The six-room Sandcastle (White Bay, 284/495-9888, fax 284/495-9999, www.sandcastle-bvi.com, $265–295 winter, $190–230 summer) lies under the shade of coconut palms along beautiful White Bay. The hotel’s four octagonal cottages are modest but comfortable, with king-size beds, outdoor showers, and a lounge area. The two newer concrete block apartments are air-conditioned. The hotel and its many return guests prize peace and quiet, so rooms don’t come with television or phones. For $2,200–3,000 guests can enjoy a seven-night stay inclusive of five dinners and breakfast daily. Children under 10 are welcome only during a special “family week” in the summer.

It doesn’t get much better than the White Bay Villas and Seaside Cottages (410/571-6692 or 800/788-8066, fax 410/571-6693, www.jostvandyke.com, $220–600 winter, $170–460 summer), a handful of one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas perched on the hillside overlooking White Bay. Besides the exquisite view, you get cooling breezes and access to amenities like cable TV, VCR, telephone, and a full kitchen. Knowledgeable on-site staff can help arrange activities and even provide child care.

Seclusion and luxury are the name of the game at Sandy Ground Estates (East End, 284/494-3391, fax 284/495-9379, www.sandyground.com, $280 winter, $200 summer) on the east end of the island. The property consists of eight luxury one- and two-bedroom villas overlooking beautiful Sandy Ground beach. No beaches in the BVI are private, but this one may as well be because it is all but blocked from the sea by an extensive reef. A seven-day minimum stay is required. The estate is difficult to access by road; if you’re staying here it makes more sense to rent a dinghy than a car.