The Caribbean and Mexico are the main regions for villa rentals, with stunning sea views, beach and pool access, and the service of staff. Many are large enough to accommodate multi-generational family reunions, small wedding parties, corporate retreats or groups of friends just looking for a little R’n’R in their own space.
Ani Private Resorts is one of many companies offering villa rentals in the area, but it believes it offers something truly unique, billing itself as “the world’s first collection of private resorts.” Ani currently offers only four exclusive resorts or resorts in Anguilla, the Dominican Republic, Sri Lanka and Thailand, with a fifth villa resort (a second location in Anguilla) scheduled to join the collection in 2024. At Ani, guests can rest assured that their group will be the only one booked at the resort during their stay.
Ani Private Resorts and its non-profit Ani Art Academies were founded in 2010 by philanthropist and arts patron Tim Reynolds.Company name comes from Swahili how am iwhich, according to Ani’s chief marketing officer Henny Frazer, means a path or a journey forward.
“Each resort is designed to host a group of guests at a time, booking at least six rooms for five nights,” Fraser said. “None of the resorts have more than 15 suites. The staff to guest ratio is more than one to one. All staff are locals who know the area very well and speak to guests before arrival to help them customize each of their accommodations detail.”
Ani’s property in Anguilla overlooks a cove on the island’s northwest coast.Photo Credit: Ani Private Resort
“Each villa is located away from the tourist area and offers the services of a five-star resort, including a general manager, operations manager, executive chef and culinary team, host and housekeeper,” he added.
The four private resorts are all newly built, starting with the Anguilla property, which opened in 2010 on the island’s north coast overlooking a cove.
All Ani resorts are all-inclusive except Anguilla; Ani Anguilla offers half-board (two meals a day), “Because the island has such fine restaurants, we want our guests to venture out and taste them,” says Fern Razer said, adding, “Guests can opt for a full-board option for an additional $75 per day.”
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Two villas with sea view suites and guest rooms are located on the cliff tops of Anguilla and can accommodate up to 20 people.
Opened in 2017 on a private peninsula between Samana and Cabarete on the island’s north coast, Ani Dominican Republic features Villa Larimar and Villa Amber, accommodating up to 28 guests and a team of over 30 staff to fine-tune the accommodation’s style. every aspect.
Beyond the Caribbean Sea, Ani Sri Lanka is located on the south coast of the island, overlooking the Indian Ocean.It has two infinity pools and two Salas –Large modern area with living and dining space upstairs and downstairs –accommodates up to 30 guests.
Ani Thailand boasts lush gardens and views of Phang Nga Bay. It welcomes groups of up to 20 people.
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Amenities include a swimming pool, beach access, a small gym and spa, an event and entertainment pavilion, multiple dining options, water sports, kids and wellness activities and curated excursions, high-speed WiFi, complimentary babysitting, daily laundry service and round-trip airport service Group transfer. All accommodations are wheelchair accessible.
Depending on the resort, special events include beach barbecues, bike rides, moonlight movies and sunset cruises. Anguilla also offers cooking classes and a night with a DJ; DR has rum tastings, folk dancing and cigar rolling. In Thailand, there are Thai dance performances, batik paintings and fire jugglers; in Sri Lanka, there are tuk-tuk tours of local villages.
The Ani Art Institute in Anguilla is geared towards locals, and tuition is paid for by the resort collection. Each of the company’s four resorts has an art school.Photo Credit: Ani Private Resort
All guests at the four resorts can visit the nearby Ani Art Institute, which provides mentorship for aspiring artists to hone their skills through a four-year art education program. Income from Ani Properties covers all tuition fees for students; all proceeds from the sale of their artwork are returned directly to them.
“Our inclusions are extraordinary,” Fraser said. “Our founders believed that there is no price list for the power of unity. Our standard and goal is to always do our best to keep our guests happy.”
Summer prices start from US$13,000 per villa, 5 nights per group: Winter prices start from US$27,000 in Anguilla, US$32,000 in the Dominican Republic and Sri Lanka, and US$17,000 in Thailand. This year’s festive (holiday) season is fully booked.
Rates do not include 10% service charge and local tax. Tipping is at the discretion of the guest.
The commission is 10%; according to Fraser, bookings through trip advisors make up 60% to 70% of the business, and hotels in the Caribbean are “very strong.”
“We have a global sales agency, we attend webinars and trade shows everywhere, and we have a very strong relationship with the industry,” she said.
