The Sugar Mill (284/495-4355, fax 284/495-4696, www.sugarmillhotel.com, $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. 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 and Soper’s Hole, Casa Flamboyant (284/495-3251, www.casaflamboyantbvi.com, $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, $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, $550 winter, $450 summer) is an intimate villa resort located on Frenchman’s Cay, the tiny cay that lies alongside western Tortola. 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. 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.