St. Thomas Villas by

As well as total peace, Great Turtle Villa’s unusual mid-island location allows easy access not only to St John's idyllic North Shore beaches, but also quieter Coral Bay and the island’s breathtaking national park.

It also allows for sensational views from almost every part of the red-roofed villa – whether you’re inside either of the two-floor pavilions, sitting in rattan rocking chairs on one of their many verandas, lazing around on the pool deck between them, sizzling snacks on the barbecue grill or snoozing in the hammock. Look up and you’ll see lush green hills and the Bordeaux Mountain ridgeline slaloming down to the glittering, yacht-speckled Caribbean Sea.

The westerly pavilion houses Great Turtle Villa’s fully-equipped kitchen – with an island and stools enabling casual breakfast chats – and open-plan lounge and dining area. Original Caribbean artworks and antiques help create a tropical atmosphere, as do screened mahogany French windows which allow in trade winds, sunlight and exotic garden scents when desired. Four air-conditioned ensuite bedrooms – each the same, vast size – are spread across the rest of the pavilions, with palm trees and a rock garden enhancing their privacy.

There’s also a home office – including a coffee-maker – should anyone need to work, and plenty of thoughtful provisions with families in mind: twin beds, gated pool access and composite decking free of screws or nails which might trip toes.