The ultimate "villa on the beach", Valley Trunk is very much the real thing. Built in the 1980s as a holiday home and now rented by the family, the property is fully staffed and catered, with a spa and fitness centre, sauna and steam room, lovely tennis court and of course infinity pool - all set in 19 acres of the prettiest of tropical gardens and palm groves that border the entire beach.
Interiors at Valley Trunk are suprisingly Caribbean feeling for this type of property. Interior designers, eager to demonstrate their skill at creating contemporary lines have been kept at bay in favour of keeping the place warm and alive with its original charm. Accordingly, though impeccably kept and technologically updated, the decor harks back to a rather pleasant era before we all had Ipads and cell phone's chirping at us every ten seconds. The main living areas have some excellent features - there's a cinema room with an HD projector and an oversized sofa that seats up to 20.
Being at Virgin Gorda much of guests' time is, of course, spent outdoors. Immediately out of the beachward facing side of the house is a superb terrace, housing a Dutch West Indes Company canon from the 17th century, that leads to the snaking chlorine-free swimming pool. The views from here will transfix you into long periods of daydreaming admiration, a perfect ingredient for a relaxing holiday.
At the bottom of the garden, by the beach gate, is the Bali House - a bamboo structure that provides a wonderful setting forlunches, or dinners in the open air. The house was discovered in Bali, transported to Virgin Gorda and re-assembled piece by piece in its exact original format. All suites have been carefully located to ensure utmost privacy, exploit the panoramic vistas and to harmoniously blend with the natural surroundings. Interiors are spacious, light and airy with each room benefiting from its own unique charm and décor.
ACCOMMODATION
Valley Trunk accommodates 16 guests in 8 bedrooms. There are a further two bedrooms that can occasionally be used on request for children or nannies
- The Master Suite
- The Poolside Suite
- The Coral Suite
- The Ocean Villa (3 bedrooms)
- Ocean Breeze
- Ocean Reef
- Coconut Grove - please note that this bedroom is better suited for a child or single traveller
The Garden Villa (4 bedrooms)
- Gardenia Room
- Frangipani Room
- Tamarind Room
- Palm Room
Why we like it: This may be one of the priciest properties in the BVIs, but it comes fully catered and with its own 68ft yacht. It is one of a kind and simply has the best outdoor spaces and beach access of any properrty in the archipelago.
The Gardens: The grounds at Valley Trunk are nothing short of extraordinary. Covering 19 acres of prime beachfront, with all imaginable tropical flora and they connect directly with the beach, making this one of the Caribbean's great coastal properties.
