Travelers are being given the opportunity to take advantage of 2010 rates prior to a July 1, 2011, price increase at Anguilla’s Bird of Paradise, with 2010 prices applied to reservations made now for travel now through 2012.

The Caribbean islands are taking an economic hit like other countries around the world, and having to take measures to balance budgets.

In Anguilla, all hotels and villas will now have a six-percent “stabilization levy” imposed on all wages. Real estate taxes increased by 150 percent. On this 35-square-mile island where almost everything needs to be imported, duties that normally would be 26 percent are now 31 percent.

Many tourists don’t realize that the hotels and villas pay a marketing levy for every guest. These fees doubled this past year. New taxes have been levied on communications and fuel, the latter increasing the cost of electricity and water.

Owners of the Bird of Paradise villa have made a conscious effort to keep rates low to ensure the villa is occupied frequently so the staff could earn a good living and work exclusively for the Bird of Paradise. Owner Melody Dill says clients and travel agents actually ask, “Why are the rates so low? What’s wrong?” since the Bird is priced way below other high-end villas on the island.

Repeatedly ranked as one of the top villas in the world and recently recognized by Conde’ Nast, the Bird of Paradise is, indeed, a bargain. However, with increasing taxes and fees, the Bird will be forced to raise rates six percent as of July 1. Any reservations received for the remainder of the year or through 2012 will be at the current 2010 rates as long as the reservation is made by July 1, 2011.

The Bird of Paradise offers families, groups, couples and honeymooners exclusive use of the villa. Two pools perched above a perfect crescent beach, four master suites and multiple living and dining areas offer lots of room to socialize as well as private space.

Pricing for stays can include everything from an all-inclusive rate with chef and meals, 24-hour concierge, in-villa spa treatments, and daily housekeeping to a basic rate with few services.

Bird of Paradise, anguillabird@yahoo.com, www.anguillabird.com