Formerly the official residence of the Governor of the British Virgin Islands, the very private Allamanda Estate is situated on a breezy hilltop amongst lush, flowering gardens within prestigious Little Mountain Estate, and commands expansive wraparound vistas of ocean and green islets and cays.

The tiled formal entry hall takes you to the elegantly-furnished drawing room, a large kitchen, the formal dining room, two air-conditioned bedrooms with ensuite baths, and finally to a sweeping native stone terrace framed by wide arches and tropical foliage and overlooking Beef Island's south side and beyond - perfect for sunset cocktails.

On the other side the hallway opens to the sunny pool and fountain, beautifully set like jewels within a stone and tile terrace and bordered with graceful palms and island flora. On one end of the pool terrace is a shady covered verandah furnished with cushioned wicker for reading and relaxation and tables for casual dining, games and ping pong competitions.

Allamanda House's guest pavilion is adjacent to the pool verandah and offers two spacious, air-conditioned bedroom/bath suites with a convenient kitchenette between them.

Allamanda Estate is the grand dame of villas, offering old-world charm and quiet seclusion, but you may explore old plantation ruins nearby, or continue to Long Bay Beach below, only a few minutes' drive away.