite effect laminate worktops including peninsular unit. One and a half bowl single drainer sink unit with mixer tap, Leisure Rangemaster double oven with four ring gas fired hob, griddle and warmer having Zephyr extractor hood in stainless steel finish, plumbing for dishwasher, radiator.

Sitting Room with elegant cast iron period fire place with tiled hearth and living flame gas fire, five wall light points, television point and radiator.

Bedroom Two/Study having pedestal wash basin, light/shaver point and radiator.

Bedroom Three with radiator.

Bedroom Four having pedestal wash basin, light/shaver point and radiator.

Bathroom with extensive tiling, three piece suite comprising panelled bath with Mira thermostatic power shower, pedestal wash basin, low suite wc, extractor fan, shaver point and radiator.

FIRST FLOOR

Landing having built in shelved linen cupboard.

Bedroom One with velux window, hanging space and radiator.

Bedroom Five having built in shelved store cupboard, spacious storage cubby hole with access to undereaves storage area, radiator.

Utility with laminate worktop, white glazed sink, velux window, plumbing for automatic washing machine, light and power installed, radiator.

Bathroom having part tiled and part panelled walls, suite including panelled bath with shower screen and Mira thermostatic power shower, pedestal wash basin with mixer tap, low suite wc and bidet. Built in cupboard housing Worcester gas fired boiler for central heating and hot water. Extractor fan, shaver point and radiator.

Sauna Cabin .

OUTSIDE To the front of the property is a generous stone flagged patio/terrace with good size lawned garden having mature trees, selection of fruit trees and a driveway providing ample parking facilities and giving access to an adjoining Garage 20'3" x 15'3" with front entrance doors, light and power installed as well as staircase to first floor Store Room above with velux window.

. To the rear of the property are secluded and enclosed southerly facing gardens which are established and with pleasant views over open fields towards woodland. These include a paved patio/sitting out area with garden pond, gravelled area with grassed rockery/banking behind.

SKI090578/TJU/JEB/05.11.09

As mentioned the property is located on the edge of Carleton village abutting open fields with delightful rural views. It is only a short distance from a very popular village of Carleton which is served by a variety of local amenities including a primary school, church, post office, general store, public house, village hall and sports ground. The historic market town of Skipton is within a short driving distance offering a wide range of shops and public communities and of course is renowned as the 'Gateway to the Dales'. It has several primary schools, secondary school and two of the country's top rated grammar schools. The other local towns of Keighley, Ilkley and Colne are all located nearby whilst the West Yorkshire and East Lancashire business centres are within comfortable daily commuting distance. Skipton is 35 minutes by train to Leeds with frequent connections to mainline East Coast rail. London is accessible in just over 2 hours. Carleton is accessible to the M65 linking both Manchester and its Airport.

A Water's Edge Retreat on Kelleys Island

Read article : A Water's Edge Retreat on Kelleys Island

By VacationIdea Staff. Last Updated on September 30, 2017.

A Water's Edge Retreat is a luxurious bed and breakfast retreat on Kelleys Island in Lake Erie, Ohio. Located four miles north of Marblehead in the western basin of Lake Erie, Kelleys Island is the largest American island in the lake and is a popular vacation destination for families and couples alike.

A Water's Edge Retreat offers a relaxing, home-away-from-home retreat with elegant accommodations, delicious home-cooked cuisine, modern conveniences and friendly, welcoming service. All guest rooms and suites offer beautiful views Sandusky Bay, and most offer views of Marblehead Lighthouse and Cedar Point, and guests can kick back and watch the lake freighters make their way across the lake.

Guests are treated to a gourmet breakfast served every morning, which can be enjoyed in the beautiful formal dining room or outside on the covered verandah overlooking the lake. Cheese and wine hour is held each afternoon, offering samples of some of the region’s best cheese and wines. A roaring fire in the lounge offers cozy respite on chillydays, and sunny beach decks are ideal for relaxing in the summer months, and a whirlpool spa is a perfect place to unwind.

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A Water's Edge Retreat Suites

A Water's Edge Retreat offers six beautifully appointed and individually decorated guest suites with private entrances, en-suite bathrooms, and deluxe amenities. All suites boast breathtaking views of the gardens and lake, and additional amenities such as fireplaces, Jacuzzis, golf carts and bicycles add extra levels of comfort to ensure an unforgettable stay.

The Robert Stephen Waterfront Jacuzzi Suite is a stunning L-shaped carpeted suite with a queen-sized bed dressed with country-style linens, an en-suite bathroom with a double soaking tub and glass-enclosed corner shower, and separate sitting area with gorgeous lake views. The sunny living room features a love seat and three large windows overlooking the lake while a skylight over the tub in the bathroom offers the perfect place to soak up the stars.

The Mary LouisePremium Waterfront Guest Suite boasts an unusual octagonal shape with four large windows offering breathtaking waterfront view. The carpeted suite features a queen-size bed and private en-suite bathroom with soaking bathtub and glass-enclosed shower and ample storage for clothing.

The Charles Lawrence Suite is an Executive Jacuzzi/Honeymoon Suite and offers extra levels of luxury and comfort. This beautiful two-room waterfront-facing suite features a master bedroom with aqueen-size bed dressed in plush country-style linens, and a private en-suite bathroom with walk-in ceramic-tiled shower and double Jacuzzi bathtub. Two separate sitting areas enjoy a large fireplace, overstuffed chairs and an ottoman, modern amenities such as television, VCR and CD player and opens onto a sunny porch overlooking the lake.

The Marguerite Suite is a Premium Waterfront Guestroom that offers a large queen bedroom and separate sunny sitting area with windows that look out over the lake. This gorgeous waterfront-facing suite features a queen-size bed in country fabrics, an en-suite bathroom with glass-enclosed shower and bathtub, and extra sitting nook with large windows facing the lake and modern amenities, including CD player and stereo player.

The Paul Francis Suite is an alluring waterfront-facing guestroom with three-sided views of the lake and sunny spacious living areas. The Suite features a queen-size bedroom and en-suite bathroom with bathtub and shower. A cozy sitting nook has a day bed / pull-out sofa for extra guests and desk and chair.

There is a minimum two-night stay at all guest suites and each suite includes a gourmet breakfast each morning, afternoon cheese and wine, beverages and hors d'oeuvres in the evening, bicycle and discounted golf cart rental, a $20 massage therapy gift voucher, and an after-dinner treat.

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Dining

A Water's Edge Retreat serves a delicious gourmet breakfast each morning, featuring the usual favorites and extra treats. Enjoy hot selections such as eggs, omelets, bacon and sausages or go continental with cereals, tomato, yogurt, fresh fruit, and juice. Freshly brewed coffee and tea adds the final touch and breakfast can be enjoyed in the lovely formal dining room, on the sunny covered verandah or on one of the beach decks overlooking the lake. Hors d'oeuvres and beverages are served every afternoon as the sun sinks below the lake horizon and sweet treats are offered just before bed.

Regarding dinner, there are several excellent restaurants around the island, serving a variety of cuisine in casual and laid-back settings. Bag the Moon is a family-friendly restaurant whichis open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and serves a menu of all-American fare such as ribs, steaks, and chicken while the Caddy Shack Restaurant & Buckeye Bar is the best spot to go for fresh seafood. They also serve excellent pizza, sandwiches, salads and pitas and have fried chicken specials in the week. Beer-lovers can head to Kelleys Island Brewery, which has a sunny beer garden in which to enjoy a few local brew, cocktails and sangria alongside casual cuisine.

Wine-lovers can enjoy sampling the vintages of Kelleys Island Wine Co., which is home to a variety of award-winning wines and a European-style deli and bistro serving delicious light lunches and snacks. Special barbecue nights are held on The Grilling Deck and Coffee House, and Ice Cream Parlor serves mouthwatering treats, all on the grounds of Kelleys Island Wine Co. The Island House Martini Bar and Restaurant is a popularspot with great food, beer and wine and ambiance, and Captain’s Corner is a fun, family-friendly eatery that serves a range of favorites such as hamburgers, steak, pasta and a special kid’s menu with beautiful views of Lake Erie in the background.

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Amenities & Recreational Activities

In addition to beautiful accommodations, A Water's Edge Retreat offers deluxe amenities, including a gourmet breakfast every morning, bicycles and golf carts for exploring the surrounding area, and a hot tub in the garden for the ultimate in relaxation.

For more active pursuits, the island boasts excellent hiking and cycling paths and the tranquil waters of the lake are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. The lake is packed with perch, catfish and smallmouth bass, which makes for excellent fishing and there are several boat launches for those who prefer fishing froma boat rather than the shoreline.

Birders will delight in the myriad species of birds that call the island home and can partake in free week-long nature and birding camps while wildlife-lovers can discover several rare species such as Lake Erie water snake and theKelleys Island salamander. Monarch butterflies can also be seen in their thousands as they migrate to Mexico for the winter, and shy white-tailed deer with their tiny fawns can be seen grazing at dusk and dawn.

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Things to Do Nearby

A Water's Edge Retreat is located on Kelleys Island in the western basin of Lake Erie. Measuring more than 2,800 square miles and the largest island American island in the lake, Kelleys Island is just four miles from Marblehead and twelve miles from Sandusky, both of which are on the Ohio Peninsula and offer a variety of things to see, do and enjoy.

The entire island is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is home to many remnants of the past from architectural styles and scenic treasures to ancient natural wonders, which can easily be explored by walking, cycling or golf cart.

The Glacial Grooves State Memorial features some of the most spectacular examples of ancient glacial grooves formed over thousands of years. The Memorial is an international study site and is renowned for its vast gashes of prehistoric glacial grooves that have been carved into thelimestone bedrock.

The Inscription Rock State Memorial is a large, flat-topped boulder on the south side of the island that features signs of an early Indian hunting ground. The Boulder has faint pictographs of men, animals, and birds that are thought to have been drawn by Erie Indians more than 400 years ago.

Kelleys Island is one of extreme natural beauty and is packed with lovely landscapes, beautiful flora, and plenty of wildlife. The island boasts miles of self-guided nature and hiking trails that wind along the shoreline and through flower-studded woodlands, lush wetlands, and rolling meadows. The East Quarry Trail explores the east stone quarry, which is home to ancient fossils.

The 17-mile shoreline of the island is home to a variety of endemic and migrating bird species on their journey across the lake. Visitors can enjoy free week-long nature camps that explore the island’s bird population.

The Lake offers a wealth of water-based recreational activities, such as swimming, kayaking, canoeing, jet-skiing, and power boating, and anglers will delight in the excellent fishing. Shipwrecks on the bottom of the lake dating back to the 1700 and 1800s provide plenty of fun for snorkelers and scuba divers. The Kelleys Island State Park has a lovely sandy beach with safe swimming, a quaint stone pier for fishing and a boat launching ramp.

827 E Lakeshore Drive, Kelleys Island, OH 43438, Phone: 419-746-2333

Back to: Weekend Getaways in Ohio.

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Welcome to the rise of 'no frills' (and sometimes no towels) hotels

Read article : Welcome to the rise of 'no frills' (and sometimes no towels) hotels

Lianne Livingstone, a Canadian living in Luxembourg, recently stayed in an F1 hotel – a famously cheap French chain – near Amsterdam with her husband and two children. “The facility itself was fine if you were super strapped, and it was clean,” Livingstone says. “But the beds were probably the cheapest, most solid beds I’ve slept on, and the linens were practically transparent.”

Welcome to the rise of “no frills” (and sometimes no towels) hotels. As more and more hotels across the globe are adding a mind-boggling number of amenities and extras – from free minibars and laundry facilities to bath butlers and pet concierges – there’s also a parallel, but polar opposite, trend of hotels stripped down to the barest essentials.

Tune Hotels, a Malaysian chain with properties in Asia and the UK, offer bare bones and cheap accommodations, but if you want towels, a safe and a TV, or even a window, you’ll have to pay extra. Tune Hotels is in the midst of opening seven hotels across the UK, including several properties in London.

Handout

Meanwhile, EasyHotel – owned by EasyJet – has now opened up in several countries across Europe and recently announced several new hotels in the Middle East. They’re explicit that guests will be sacrificing “a bit of luxury space” in return for cheaper rates. The staffing is minimal, the rooms are tiny, and the TV, WiFi and even luggage storage come àla carte.

Even several big chains – including Holiday Inn Express and Hilton – have started offering “value rooms” with no room service and limited amenities.

But are these bare-bones hotels worth the savings? And where does this new proliferation of budget hotels fit into a hospitality world where one high-end hotel – the Park Hyatt Vienna – will actually take your dog out for an evening at the opera?

For some, ultra-budget accommodations fall on the grim end of the hospitality spectrum.Michele Sponagle from Paris, Ont. found that her biggest issue at the F1 hotel in Avignon was the communal bathroom. “The shower room was pretty yucky, with hair and soap bits swimming around the drain,” she says. (She stuck her feet in two plastic shopping bags so she didn’t have to touch the floor.)

Shared bathrooms have long been a feature of budget accommodations in hostels and small guest rooms the world over. Some amenities – a lack of canine opera excursions, for example – are rarely considered deal breakers. As people increasingly rely on their computers to binge watch crime procedurals and even stream the local news, a television might no longer be the essential service it once was. Others amenities, such as paying extra for a room with a window at a Tune Hotel, might well be worth the splurge.

Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg

While many hotels report that guests don’t like the feeling of being “nickel and dimed” – an assumption that has led many luxury properties to roll things like breakfast and minibars into the overall room cost – these budget properties give guests the ability to pick and choose, opting out of, say, the hairdryer they were never going to use anyway.

Julia Buckley from Cornwall, UK has stayed at Tune Hotels in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and London. “I really like the fact that it’s a hostel price, but of a certain standard,” she says. “The rooms will be clean and, if you pay for the extras like WiFi and windows, it ends up feeling like a normal hotel, but still cheaper. The only thing I didn’t like is the really cruddy toiletries they give you, but I learned that lesson after Kuala Lumpur and brought my own to the rest.”

As with cheaper airfares, à la carte hotel options can add up if you choose every optional amenity. At the Tune Hotel Liverpool Street in London, the cheapest room starts at £66 – an extraordinarily reasonable sum in a city where the average hotel room costs more than double that. But Tune Hotels also offers a full list of à la carte options that can be added to the tab, including room cleaning (£8), early check in or late check out (£15), television or Wi-Fi (£4 per night each), towel and toiletry kit with soap and shampoo (£2), and a hair dryer or in-room safe (£2).

These budget hotels align nicely with the parallel trend of declining airfares, and a broader trend often referred to as the democratization of travel. Flying across the globe used to be an elite privilege for the few; now, teenagers book intercontinental travel and all-inclusive vacations for spring break. Budget hotel rooms are helping make tourism that much more accessible. Swidlicka, who has stayed in two windowless EasyHotel rooms in London, says that these economical services are ideal for DIY travellers, backpackers, young couples, students “and other people with low budgets and big dreams.”

Cheap, after all, is tempting. Sponagle says that despite her less-than-ideal initial experience, she would be game to stay at an F1 hotel in the future – especially now that she knows the ropes. “I’d pack flip flops for the shower room,” Sponagle says. For an amazingly affordable €45 a night, it certainly wasn’t all bad, she says. “I lived to tell the tale.”

Luxury Real Estate Goes to the Dogs (and Chinchillas)

Read article : Luxury Real Estate Goes to the Dogs (and Chinchillas)

Pets have never had it better.

A decade ago, pet owners in tony apartment buildings in the United States made do with cramped basement “spas” and cleanup rooms equipped with garden hoses, slop buckets and open drains.

More: Chicago Building Next Features a House Dog

But these days, the Fidos and Fifis lucky enough to live in luxury developments are frolicking in their own swimming pools, getting high-end haircuts, blowouts and pawdicures on-site, and enjoying prearranged vet visits, play dates and “yappy hours” with their best friends in the building.

To lure and keep pet-obsessed tenants and buyers, luxury developers in New York, Chicago, Boston, Miami and Atlanta increasingly are offering top-notch pet services along with the expected fitness centers, entertainment lounges, children’s playrooms and rooftop lap pools.

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Mansion Global is now on LinkedIn. Join the discussion.

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After all, “I have long observed that dogs are the children of condo and apartment owners,” said Scott Leventhal, the CEO of the Trillist Companies, a developer in Atlanta, South Florida and South America.

At its new YOO on the Park rental complex in Atlanta, Trillist has created a 700-square-foot Pet Respite with two bathing and grooming facilities as well as “doggie treats and supplies and a mural we’re doing for owners of their four-legged friends,” Mr. Leventhal said.

Pet spas galore

Related Companies, a developer with offices and major buildings in in San Francisco, Las Vegas, Chicago, London, Shanghai, Abu Dhabi and Sao Paulo, has created its very own on-site pet-services amenity called Dog City for some of its luxury buildings. These include Manhattan’s MiMA, which has a bone-shaped pool for dogs on its outdoor terrace, as well as Manhattan’s Abington House, The Caledonia and 70 Vestry, and 500 Lake Shore Drive in Chicago.

“Dog City is our own proprietary pet spa,” says Ben Joseph, executive vice president of Related. “We offer walking, day care, play dates, grooming, boarding and veterinary care for our dogs.”

Dog City handlers receive ongoing training on all aspects of dog care, including CPR, first aid, safety and health, and even understanding how dogs are feeling or connecting nonverbally. Dog City also hosts quarterly “yappy hours” with drinks and treats for pets and their owners, and the Lake Shore Drive building has an annual Dog Swim in October, just before closing the pool for the season.

More: Developers Around the World Focus on ‘Thoughtful’ Amenities

“We feel that it’s just extending our concierge service to our four-legged friends,” Mr. Joseph said.

And to live in the building, it’s well-behaved dogs only, please. “We interview all of the dogs before they’re accepted,” he said. The pups must pass a temperament test, be spayed or neutered (if they’re over a year old) and have current vaccinations.

Pet-services companies providing amenities for four-legged residents

Other developers and leasing agents are teaming up with existing pet-service companies to help design and staff the pet amenities in their new buildings. The goal is to keep everything on-site and super-convenient for the pet owners.

Baroo, a high-end pet concierge service founded by Lindsay Hyde, has partnered with Equity Residential, Avalon, Bozzuto, Greystar and other developers to bring pet services to premier multi-family buildings in Boston, Chicago and the Washington, D.C., metro area. They plan to be in New York within the next 12 months, Ms. Hyde said, with “Seattle and San Francisco on the horizon.”

More: The Weird and Wonderful Smart Home Tech of 2016

“We’re teaming up with luxury buildings to meet this incredible demand for pet services and amenities,” Ms. Hyde said. “The pets get the exercise they need and the owners have the convenience of everything being on site.”

In Chicago, for example, Baroo services nearly 10,000 multi-family homes across 25 properties, offeringa variety of dog walk or run programs, on-site playdates, in-home pet sitting, grooming, feeding, vet visits, and training and pet therapy with animal behaviorists. For cats, they provide nail clipping, feedings and playtime as well as daily litter box scoops and weekly litter box change-outs.

“All of our employees are individually trained and arrive on site in a uniform,” Ms. Hyde said.

Liz Verhyden, who lives in an Equity building in Washington, D.C., with her fiancée and an energetic 18-month-old German shepherd named Ranger, loves that individual attention her pet gets on his walks with Baroo handlers.

That includes daily photos and detailed texts. “Did he pee? Did he poop? Did they refresh his water? Then I know what to expect when I get home,” Ms. Verhyden said.

Anastasia Kaup, who lives in the luxury Marquee at Block 37 in Chicago with a 9-pound miniature dachshund named Charlotte, is also a big fan of the Baroo services. “As a neurotic dog owner, I want to know that Charlotte seems to be in a contemplative mood today and she’s had half a bowl of water so far,” said Kaup, who also appreciates her building’s fifth-floor covered dog run where dogs can do their business without going down to the street.

In winter, Baroo dog walkers look for warm walking areas, and the dogs get booties for snow and ice and full paw and body wipe-downs before they are returned to their apartments.

At OneEleven in Chicago, Baroo has a light and bright Pampered Pet Retreat with four pet rooms, including a recreational Puppy Play Space anda Run & Relief Room, which is designed with natural elements like AstroTurf and a fire hydrant.

More: Click to Read What Millennials Want: Homes Designed for Connection and Convenience

And it’s not just cats and dogs that get the pampering, Ms. Hyde said. They have a chinchilla that gets pet-sitting services and “we also have some exotic fish and snails we take care of.”

Meanwhile, at its new Grove at Grand Bay in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood, developer Terra is partnering with a local company called Dogtown to provide walks, day care, feeding and vet outreach. Terra also built a swank new 1,500-square-foot spa with multiple bays, lockers and tons of toys and treats.

Los Angeles introduces pet amenities

In Los Angeles, which has plenty of parks, beaches and other dog-friendly open spaces—and not very many high-rise apartment buildings—pet amenities are a new thing, said David Solomon, a luxury real estate agent at The Agency in L.A.

Both of the new condo towers on Ocean Avenue South in Santa Monica–The Waverly and The Seychelle, by Related California, have pet spas.“They’re the only buildings I know of in L.A. that have a pet facility.”

“It’s like the nicest bathroom I’ve ever seen, with very expensive tile and state-of-the-art grooming equipment,” is how he described it.

High-end agent David Kramer, who focuses on Beverly Hills and Bel Air, agrees with Mr. Solomon’s assessment of the L.A. pet scene.

“I’ve also seen houses where people have turned bedrooms into dog play areas,” Mr. Kramer said.

More: New Luxury Buyers Are Young, Tech Savvy and Focused on Lifestyle

Veterinarian concierge services along with grooming for pets

Back in New York, the pet spa at 50 West, a 64-story luxury condominium tower rising in Manhattan’s Financial District, will have three stations for grooming, including a ramped shower and dog-washing station.

Time Equities, the developer of 50 West, is looking to partner with a veterinarian concierge that would make house calls for sick pups and kitties who live in the building, said Seth Coston, director of condo operations at Time Equities. And they are now vetting grooming services that would provide the dogs at 50 West with VIP treatments, such as show cuts and makeovers with organic shampoos and other products.

When it comes to deluxe pet amenity services, Adam Light and Mike Lavora are seasoned pros, having launched their Throw Me a Bone company in New York in 2008. They now have 30 employees who provide on-site pet services such as grooming, walking, training seminars and overnight care for such top-shelf buildings as 15 Central Park West and Gotham West as well as hotels like the Plaza, Pierre and St. Regis.

These high-end pet amenities are here to stay, Lavora said. “It’s now no longer a novelty–I think this will become the norm.”

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3 bedroom end of terrace house for sale in Highbury Terrace, BATH, Somerset, BA1 6DS, BA1

Read article : 3 bedroom end of terrace house for sale in Highbury Terrace, BATH, Somerset, BA1 6DS, BA1

Full description

The current vendors have made numerous improvements to the property to create a stylish home, which combines period features and a contemporary finish.

Highbury Terrace is an attractive terrace of painted Georgian properties in the heart of Camden, a popular area on the North East side of the city. Accessed via a no through road this lovely home feels tucked away, but is less than a mile from Bath city centre. Local amenities can be found on Camden Road, London Road or nearby Larkhall village. These include cafes, supermarket, public houses, deli and a number of independent shops. Bath city centre offers a wonderful array of retailers and restaurants. Communications include a direct line to London Paddington from Bath Spa station and access to the M4 is more convenient on the north side of Bath.

The hallway features Broadleaf lime washed oak flooring and leads to the spacious sitting room, a bright space enhanced by the later addition of a Victorian bay window with views to the city centre. It has stripped wood floors and period fireplace. Next door is a smart dining room with sash window to the rear. The kitchen is well designed and there is possible scope to extend this into the side return subject to correct permissions.

On the first floor the master bedroom has stunning city views and wood flooring. There are two further double bedrooms, one with a lovely period fireplace, and a bright and airy family bathroom.

The house features a plethora of period features including fireplaces, cornicing, sash windows and wood floors. There are plantation shutters to most windows. A bespoke lighting system features throughout with a range of different settings depending on mood and time of day.

Externally the pretty cottage garden has a flag stone patio, a variety of planting and lovely south facing views. There is parking to the side for more than one vehicle.
The current vendors have commissioned an impressive Bath stone garden room from the renowned Bath builder Emery. This versatile space has a high spec finish with an open plan reception area, kitchenette and a boutique hotel style wet room. It offers a variety of uses including office, studio, guest room or even AirBnB.

Entrance Lobby & Hall 
Original period front door with glazed panel above. Period style BISQUE column radiator. Solid oak flooring. Coving. Dado rails. Stained glass original feature door to entrance hall. Recessed designer lighting. Under stairs storage cupboard with flag stone flooring. Period doors to lounge, dining room and kitchen. Staircase to first floor with period barley twist spindles. Recessed LED lighting in skirting boards. Lighting control panel.
Lounge 
14'4 x 13'8
Original sash bay window to front with plantation shutters. Cornicing. Recessed designer lighting. Period style gas fireplace. Shelving and storage cupboards fitted in alcoves with hidden LED lighting. Two period style BISQUE radiators. High skirting boards. Stripped original wood flooring. Power points. Integrated home cinema network cabling. Sky TV cabling, phone and data network points. Lighting control panel.
Dining Room 
11'4 x 10'8
Sash window to rear with plantation shutter. Cornicing. Recessed lighting. Feature fireplace. Two storage cupboard with LED lighting. Period style radiator. Stripped wood flooring. Integrated ceiling speakers. Power points. Lighting control panel.
Kitchen 
9'3 x 7'9
Casement window to side. Single bowl stainless steel inset sink unit with drainer. Range of matching base and wall units with under lights, cupboards and drawers. Splash backs. Solid wood worktops. Space and plumbing for washing machine and dishwasher. Inset gas hob. Stainless steel extractor fan. Fitted electric oven. Space for fridge/freezer. Recessed lighting. Under cupboard lighting. Integrated ceiling speakers. Power points. Wall mounted radiator. Door out to rear garden. Lighting control panel.
Landing 
Recessed lighting. Painted wood flooring. Storage cupboard with light. Loft access. Original doors to all bedrooms and bathroom. Recessed LED lighting in skirting boards. Lighting control panel.
Bedroom 1 
14'5 x 10'0
Sash window with plantation shutters to front with far reaching views. Cornicing. Recessed designer lighting. Two built-in original wardrobes. Period style BISQUE radiator. Hidden period fireplace. Integrated ceiling speakers. Power points. Stripped wood flooring. Lighting control panel.
Bedroom 2 
11'4 x 10'10
Sash window with plantation shutter to rear. Recessed designer lighting. Period fireplace with in floor LED uplighting. Two built-in wardrobes with LED lighting. Period style radiator. Integrated ceiling speakers. Power points. Stripped wood flooring. Lighting control panel.
Bedroom 3 
10'9 x 5'8
Sash window with plantation shutter to front with reaching views. Recessed designer lighting. Period style radiator. Integrated ceiling speakers. Loft hatch. Power points. Stripped wood flooring. Lighting control panel. Built-in period cupboard.
Bathroom 
Casement double glazed wooden window with plantation shutters to side. Part tilled walls. Recessed LED lighting and integrated ceiling speakers. Panelled bath with electric shower over. Pedestal wash hand basin. Low level WC. Heated towel rail. Extractor fan. Loft hatch. Storage cupboard with new condensing gas boiler.
Studio/Kitchen/Office 
17'2 x 8'6
New building. Two double glazed period style windows to front. Skylight with motorized opening system. Limestone waxed flooring. Underfloor heating. Light and power points. Integrated ceiling speakers. Beach hut style architectural wall panels. Designer Floss Italian wall lights, recessed LED feature strip lighting, window and floor feature uplighting. Double glazed doors leading out to garden. Lighting control panel.
Wet Room 
New building. Automatic recessed lighting. Heated Hollywood designer mirror with lighting. Underfloor heating. Porcelanosa floor to ceiling tiles. Wall mounted eclectic shower. Glass shower screen. Limestone waxed flooring. Vanity unit wash hand basin. Low level designer WC. Built-in shelving with lighting. Recessed designer shower lighting. Integrated wet room ceiling speaker. Shaver point, toothbrush charger point.
Rear Garden 
40'0 x 22'9
Bath stone walls to sides and rear Integrated LED wall lighting and Integrated LED step lighting. Paved limestone and flag stone patio area. Garden well. Various herbs, shrubs, trees and flowers. Bath stone border walls. Bath Stone boarder walls. Original slate flower beds. A shed. Decking steps down to main house. Separate side access. Studio/Kitchen/Office. Stunning views towards South Eastern Bath.
Parking 
Parking area to the side of the property.

Orchard House, Tisbury Road, Fovant, Salisbury - 4 bed - Guide Price £750,000 - Humberts

Read article : Orchard House, Tisbury Road, Fovant, Salisbury - 4 bed - Guide Price £750,000 - Humberts

Bedrooms: 4

A traditional four bedroom stone village house offering fantastic accommodation with superb character and excellent proportions. Enjoying a delightful setting, with about an acre of gardens, ample parking, oak, double open bay garage and workshop.

Beautiful period house

Character 4 bedroom accommodation

Spacious and light interior

Oak open bay garage and workshop

Well maintained gardens and grounds

Charming streamside setting

In all about one acre

Orchard house is without doubt a perfect example of a traditional stone village house with beautiful mellow elevations and slate roof combining to create a classic façade. Add to this the prettiness factor of the setting, a small brook with bridge and rose covered arch to the front door and extensive, well established gardens and the property easily becomes one of the most desirable in the village.

The character continues to the interior, with much of the original stone exposed, along with beamed ceilings, latch doors and wonderful Inglenook fireplaces. ensuring that the house retains a lovely period feel. Offering superb entertaining space, the accommodation has a pleasing, sociable layout with spacious light rooms that flow from the central reception hall.

Beautifully presented in a relaxed, faintly contemporary country style that allows the features of the house to speak for themselves, complemented by the addition of oak floors, updated bath and shower rooms and a Rupert Williamson bespoke kitchen.

An impressive Inglenook fireplace with fitted woodburner, and original bread oven provides the most inviting welcome in the large Reception Hall, with the inner hall offering excellent fitted storage and cloakroom.

The Drawing Room is beautifully light, rising to full height with attractive beamed ceiling and double, glazed doors opening to the garden, making it a wonderful space in which to entertain in the summer with direct access to the paved terrace. A separate, generous Sitting Room with stone walls and further Inglenook fireplace creates a comfortable place in which to relax and retreat to in the winter months.

Opening from the Reception Hall, the exceptional Kitchen/Dining Room runs along the back of the house, with a bank of windows overlooking the garden and doors to a secluded courtyard. Hand fitted with a limed wood kitchen under granite worksurfaces, and carefully laid out to provide room for a substantial table and chairs as well as sofas and seats, the room forms the hub of this lovely family house. A separate Utility Room offers further storage and appliance space.

On the first floor the Master Bedroom enjoys lovely views of the garden, has built-in wardrobe cupboards and an en suite bathroom with modern suite including vanity unit and matching storage. Bedroom 2 has a large walk-in wardrobe and there are two further bedrooms and separate shower room.

OUTSIDE

A gravelled entrance drive provides ample private parking and leads to the oak, open fronted double bay garage with attached workshop with power connected.

The Gardens are extensive and well maintained, bounded by clipped hedging and with a paved terrace close to the house. Raised stone borders filled with herbaceous planting flank steps up to spacious lawns, with a curving gravelled path leading the eye up through the garden, interspersed with many specimen and ornamental trees providing height and interest and including a lovely mature walnut tree. A clipped Yew hedge, bisects the lawn and at the top of the plot there are some lovely village-scape views to be enjoyed; the lawns giving way to naturalistic planting for ease of maintenance and including a carpet of spring bulbs and flowers, plus orchard with fruit trees and soft fruit cage.

SITUATION

Set in the sought after village of Fovant in the heart of the rolling countryside of the Nadder Valley. The thriving community of Fovant offers a good local shop, post office, inn, doctors' surgery and church whilst Tisbury, approximately 3½ miles, has everyday shopping facilities, schools and a main line railway station for London Waterloo and the West Country.

Fovant is approximately mid-way between the hilltop market town of Shaftesbury and the Cathedral City of Salisbury with their more comprehensive shopping, educational, arts and recreational amenities. The area offers a variety of rural pursuits including walking, cycling and riding.

The 23 Most Romantic Hotels in the Caribbean

Read article : The 23 Most Romantic Hotels in the Caribbean

With infinity pools overlooking the water, canopied beds ideal for cuddling, and elegant spas for couples' massages, many Caribbean hotels were designed for romantic escapes. But of course, some are better than others for vacationing with a significant other, so we set out to find the best of the best. After visiting hundreds (and hundreds) of hotels throughout St. Lucia, Aruba, Barbados, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and dozens more Caribbean destinations, we compared and evaluated each breathtaking property. Take a look at the most romantic hotels in the Caribbean, and get inspired!

1. 

   Romantic? Undoubtedly. Unique? Absolutely. Expensive? For sure. Through an innovative, open fourth wall, each of Jade's 29 enormous suites overlooks the sea from its canopied bed, raised whirlpool tub, and (in all but the entry-level category) private infinity pool. Getting to Jade Mountain can be tedious, even nauseating, but its organic cuisine, doting service, unwavering silence (no TVs, radios, or children), and extraordinary design make the long journey worthwhile.

2. 

   Interiors here are designed by fashion icon Oscar de la Renta, and the 30 rooms feature comfortable four-poster beds with crisp, white Frette linens and unique wicker canopies. Bathrooms have coral floors, deep hot tubs, large stand-up glass showers, and toiletries from L'Occitane -- about as good as it gets in the D.R. The best part: the nightly turndown includes a drawn bath with floating red flower petals and tea lights. Tortuga Bay's luxury Six Senses Spa is one of the D.R.'s best.

3. 

   This unique luxury resort in St. Lucia is made up of 32 one- and two-bedroom villas, each carefully carved into the surrounding hillside overlooking the island’s iconic twin Pitons. The treehouse-style villas -- which have missing fourth walls, and in most cases, private plunge pools -- are a main draw, as are the spectacular views and lush grounds. The resort also features some fabulous amenities, such as an infinity lagoon pool, a gorgeous open-air restaurant and bar, a (tiny) open-air fitness center, and a lovely spa with a multi-level series of small outdoor mineral pools. All of this comes at a price, but Ladera is still significantly cheaper than the ultra-glam Jade Mountain (rates are often around half as much). Ladera is within close range of several of the island’s best tourist destinations -- notable cocoa plantations are within walking distance, the pristine white sands of Jalousie beach are a short drive away, and tourist hot spots like the volcano and Tet-Paul nature trails are both nearby.

4. 

   This 23-room luxury boutique hotel is a Balinese-inspired paradise in Curacao where the details make the difference -- hand-carved teakwood pieces, gift bags left on the beds, and candles lit all around the property are just a few examples. The highlights of the resort are the elegant rooms and villas, some with private pools, the excellent fine-dining restaurant, and a lovely (though man-made) stretch of tranquil beach. This is the top luxury resort on Curacao, without contest.

5. 

   One of Jamaica's most romantic escape (for adults only), the Caves' 11 unique, private cottages and suites are tucked along lush garden paths and dramatic seaside cliffs (there's no beach) carved with steep stairways down to the water and into incredible grottos.. A top-shelf bar, an Aveda spa, free cooking classes, and intimate, incredibly attentive service make it Jamaica's best all-inclusive. High-quality food celebrates local ingredients, and the scene is laid-back and bohemian -- suited to travelers who appreciate outdoor showers and artful decor in favor of conventional luxury.

6. 

   This luxury all-inclusive resort is one of the most elegant and well-regarded hotels on the island, with 64 posh suites dotting a quarter mile of beachfront. Spice Island is a serene oasis amidst the bustling Grand Anse beach area, with clean lines, and a polished, upscale vibe that still maintains the laid-back charm of the Caribbean. The resort includes two restaurants, a beautiful spa, and a variety of activities, but peace and relaxation are also easy to find. The nice pool area is quiet and private, yet the beach -- though beautiful and clean -- is shared by locals and guests of nearby resorts.

7. 

   Accessed via a 30-minute boat ride from Providenciales, this 1,000-acre resort on a private island is the definition of tranquility. With an incredible infinity-edge pool, world-renowned COMO Shambhala Spa, waterfront Balinese-style villas, doting service, and more than three miles of pristine beaches, it's easily one of the most luxurious and romantic options in the Caribbean. But hefty price tags put it out of reach for many, and the rare level of privacy comes as the cost of convenience -- a boat commute is required to reach any nightlife or shopping.

8. 

   This luxurious Viceroy is truly a stunner. It has arguably the best location on St. Lucia, right in between the Pitons, St. Lucia's famous volcanic spires, and on a beautiful white-sand beach. Its 79 rooms are minimalistic, chic, and mostly white, and all come with private plunge pools, butlers, and 24-hour room service; the larger villas and cottages offer living rooms and huge bathrooms (some with outdoor showers and hot tubs). Features include a family-friendly pool, fitness center, tennis courts, and free water sports. The romantic tree-house spa is one of the island's best. The resort's restaurants and bars are pricey, but all-inclusive rates are available to help guests keep costs in check. Unlike Ladera and Jade Mountain, the other two St. Lucia properties on this list, Sugar Beach does allows children, but it tries to ensure peace and quiet for couples, as well, and opened an adult-only beach in spring 2016. 

9. 

   The Geejam is made up of only five private, high-tech cottages on the lush (rainy) foothills of Port Antonio. The setting is gorgeous, the service is extraordinary, and one of the Caribbean's most beautiful beaches is only 10 minutes away. Quiet seclusion it has; a pool, spa facilities, and direct beach access it does not.

10. 

    This adults-only luxury resort offers just two room types: deluxe rooms on the second floor, and slightly larger junior suites on the lower level with access to the beach. Sprawling across 11 acres on the west coast of Barbados, the property is situated closer to the waterfront than others in the area, due to it being built before legislation forced future resorts to build further inland. The pink Colonial-style property is romantic, and offers two restaurants and bars, as well as free afternoon tea on the terrace. Because there are only 72 rooms, the beach never feels crowded. Excellent amenities include an outdoor pool, tennis courts, and free non-motorized water sports. But all this comes at a price -- room and restaurant prices are some of the steepest in Barbados.

11. 

    One of Barbados' most exclusive resorts, The House is the definition of luxury. Located on the ritzy west coast, the adult-only property doesn’t even have a sign out front on the road. The property is secluded and private, with manicured gardens, koi ponds, and a chic lounge area. The rooms are spacious and contemporary with upscale amenities including a massage jet shower and a free bottle of rum punch. Thoughtful freebies include welcome drinks, champagne breakfast, and jet lag revival massages. There is no spa on-site -- surprising for a hotel of this caliber.

12. 

    This is called One&Only for good reason -- there’s nothing quite like it on Paradise Island, or anywhere in the Bahamas for that matter. The 106 rooms and suites, split into two sections, are luxurious, though those in the newer Crescent Wing are a bit more modern and stylish. Guests have access to the amenities at the Atlantis but the advantage of being removed from the crowds. Expansive manicured grounds have two outdoor pools, a romantic garden and statuary modeled after Versailles (a dream for weddings), and the endless stretch of white-sand beach and turquoise waves. Health and wellness nuts are spoilt for choice with daily yoga, an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, an indoor/outdoorfitness center, and a Balinese-style spa with private villas. After a day in the sun, guests return to the room to find champagne and strawberries waiting, and many choose to begin their evening with sunset drinks at Jean-Georges' Dune restaurant.

13. 

    Rosewood Tucker's Point's obvious lures aside -- four pools, a private beach, a championship golf club, a tranquil spa, four restaurants, and spacious rooms featuring million-dollar views -- it’s the fine-tuned details that make this 200-acre property truly spectacular. For example, in the library just behind the lobby, old photos of Bermudian cricket matches, cabinets filled with china, and an antique Oriental rug feel like a swanky 1920s living room frozen in time. Rosewood is easily one of Bermuda’s top luxury resorts, but the rates are also higher here than anywhere else on the island. But perfection (or near-perfection) has its price, and at Tucker’s Point, it’s well worth it.

14. 

    Crowded beaches are unheard of on this private island resort where a maximum of 28 guests at a time have free range of 50 acres and three beaches. Personal boats for daily excursions, on-call service, spacious villas with fully stocked kitchens and wet bars, and a host of all-inclusive activities make Fowl Cay a standout gem in the Exumas. However, some of the villas feature outdated decor and worn furnishings that seem inconsistent with the resort's high nightly rates.

15. 

    If you ever wondered where the stars might go for R&R, look no further than the minimalist Le Sereno, a chic five-pearl boutique hotel reserved for travelers seeking all-around luxury. The simple, elegant interiors by famed designer Christian Liaigre are matched by top-notch amenities and lovely views of the ocean, and the option of in-room (or oceanfront) spa treatments as well as 24-hour room service makes for a truly pampering experience. The hotel’s restaurant, while tasty, is quite pricey -- even for fancy St. Barth's -- and the semi-private beach is not as pretty or wide as the island’s numerous other strips of sand. The hotel is best for couples who don’t mind paying a little extra and renting a car to reach the secluded romance of this hillside hotel.

16. 

    This luxury boutique is heavy on style and refinement, with British Colonial design and 28 huge multi-room suites (they start at 1,080 square feet) featuring kitchens, terraces, and high-end bathrooms. Property highlights include a lovely, tranquil pool, personal beachfront service, a small but spectacular spa, and one of the Providenciales’ most romantic dinner spots. However, its remote location on the point of the beautiful, 12-mile Grace Bay beach -- while peaceful and quiet -- makes it necessary for guests to rely on expensive taxis or car rentals to explore the island.

17. 

    The Caribbean Club is a luxury boutique hotel located on Grand Cayman’s famous Seven Mile Beach. The 37 spacious suites and villas are individually owned and exquisitely decorated, and all have full kitchens, balconies with ocean views, and marble bathrooms with separate whirlpool tubs and rainfall showers. The Club has one of the nicest stretches of beach along the Seven Mile coast with white sand, turquoise water, and calm waves. The beach and pool areas are not crowded, allowing for a quiet and serene tropical getaway. The restaurant here is one of the best on the island, but note that there is no spa.

18. 

    Easily the most luxurious resort in St. Martin, the 55-acre La Samanna resort brings tranquility to an otherwise tourist-filled island. Featuring two beautiful pools, an extensive wine cellar, a yoga and Pilates studio, a European-style spa, and the island's most pristine beach, this 81-room, eight-villa retreat is hard to beat. The vibe is about as fancy as it gets for St. Martin, so of course everything -- from the nightly rates to the dinners and spa treatments -- comes at a sky-high cost.

19. 

    Decked out in signature pink, the 112-room Sandy Lane is the creme de la creme of Barbados -- indeed, it's one of the most luxurious resorts in the world -- known for unparalleled service and distinct touches. Guest amenities run rampant; perhaps the most noteworthy is access to the super exclusive Green Monkey golf course with a separate apparel line that can only be purchased after completion. A Rolls Royce Phantom, top-notch spa, outstanding restaurants, and celebrity sightings are just a few aspects that set the elegant Palladian-style hotel apart from the rest. This is a very special place, for those who can afford it.

20. 

    Sandals is the epitome of a couples-only Caribbean mega-resort. With 11 restaurants, 373 luxurious rooms, and six pools, it's expansive, if not a bit overwhelming. You could easily get lost in the 27 acres of meticulously groomed gardens and along the pathwayswinding between buildings. The Sandals brand is evident at every turn, and the experience can feel generic, pre-packaged, and lacking in authenticity. However, this popular upscale all-inclusive with elegant rooms is definitely dedicated to creating memorable, romantic getaways. (Just be prepared to share yours with a few hundred other couples.)

21. 

    The relaxed, tranquil environment of this adults-only boutique resort is a major part of its appeal. This isn't Antigua's fanciest property, but it doesn't need to be: Simple Caribbean style (think: thatched roofs, stone, and rattan), a truly gorgeous beach, and all-inclusive food that's better than average for the island make for a winning combo. Water sports are also included in the rate, but the ocean here can get a bit rough so guests shouldn't count on being able to swim in it every day.

22. 

    The Bucuti is a romantic, adults-only resort at the southern end of Eagle Beach. This intimate, 104-room property has 14 acres of beach, and the main activity here involves lingering on the sand under shaded palapas; there's also a chic infinity edge pool. Rooms are stylish and have higher-end amenities such as iHome systems, charging docks, and built-in TVs in the bathroom mirrors. A free breakfast buffet is served daily, and dining is a highlight -- including five-course menus at the intimate gourmet spot, Carte Blanche -- and plenty more restaurants are within walking distance. The resort sees a high percentage of repeat visitors, so book early.

23. 

    This charming all-inclusive boutique resort, situated on a bluff overlooking the sea, features 57 separate cottage-style rooms painted in Caribbean pinks and blues. The rooms have a rustic style featuring exposed wood beams, and some have private plunge pools. It is a posh adults-only property catering to couples, wedding parties, and honeymooners -- but it offers a much more intimate atmosphere than massive couples-only resorts like Sandals.