Elite Traveler January-February 2016

EXPLORE CARIBBEAN

Bella Beach Villa OIL NUT BAY VIRGIN GORDA, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

It’s rare in the Caribbean to find a view undisturbed by any human mark. But from the peaceful terrace of the Bella Beach Villa at Oil Nut Bay in Virgin Gorda, the view carries along a coastline, out to sea and to infinity. The terrace, with a full dining table and barbecue grill, is sheltered by a cluster of palms, offering some privacy. But if you want full seclusion bring along your yacht too – the YCCS Marina Virgin Gorda, just adjacent to Oil Nut Bay, has slips for megayachts up to 300ft. Also worth checking out are Oil Nut Bay’s scuba diving trips and luxury private boat charters, which are the best ways to make the most of the crystal clear Caribbean waters. Special amenities Private infinity pool, butler service by appointment, chef’s kitchen, laundry room (handy for families), groceries can be supplied – just send a list upfront. There is also a new helipad at Oil Nut Bay Marina, and ferry or helicopter transfers can be arranged if you’re flying into Beef Island Airport on Tortola. Size 6,000 sq ft Number of bedrooms Six (two king master bedrooms and four king guest bedrooms, all ensuite) Weekly rate From $41,653 for a package including airport transfers and a trip to the Baths National Park on Virgin Gorda. Alternatively from $27,650 per week for villa only. Plus up to $10,000 per day for private boat charters. Contact Cassie Mitchell, reservations manager, cmitchell@victorbvi.com, +1 284 393 1029, oilnutbay.com

Ask Oil Nut Bay’s real estate sales executive, Shayla Hope, about the Bella Beach Villas for sale. They come partly furnished, priced from $11.9m

Villa At Sandy Lane SANDY LANE ST JAMES, BARBADOS

Sandy Lane is the definition of stately luxury. It is where Simon Cowell spends his Christmas vacation. It is where Oprah Winfrey and Bill Gates check in when they’re in Barbados. In fact, it is where anyone rich or famous likes to be seen when they’re on the island. And the villa is the best room – or set of rooms – in the house. Set in a stately Palladian building with its own manicured tropical gardens, it is all shiny marble and coral rock. It comes with thoughtful touches including a daily afternoon tea prepared by the villa’s private chef. Special amenities Jacuzzi, butler, resident chef, watersports, waived green fees at The Country Club and The Old Nine, airport transfers, Champagne on arrival and a spa voucher. Siz e 7,300 sq ft Number of bedrooms Five (including a master suite that spans an entire floor and four bedrooms with a garden view) Weekly rate From $75,110 Contact Sarah Morgan, senior sales and product manager at Elegant Resorts, sarah.morgan@elegantresorts.co.uk, +1 246 444 2000, sandylane.com