The Villas at Stonehaven Green and serene

On a gentle hillside above Tobago’s peaceful Caribbean coast, fourteen luxury villas bask in the sun. They are set well apart, enjoying their peace and privacy in acres of landscaped tropical gardens. What they all share is a panoramic view of the ocean, and the sun setting over the Caribbean Sea.

 

It would be hard to find more beautiful and elegant surroundings for an executive holiday, a business retreat, corporate entertaining, or a small conference (around 20-25 people). Many young couples have found here an ideal setting for their wedding, reception and honeymoon.

 

This award-winning property, The Villas at Stonehaven, lies a few miles up the coast from Tobago’s tourist area around Crown Point and the airport. Its tranquillity is ensured by having a nature reserve for a next-door neighbour — the Grafton Caledonia Bird Sanctuary with its twice-daily feeding ritual.

 

Not that there is any shortage of things for active guests to do. Tennis courts are within easy reach, and the Mount Irvine championship golf course is less than five minutes’ drive away. Three magnificent beaches are just as close. During their nesting season, giant leatherback turtles heave themselves out of the sea here to deposit and hide their eggs in the sand.

 

Tobago itself — “green and serene” — is an island of magnificent bays, reefs, beaches and rain forest. It’s a rich environment for divers and for deep-sea fishing. There are enough watersports to fill an entire holiday on their own. But sometimes, to tell the truth, guests feel so comfortable and relaxed with elegant tropical living that they don’t feel the need to go adventuring: they are happy to spend their days in privacy, enjoying the sun.

The villas themselves are remarkably spacious (3,700 square feet each), with large living rooms and kitchens. A shaded verandah stretches fifty feel across the front of each villa, beside a private infinity pool and sundeck.

 

Inside are three large air-conditioned bedrooms, each with its own private balcony and view of the sea. They are equipped with ceiling fans as well, and of course en-suite bathrooms. The designer was the legendary Swedish architect Arne Hasselqvist, who was responsible for many of the exclusive hideaways of Mustique. His vision was inspired by the classic Caribbean plantation house in the French style of the 18th century. Much of the interior furnishing is in handsome solid mahogany.

 

Each villa is cleaned and serviced daily, and each has its own housekeeper on hand. She will cook favourite Tobago dishes, or serve breakfast on the verandah. Guests also have the option of ordering lunch at the Pavilion Clubhouse & Restaurant, just a short walk away, or dining by candle-light beside the restaurant’s own infinity pool. The Clubhouse lounge and bar allow guests to meet and mingle if they wish.

 

Condé Nast described the Villas at Stonehaven as “one of the best resorts in the world”. CNN thought it was “one of the ten most romantic Caribbean retreats”. Guests tend to feel the same way.

 

Black Rock, Tobago
(868) 639 0361
www.stonehavenvillas.com