Probably the most colourful villa anywhere on Tortola, Limeberry House is paradoxically one of the most secluded, too. Situated amid lush, deep-green vegetation in the sought-after area of Belmont Estate in the far west of the island – yet still only a few minutes’ walk from the white sand and gin-clear water at either Smuggler’s Cove or Long Bay – the property is overlooked by no other, and offers complete privacy within its grounds. It’s also beautifully designed. Spacious, but at the same time thoughtfully laid out, it offers comfortable accommodation for up to six guests, making it ideal for both couples and families alike, but also absolutely perfect for a couple seeking a romantic and truly private vacation on their own. Both the decoration and furnishings, too, are simply gorgeous. A subtle, carefully chosen and tasteful mix of pastel blues, yellows, terra cottas, pinks and greens all combine with the ocean views and sunsets – visible from most areas of the property – to make for a truly memorable vacation experience.

Limeberry House offers three light and airy king-size bedroom suites, in separate pavilions for additional privacy. The romantic master suite, complete with a four-poster bed and billowing voile drapes, is located at the top of an external staircase leading up from the flower-filled garden courtyard, endowing it with ocean and hillside views. The second suite is located halfway up this same staircase, and like the master bedroom has a large four-poster bed. This bedroom also benefits from its own private and well-shaded verandah, with a gently swaying hammock for peaceful moments among tropical trees and attractive flowering plants. The third suite is reached via a short flight of steps leading down from the garden courtyard, and next to a peacefully bubbling fountain. All three bedrooms have inviting en suite facilities with hand-made tiles and generously sized walk-in showers.

The main pavilion features a superbly equipped kitchen (appliances include a dishwasher, microwave oven, ice-making refrigerator and a washer/dryer) and a spacious, cool and comfortable living area, with light streaming in through the open doors and windows. Just outside this area is a large wooden table and six well-cushioned chairs for alfresco dining and from here it’s just a few short steps to the sparkling, turquoise-blue, fresh-water pool with its own built-in cocktail seat next to the flower-filled sundeck. There is also a separate garden courtyard, again with a table and chairs, as well as a top-quality stainless-steel gas-fired barbecue.

The owners of Limeberry House have renovated this original Caribbean property to create a unique retreat that now offers a remarkable mix of both traditional character and modern comfort, together with a vibrant, imaginative and genuinely uplifting colour scheme. It’s a designer’s dream! No less impressive is its combination of privacy and accessibility. The house may be hidden away in a peaceful area along a palm-lined lane, but the mile-long beach at Long Bay is a leisurely 10-minute walk away, and the enticingly calm water at the crescent-shaped beach at Smuggler’s Cove is within just 15 – and it’s naturally even quicker by jeep. There are few vacation villas on Tortola from which you can easily walk to the beach, because most are located high up on the hillside. I especially like the bedrooms at Limeberry House, all individual and romantic, yet at the same time soothing and comfortable. The furnishings are to a very high standard, with comfortable seating in all areas of the villa. It all adds up to make Limeberry House a property in which you would quite happily spend time relaxing and simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings. No wonder it’s so popular! I have no hesitation at all in recommending this colourful and genuinely exceptional property.