Vacation Rentals by Owner

Can't Stop Dreaming About Sterling House, Tortola

Guest: Todd (Texas)
Date of Stay: 03/02/12 Review Submitted: 03/23/12

My wife and I visited Sterling House in Tortola during the first week of March 2012. We typically stay at 5 star resorts, but we wanted more privacy, and so took a chance on Sterling House in Tortola. We were not disappointed! The Sterling House has two beautiful bedrooms with on-suite bathrooms. The bedrooms are separated by a living/kitchen/eating great room. There is a doorway from one of the bathrooms to a private dipping pool. The entire place is like new and spotlessly clean. The furniture and decor are top notch, very clean, and islandesque. The king size bed was very comfortable and clean. The bathrooms have large walk-in stone showers and first-class vanities. The kitchen has a full-size fridge, gas oven & cooktop, dishwasher, with everything you will need and there is a propane grill outside. Every room has a ceiling fan. All of the rooms have pocket glass doors with screens that fully open up to the sea, which is just feet away. There are also automated roll-down shutters on these same doors. There is comfortable patio furniture for watching the sunset or eating lunch. There is a stone table below the patio for enjoying time closer to the waves breaking on the rocks. It has its own private entrance and a private walk & steps to the beach. Donna the homeowner & Jeannie the cleaning lady are a phone call away to take care of any needs. There is a nice stereo system with an ipod doc, a flat screen television with cable, free wireless internet service, & free local phone calls. There is a restaurant within walking distance on the beach that serves good steak & plays live music Friday nights. The view of the beach is perfect from the patio. The villa (as it is called), beach, dipping pool, cooking-in, or dining-out options, and service by Donna & Jeannie are all 5-star. Also, the native islanders are friendly and the beaches are not crowded, especially at Long Bay. You will not find a better place to stay in the BVI than at Sterling House!

Recommended for:Age 55+, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Paradise By The Sea

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 12/03/11 Review Submitted: 03/25/12

My family and I stayed at this amazing and pristine home on the corner of picturesque Long Bay Beach. From the moment we booked online to the first steps in the door, owner Donna had everything we could ask for at this wonderful home. The villa is spacious and modern with all the amenities you would need to relax by the sea. We woke up to wonderful sunrises and sat on the deck to watch beautiful sunsets and even had double rainbows on some days. The weather was fantastic, the location perfect and you often were in awe just watching beautiful boats travel by through the neighboring islands. You can cook in and Donna can have all your groceries arrive from Bobby's Market before you arrive. All you need to do is sit and relax and take in the magnificent views and walk the superb beach. If you prefer not to cook, you can go to the neighboring hotel at Long Bay Beach Resort which has a fantastic Sunday Brunch. Or you can take a taxi to the nearby restaurants which are all itemized in a book that Donna has in the Villa. The Villa is ideally situated near Smugglers Cove which you can take a short walk to and snorkel in the beautiful water and/or drive there and get a quick bite from some of the local vendors who cook on the beach. A car is not necessary at the Villa but we rented one for a few days and went as far as Marina Cay for a boat/snorkel trip for lunch. Cane Garden Bay (Myett's) as well as Banakeet on Windy Hill had amazing views and both were superb spots for a drink and a bite to eat. Donna will coordinate a rental car, charter a sailboat and/or even have a private chef cook at her villa for you. We had the opportunity to do all three and all the recommendations that Donna gave were exceptional. This was a trip that I will never forget and I often think of this beautiful home by the sea and hope to be back soon to hear those wonderful waves that would often lull me to sleep.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wow

Guest: Brent (TN)
Date of Stay: 09/18/11 Review Submitted: 10/09/11

Well, the Sterling House is in another league. If you are looking for one of the most amazing places to spend a week, look no further. We had an amazing time. Can't say enough good things about this place. Perfect location on the private beach, amazing sunsets and views. Private pool that basically sits almost in the ocean. The sounds of the waves at night was amazing.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Sterline House - A Trip To Remember

Guest: Patty (illinois U.S.A.)
Date of Stay: 06/26/11 Review Submitted: 08/26/11

With an absolutely indelible view of the ocean, naturalistic landscape, and gorgeous sunsets the Sterline House offers peace, serenity, privacy and tranquility on this awesome island of Tortola. perched on the north end of Long Bay, the villa sports two very upscale comfortable master bedrooms along with a common area containing a kitchen, living room and sporting awesome views of the ocean and neighboring islands. The main master bedroom includes a shower area nearly the size of a hotel room with open access to the semi-private pool which looks out onto the ocean. Beach chairs and rafts are included in the stay and make for the feeling of home. BQ chicken and great rum punch await on the beach at Smuggler's Cove - an absolute must. Snorkelling is great and water extremely calm at Marina Cay - a must visit. Take Ridge road to capture the beautiful vistas.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Celebrated our 40th Wedding Anniversary at the Spectacular Sterling House........

Guest: Tomkat (Mentor, Ohio USA)
Date of Stay: 05/19/11 Review Submitted: 07/13/11

The Sterling House was everything we envisioned it to be and more. After surfing the web for the perfect destination to celebrate our 40th anniversary, we came upon the Sterling House. We were hooked the minute we saw the pictures and read the positive reviews. We contacted the owner, Donna Sterling ,and made our reservations for 10 days in mid May. Each night we fell asleep to the sound of the ocean and awoke to a beautiful sunrise and ocean breezes. Upon our arrival, we turned to Donna for advice on places to dine,shop, etc. etc. We followed her recommendations with absolutely no regrets. Our beachfront villa was indeed a 5 star. We were greeted by travertine, granite, luxurious bed linen, and spectacular views of what we could call "a private and secluded beach". The villa lacked nothing; very upscale and exceeded our high expectations. It was everything we dreamed it would be. Our stay there made us feel like the "Rich and Famous". Our days were filled with beauty, privacy, romance and limitless opportunities. We celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary at the Sugar Mill Restaurant which was very close in proximity to the villa. The ambience was exactly what we had hoped it would be. Add to that excellent food and great service making our special day all the more special !! A couple more restaurants we would highly recommend were Sebastian's and Bananakeet; great food and service. Donna made our car rental arrangements for us. That in itself saved us time and money. We booked a snorkel excursion on the Lionheart as recommended and shopped at Soper's Hole Wharf, a must see when visiting beautiful Tortola. We took the ferry over to Virgin Gorda where we spent a good part of one day at the Baths and Devil's Bay. Each new day brought another adventure. We would definitely recommend The Sterling House. Having traveled to many other stellar destinations, we were most impressed with this one. Donna was delightful. Her housekeeper, Jeannie, was also most helpful. We were welcomed with open arms and departed with tears and promises of keeping in touch. Our beautiful memories will live on. It's our plan to someday return to the The Sterling House. Yes, yes, yes...........it was a trip of a lifetime for us.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

STOP LOOKING!!!!! YOU HAVE FOUND PARADISE!!!!!

Guest: Chris (Winter Haven, FL)
Date of Stay: 04/30/11 Review Submitted: 05/10/11

I was literally squirming in my seat on the airplane, waiting to get home to write this review!!!! Spent a week in Sterling House for our 10th anniversary, just my husband and myself and it couldn't have been more perfect! I will make this simple, there is NO other place on the island you will want to be, it is simply as fabulous as the previous reviews...hint hint, that many people can't be wrong! It is unbelievable on all accounts.... location, view, amenities, opulence, layout, privacy and not to mention DONNA! Ask and ye shall receive, the lady knows absolutely anything you want to know about the island and saved us valuable time and money searching endlessly for various things such as rental car companys , restaurants, boat rentals and Dive Operators and all information given with a smile and spot on. All this and you would never know she was there if you didn't ask, except of course for the fresh flowers which magically appeared every few days upon our arrival to the villa after excursions. I am so thankful for all of the other reviews given for this rental and am even more thankful that I took their advice. Seriously, villa is so beautiful, everything top of the line, no expense spared in this place.. should be in magazines! Best Vacation Ever!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Everything we hoped for and more!

Guest: Anja (Wisconsin)
Date of Stay: 03/24/11 Review Submitted: 04/05/11

My husband I spent a week with our two teenage kids at the Sterling House in Tortola and I have to say it was one of our best vacations ever! The house is set up perfect for a family. The size of the villa was also perfect since it cleaned up quickly and was very easy to keep neat. Jeanie helped clean three times and that worked out well for us. The villa is stunning and even more beautiful than the pictures (if you can imagine that!). The attention to detail was amazing and the views are unbelievable, my husband and I pinched ourselves a couple of times to make sure we weren't dreaming! The beach is great and one of the best ones we found in Tortola. Smugglers Cove is about 5 min via car and that was another fabulous beach...Oh the smell of bbq chicken cooking on the grill while soaking up the sun....so good! Donna recommended great restaurants and things to do, just plain good advice. She really knows her stuff and wants your vacation to be the best ever and will do whatever she can to help with that! Her and Wayne were so hospitable we are glad we had a chance to get to know them and look forward to a long friendship! We feel very lucky that we came across the Sterling House and had a chance to stay there, we highly recommend it. I can't say enough good things about it, we will definitely be back and many thanks to Wayne and Donna for creating such a paradise!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Stay at the Sterling House, Long Bay Tortola, BVI

Guest: Jeanne (Savannah, Georgia)
Date of Stay: 03/21/11 Review Submitted: 04/06/11

One always anticipates their dream vacatrion to perfection and when it finallly happens it never fulfills your image of a perfect place. I want to thank you for your presentation of a Paradise place to stay for it actually was a "perfect place to stay". The accomodations of a charming island retreat on the water gave us spectacular sunsets and soft ocean breezes that made one sleep like a baby at night. We especially love walking the beach every morning, a perfect way to start the day. We could not rave enough to our friends when they asked us how we enjoyed our vaction. Our response was we spent a week in Paradies. The only complaint we have is having to come back to reality but we are willing and wanting to do it again and again. Next time I read a romantic book or see a movie with an island setting especially one with a happy ending I will thing of whoever wrote it must have stayed at the "Sterling House looking forward to returning next year, the Clarks from Georgia.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A Must Stay Place in Tortola

Guest: We were born for the beach! (Southlake, TX)
Date of Stay: 03/18/11 Review Submitted: 04/07/11

We travel a lot, especially the Caribbean, and we found this to be one of the most outstanding places to stay. First of all, Donna and Wayne, the owners who live above the first floor rental villa, are the nicest, most accommodating hosts EVER. Donna ishelps you arrange your food delivery, rental car - whatever you need! The villa is immaculate and on one of the most stunning beaches in Tortola. Just steps away is a cabana hotel where you can go for breakfast or lunch if you don't want to cook and just down the beach is this really cool, "Gilligan's Island style" bar called Nature Boy's that is one of the funkiest "must see" sights in the BVI's. Everything about Sterling Villa is perfect. The beds are really comfortable, the AC is great (if you need it) the bathrooms are huge and the entire villa is designed with quality and style in mind - from the Wifi, to the appliances, to the furnishings. They have marvelous remote controlled shutters open the windows for light and/or natural ventilation, a private pool dedicated to just the rental villa, pristine beach and a choice of beach chairs/loungers, beach towels, toys - you name it! Thanks to Donna, when you arrive, your grocery/beverage order has already been delivered and put away in your kitchen. VRBO renters - you know how nice it is not to have to grocery shop as the first thing you do when you arrive at your destination!! Within very short driving distance from Sterling Villa are excellent restaurants, the "infamous"and very cool Bomba Shack Bar and the shops in Long Bay/Soper's Hole. So you don't have to drive around all of Tortola to have great food and fun or find what you need. We can't say enough good things about our stay at Sterling Villa. We highly recommend it and especially love the fact that the owners, Donna and Wayne, do everything they can to make your stay the most enjoyable and memorable ever, without getting in your way. Thank you Donna and Wayne for such a wonderful week! Shannon and Vince

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Great Villa with gracious hosts

Guest: Tim (Northern, NJ)
Date of Stay: 02/18/11 Review Submitted: 03/09/11

My wife and 2 girls returned from Long Bay and Sterling House after a week’s stay to the terrible Northeast winter. I miss this immaculate villa and truly gracious hosts [Donna and Wayne Sterling.] Where to start – Donna followed through on every naïve question I had regarding what to bring; what to provision; what to expect, etc with the patience that can only be described as “saintly” as in retrospect you need little more than shorts, flip flops and suntan lotion – she’s too polite to have said this – but next year I will know better. The villa is completely modern and immaculate in both in cleanliness and attention to construction detail – there is nothing that appears in the pictures that isn’t exactly as it is in reality. Your proximity [10 feet] and view of the ocean are unparallel plus the convenience of restaurants [and bars] within walking distance is a plus. [We rented a car for the week – which Donna, through her connections, arranged to have delivered to the villa – but you could get away without a car if you don’t mind some walks.] Nature Boy beach bar -- .3 miles; Smuggler’s Cover -- .75 miles … even Soper’s Hole is only 3 miles one way [I ran it – it’s hilly] Surfing – there are at least 2 breaks within walking distance; there is also a natural swimming line almost directly in front of the villa but even when the surf was up [like it was while we were there] my kids still used boogie boards and played in the waves – no problem. I could go on and on – but what’s the point? You will need to experience it yourself. If I am really being honest, I must admit that I hesitated to write this review as I fear that the villa will be “unavailable” upon my return next year – but, I feel it’s the least I can do for Donna and Wayne – we will certainly be back to Sterling House and look forward to seeing our “new” friends Donna and Wayne – thank you again for your hospitality!

Recommended for:People with disabilities, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Exceeded our expectations!

Guest: ggb (Bremerton WA USA)
Date of Stay: 02/09/11 Review Submitted: 02/17/11

We just returned from spending a week at Sterling House with another couple after a week of sailing thru the BVIs. To come off a boat and end up at this villa was beyond our expectations for comfort, convenience, great location, and wonderful hosts! Donna and Wayne were there to greet us, and give us a tour. The villa was immaculate and the location could not have been better. We toured the whole island during our week and decided that finding Sterling House was a dream come true! The beach was so beautiful, clean and very private. The accomodations were outstanding and ideal for 2 couples. jeanie, the housekeeper, was a sweetheart and very flexible to meet our needs. Donna gave us great tips on the best places to get groceries, eat out, shop, snorkel, etc. Everything she advised us was 100% accurate. The Sugar Mill and Banankeet Cafe were our favorites places to dine that were close by. We loved having Smuggler's Cove within a short drive or walking distance away as a great snorkeling spot but having the pool and ocean right outside our villa door was the best of both worlds. We will definitely try to go back to this end of Tortola and there is only one place to stay......Sterling House!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Sterling House, Long Bay Tortola

Guest: Jane (Ny)
Date of Stay: 06/23/10 Review Submitted: 07/07/10

Our family of four - 2 parents, 2 kids ages 12 and 18 - visited Sterling House in June 2010 and found it even better than described. It is spectacularly situated on a quiet (at least when we were there) beach close to several other lovely secluded beaches and some very good restaurants. The owner, Donna Sterling, was so hospitable, helpful and tuned into our particular needs. When we arrived, she immediately went the extra mile to obtain the right cable channel for us to watch the World Cup. She struck just the right balance between providing advice and assistance on the one hand and privacy on the other. We would definitely like to return, the sooner the better.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Awesome Experience!

Guest: Todd and Miriam (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 05/29/10 Review Submitted: 06/20/10

Sterling House exceeded our expectations. This was our first experience with renting a villa through an internet site, and we were a little anxious about the process but our concerns were unfounded. Everything was in order with no problems at all. The view from the villa is simply amazing and more impressive than what is shown in the pictures. Donna was very helpful and answered all of our questions. This was a very special trip for our family and we can't wait to return!!!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway.

Reservations Made for 2011

Guest: Nicole and Keith (Miramar Beach (Destin) FL)
Date of Stay: 05/02/10 Review Submitted: 05/26/10

This is our favorite place ever. We arrived at night and were immediately welcomed by Donna. All of our groceries had been put away and the wine was chilled. The sound of the waves relaxed us after about 5 minutes. The location is superb. The villa was exactly as advertised. The pool is so much more attractive than the pictures can portray. A morning walk down Long Bay and a dip in the pool were my everyday activities. The beach is phenomenal with a beautiful sandy area adjacent to the villa for swimming. We have been to Tortola in the past and since the villa was so inviting we spent almost all of our time there. The Long Bay Resort is so close for getting a meal when I didn't feel like cooking in the well equipped kitchen. Soper's Hole is a few minutes drive away for picking up additional food and liquor as well having a few restaurants. For a true island experience - very casual and on the water - try the Jolly Roger. We can't say enough good things about this property and Donna and Wayne. Our rental jeep was arranged and ready for pick up at the airport. Donna was always available when needed but our privacy was ensured. We reserved 10 days for May of 2011 before we left!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Sterling House: A must for the "discriminating beachlover"

Guest: Terri and Bob (Melbourne, FL)
Date of Stay: 04/25/10 Review Submitted: 05/08/10

Sterling House is a sensory experience offering a difficult to find mix of relaxed luxury and breathtaking scenery literally feet from the ocean. An impressive structure rising from the sea against the rocky bluff at the eastern edge of Long Bay in Tortola, Sterling House offers an unmatched view down the magnificient mile long white sand beach. The accommodations allow one to fully experience the soothing sounds of the sea - the roar of the wind and crash of the waves as you unwind and forget the demands of ordinary life surrounded by luxurious appointments. Having vacationed at Long Bay previously and finding the location unforgettable, Sterling House elevates the experience providing top notch accommodations exactly as described and worthy of the view. Donna and Wayne are gracious hosts who have created an exquisite Caribbean gem that can serve as an isolated retreat or a base for exploring Tortola and surrounding islands whether by rental car, ferry, catamaran or kayak. Donna was quick to suggest companies for excursions that more than met our expectations. Our action filled days started and ended taking in the splendid views of the sea and indulging in the luxury of the property's appointments. The time passed far too quickly, and we find ourselves planning to return and sharing with friends and family our new favorite vacation spot.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Vacation of a Lifetime

Guest: Katmash (Clinton, MS)
Date of Stay: 04/04/10 Review Submitted: 04/20/10

This was the vacation of a lifetime that I'd like to keep repeating over and over again. My sister made the reservation after finding Sterling House on VRBO. She said that once she saw this online there was no where else she and her husband wanted to stay. My husband and I shared the villa with them. I awakened before the others after a wonderful night's sleep. I was breathless with amazement at the picture perfect beauty that surrounded me each morning. Then I sat on the veranda, feeling the cool ocean breeze, watching and listening to the waves slap the rocks and the shore, sipping my coffee. Before too long Wayne would come out to take their 2 little dogs (sorry can't remember their names) for their morning walk on the beach. It was my favorite time of the day. The view is from the end of Long Bay beach. You can get some sun in a lounge chair on a grassy area that is just a few feet above the beach right in front of the villa, or walk just a few steps down and you are on the beach. Donna helped us rent a vehicle so we were able to explore the island near and far, although far is relative because it's a tiny island. Long Bay Resort's restaurant was a very short walk down the beach away and other good restaurants a short drive away. If you'd rather cook, the kitchen is equipped with all you need and Donna will put away the provisions that you pre-order. There are grocery stores nearby if you'd rather do your own shopping. Snorkeling was fabulous at near-by Smuggler's Cove and shopping and more dining around the corner at Soper's Hole in West End. Another favorite place was Cane Garden Bay just a short drive away. You will not make a mistake staying at Sterling House.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A Great Place for a Vacation

Guest: JR and Carol (Clinton, Mississippi)
Date of Stay: 04/04/10 Review Submitted: 04/15/10

Our stay at Sterling House was the most memorable vacation we have ever had. What a wonderful way to ring in me and my husband’s 50th year on this earth! Donna was a wealth of information and did a great job hooking us up with a driver in St. Thomas (we loved Wendy), a great car rental company (Jerry’s), a fantastic boat captain (Kuralu) and wonderful restaurants that were a short distance from Long Bay. Donna was a charm to have our kitchen stocked prior to our arrival with the groceries /drinks we had ordered. The villa was impeccable. From sitting on the veranda with our coffee each morning and watching the birds dive into the water for their morning feast of fish to walking and laying out on the beach to being mesmerized by the colorful sunsets and then falling asleep to the soothing sounds of the waves. The pictures look great but the reality is out of this world! What a trip!!!!!!! We will be back………

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Trip of A Lifetime Breathtaking

Guest: dume67gh (Leader, Saskatchewan, Canada)
Date of Stay: 01/29/10 Review Submitted: 02/18/10

We had the opportunity to stay at a villa called The Sterling House in Tortola BVI for 9 days. We had a wonderful time. The villa was definitely a 5 Star Luxury Accomadation. We felt like celebrities. The sound of the ocean, the scenery of Long Bay Beach and watching wonderful sunsets were breathtaking, all from our balcony.Having our own private pool overlooking the ocean was another added feature. The owner, Doona made us feel very comfortable as she called us personally when we were arranging the trip as well as when we arrived. She was very helpful by arranging our car rental and giving us some helpful pointers. We even ordered our groceries online and they were delivered and put away when we arrived. We had the privilege of developing a special frienship with Jeanie, the housekeeper. She was the sweetest and so lovable. The BVI's are beautiful and very safe. It is easy to do day trips to other islands by ferries. We took in Jost Von Dyke, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Norman Island. The beaches are all gorgeous, our pictures look like postcards. The snorkeling is also good, lots of places to go right from shore. We highly recommend this trip and The Sterling House was paradise. First Class.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Yearning to return.... (Oakville, Ontario)
Date of Stay: 12/28/09 Review Submitted: 12/28/09

We were searching for a "perfect" place to celebrate our 20th Anniversary....low key, relaxing, beautiful beach, luxurious accomodations, great restaurants and fabulous weather. We realized we a were asking for a LOT but unbelievably we found it ALL at the Sterling House in Tortola. The villa was beautiful, very well appointed and immaculately clean. The view was simply breathtaking and spectacular. The sounds of the waves crashing against the sea wall was mesmerizing and is truly missed! Donna and Wayne were PERFECT hosts ensuring complete privacy, a personal concierge service and attention to every detail. There are many restaurants within a 10 minute drive that offered excellent food and ambiance. We have already HIGHLY recommended this property to many friends and relatives and are making plans to return again soon. It was simply "perfect" for us. Bruce and Laurie Oakville, Ontario

Recommended for:

Guest: Mike S.1 (Chicago, IL)
Date of Stay: 12/07/09 Review Submitted: 12/07/09

Recently I had the pleasure to stay at Sterling house on Tortola, BVI. This was my second visit. I wish words could adequately describe the wonderful experience I had at this amazing villa. The sound of the waves outside my front door put me to sleep before my head hit the pillow. The amazing sunsets were only supplanted by the incredible rainbows that were outside my window every morning. The accomodations exceed those I have enjoyed at the Four Seasons, the location is great and Donna Sterling is one of the most gracious hosts that I have ever met. This villa will exceed your every expectation. Enjoy!

Recommended for:

Relaxing Vacation

Guest: Mike and Karie (Raleigh, NC)
Date of Stay: 12/05/09 Review Submitted: 03/30/10

My wife and I stayed at the Sterling House for a much needed vacation without the kids. The owner was a gracious host and helped with everything from preloading groceries to arranging a day of sailing and snorkeling. The views from the bedroom and porch are incredible and the West End of the island provides a relaxed atmosphere. The pictures are very accurate and overall it was one of the best vacations we've taken. Plan on returning as soon as we can.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Don,Kim,Renata,Matt (Elmhurst, IL)
Date of Stay: 10/20/09 Review Submitted: 10/20/09

Stayed at the Sterling House June into July 2009 and was one of the best vacations ever. We had been to Tortola 2 years prior and stayed eleswhere. It was nice but did not compare to the exquisite villa that was set in idyll Caribbean setting placed in a quiet corner overlooking Long Bay. The Sterling House was a perfect place for my wife and I to spend our 25th Anniversary. I could not emagine any place nicer. The accommadations were better than what the website showed. Pictures do not do it justice. My wife and I found ourselves sitting on the balcony staring out at the beautiful view of Long Bay Beach and Jost Van Dyke. Cocktails at sunset on the veranda were quite a treat. The pool wasn't large but it had a waterfall and therapeutic jets which were incredible. The best thing about the about the pool is, it was our own private pool that we could use day or night. Our bath was located just off the pool which was perfect after a quick swim. My wife and I felt the bed was the most comfortable bed we had selpt on during all our years of traveling. Each room had its own safe (nice touch). Donna, the ower/manager, was fantastic. She answered all our questions prior to coming there, guided us on restaurants that were good, and had all our groceries that we ordered put away by the time we arrived. Jeanne, the housekeeper, had everything spotless. We are planning on returning to the Sterling House in a couple of years. Don, Kim, Renata, Matt

Recommended for:

Guest: Karl & Kathie (Cape Cod, MA)
Date of Stay: 08/26/09 Review Submitted: 08/26/09

On 1/17/2009 we wrote: We were at Long Bay in March of 2007 and met the owners as they were building this magnificent castle. We had a chance to tour it at it's half way point and just knew it was going to be spectacular. We're going this April for a week's stay anticipating the best. We'll write back with our folow-up review and let you know.We have been a little reticent about writing this “follow-up” review for fear of never getting a chance to stay at Sterling House again! As it is right now, if we don’t book our vacation for next Spring, we may miss our chance for months and maybe years to come. Perhaps that is because Sterling House is exceptional. We have always carefully planned our cherished waterfront vacations over the years, in first class places; on the French Riviera, on the Island of Maui, at the Red Sea in Egypt, on the shores of the Virgin Islands (6 times on Tortola), Mexico, Belize, Aruba, California and Florida. There is no longer a question in our minds where we want to be. Donna and Wayne Sterling’s House on Long Bay Beach is the finest accommodations we have ever experienced. Aside from the perfect location, right on our favorite beach in all the Caribbean, it’s incredible design, custom layout and luxurious appointments far exceeded our expectations (which were very high). Every comment in all of the other reviews is “spot on“. Planning our next, perfect, beach vacation will be the easiest thing we’ve ever done. We’re calling Donna today to book our week of heaven on earth.Karl & Kathie

Recommended for:

Guest: The Shafer's (Wilmington, NC)
Date of Stay: 07/19/09 Review Submitted: 07/19/09

The pictures truly do not do this property justice. The views are spectacular and the location on the island is simply beautiful. The host was extremely gracious and helped us any time we needed it. The accomodations are 5 star level. The best part about this house is that you essentially have a private beach just by walking down 5-6 steps. You will absolutely enjoy your stay at the Sterling house.

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Guest: Natalie & Steve1 (Kenilworth, NJ)
Date of Stay: 07/13/09 Review Submitted: 07/13/09

We stayed at the Sterling house in April 2009 with Mike and Megan. We couldn't believe our eyes when we arrived at the house! The pictures on the internet of the house are amazing, but in person it is even more breath taking!!! The house is furnished and built with nothing less than the best. Even the bed linens and towels are truly luxurious! The owners Donna and Wayne are two of the most genuine and helpful people. Donna has definitely done her homework and is extrememly knowledgable about everything on the island from where the best happy hour is down to particular server at a restaurant that is good. I could honestly type on forever about how unbelievble our stay was at the Sterling House. It is great because you can go out and be adventurous or stay right at the villa to relax and enjoy all the comforts of home and more! Overall I would have to say this was our most memorable trip and we can not wait to go back and visit Donna and Wayne! If you are looking to treat yourself to an incredible trip that you will remember for a lifetime, you should absolutely choose the Sterling House. There is no way you could be disappointed!

Recommended for:

Guest: Megan and Michael Scanielo (Cranford, NJ)
Date of Stay: 06/21/09 Review Submitted: 06/21/09

We stayed at the Sterling House in April 2009. This house is amazing. Out of all the places we have been. this was the best vacation we have ever had and it was all because of the house. You will literally feel like Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. You feel like you are the king and queen of the island with the castle at the end of the beach. The Sterling House stands out on the island and we felt so lucky to be living there for a week. Donna, the owner is so down to earth and was extremely helpful if you needed anything. Tortola itself does not have many places to stay, and we felt like we lucked out. We will go back again, and we will be going back because of the Sterling House. It is the only place to stay. Enjoy!

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Guest: Todd and Jennifer (San Clemente CA)
Date of Stay: 05/27/09 Review Submitted: 05/27/09

Wow! What a fabulous stay. Waking up in the morning with a cup of coffee and just staring out at the sea from this beautiful property takes your breath away. The house is truly a work of love. Every detail is exactly what you would hope for in a luxury rental. Donna Sterling is everything that a proud host should be. She goes out of her way to assure her guests that their needs are met. We have both worked and played in the Caribbean, and this vacation was truly special. We will be back.

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Guest: Brian & Mary Brackett (va beach, va)
Date of Stay: 04/22/09 Review Submitted: 04/22/09

Breath taking beauty! This is one of the most beautiful places we have ever stayed. The villa is even more stunning than the pictures with the warm breeze, sound of the waves and the SUN SETS! The owners were so helpful from the first email until our departure from paradise. The villa is 5 star from the sheets & towels to the maid service. It was as private and relaxing as it looks. Brian calls Tortola the east coast Hawaii, just as much fun without the hassle of travel across the country. We snorkeled in front of the villa and saw a sea turtle just yards from the front porch. We rented boats and went island hopping for a day, easy to get around by boat. We rented a car from Jerry on west end-excellent service. We are home now and still dreaming of Sterling house! Cant wait to go again! Thanks so much Donna, Wayne & Jeannie too.

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Guest: Jason and Renee (-)
Date of Stay: 02/18/09 Review Submitted: 02/18/09

If you're looking for an ideal vacation spot on the island of Tortola, this is it. The Sterling House could easily be featured in Architectural Digest. The design, layout and attention to detail are phenomenal. From the granite countertops, custom tile, to the finest linens and towels. The house has a beautiful view from every room, with privacy at the touch of a button. Walk out the door and you're on the beach or in your own private pool complete with water features. There are no hidden fees other than a BVI tax of 7%. The house comes with daily maid service except on Sundays. The Sterlings are great hosts, assisting us with our itinerary,ie. restaurants, excursions, ferry schedules, and points of interests. This was our fifth trip to Tortola and by far the best accomodations. Jason and Renee

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Guest: Van Dyke (Pennsylvania)
Date of Stay: 02/01/09 Review Submitted: 02/01/09

Our vacation at Sterling House was absolutely amazing. From the moment we checked in Donna, the property manager and owner was very responsive and helpful to all of our needs. Our own personal concierge. The place is better than the pictures. It has an incredible world class view, with all of the amenities and comfort of a 5 star hotel. We had comfortable pillows, beds, furniture. The place is designed for every comfort. We had total privacy, if we had a question or needed anything; it was taken care of promptly. Jeannie, the housekeeper, was wonderful. We asked for housekeeping when we were not in the villa, it was always done when we were out. It was a perfect vacation. The beach is beautiful, the people are friendly, and the food at local restaurants was great. The massage waterfall really makes you feel wonderful. We are defintely returning to Sterling House! The Van Dykes

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