St. Bernard's Hill House

Surrounded within a lush oasis of stately Royal palms, this private 8-acre hilltop estate provides an amazing 300-degree bird's-eye view of the Virgins and miles and miles of azure sea and sky to the distant horizon. Exclusive St. Bernard's Hill House is the top of the world for those who seek privacy and a catered holiday in cool and breezy seclusion; your stay includes the talents of a gourmet chef for your dining pleasures.

This five-bedroom property consists of four gingerbread-trimmed pavilions set within bowers of colorful bougainvillea, bird of paradise, tall Royal palms and sea almond trees. St. Bernard's spacious Main Pavilion comprises the richly-decorated Great Room, a dining room which seats 10, s spacious well-equipped kitchen, an air-conditioned study with a computer and a powder room. Arched doorways open out to a wonderful deep covered verandah which spans three sides of this Pavilion, overlooking the Caribbean and Atlantic's blue majesty dotted with green islands and cays. Various seating and alfresco dining areas are scattered around the wrap-around shady deck, ready for convivial gatherings, cocktails, or a game of chess or cards any time of day or night. On the lee side are a bar and cushioned seating for watching the big flat-screen satellite TV.

The Main Pavilion also houses a large king bedroom/bath suite. This sequestered suite offers a carved mahogany four-poster bed and West Indian antique desk; screened french doors lead to the verandah and a cool outdoor area with a sea view, set with chaise lounges for two. A hallway leads from the bedroom to its spacious ensuite bath, featuring a double-sink vanity, a big tiled shower and bathtub, and another hallway into the Main Pavilion.

On the south side of the Main Pavilion is a manicured lawn which borders a wonderfully unique terrace overlooking the yachts coming and going below in Sopers Hole and a panoramic vista of islands and sea clear to the distant horizon. Dark polished imbuia wood, cushioned teak furniture and a canvas umbrella give this terrace a distinct luxury-yacht flavor. A few stairs from the lawn area descend through tropical plantings to the pool and tiled sun deck below, a totally-private haven dotted with chaise lounges and umbrellas. The superb infinity-edged pool is heated 24/7; the pool and deck overlook Tortola's Long Bay Beach, the sands of Smugglers Cove and the salt pond, where occasionally pink flamingos are spotted. A shaded alcove sitting area is just off the deck, adjoined by a full bath and an outside shower.

From the main entrance of the Main Pavilion, a walkway meanders through lovely gardens and tropical trees to the separate Oriental Cottage, tucked just far enough away from the Main Pavilion to provide romantic privacy. This air-conditioned Cottage features a king bed (which can be made up as two twins, with advance notice), a roomy covered hardwood verandah which wraps around two sides of the Cottage, a bath with large tiled shower, separate WC, TV and DVD player, iPod dock/CD player/radio, and a coffeemaker, microwave and mini-fridge for private breakfasts or snacks for just two.

The Double Cottage is just adjacent to the Main Pavilion. This unique, two-bedroom, two-bath air-conditioned Cottage is just perfect for parents and small children. It offers the Contemporary and Caribbean suites, two bedroom/bath suites under one roof joined by an interior hallway. Both suites have a TV with DVD player and an iPod dock/CD player/radio. The Contemporary suite has a king bed and its own ensuite bath, and a cool, shaded L-shaped verandah via screened french doors. The adjoining Caribbean suite, with a king bed (which can be separated into two twin beds with your advance request), also has an ensuite tiled bath and a verandah overlooking the bustling marine activity below in Sopers Hole and St. John beyond. Both imbuia-wood verandahs are connected at the front of Double Cottage for easy access to both adjoining suites.

Next door to Double Cottage is the charming Colonial Cottage, a separate air-conditioned bungalow with a four-poster queen bed, ensuite bath, TV and DVD player, iPod/CD player/radio, a coffeemaker, microwave and min-fridge for your early-morning convenience and privacy, and a wraparound verandah furnished with chairs and tables overlooking expanses of ocean and green islets and cays. Below Double Cottage is the new air-conditioned home gym, well equipped with varied fitness gear, mirrors, a TV, DVD player, an iPod dock/CD player, and beautiful bamboo flooring.

St. Bernard's Hill House offers serene seclusion in a very private, lush setting within an electronically-gated enclave. It boasts some of the most mesmerizing wide-angled views of ocean and islands to be seen anywhere. Its lofty hilltop location invites cool tradewinds wafting through the 8 acres of tropical landscaping and sweeping across the generous verandahs - this estate celebrates pampered outdoor island living in style. Eclectic and pleasing décor from around the world graces this unique property, with antique pieces, original Caribbean artwork, white gauzy curtains blowing in the breeze all adding to its charm and natural beauty - this is perfection from sunrise to sunset, and into the balmy island night with a sparkling canopy of stars overhead. All bedrooms are air-conditioned and screened, and are very well situated on the estate for maximum privacy for couples.

One of the estate's professional house chefs stands ready to prepare and serve a delightful selection of sumptuous meals for you