Review of Covecastles, by Hal Peat

One traveler's home away from home may even become his castle, or so it can seem on tiny Anguilla's serene enclave known as Covecastles. Whether the original inspiration for Covecastles' abstract architectural lines were puffs of cloud along the horizon, or the billowing sails of passing boats, they may remain possibly the most dramatic visual exterior that will greet you anywhere in this part of the Antilles. Consisting of 16 villas housed in eight separate white cubist two-story buildings, set on a leisurely curve of shoreline, their location, design and amenities provide the ultimate in terms of first-class seclusion along with however much or little activity you want to access.

The facilities

Overlooking a gently curving white powdered stretch of beach, the emphasis at Covecastles is on personalized attention within your own villa surroundings; you are greeted upon arrival by your own staff who attend to everything from daily meals to any and all housekeeping or incidental needs. Perhaps the characteristic of Covecastles' design that also impresses the eye most fully once you move from exterior to interior is the well-thought out integration of structure and surroundings - so for instance, the expansive use of large windows in a variety of shapes on both levels of the villa brings in the tropical light and ocean vistas, while the solidity of the white walls and tile flooring is offset by the soft presence of plentiful rattan furnishings and lage potted plants. In short, a masterful synthesis of nature and structure that creates a memorable impression even while you escape from it all. Although Covecastles has its own five-star restaurant, it does not have organized activities. The adventure, or escape, is entirely of your own decision here.

The villas

Ranging in size from two-bedroom beach houses to three-bedroom villas and four-bedroom grand villas, along with one five-bedroom largest size villa called The Point, accommodation at Covecastles creates a full-service, ultra-luxurious residential experience along with a menu of complimentary and additional amenities and actitivities. The result is a world-class hideaway that still allows plenty of access to as much or as special in nature that you want to include. The interior of the exceedingly private three bedroom villa, for instance, features a split-level living room, dining area, fully-equipped kitchen, and a 50-foot private verandah on the beach level. Upstairs are the master bedroom with king bed, large dressing room and bath,, and two guest bedrooms with twin beds that share a bath. West Indian style louvered doors and windows open to sweeping views of the sea and the hills of St. Martin along the horizon. There is a state-of-the-art galley kitchen with every piece of equipment on the ground floor for anything you might want to fix impromptu, or for your cook to create for a gourmet experience in your dining area.

Complimentary guest amenities that come along with all villa include: cable television; video and DVD/CD players and libraries; and outdoor niceties to keep you active or restful -- be it a hammoock, beach chair and umbrellas for relaxing; or snorkeling gear, sunfish sailboats or kayaks for getting out and into the water. There are also bicycles on hand for island exploring, and an on-site tennis court. Other action or relaxation easily arranged at additional cost include: scuba diving; windsurfing; deep sea fishing; sailing trips; tennis instruction; car rentals or massage.