Champagne Wishes, Caviar Dreams

There are places in this world where dreams come true. And then there are places that are dreams in and of themselves. One such vacation destination is nestled among 19 acres of rolling hills, beautiful white sandy beaches, and stunning geographic rock formations on the island of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands—an estate called Valley Trunk.

Named after the seasonally nesting Trunk Back turtles, Valley Trunk was a private residence that was lovingly built within the natural landscapes on the southwestern part of Virgin Gorda in the early ’80s by the Wildensteins, a family who made its fortune in art dealing and horse racing. Until now, this world-class property was only enjoyed as a luxurious private holiday home. But for the first time, Valley Trunk is opening its doors to offer guests unparalleled privacy, beauty, and luxury. Once you book your stay, the work is done. There are no bills to sign or room cards to give. This experience redefines what it means to be an all-inclusive property.

From almost the moment your toes touch the ground at Virgin Gorda, either by chartered plane or the estate’s yacht, it’s clear that you’re somewhere special. It’s no wonder that business magnates Richard Branson and Larry Page call nearby islands home.

Valley Trunk has a magical way of making you feel immediately relaxed in its lush surroundings. Upon arrival at the estate, you will be introduced to the team who makes Valley Trunk sing, many who have been employed by the Wildenstein family for decades. As in many impeccable family homes, the staff are incredibly respectful of the privacy of its guests—invisibly meeting every spoken and unspoken need in this meticulously kept residence.

Valley Trunk was designed to host family holidays. Ideally situated for 16 guests, special arrangements can be made to accommodate larger groups. Most of the year, Valley Trunk is available for private rental only—meaning the home is offered to a single family or group who “buys out” the property for a week or longer. (Some exceptions are made in less busy times of the travel season.) The estate offers eight individual bedroom suites that are housed within several villas. All have been carefully located to ensure complete privacy, leverage the panoramic views, and to seamlessly blend with the natural beauty that surrounds it. The Wildensteins have chosen to preserve the charm of each villa as it was originally intended, allowing you to easily imagine how the family once enjoyed the estate. While the décor may harken to a past era, the luxe amenities more than satiate the needs of a modern visitor—including fresh bottled water on the nightstands, drinks and snacks in the refrigerator, Hermès bath products, a hamper for your laundry (that will be washed, pressed, and returned to you that same day), and a souvenir hand-painted tote that makes a day at the beach easy to pack for.

When you stay at Valley Trunk, you have access to all of its amenities, most notably the estate’s 68-foot luxury motor yacht called Xanadu. Guests can enjoy a tranquil day on the water with a crew that is always on standby to make this happen. Additionally, the estate’s chef can prepare a meal to take on board for you to enjoy in between paddleboard excursions or snorkeling in the clearest aqua waters you have ever seen.

If you prefer to stay on the estate, there is plenty to do—the spa (that can be brought right to your villa if you so desire), movie theater, tennis, pool, a full gym, mountain bikes at the ready, just enjoying the natural setting. And just a short hike away from the estate, where you’ll spot chickens scurrying across the sandy roads, are the famous Baths—a natural wonder comprised of enormous granite boulders that create the most incredible maze of caves.

You’ll never go hungry at Virgin Gorda as they strive to provide a five-star dining experience at every meal. Your day may begin with a continental breakfast buffet offering fresh fruits, flaky pastries, and homemade cereal. But if you’re fancying something more elaborate, your every wish is their command. Meals can be enjoyed near the historic Dutch West Indies Company Bronze Cannon that dates back to the 17th Century, overlooking Valley Trunk’s beach or at Bali House, a true treasure of the estate. Set on the edge of the tropical gardens overlooking Valley Trunk Bay, the house was discovered in Bali, deconstructed piece-by-piece, and then rebuilt where it now stands. The warm breezes make this a most splendid setting for dining or just simply relaxing.

Valley Trunk is like no other place in the world. It offers you a beach-front seat at the best the world of travel has to offer. Valley Trunk allows you to dream big and live even bigger. It’s one in a million—make that a billion.

To learn more, visit valleytrunk.com