We have stayed at Lighthouse Villas 3 times in the past 7 years; we would, in fact, keep coming back, but we keep discovering new islands, like Virgin Gorda and Anegada. The perfect environment is the standard by which we have judges every other accommodation!

I AM WRITING NOW BECAUSE THE RATE IS MOST SURELY WRONG...the rate of over 900.00 is more like a low season weekly rate than a nightly one; please correct, and I would not like someone to bypass a stay here because of this error.

The candid photos show the spacious units exactly as they are; always so beautifully decorated, super clean, and with the most hospitable staff, led by Malcia. The flowing window sheers provide privacy while the view entices. Each unit has it's own balcony which is perfect for an evening sunset cocktail or with a book to read. The King Beds were comfortable, and the linens of a nice quality with thick towels.

There are always fresh beach towels, and loungers at the water's edge, approx 50 ft down the driveway. The honor bar is surrounded by lush plantings and a waterfall. It has given us many days of enjoyment.

The restaurants are within a very short walk along Cane Garden Bay. There is also a nearby laundromat, grocery, boutiques, a spa etc. Malcia is also very helpful with referrals, and will arange for a rental car or a taxi as you need it.

There is music almost every night at several sites, such as Myetts at the far end of the beach and Quito's right next door.We never were disturbed by the music as it floats out over the water, and the perfect construction of Quito's mean the music does not disturb. In addition, each unit has remote controlled AC as well as your own CD player.I would not hesitate to suggest Lighthouse Villas as a perfect piece of paradise. Judy and Robert from Boston area.

The Lighthouse Villas is probably the best place to stay in Tortola if you don't like big resort hotels (I don't because you could be anywhere in the world). I chose the Lighthouse because it was small and you could walk out of the hotel to several restaurants, bars and shops owned by locals. Malcia, the "Keeper of the Light" is a stunningly beautiful lady who has put so much thought and attention into her lovely hotel. The furnishings are bright, comfortable and tasteful. She has thought of everything in the guest rooms including umbrellas, insect repellant, ample beach towels as well as the usual things you get in hotels. The location is super, just back off the beach so you do get lovely sea views and it's walking distance to everything in Cane Garden Bay. There is a small splash pool and honesty bar for guests to use but the rooms are so lovely its just nice to sit on your balcony, or in the cool of your room (the airconditioning is excellent) and just chill.
We booked two rooms, a penthouse suite for my husband and I and a ground floor studio for my teenage kids. Their room was a little small but they liked being on the ground floor. Unlike other reviewers I didn't find the drive "soooo steep". It is a bit steep but come on! We have friends who live on Tortola so they took us all round the island and to other hotels and having visited most I am really pleased we chose The Lighthouse Villas - there really wasn't anywhere else I would have wanted to stay.
Cane Garden Bay
The bay could be lovely, maybe it was the time we went but it was spoilt by large parties of Puerto Ricans who moor their motor boats really close to the shore, play loud music, shout across to each other and let their kids run riot. On two occassions the police came and told them to move the boats back but they just ignored them and nothing was done about them. I really like to swim out far to sea and getting past the boats chugging diesle fuel out onto the beach and area they were moored was horrible. The locals told us they come every year and never spend any money on shore. It really did spoil what could have been some lovely days relaxing on the beach.
Other beachers
Joshia's Bay is fabulous, pure white sand and one beach hut
Smugglers Cove - similiar
Brewers Bay - good for snorkling but can get crowded

Restaurants
Sebastians - didn't see what all the fuss is about this place, it's ok but not great
Emiles
A really good informal Mexican - well worth a visit
Tamarind Club
Great for Sunday Lunch and popular with the ex-pat set. They do really good burgers and eggs.
The Last Resort
Lovely restaurant with The Singing Chef. He really is good , plays rock and roll, ballads etc, Richard Branson is a fan. the Also the food is excellent.
Myetts
Excellent food, whether its Breakfast, lunch or dinner and a lively atmosphere. I met Kareem who owns the place and he is a lovely charming man. He showed me the new rooms they have just built and they were large with two double beds , not as bright as the ones at the Lighthouse Villas but I would consider staying there. Myetts also has Wifi which anyone can use providing they are a customer at the bar or hotel.
Quitos
also good food and his music is great
La Dolce Vita
In Road Town. This is a fabulous Ice cream parlour. Owned by one of the beautiful twins you will see on the Island Neighbours programme on Channel One. She is married to an italian and they make the most amazine Italian ice cream in hundreds of different flavours.
Places to go
Take a trip to Norman Island to Pirates, everyone there looks like an extra off Pirates of the Caribbean. The Baths at Virgin Gorda are spectacular and it's worth going through the caves to the beach at the other end (although you can access it from the car park)
For nightlife The Bat Cave was fun but apparently a flight broke out after we left and the police had to be called. Bomba's is worth a visit, we didn't go at full moon but it was still a fun place (nowhere else in the world like it)
Tortola in general
Its not the prettiest island I've been to, but there is some lovely scenery and beaches. The roads are dreadful, I cannot understand that an island with so much investment from overseas companies has such poor infastructure. The roads are really steep, so much so you car will never get out of first or second gear. Everywhere you go the government have gone to the expense of putting in speed bumps (on mountain roads) but not filling in pot holes or putting up crash barriers. Since writing this there has been an election and a new governement. Our friends tell us they hope things will change for the better hopefully.
Overview
If you like a totally laid back holiday, with no frills and good basic food then you will like Tortola. The people are friendly and the place is great to chill out and relax. If you are coming from the UK everything is very cheap due to the exchange rate at the moment. If you fly into Antigua and have a while before your connection to Beef Island, go across the road to the Sticky Wickets restaurant - the food is good and it's much more comfortable than the airport.

Our 7 night stay in no. 3 of the Lighthouse Villas was a fabulous experience in every aspect. First, Malcia, the owner, is a gracious host and her kindness is reflected in all of her staff. Secondly, the villa itself is spacious, clean, well equipped and it has a fabulous view. We spent many morning hours enjoying coffee from our deck overlooking Cane Garden Bay. The deck was perfect for evenings as well and we took in some gorgeous sunsets. Finally, the location of the villas is perfect. You are just high enough to view the bay yet close enough to the beach that it is an easy walk.

There are several restaurants and bars within walking distance of the Lighthouse Villas. Quito's is just down the hill and it is a "definitely do not miss" kind of place. Quito plays live there either solo or with his band the Edge. The music is fabulous. Paradise Cafe, Rhymers, and Stanleys are just steps away as well and all provide good food and drinks. Bobby's grocery store is a 5 minute walk and has a good stock of provisions.

Highly recommended would be a trip over to Jost Van Dyke. You can take a ferry over from West End but we opted instead to use a boat trip from Glen. He is located in the pink building between Quitos and Paradise Cafe. Also, rent a car for a few days and see the rest of the island. There are great vistas and beautiful lush foilage to enjoy. Soper's Hole is a fun spot to do a little shopping and get lunch at Pusser's. Smuggler's Cove is a lovely beach at the end of the road past Long Bay. Check out Steven's for great fish, bbq chicken, drinks on the beach. The snorkeling is good as well in the cove. Finally, make if a point to go up to the Heritage Inn for sunset. It overlooks Carrot Bay and looks out over a great expanse of the BVIS. The appetizers and drinks there are perfection.

In conclusion we found that no matter what we did during the day or evening, it felt like home going back to the Lighthouse Villas.

Clean, spacious villas with a new plunge pool overlooking the bay. Great hostess and a convenient 2 minute walk to the beach and with numerous restaurants and evening entertainment. Avoid the occasional cruise ship crowds by swimming on the locals' beach. Close to Quitos with entertainment so you may sleep with villa doors closed on weekends. Air conditioned. Now that the bay has an ATM and Bob's grocery store within easy walking distance it's easy to use the spacious kitchen and eat out on your veranda.