This summer forget self-catering and instead ring for the butler and call for the cook at staffed villas in the Caribbean.

These villas offer a boutique hotel experience with staff on hand to cater to every whim from cooking sumptuous meals to arranging excursions or pampering treatments.

Added to this having the luxury of private swimming pools and gardens means that villas provide a perfect retreat to be enjoyed with family and friends.

Examples of staffed villas available this summer include:

C'EST LA VIE, ST LUCIA

C'est la Vie ( www.villacestlavie.com ) is a privately owned villa sleeping up to 12 people situated near Rodney Bay in the north of St Lucia.

The spacious villa is set in extensive gardens featuring an eye-catching swimming pool and with access to two beaches.

Each of the five bedrooms has an en suite bathroom and a spacious balcony or verandah that is ideal for private dining.

The villa staff team includes a villa manager, housekeeper and a chef to create restaurant quality meals to guest tastes.

Rates start from USD1,300 per night based on 10 sharing on a bed and breakfast basis.  Price also includes return airport transfers and use of a premier concierge service.

HALF MOON, JAMAICA

Half Moon, the luxury resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica (www.halfmoon.com) offers a choice of 24 Royal Villas with between 4 and 7 bedrooms with private swimming pools.

All bedrooms have en suite facilities and the villas have plenty of indoor and outdoor space for rest, relaxation and dining.

Each villa has a dedicated team of a butler, cook and housekeeper.

Villa guests also have access to the facilities at the 400 acre resort that include two miles of beaches, golf course, golf academy, spa, fitness centre, dolphin lagoon, equestrian centre, tennis and squash courts, children's village, shopping village, bars and restaurants.

Rates start from USD1,295 per night for a five-bedroom garden view villa on a room only basis.  Price includes use of two golf carts to travel around the resort.

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