Extended family vacations, wedding parties, reunions of college friends and other groups have become quite popular in the upscale market as well as for mid-market travelers. When you're looking for that special villa that can also offer secluded sophistication for your group, there is no place in the Caribbean better equipped to answer the call than the tiny island of Anguilla. Although Anguilla is known as a Mecca for luxury travelers, there are still some wonderful spots for those with more average bank accounts. But let’s start at the top with the creme de la creme pictured here, 'Bird of Paradise Villa.'

Bird of Paradise

As you enter the grounds through carved wooden gates, you are immediately struck by the serene setting. Built in 2006, this magnificent villa sprawls down a hillside to the blue Caribbean, flaunting its Asian Tropical design with pools, lagoons, ponds, bridges and just the right touch of landscaping. Louvered walls in the massive living room open up all around, taking advantage of the surroundings and the sea below. Four master bedrooms (two have showers only) eliminate the problem of one couple having a better room than anyone else. All have their own private balconies and stunning views. The only choice to make is placement; since two are on a level with the public rooms and two are down steps to other levels. Of course, the hillside location has its down side if you can’t handle a lot of steps. The beach is about five or six flights away, but it is gorgeous and upholds Anguilla’s reputation for the whitest sand.

Indoor and outdoor décor is amazing for a rental property. Various artifacts definitely mirror the owners’ love of all things Asian. Two bedrooms have deep stone walls, another opens to a pool, the lower one has its own deck for unobstructed sea views, while a fifth room can be used as an office or child’s bedroom. A huge patio in the main garden is set up perfectly for grilling everything from thick steaks to fresh fish caught on your chartered boat trip.

The summer 5-night special for two at $1,570 per night (or $1.670 per night for two bedrooms) includes services of a concierge, gardener, caretaker for the pools and ponds, daily maid/laundress who also does turndown service, and a greeter at the airport. Three bedrooms, six persons, cost $1,770 per night, and four bedrooms sleeping eight will run $1,870 per night...plus tax  and gratuities. Stay seven nights and those prices drop by at least $100 per night.

For extras, call in the spa masseuse to administer massages on the Bali Bed in the garden pavilion resembling a Thai sala…hire the chef for those nights when nobody wants to go out or cook…rent a car and explore the island, which is known for its many fabulous dining spots. If you just can’t leave the office behind, don’t fret. Your villa includes high-speed wireless Internet, a fax/scanner/copier machine, plus complimentary international calls via net phone and an intercom and paging system. When work is done, join your family for cocktails (the villa has its own wine refrigerator); put on your favorite CD as background for spectacular sunset watching; then after dinner, pop in a DVD to view on the flat-screen TV. No wonder this place is called Paradise!    www.anguillabird.com

More Anguilla

BeachCourt Villa. Sitting 40 feet above beautiful Shoal Bay beach, this 6-bedroom, 6-bath villa comes in two sections, plus fresh water pool and tennis court. An expansive great room in main house opens to a wide porch affording stunning views. Rates include maid service, tax, svc. charge. 7-night min. stay. www.beachcourtvilla.com

Villa Manana. This intimate 3-bedroom Caribbean cottage on the southern coast was built in 2005. Enjoy sea views from its wrap-around veranda with central deck and lounges overlooking the infinity pool. Small third bedroom shares bath. Washer/dryer on premises. Rate for summer at $690 per night for the full villa includes tax, svc. charge and all amenities for up to 6 persons.   www.manana-anguilla.com

Breezy Windsong. Overlooking the east end’s Savannah Bay, this one-bedroom villa is ideal for casual living indoors and out. Up the garden staircase, a spacious deck, lounges and umbrellas complement the pool with a fountain spilling into it. Great breezy views, only 15 minutes from the airport. Rate: $1,950 per week incl. rental car, tax, svc. charge.   www.islanddreamproperties.com