Over $300

The Sugar Mill (284/495-4355, fax 284/495-4696, www.sugarmillhotel.com [1], $375–390 winter, $260–300 summer) is as good as a luxury Caribbean hideaway can get. The hotel is set amid almond, breadfruit, and mango trees, and many of its 23 air-conditioned rooms have superb ocean views. Accommodations range from well-appointed hotel-style rooms to one- and two-bedroom luxury villas. There is a pool on the property, but most guests prefer to bathe at the idyllic beach right across the road. Ruins of a centuries-old sugar mill have been incorporated into the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, which is one of the best places to eat on Tortola [2]. Given that, the hotel’s $70-per-day meal plan is worth considering. Children under 11 are not allowed during the winter months, and the hotel closes every August and September.

With views of St. John [3] and Soper’s Hole, Casa Flamboyant (284/495-3251, www.casaflamboyantbvi.com [4], $450 winter, $280 summer) consists of two upscale villas with unique flair. Constructed of tropical hardwood and surrounded by lovely landscaping, the villas are a relaxing and quiet retreat. Modern amenities, such as state-of-the-art kitchen appliances, air-conditioning, and high-speed Internet access, make the accommodations comfortable. The villas, which sleep up to six people each, are thoughtfully stocked with a reading library, local music collection, and beach toys. You will need a rental car to get to nearby beaches and attractions.

Fort Recovery Villas (284/495-4467, toll-free 800/367-8455, fax 284/495-4036, www.fortrecovery.com [5], $350 winter, $210 summer), a complex of one- to four-bedroom beachfront villas, lies in the shadow of a 17th-century Dutch fort. Billing itself as “a Bit of Britain in the Sun,” Fort Recovery sees a largely European clientele, many of whom take advantage of its attractively priced package deals. The rooms, which are small but comfortable, face the private beach. Amenities include a pool, continental breakfast, yoga classes, Internet access, and a library.

Frenchman’s Resort (284/494-8811, www.frenchmansbvi.com [6], $550 winter, $450 summer) is an intimate villa resort located on Frenchman’s Cay, the tiny cay that lies alongside western Tortola [2]. A bridge connects the cay to Tortola. Frenchman’s consists of one- and two-bedroom villas, all newly refurbished from top to bottom. The resort is located on a dramatic headland and offers guests views of the Sir Francis Drake Channel and St. John [3]. A small beach, tennis courts, swimming pool, water sports, resident masseuse, and on-site fine dining at the Watermark restaurant give you lots of reasons to stay put. Villas come with a fully-equipped modern kitchen, comfortable sitting areas, balconies, and, of course, private baths and spacious bedrooms. Stay seven nights and you will get a free rental car for the duration of your visit.