MODERN LUXURY

By Charlotte Bufton

St. Bernard’s Hill House is more than just a property. It is an experience that begins as the gates open, welcoming you to this mountain-top estate. The burst of bougainvillea, allamandas, orchids and palms transport you with an embrace of unusual beauty.

As you move through the inviting warmth of the main villa, the 320-degree panoramic views, the vast expanse of the horizon, with the surrounding islands punctuating the fine blue line between sea and sky require a pause, a slow breath, as you gradually take in the moment. Your breath slows and almost immediately you feel different, more relaxed, calmer, more yourself.

Perched atop St. Bernard’s Hill and behind wooden gates, this stunning villa, with its collection of guest cottages, offers a unique blend of privacy, exclusivity and natural beauty, making it the perfect destination for those seeking a tranquil escape from the busyness of everyday life. The villa seamlessly blends tasteful modern luxury with traditional Caribbean charm.

The property comprises of a main house and three guest cottages, providing ample space for large groups or families and comfortably accommodating up to ten guests in the five air-conditioned en suite bedrooms.

The main house boasts an openconcept design that maximises natural light and offers calming panoramic sea views from every angle. The living and dining areas feature vaulted ceilings and arched doorways with elegant and comfortable furnishings that reflect the island’s natural beauty. The kitchen is equipped with high-end stainless appliances and modern conveniences, making it the perfect place to prepare gourmet meals for family and friends or to have those meals catered for you by their Executive chef.

The bedrooms are tastefully decorated with tropical-inspired accents and offer expansive views of the ocean and the recently relandscaped gardens below. Deepcovered verandas and balconies adjoin every bedroom, enabling you to step through the white curtains onto your private balcony and take in those views from outside, enjoying the frangipani-scented Caribbean breeze on your skin. The primary suite in the main house is a true sanctuary, with a king-size fourpost bed, a walk-in wardrobe and a luxurious spa-like bathroom with a standalone claw foot bathtub.

The wellness room includes two massage tables.

The guest cottages are just a few steps from the main house and offer an inviting balance of privacy with proximity. Each unit features a private bedroom, bathroom and convenient coffee nook. The Allamanda villa comprises two bedrooms, one of which can be converted from a king bed to two twins, making it ideally suited for families traveling with young children. Orchid villa and Palm villa each have one bedroom and one en suite bathroom.

Outside, St. Bernard’s Hill House offers a wide range of amenities and activities for guests to enjoy. A large pool deck and landscaped tropical gardens with sweeping sea views surround the heated infinity pool.

A large pool deck and landscaped tropical gardens with sweeping sea views surround the heated infinity pool. This area also includes comfortable cushioned loungers, large movable umbrellas, chairs and a dining table, an idyllic spot to relax for the afternoon with a cocktail.

This area also includes comfortable cushioned loungers, large movable umbrellas, chairs and a dining table, an idyllic spot to relax for the afternoon with a cocktail. The sunset deck is the prime location for yoga and meditation, but the ever-varied sunsets can be enjoyed from any place of your liking in the main villa.

For those seeking a more active vacation, the St. Bernard’s Hill House resident concierge can coordinate island-hopping powerboat trips, sail excursions, water sports instruction or hikes around local trails. Your itinerary can be as lively or as laidback as you like. The on-site gym has a treadmill, a stationary bike and a selection of free weights. Guests can also make use of the snorkeling equipment to explore the nearby beaches and coral reefs.

With its generous 8-acres of landscaped grounds, St. Bernard’s Hill House is ideal for hosting events such as weddings, corporate retreats and family reunions. The property’s spacious gardens and luxurious amenities provide the perfect setting for any event, grand or intimate.

The dedicated staff will ensure that every detail is seamlessly handled, from catering and entertainment to transportation and activities. The team at St. Bernard’s Hill House prides itself on being able to curate your perfect visit offering the ideal blend of the exclusivity of a private villa estate with all the service and amenities of a 5-star hotel.

Your itinerary can be as lively or as laidback as you like. The on-site gym has a treadmill, a stationary bike and a selection of free weights. Guests can also make use of the snorkeling equipment to explore the nearby beaches and coral reefs.

The St. Bernard’s Hill House team firmly believes that some of the best times are spent together around the table, sharing delicious, fresh meals and celebrating friendship and family.

Executive Chef, Al Broderick offers bespoke dining experiences during your stay at the property - private dinners, celebratory lunches, high tea or even just a light snack as you return from exploring the islands or come in from a day spent by the pool. The St. Bernard’s Hill House team firmly believes that some of the best times are spent together around the table, sharing delicious, fresh meals and celebrating friendship and family.

Owner Dr. Juleen Christopher says, “We are thrilled to share the newly reimagined St. Bernard’s Hill House with you! It was always my dream to reconnect with my BVI roots, and after an extensive search, I chose St. Bernard’s Hill House as the ideal base from which to do so. Like anyone who has experienced the Estate, I was profoundly struck by its expansive beauty, the sense of peace and the sanctuary it provides.

The villa’s interior has been given a fresh new feel and the essence and warmth of the Caribbean and the curated luxury experience have been heightened.”

Whether you are seeking an exclusive island retreat for a family vacation or an unforgettable location for a special event, with its stunning architecture by original architect Jon Osman, luxurious amenities, personalised service and exquisite setting, this Estate is truly one-of-a-kind. •

Take advantage of the opportunity to experience the magic of St. Bernard’s Hill House, where memories are made.

Property Details:

• Property size: 8-Acres

• Location: West End, Tortola

• Sleeps: 10 guests

• Main house: 1 Primary Suite, 1.5 bathrooms

• Guest cottages: 3 The Palm - one bedroom plus en suite bathroom and private wraparound deck

The Allamandas - two bedrooms, each with en suite and private wraparound deck

The Orchid - one bedroom plus en suite bathroom and private wraparound deck

• Facilities: Heated infinity swimming pool, mains power, backup generator, air-conditioning, gym, yoga deck

Exclusive Reader Offer

St. Bernard’s Hill House would love to welcome you to stay and extend a 15% discount to Virgin Islands Property & Yacht readers for this coming summer. Offer commences on 1 July and closes on 1 September. Minimum 3-night stay.

Contact: Scarlett Steer +1 (284) 341 1589 stbernardshillhouse@gmail.com stbernardshillhouse.com @stbernardshillhouse_bvi @stbernardshillhouse