Step Into a New, Romantic Role--Literally--At Villa Paradiso, Nevis

by Barbara Ann Martin

Photos courtesy Villa Paradiso

As we step off the plane – the bright blue sky and warm breezes, ripe with the perfume of the island of Nevis, greets us. My husband and I are determined to be swept away at Villa Paradiso, a tropical paradise, located in the Leeward Islands of the West Indies. The resort is a hidden jewel that offers guests their own private villas complete with a swimming pool, house man, housekeeper and private chef. Throw in a bikini and a tropical frozen drink, and it’s the perfect recipe for romance.

Our driver grabs our luggage and asks what we would prefer to drink when we arrive to the resort. Am I dreaming? I’ve stepped into some sort of celluloid world, a world where beauty, romance and most anything is possible. It’s definitely a time to nurture and reconnect – and I can’t wait.

After accepting our welcoming cocktails (scenes from the Tom Cruise movie, “Cocktail” flash before my eyes), we walk through the magnificent hand-carved wooden door. I instantly feel a sense of harmony, definitely the intention of the renowned designer Adam Tihany, who created these spacious three and four bedroom villas. Warm light streams through the floor-to-ceiling windows highlighting tropical elegance of the Balinese-style furnishings.

The state-of-the-art kitchen, seemingly the heart of the villa, beckons me, the “anti-cook”, a woman who’s been known to ask my family “Hungry Man or Bird’s Eye” a classic line from the 1982 film “The Border,” starring Jack Nicholson. But, in our Villa Paradiso kitchen, all sleek hard edges of stainless steel, dark wood and granite, I could actually enjoy preparing a home-style meal, with my hubby acting as my sous chef. But, for our first night, we’ve booked Villa Paradiso’s private chef to pamper us with a gourmet meal.

Now, first things, first. I don my suit; take a quick dip in our waterfall pool, while my husband lounges beachside on a hammock. Full of a renewed sense of energy, I go for a jog along the pristine shoreline. A Zen-like state has taken over my usually clogged and cluttered mind. A gorgeous woman runs by me . . . her image reminiscent of Bo Derek’s iconic, slo-mo bathing beauty scene in the film “Ten.” The sheer sensuality of the moment reminds me of the film “How Stella Got her Groove Back,” where one woman’s passionate island romance changes her life. I can’t help but stare . . . I admit, I feel a tad bit jealous, as the world is definitely her oyster and Villa Paradiso, her pearl.

Later, my jealousy has quickly passed, as I join my husband on the beautiful Pinney’s Beach, where just stone’s throw away is the famed Sunshine’s Bar a favorite of celebs from Michael Douglas to Beyonce to Jimmy Buffet. My complicated life at home - you know the drill: a career, marriage, three kids, and a dog (not necessarily in that order) -- is miles away, as I take in the sun and surf, anticipating a little romance myself.

In the distance, I watch as a group of people, of all various ages and types skip towards us. The imaginary movie reel in my head rewinds to the memorable 80’s film “The Big Chill”, which chronicles the reunion of a group of thirty-something college friends, who ultimately reconnect in more ways than one. Its tagline: How much love, sex, fun and friendship can a person take?

The film’s theme seems to mirror the Villa Paradiso experience of this group, who have probably gathered for a family reunion. It makes perfect sense - instead of booking one whole floor of a cheesy chain hotel, it seems this group, probably made up of grandparents, children, grandchildren and perhaps friends, have all booked several of villas, sharing the expenses, making for an affordable, yet still luxurious and unforgettable vacation.

Back to the “Big Chill’s” tagline: how much love, sex, fun and friendship can a person take? At Villa Paradiso the answer is – plenty! Jeff Gram, developer and creator of Villa Paradiso says, “The resort is perfect for friends and family. It’s a time for both bonding and romance. There’s a variety of island activities to please any age group, from horseback riding on the beach, to luxurious spa treatments, tennis, snorkeling adventures, an Under-the-Sea adventure for kids, golf and culture. Then, when day is done, the ultra sensual bedrooms are there for a reason – the adults. Parents love the privacy that the villas afford them. They can put the kids to bed, retreat to their own quarters, turn up a Caribbean beat and make a little noise of their own.”

Later, we’re enjoying drinks at the tiki bar, watching the amber sun set over the glistening waters. My mind wanders to another scenario . . . that of actor Ben Stiller in “Meet the Parents.” In the comical film, his character finds himself in the uncomfortable position of staying at his fiancé’s home. The occasion? Her sister’s wedding. Nothing but wedding chaos ensues, as does in most Ben Stiller films, but not so with a destination wedding at Villa Paradiso.

“Villa Paradiso is the perfect resort for a destination wedding. The bride and groom just walk a few yards away from their private villa to wed on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. The bridal party has the same luxury, as all the villas are within close proximity,” comments Gram. And the new in-laws? They are likely to become the best of friends, as there’s no chance for close-quarters fighting in the spacious villas.

After the ceremony the couple can retire to a room specially prepared by the staff, with dozens of fragrant candles, rose petals adorning the soft bedding and a bottle of champagne and fresh strawberries. Now I’ve truly been bit by the island love bug! I grab my husband’s hand. We stroll down the moon-lit beach, watching the twinkling necklace of lights that surrounds the neighboring island of St. Kitts, each looking forward to night of romance.

The next morning, I feel like Scarlet O’Hara in “Gone with the Wind” the morning after she and Rhett truly consummated their relationship. As I take my morning coffee under our private tiki hut, a hummingbird magically flutters so close, that when I close my eyes and can ear the gentle buzzing of the little bird’s wings. I open them to the vision of a handsome couple walking towards the beach. Their arms are entwined so tightly around each other that they appear to be one. Their images morph into that of the characters of Amber and Giuseppe, from the remake of the Madonna-helmed film “Swept-Away.” In the film, her passion for life and love are rekindled as she falls head-over-heels for her handsome ship-mate Giuseppe . . . .

I have to know more about this couple . . . book in hand, I saunter down to the beach and sit in a lounge chair close enough to the couple to be within speaking distance, but not so close, that I seem nosy. Before long, the man wades into the ocean. I chat up, Jan, an event manager from Boca Raton, Florida. After a bit of small talk I go in for the kill asking, “Are you and your husband always this close?”

Jan speaks candidly. “Brad and I have been married 3 1/2 years. Ironically, we ended up completely blowing our budget on our wedding and never took a honeymoon! This trip to Nevis and Villa Paradiso essentially is the honeymoon we never had. It’s so luxurious, peaceful and private . . . it really brings out the romantic in you.” It seems, just like “Swept-Away” Villa Paradiso is a romantic infusion.

With that in mind, I head back to our villa, for just like Salma Hayek and Pierce Brosnan, who escaped to a romantic island locale in the movie “After the Sunset,” my libido has been totally revved up. I awake my sleeping husband. He’s a bit surprised, but pleased and ready to step into his latest role, that of my Villa Paradiso lover, friend and companion.