Amid the new realities of travel, demand has only grown for villa vacations — with travelers placing a premium on seclusion and independence.

And next week’s reopening of the British Virgin Islands for tourism will shine a renewed spotlight on a villa destination that’s long been one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets: Virgin Gorda.

For years, Virgin Gorda has been sought after by travelers in the know, with a rarefied collection of villas and a breezy, easy-to-explore vibe.

Here are five worthy destination villas to think about as you plan your next trip to the island, thanks to our friends at Virgin Gorda Villa Rentals.

They’re the kinds of villas you’ll never want to leave — and with the territory’s four-day initial quarantine requirement, it’s the perfect way to visit the BVI right now. (You can find the BVI’s travel protocols here).

Sandcastle Set on the edge of the sand on Virgin Gorda’s Mahoe Bay, this five-bedroom beach villa is a lush, sprawling retreat with an emphasis on space to move around. With a forty-foot ocean-view pool, an outdoor bar and a covered terrace, it’s a bit like having your own private beach resort.

Tamar Villa This is another side of Virgin Gorda, an oasis on a hillside, where the views are, in a word, remarkable. The four-bedroom property overlooks Leverick Bay, home to the namesake Leverick Bay Resort and Marina (All VGVR guests have access to its amenities). There are great touches here, from an open-air billiards suite to a full-fledged fitness room.

Caribbean Wind Another beachfront stunner, the six-bedroom Caribbean Wind, is perched right on Mahoe Bay. And it’s all about privacy and exclusivity. You have your own beach, your own pool and even access to an adjacent semi-private tennis court. And you can have dinner in a different setting practically every night, whether you take a meal in the formal dining room, the pool, the upstairs terrace or even a picnic on the sand.

Blue Lagoon Virgin Gorda has always been a haven for wellness-focused travelers, and the three-bedroom, three-bathroom Blue Lagoon is a full-fledged, hillside wellness retreat. You can do yoga on the covered patio, meditate in the Zen Garden or spend the afternoon listening to the on-site waterfall. And when things get cooler on a winter evening, you can retire to the hot tub. Even better? The property comes with daily maid service and the option of a personal chef.

Bellamare Set on a hillside above Mahoe Bay, the 4,030-square-foot Bellamre is the quintessential Virgin Gorda hillside sanctuary. And while the views and the outdoor amenities are breathtaking, it’s the interiors here that really stand out, with Italian tile, abundant wood wonderful natural light. And when you do step outside, you find a capacious 1,400-square-foot outdoor space focused around a serene pool.

For more, visit Virgin Gorda Villa Rentals.

— CJ