Eustatia Island

This 35-acre private island (available for full takeovers only) is a low-key, friendly retreat that offers some of the finest barefoot luxury in the Caribbean.

• Eustatia’s fleet of boats and large variety of watersports on offer
• The self-sustainable island’s dedication to eco-friendly practices
• The incredibly kind, welcoming staff that feel like family by the time guests have to say goodbye

With a name derived from a Greek word meaning, “a good place to stay,” the volcanic island of Eustatia, located in the British Virgin Islands, certainly sounds like an exotic vacation destination. But Eustatia, with its white-sand beaches, lush, palm tree–laden landscape and shallow turquoise bays, is more than just “good.” In fact, the self-sustaining, 35-acre private island is so impressive that it caught the eye of one of the most successful businessmen in the United States (he prefers to remain anonymous), who now owns the island and rents it out to groups. But despite its fancy pedigree, the all-inclusive resort is a low-key, friendly retreat.

Eustatia features four houses that collectively offer 11 bedrooms (22 people is the maximum capacity, but 16 is recommended for maximum comfort). Originally owned by different tenants, the accommodations are decorated in varying styles, but they all have kitchens, indoor living areas, en-suite bathrooms and patios. The two waterfront houses are nestled under a coconut palm grove on the main beach, making them perfect for travelers with children who want to play on the sand all day. Both feature light woods and white canopied beds, but one has a large front porch and the other is the only property on the island with air conditioning. Villa Far Niente, the three-bedroom house at the peak of the island, has simple furnishings and incredible panoramic views, a small infinity pool, hot tub and fitness center. Last but not least, the Hilltop Estate is made up of three separate buildings, each of which has its own private porch and unrivaled views of Prickly Pear Island National Park.

Eustatia typically experiences 300 days of sunshine per year, making it a perfect destination for adventure-lovers. The island’s most popuar sport is kitesurfing, which novices can tackle with the help of the island’s skilled staff. The BVIs are also home to great surfing, which guests of the island can access with just a 20-50-minute boat ride (the best time of year is December through May). Eustatia offers many other activities including paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, snorkeling, waterskiing, wakeboarding, fishing, windsurfing and more.

The island also has an elite fleet of boats, including The Catalyst—the mothership of the fleet—a beautiful high-speed catamaran that was modeled after the America’s Cup support boats. The fleet also includes a RIB-boat, a wake-surf boat and two land-to-water vehicles—the Amphibious Iguana and the Amphibious Panther. Travelers who prefer to stay dry will also find plenty to do at Eustatia. The property offers daily yoga or Pilates—which is staged at different locations, such as the helipad or the dock, daily—a fitness studio, sand bikes, hiking trails, beach games and more. The staff can also bring in personal trainers and spa therapists for additional pampering.

A close second to the island’s passion for watersports is its commitment to remaining self-sufficient. Eustatia runs entirely on electric power, most of which comes from solar energy that is stored in Tesla batteries. Besides solar-powered electric golf carts, a garden and a composting system, the island also has its own reverse osmosis desalinization plant, which provides clean, fresh water

The culinary program at Eustatia is excellent, and because it is an all-inclusive property, all meals are built into the nightly rate. A local Caribbean chef prepares fresh takes on traditional dishes that are light, healthy and delicious, and will customize menus according to guests’ preferences. Eustatia’s hosts will also arrange evening activities such as nightly cocktails, themed dinners and parties, karaoke, movie nights on the beach and more.

Of course, the magic of Eustatia would not be possible without the island’s world-class staff. Don’t be deceived by the team’s T-shirt and board short uniform and their tendency to kiteboard during their breaks; they are seasoned professionals who are just as warm and skilled as the staff you’d find at some of the best hotels in the world.

Families and groups of friends looking for a relaxing and exhilarating Caribbean getaway that delivers an incredibly special experience and ultimate privacy. It is not right for those who want impeccable décor or over-the-top pampering.