Summer Heights, Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Summer Heights is nestled high into the southern slopes of Tortola. Accessed from the main south shore road, your adventure begins as you drive upwards along a winding country road through the breezy green hills of the private residential area known as Havers Estate. As the vista begins to unfold, islands come into view - Norman Island, Peter Island, Salt Island and more, separated by a sea of blue with sleek yachts tacking majestically up the channel. It’s just a foretaste of what Summer Heights has to offer. As you pass through the entrance doors, you will surely gasp at the panoramic views before you. They are simply breathtaking, and they are yours from sunrise to sunset for a whole week or more. On a clear day, you can see St Croix, over 30 miles away. If you are an early riser, the sunrise is spectacular! At night, the clear, uncluttered sky offers a wonderful opportunity for stargazing.

Summer Heights was designed with rentals in mind, treating each guest equally with bedrooms that have stunning views and easy access to the pool and living area. A genuine Caribbean holiday home managed with care and maintained with pride. The English family that owns Summer Heights has been involved in hospitality with charter yachts and luxury rental homes in the British Virgin Islands for over 35 years, so it was with insight and experience that they carefully chose to build on the island of Tortola for its shops, restaurants, ferries, airport and the 'happening' events. It’s the perfect hub from which to visit Anegada, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and other smaller islands; all are just an easy day-trip away.

On arrival, a broad staircase of Mexican coral tile leads through the double entry doors onto a sunny enclosed courtyard with an expansive deck of crushed coral and cobalt blue tiled swimming pool. A roofed poolside loggia provides a beautiful setting for casual dining, with the adjacent gourmet kitchen and bar immediately at hand. A curved glass brick wall separates the kitchen from the very spacious lounge. Here, a white leather wraparound sofa allows you to sit in comfort to watch TV or play cards at the glass-topped teak coffee table. Two reclining leather chairs, with footstools, are in front of the large picture window where you can relax and enjoy the ever-changing sea vistas. A corner desk holds the desktop computer. Long distance calls can be made using Skype. The lounge decor is completed by beautiful solid teak furniture, imported from Bali, and artwork on the walls. There is a wide selection of board games, for both adults and children, as well as an extensive library of books, covering all genres.

Just along the deck from the lounge, are four similar bedroom suites. The two lower suites open onto a semi-shaded deck hung with a double hammock while the upper two open to private balconies. The fifth suite, the Turtle Dove, is in the east wing and opens directly onto the pool deck. This room also features a sitting area and a walk-in closet. Each of the five suites has a beautiful ocean view and features an impressive teak king bed with deep comfortable mattress, en suite bathroom, air-conditioning, and flat screen TV / DVD combo. Above the Turtle Dove suite, and accessed by a staircase leading directly from the room, is a twin bedded loft, ideal for children. This room shares a large bathroom with the room below.

Summer Heights is a luxury Tortola villa rental property and a relaxed and restful haven conveniently located close to town, shops, restaurants, and West End beaches. It is an easy fifteen-minute drive to Road Town where you will find the main fully stocked supermarkets. The closest beach is at Long Bay, a ten-minute drive west and Smuggler's Cove, which we think is Tortola's best beach, is just another few minutes further on. Nanny Cay Marina, a water sports and boating center, is less than five minutes from Summer Heights. From here, you can rent snorkel gear, arrange SCUBA diving or rent a powerboat.

Summer Heights was designed and built by Barry and Rosalind Rice and their daughter Susanna now owns and manages and maintains the villa in an immaculate condition. Her own accommodations are tucked away on the lower east side of the property, completely separate from the villa's amenities. Susanna or her staff are always available to offer advice on where to go and what to do, respecting your wish for total privacy if you so indicate.

The villa is perfect for just one couple and surprisingly affordable for a group of friends or a family holiday with the children. Summer Heights offers simple luxury, packaged with the warm sun of the Caribbean.

Check-in: 4:00 PM

Check-out: 10:00 AM

Children welcomed

No pets

No smoking

No events

Rates vary depending on time of year

High season and holiday rates are higher

3 night minimum (low season)

4 night minimum (mid & high season)

7 night minimum (holidays)

$199 accidental rental damage coverage up to $5,000

4WD vehicle recommended

50% down to book

Balance due 60 days prior

Please bring proof of identification

Travel insurance recommended

All bookings are final