November 19, 2003 -- For 20 years, Wimco has been introducing Americans and Brits alike to the idea of vacationing in Caribbean villas. Operating out of both London and Newport, Rhode Island, the company has over 750 villas located on 12 different Caribbean islands at its disposal. With the addition of more properties and new packages, Wimco is worth a gander.
Wimco's new pricing categories include "Budget Blowout" (read bloody expensive), "Party," "Families", "Affordable" and "Holiday." To be honest, most villas listed through Wimco are being listed at exorbitant rates, but you can finagle a budget priced lodging if you're willing to travel with a larger group of people, thus splitting the costs more equitably. Some are perfectly suited to housing a small group of friends or family for the week.
Some samples include 3- and 5-bedroom villas with names like Three Dolphins on Anguilla starting at $7,350 per week, Secret Garden on Nevis starting at $2,250 per week, and Villa Tranquil on St. Barts and Green Cay (a hotel villa) on St. Martin in the same price range.Not cheap, but if you arrange for one couple per bedroom, three couples sharing the Secret Garden could get by on $107 per night per pair, or about $54 per night per person. That ain't too bad!
You can reach Wimco in the US at 800/932-3222; e-mail info@wimco.com or log on to www.wimco.com. Their London office is available at 0800/838-318; e-mail info@wimco.co.uk and website www.wimco.co.uk.