British Virgin Islands holiday villa: Virgin Gorda

SPECIAL: Stay 7/Pay 6 or Stay 10/Pay 8 when you book after 2/12/09 and travel before 12/18/09

Delightfully unique, Sugar Mill Villa is a replica of an island sugar mill from days past, and showcases creative architecture with a contemporary twist. Constructed of stone, this 3-level villa boasts 2 swimming pools and overlooks vistas of Virgin Gorda's famed Savannah Bay, Little Dix Bay & Long Bay. *Sugar Mill may be rented either as a 2-bedroom villa (for the utmost in privacy), or as 2 independent 1-bedroom studio suites (see below).

The Garden Suite comprises the middle & lower levels of the Sugar Mill. Featuring a king bed & well-equipped gourmet kitchen, this charming air-conditioned suite opens via curtained french doors to a stunning blue pool, inlaid with a leaping tile dolphin. The pool is set in a flagstone garden terrace with sink-into cushioned chairs & chaises, and around the outside curve of the Mill is yet a larger terrace & shaded pavilion, with dining table, cushioned armchairs & gas grill for outdoor island living. These areas are for the unique enjoyment of guests who rent the Garden Suite. Sugar Mill's lower level, accessed via interior stairs, is also for the exclusive use of guests who rent the Garden Suite: this air-conditioned entertainment/family level offers a 37" flat-screen satellite TV with Wii, DVD player & iPod docking station, as well as a 2nd gourmet kitchen, beautiful dining area (seating up to 8 persons), sofabed, 2nd full bath (with jacuzzi bathtub) & laundry.

On the Sugar Mill's top level is the charming Rooftop Suite. Similar in layout & decor to the Garden Suite, the air-conditioned Rooftop Suite likewise features a king bed & well-equipped gourmet kitchen. French doors open to a private slate-tiled balcony with cushioned chairs, wonderful for watching sunsets. Just outside, a stone staircase curves up to the Mill's highest point, the rooftop itself, where a delightful 2nd private pool & terrace overlook the sea, sky & distant islands. The Rooftop's terrace offers tables, sofa, cushioned chairs & chaise lounges, plus gas grill for poolside cookouts. Additionally, when activated, a waterfall cascades 2 levels from the Rooftop's pool, past porthole windows, to create an exotic atmosphere.

Sugar Mill Villa is surrounded by flowering tropical gardens set among boulders, and enjoys panoramic ocean views. Just uphill from the Mill are historic 19th-century stone ruins of the former Nail Bay sugar plantation, and a short walk away is Nail Bay's spa, restaurant & bar. Excellent swimming may be enjoyed at nearby Mountain Trunk Bay (1-minute drive/10-minute walk), or at unspoiled, nearly-deserted Long Bay Beach (5-minute drive), Virgin Gorda's best-kept secret! Nail Bay, famous for snorkeling, is just a few minutes walk below the Sugar Mill.

* Villa rates shown are for combined 2 bedrooms (Garden & Rooftop Suites). If guests opt to rent either independently as a 1-bedroom suite, the other suite will likely be rented to other guests, with a slight compromise of privacy. Please ask your Wimco agent for these special 1-bedroom rates.

NOTE: Villa rates exclude 17% tax & service (not 19% as with most Virgin Gorda villas).

- Thanksgiving rentals require a 7-night minimum.

- Security Deposit payable on arrival with credit card.

Photos compliments of Don Hebert.