A Luxury Wellness Tour of the BVI

Tourism and regained freedoms

A Luxury Wellness Tour of the BVI

The Global Wellness Institute has estimated that wellness tourism was a $639 billion market in 2017 and have projected that this will reach $919 billion by 2022. This sector captures those who are motivated to travel to maintain and improve their health and wellbeing. Wellness travellers are looking for a health boost, stress reduction, realignment of lifestyle habits and new experiences that will nourish, nurture and restore. As we all continue to face the challenges of a global pandemic, vacations and getaways will increasingly be driven by a desire to find restoration and regeneration.

The BVI by its very essence is a wellness destination. The clear seas, the blue skies, the stunning and soft landscapes of this unique archipelago naturally soothe the soul and restore the body and mind.

BVI Tourism, be it private island luxury retreats, yachting, villa rentals, boutique resorts and mega/charter yachts all leverage from, and are inspired by, the exceptional beauty the islands offer. Across the islands there is a vast choice of spas offering an array of treatments, skilled and talented yoga instructors and more activities that you can fit into a two week stay. However, for those searching for a truly exceptional escape, there are a handful of retreats that are leading the way in the wellness space in the BVI and are offering unique and innovative experiences for those seeking a change of pace, a change of view and physical and mental rejuvenation.

St Bernard’s Hill House | Tortola

Privacy is the pinnacle of luxury. This is one of the BVI’s premier properties and it provides an unrivalled level of stillness and tranquility. Perched on the top of Tortola’s West End this private, eight-acre estate has a successful track record in the luxury villa rental space and discerning guests return year after year to enjoy its unique beauty. New owners acquired the property in 2021 and the guest experience has been elevated to align with their vision of holistic health and wellbeing. With a PhD in behavioral science, the new owners have spent the last twenty plus years researching how to create dynamic and inspiring environments to empower individuals to find and fulfil their potential. With family connections on Tortola, the owners are committed to everyone in their teams and all the support staff also enjoy the same high level of care. There are few property owners better positioned to create a world class retreat.

There are five beautiful bedrooms, giving comfort to ten guests in total. All bedroom suites are outfitted with mini kitchens, walk in wardrobes and large private decks, which enjoy the panoramic views. The main house features the master suite as well as the grand living room, kitchen and interior and exterior dining rooms. Four additional bedrooms are in separate pods, affording great comfort and privacy. All are joined by winding

pathways and stunning landscaped gardens. There is a fully equipped and air-conditioned gym and swimming pool. There is over 15,000 Sq Ft of living and enjoyment space all with infinity views.

There are some themed weeks, but the true joy of St Bernard’s Hill House, is that you can choose your own blend of contemplative pursuits and adventures. With the support of the estate manager and his team, you can curate your perfect escape. Do the things you love and the things you have always wanted to do. Enjoy solitude or the company of others. Be challenged or lounge with a good book and a frozen cocktail. The onsite team which includes chefs, stewards, a boat captain and fitness instructors will attend to all your needs discreetly and at your pace. The bespoke service will delight.

www.stbernardshillhouse.com

The Aerial BVI | Buck Island

Buck Island is situated just off the southern shore of Tortola and has been privately owned for many years. However new owners have spent the recent years completely transforming this elusive estate and in early 2021, it opened its doors to guests for the first time. Known as The Aerial BVI, the ethos is very much about conscious awareness and having a positive impact on the world. This can be achieved through global initiatives, the group participates in many, but it is also about small acts of kindness and being gentle and compassionate to each other and the environment. The retreat embraces these values in full and there is a wonderful balance between pleasure, indulgence, mindfulness and calm.

The island itself is 44 acres of tropical escape and accessible only by boat. It is a few moments ride from Tortola itself, so is very accessible whilst being secluded. On arrival,

you are met by team members and will be transported to the main welcoming area by electric mini mokes, the soft pinks and sky blues of these vehicles will give hint of what is to come. The resort is comprised of five residences – Unity House, Faith House, Serenity House and the Love + Grace villas – and sleeps 30+ guests. All rooms at the Aerial BVI feature sea views, overlooking 14 surrounding islands, with stunning sunrise and sunset panoramas. The property has been harmoniously designed to blend in with its surroundings, allowing the natural environment, long range ocean views and vistas to speak for themselves. There are two stunning open air spa cottages under development and there is a beach gym for the determined. The stand out about this retreat is the commitment to transformation and this is integrated into their stays. The food and drink menus are innovative and enticing, but with clear parameters, no red meat is served, there are no sugars and mock-tails are offered (if you prefer something stronger you can absolutely have it). The ethos is about being and feeling well.

Accommodating 30 guests in five residences, there’s big focus on sustainability, from the building materials used to the strict recycling programmes and kitchen gardens. Staff includes world-class nutritionist chefs, wellness consultants, spa therapists, water sports instructors, and garden and animal specialists, all welcoming guests to a range of cerebral and physical activities.

www.aerialbvi.com

Baraka Point | Virgin Gorda

Baraka Point, even the name sounds soothing. This beautiful villa has been quietly operating in the wellness space long before the terms became recognised. They are constantly upgrading and enhancing their offering but they consistently provide exceptional care of their guests.

Sitting peacefully on a headland in the Caribbean Sea, flanked by Virgin Gorda’s trademark volcanic boulders and two pristine sandy beaches, Baraka Point Estate enjoys an unbeatable location. Fully staffed with a private chef and concierge services included, resort amenities, six suites and a separate main entertainment pavilion, Baraka Point is an ideal property for large families or groups of friends who wish to experience the BVI and return home feeling rejuvenated and inspired.

Nestled in two acres of tropical gardens, the 12,000 Sq Ft villa's copper-peaked pavilions accommodate a total of 16 guests in five ocean view suites, plus a sixth principal master suite overlooking the beach. Designed to feel like a home away from home, the villa’s interiors are tastefully decorated with muted colours, kilims and hardwood furnishings, while exterior spaces look out over white coral stone terraces, emerald green lawns and azure seas.

Relaxation and a personalized service are hallmarks of the Baraka Point Experience. Leave the cooking to Baraka Point’s USAtrained chef, while you explore the three beaches within easy reach of the villa, snorkel the house reef teeming with tropical fish and hawksbill turtles or pamper yourself with spa treatments and a relaxing Ocean Wave Yoga session with Baraka Point’s in-house instructor. Cooled by trade breezes, the villa also has a well-equipped al fresco fitness area and complimentary membership of the Nail Bay Sports Club air-conditioned gym, tennis and squash courts just five minutes’ walk from Baraka Point. For guests who prefer to spend their time on the water, Baraka Point’s concierge can organise sailing, power-boating, fishing, kite-boarding, tubing, wake-boarding and more. Baraka Point also has paddle boards, life vests and snorkel sets and a beach buggy for guests’ use. However guests spend their time, they will find everything they need for a fun-filled, memorable stay in this exclusive beachside hideaway.

www.barakapoint.com

Saba Rock | North Sound

Imagine being stranded out at sea on a rock. Then imagine fine dining, exquisite and elegant accommodation, a world class beauty treatment room and being caressed by the sounds of waves all around you. Welcome to the iconic Saba Rock! After a four-year renovation project this one of a kind resort has reopened, having undergone a complete transformation. The architect, Petr Kolar from the ADR Architectural studio, has introduced a modernity and a contemporary take on a beach feel that cannot be found anywhere else in the islands.

There is a joyful mix of sandy bare feet and understated elegance. This exclusive resort has just seven hotel rooms and two suites. Spacious and well-appointed with lush furnishings, local artwork and stand alone baths make the rooms feel magical and with access to spacious exterior decks it is hard to imagine a more unique setting. Located in Virgin Gorda’s North Sound, with panoramic views that include nearby Prickly Pear and Eustatia you can enjoy a vast array of water sports and day trips to entertain. The onsite restaurant provides the perfect base to recharge and enjoy cocktails.

What truly elevates Saba Rock as a destination of choice, is the introduction of the world class spa and treatment room. Spa and Sparkle is headed up by Leesa Jones, who discovered the Virgin Islands when working for the Virgin Group. Leesa ran spas in Majorca and South Africa, before heading to Necker Island and then settling on Virgin Gorda and establishing her own business. Leesa exudes professionalism and expertise and you know immediately that you are in the very best hands. The menu of treatments is more akin to a spa in London or New York with a Divine Escape Massage, a LED Phototherapy facial and Reili healing all readily available. Leesa has recently been joined by Danielle Walsh, who has worked in the wellness Industry for over 20 years and has a passion for holistic therapies. After a career working and mentoring in some of the leading spas around the world, Danielle developed her love of Yoga and is now an experienced and qualified Hatha Yoga instructor. As a Yoga instructor Dannielle seeks to bring her experience and knowledge of the body into the studio to further enhance and deepen the yoga students experience. Together with Leesa, they have put Saba Rock on the global spa map. Although only a one-acre estate, the experiences you will enjoy elevate the Saba Rock Resort to a truly best in class wellness destination.

www.sabarock.com

Oil Nut Bay | Virgin Gorda

Oil Nut Bay is an idyllic island resort, located on the eastern tip of Virgin Gorda in the coveted North Sound region of the British Virgin Islands. The resort is spread across 400 exquisite acres and entirely surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. The low-density resort features just under 120 home sites set within eight unique neighborhoods that each celebrate the island’s diverse topography and expansive sea views.

Only accessible by water Oil Nut Bay has the exclusivity of a private island and the luxury homes and villas here are of cutting edge designs. These exquisite homes are available, for purchase and for vacation rental and with the amenities available this is a retreat at its finest. Whilst the offering here is not packaged as a wellness escape, the attention to detail, the dining, the water sports, the hiking, tennis courts, the equestrian centre and the facilities make it just that. This is a jewel, which ever way you cut it and if you are seeking restoration, you will leave Oil Nut Bay with full batteries and then some.

When staying in a state of the art villa with views to die for, you may not ask for much more. However you are spoilt for choice here. The Beach Club has three dazzling pools, a waterfall, swim-up bar, cabanas, lounge areas and world-class dining. The Pavilion is Oil Nut Bay’s intimate dinner venue, which features a variety of food from around the globe, including selections from the Far East, Mediterranean and the local grill. Don’t miss the carefully curated wine list and Rum Bible boasting 52 different rums, all from the Caribbean and immediate neighbours. The Pavilion also includes a beautiful bar, private dining room and meeting space, fire pit, hot tub and pool table. Oil Nut Bay’s invilla spa treatments feature only the highest-level organic extracts and herbs to ensure superior quality and exquisite textures. The wellness studio is furnished with a full range of cardiovascular equipment, treadmills, Pilates reformer machines, elliptical cross trainers and free weights, as well as a variety of Wellness Classes from Pilates to yoga, the wellness studio inspires a renewed dedication to a healthy lifestyle. Upcoming expansion plans include a day spa, water sports deck, art gallery and additional retail. This retreat will revive and restore for sure!

www.oilnutbay.com