Summer's almost here, and it's time to start thinking about that annual family vacation. But does all the hassle of taking a vacation leave you wishing you were back at work? Villa vacations are the perfect alternative to a traditional family getaway. While most travelers associate private villa rentals with romantic retreats for couples, villa vacations can be a great choice for families, too. In fact, villa rentals often provide solutions for many of the problems commonly encountered on family vacations. For instance, many villa vacation packages include babysitting or nanny service. Other benefits include:

• Privacy – Escape the crowds and enjoy a true stress-free getaway.
• Amenities – Live as you do at home with features such as fully-equipped kitchens and pre-stocked refrigerators.
• Service – Leave the cooking and cleaning to a private staff.
• Comfort – Feel at home in paradise with enough space for everyone.
• Setting – Be surrounded by the natural beauty of the destination that is often obstructed within a resort compound.
• Value – Save, knowing that the cost per person at a vacation villa is often less than staying at a luxury hotel.

Villa vacations are also a great option for multigenerational travel that includes extended family because you can eliminate space problems by renting multiple villas that are side-by-side. Why book a block of rooms when you can spread out in a set of luxury homes? For a great family vacation, we recommend to following sets of villas in Mexico and the Caribbean:

Neighboring Villas in Jamaica
Keela Wee – Overlooking a peaceful bay, this six-bedroom villa features a private, white-sand beach complemented by available sea kayaks and snorkeling equipment, a swimming pool, a tennis court with spotlights for night play, and a service staff that includes a butler, cook, housekeeper, and gardener. more info »

Whispering Waters – Next door to Keela Wee and owned by the same owner (providing an added convenience for groups and families who rent both properties,) this seven-bedroom home has an air-conditioned gym, a swimming pool and adjacent Jacuzzi families, access to the Keela Wee beach, and a staff of six servicing guests. more info »

Total space: 13 bedrooms

This island-nation features natural wonders like emerald rain forests, waterfalls that tumble into translucent streams, and glorious beaches that rival any in the Caribbean. While universally recognized as the reggae capital of the world, Jamaica offers much more, including world-class golf courses, historic rum distilleries and coffee plantations open for tours, and a wide array of watersports.

Neighboring Villas in St. Martin
Casa Cervo – Protected by an electric gate, this four-bedroom villa located directly on Baie Rouge Beach offers a swimming pool, an exquisite gazebo, a plasma-screen television—and that's just for starters. more info »

Villa Serena – Recently redecorated, this six-bedroom villa with a view of Baie Rouge Beach includes a swimming pool, a home entertainment theatre with a large flat-screen television, a three-car garage, and other special highlights. more info »

Oasis – This six-bedroom villa, set at the end of Baie Rouge Beach for maximum privacy, features a stunning infinity pool, a gourmet kitchen headed around the clock by a French chef, and wellness facilities, including two massage tables, a Jacuzzi, and exercise equipment. more info »

Total space: 16 bedrooms

About St. Martin

This pristine island features two different ethnic regions with each retaining the flavor of its culture. Whether on "the French side" or "the Dutch side," visitors have a variety of choices for fine dining; in fact, the island boasts more gourmet restaurants than any other Caribbean island. With seven casinos, many nightspots, countless duty-free shops and boutiques, and beautiful, white-sand beaches, St. Martin has it all.

Neighboring Villas in St. Barts
Situated on a hillside in the exclusive, gated community of the Domaine du Levanta where it offers clear views of Petit Cul de Sac beach and the Caribbean Sea, a set of four villas stands apart as an option for large groups in St. Barts. Lagon Rose features an inviting free-form pool surrounded by a newly-tiled patio and five bedrooms that each open onto a private terrace and overlook the ocean. Lagon Jaune and Lagon Bleu are both three-bedroom homes highlighted by a large living and dining area that opens onto a terrace with a swimming pool. A charming two-bedroom villa, Petite Lagon offers a swimming pool, a fully-equipped kitchen, king-size beds in both bedrooms, and a private, intimate atmosphere.

Total space: 16 bedrooms

The allure of this island is its secluded beaches, trendy shops, renowned restaurants, and a zip code that’s linked to many celebrities. The water is warm, the landscape largely undeveloped, and the ambiance decidedly French. Those seeking tropical surroundings, a relaxed elegance, and top-notch food, shopping, and accommodations will enjoy the island.

Neighboring Villas in Los Cabos
Villa Serena – Magnificently appointed, this 6,103 square-foot exclusive beachfront residence contains five bedrooms and five and a half bathrooms built of granite and marble. more info »

Villa Annie-Lie – This four-bedroom, 6,835 square-foot exclusive beachfront residence features private beach access and a heated infinity pool and Jacuzzi with exquisite views of the languid Sea of Cortez. more info »

Villa Amanda – This five-bedroom, 5,808 square-foot beachfront villa offers unobstructed views of the Sea of Cortez, an infinity pool, a Jacuzzi, and a pristine white-sand, private beach. more info »

Total space: 14 bedrooms

With an atmosphere uniquely different from other parts of Mexico, this destination is physically defined by "The Corridor," a 20-mile stretch of highway featuring golf courses, hotels, villas, and condos that hug a ravishing coastline. Los Cabos offers a sportsman's paradise, as well as shopping, beach activities, and nightlife.