November 8, 2007, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands - On the scenic Western coast of Virgin Gorda at Mahoe Bay, Aquamare, a new luxury villa enclave, will open in March 2008 along half a mile of pristine beach frontage.   Designed and constructed specifically as elite villa vacation homes, with multiple ensuite master bedrooms, spacious living areas and professional-grade kitchens, Aquamare is the new benchmark for luxury villa rentals on one of the B.V.I's quietest and most exclusive islands.  Aquamare's direct beachfront location and luxury standards set it far above any of the other rental homes currently available on the island.

Each of the three, 8,000 square-foot private villas will have unobstructed views of the islets in Drake Channel, affording some of the most breathtaking sunsets in the Caribbean.  The layout features spacious living areas, private pools and a total of five bedrooms in each villa, consisting of three spacious master suites, one double bedroom and one studio guest room suitable for up to 12 guests.  Introductory 2008 weekly rates begin at $18,500 during the winter season and start at $12,500 from April to December.  Guests have the rare option of renting more than one villa, or even all three, to accommodate large gatherings of up to 36 people in one private enclave.

Aquamare is designed in the sophisticated local vernacular established in the 1960's when Lawrence S. Rockefeller built the first resort here, setting the tone for elegant island vacations that endures today.  Use of local stonework, rich hardwoods, travertine marble, expansive private balconies off of each villa's three master bedroom suites, 30-foot vaulted ceilings, waterfront infinity pools and spacious open-air living areas are hallmark features of Aquamare.  Another distinguishing design element is the lavish, 9- by-12-foot outdoor shower rooms, located ensuite in each of the nine master bedrooms, and separate from the bathroom facilities.  The spacious shower rooms are open to the outdoors, yet completely sheltered and private, with large 12-inch diameter Newport Brass Rain Shower™ shower heads for maximum down-pour while looking out to Drake Channel.

The lush landscape design is by Craig Collins International, a Caribbean-based firm which has Four Seasons Resort, Nevis among their client roster.  In addition to planting the grounds surrounding the villas with a variety of native specimens and ornamental gardens, the firm is developing a secluded Beach Park area at the shoreline adjacent to the villas.  The Beach Park will make an ideal setting for beach weddings and group gatherings, or simply as an alternative spot for guests. The area will have a thatched palapa for massages, lounge chairs and will be attended by Aquamare staff to provide chilled towels, water and other comforts. It will also feature Aquamare's signature Dream Bed, a King-size day bed suspended over the shallow water, perfect for reading, naps, or sunset cocktails à deux.

Aquamare also offers its guests exclusive rental of a 62-foot Azimut power yacht or a 36-foot Tiara cruising yacht for private guest cruises to explore the geographic splendor of Virgin Gorda and the neighboring islands in the B.V.I. chain.  The resort will also provide a variety of water sports and equipment.

A separate Concierge House is located on the property to provide attentive guest services at every turn. Private chefs can be arranged for the week, or for a special occasions. Aquamare's signature "Room with a View Service" will be provided by Giorgio's Table, one of the top tables on Virgin Gorda, serving a menu of Italian and fresh-caught seafood dishes. In-villa spa treatments will also be available, many of which will make use of the outdoor shower rooms for relaxing water treatments.  Additionally, the suites will be outfitted with all of the luxury  amenities that have become de rigueur at the best resorts around the world, such as high thread count Frette linens, Bulgari toiletries, a pillow menu, 42-inch LCD televisions, wireless internet access and much more.  Later in 2008, Aquamare will open a wine-cellar with an outstanding list of highly sought-after vintages, a cigar room featuring top brands not imported to the U.S., an exquisite book collection and an expanded line of wellness treatments.

About Virgin Gorda

Virgin Gorda was ranked the best island in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas by Condé Nast Traveler in their 2007 World's Best Awards. It is the third largest island of the British Virgin Islands and measures eight and a half square miles with a population of just 2,500 people. Named the "fat virgin" in 1493 by Christopher Columbus for the way the oddly shaped island resembled a reclining woman, Virgin Gorda has been attracting people to its sheer beauty and rich resources for centuries.