Not even a decade into this century and still jumpy meteorologists are declaring the latest cross-country snow event the "Storm of the Century." We're not ones to get all sensationalist over a dusting of snow, but this one does look like a doozy, set to leave a blanket of snow over a 2,100-mile swath from Oklahoma to Maine. With that in mind, we thought we'd give reluctant snowbirds a few Caribbean options should they wish to skip down south and avoid the coming onslaught. First up is one of the ultimate warm weather getaways, a five-bedroom beachfront villa on the island of St. Barth's (above). Currently renting for the astronomical sum of $77.5K per week, this place requires a true hatred of wintery weather and some mighty deep pockets. Each of bedroom opens to a private patio with views of the property's lush gardens, and guests are also provided a 10-person jacuzzi, swimming pool, sundeck, daily breakfast, and twice-daily maid service, not to mention a location just steps from pristine white sands of Lorient Beach. Well for that kind of cash, it'd be hard to expect less. Luckily, we've got some more affordable options after the jump.
Photo: Tim Beddow/Architectural Digest
? Down on the exclusive island of Mustique, the sandy stomping ground of celebs like Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Kate Moss, and Pierce Brosnan, this four-bedroom hillside villa might appeal to the Architectural Digest set. After all, it was featured in that glamorous glossy in March 2007. Designer Grant White infused the residence—a second home for a jet-set London couple—with a casual air, courtesy of white-washed, plush furniture. Today, all that comfort can be yours for just $18K per week.
? If casual doesn't really suit your tastes, even at the beach, this two-acre waterfront estate in Barbados might be just the ticket. The four-bedroom Italianate "pavilion" at the heart of the property is stuffed with gilded accents, floral patterns, and moody oil paintings. If the concept of relaxation is a foreign one, drop your next $11.2K for a week here.
? Nestled in the hills above Virgin Gorda's famed rock formation, The Baths, this four-bedroom getaway, offers easy access to the popular tourist attraction but hides itself from prying eyes among the dense tropical brush. Wide-open interior spaces and large French doors allow the warm sea breezes inside, while the pool beckons with its turquoise waters. It'd be a miracle if you made it down to the beach at all, particularly when you're paying $9K per night for the privilege of resting your head here.
? The final escape-from-the-storm destination sits atop the highest mountain on St. John, but also enjoys the lowest price of any villa on our list. At $8K per week, this place might seem a veritable deal, especially given the sweeping views of the neighboring British Virgin Islands. But the renters had better be prepared to be out in the wild. The house is located a 20-minute drive from Cruz Bay, St. John's main town. Luckily for the less than epicurean, the acclaimed East End restaurant Chateau Bordeaux is nearby.
· Winter Storm: Updates [The Weather Channel]
· St. Barts Villa WV VLP [Wimco]
· Casual Idyll on Mustique [Arch Digest]
· Villa Aurora, Mustique [Wimco]
· Villa BS LMP, Barbados [Wimco]
· Virgin Gorda Villa MAV OTR [Wimco]
· Bordeaux Mountain House [Carribean Villa]