Whether you're looking for a spacious Caribbean villa; a pampering, private-island escape; or a full-of-aquatic-fun resort, you'll find it in the British Virgin Islands. We've recently revisited three perennial Hideaways favorites and found them better than ever.

Leverick Bay Resort and Marina, Virgin Gorda

Leverick Bay Resort and Marina is an sprawling amalgamation of hotel rooms, condos, and villas. The heart of the resort lies in the main complex located on North Sound and on the hillside above it. A second development, about ten minutes away on a stretch of Mahoe Bay, features newer beachfront villas with up to six bedrooms. We've visited Leverick Bay several times over the years and always enjoyed the North Sound condos and villas, so on this visit we toured the Mahoe Bay properties.

Avid beachcombers and snorkelers, we especially liked the setting of this cluster of villas, on a beautiful powdery-sand beach located on the reef-protected bay. Equally appealing was the prospect of settling into one of these red-tiled roofed homes that capitalize on the pleasant climate while, thanks to attentive design, optimizing privacy from the surrounding homes.

Winter 2001