Murray House - Tortola

Looking out to the Atlantic from its own 4-acre promontory on Tortola's northeast shore and flanked by Little Bay Beach, Golden Pavilion has set new high standards amongst Tortola's portfolio of villas. Artfully constructed in Asian-Indonesian style in this dramatic locale, this new five-bedroom luxury estate offers complete privacy behind its electronic gate, and an accomplished staff of chef and boat captain.

A pagoda-roofed portal ushers you into Golden Pavilion's walled courtyard, graced with a lily-pond and Asian statuary; a red and gold filigreed door welcomes you into the main villa's sumptuous interiors. On Golden Pavilion's ground level, the Great Room separates two wings. This central room is distinguished by handcarved wooden pillars, an ornate carved Balinese daybed, and french doors which open out to the dining terrace, pool and hot tub deck, and to a mesmerizing ocean panorama beyond. On one side is the very-impressive professional kitchen, a large, air-conditioned wonder of granite counters, custom cabinetry and an expanse of stainless steel Viking appliances. The kitchen is Kate's world, the estate's chef; as part of your stay at Golden Pavilion, Kate will prepare delicious lunches and dinners for you six days a week, and can even stock Golden Pavilion with groceries for your arrival. Also in this air-conditioned east wing is the Family Room, a media room with plush seating and a home office complete with computer, and an elegant powder room.

Two equally-sized king bedroom/bath suites are also situated in the east wing, both air-conditioned and each having screened french doors which access either a terrace just above the pool deck or a small garden terrace. Down the hallway is the air-conditioned west wing, encompassing the Study, another cozy room for television, movies, puzzles or games. The master suite is also in this wing, a generous space with a four-poster king bed, sitting area, dressing room, and a large bath which features a jacuzzi bathtub, his-and-hers vanities, and both an indoor and an alfresco shower. Handsome french doors open to a terrace just above the pool and hot tub deck, providing lofty sea views of White Bay and Monkey Point. Nearby is Golden Pavilion's fourth bedroom and bath, a smaller queen suite. Bedroom suites in this home are dressed in luxury linens and heavy draperies, and finished with an artistic array of sumptuous fabrics and rich colors.

Outside the french doors which flank the ocean side of the house is the heart of Golden Pavilion, an idyllic place for everyone to gather. A covered dining terrace shelters a massive carved dining table for ten to dine alfresco in style. A few steps down is the tiled pool deck, where the infinity-edge pool reflects a perfect sunny sky and blends into the endless horizon of the Atlantic Ocean. A gas rotisserie grill is on one side, a hot tub on the other; chaise lounges, hammock chairs and cushioned teak seating are ready for relaxation, and the stone fire pit is the place to gather 'round for nighttime stories and laughter. Walking paths thread through Golden Pavilion's beautiful tropical landscaping, one taking you to a bench above the ocean, perfect for watching winter sunsets or for intimate moments.

Back inside, a staircase off the Great Room takes you up to The Gallery, an entertainment level with a great sound system, satellite TV, billiard table, and a wet bar with a mini-fridge and icemaker. This level is furnished with casual sofas and chairs for hours of fun enjoyment with friends and family, and is surrounded by banks of windows looking out to the views.

Also on the property, just off the main villa, is the Cottage pavilion. On the cottage's ground level is an air-conditioned and extremely well-outfitted gym with satellite TV for your use, with a small patio just outside. Upstairs is a one-bedroom apartment with an air-conditioned king bedroom, a full kitchen and living area. Kate and Tony live very nearby in the neighborhood, just a phone call away should you need their assistance.

The white sands of Little Bay Beach are only a minute's drive down the hill, if you should ever tire of the pool and the captivating ocean scenery at Golden Pavilion. Beautiful Golden Pavilion has raised the bar for the Tortola villa experience; its excellent oriental design and elements brought from around the world, a pleasing floor plan in the main villa (with all four bedroom suites on one level and under one roof), the nearby Cottage (perfect for a couple who desires seclusion), a bounty of amenities, and the pleasure of having a personal chef and an experienced marine guide for your stay all combine to make this stylish villa a five-star experience - very highly recommended.