In our view
A wonderfully elegant, Oliver Messel designed, beachfront home with unbeatable service from attentive, engaging staff.
This opulent beachfront villa is set within two acres of lush, tropical gardens and provides a magical setting for families or groups looking for a more personalised holiday alternative to the larger hotels on the island. The timeless essence of Leamington's sophisticated yet unpretentious elegance is reminiscent of its past, when famed movie stars Greta Garbo and Claudette Colbert dined under the Caribbean stars. On entering the gates of Leamington, the pressures of the outside world gently slip away; the sound of waves breaking gently on the white sands, combined with the pleasant sea breezes and intoxicating scent of tropical flowers, creates an air of tranquility that immediately embraces you.
Designed by Oliver Messel, famed English stage designer and architect, Leamington is a fine example of his distinctive style, expertly merging the interior and exterior living spaces to create an idyllic tropical setting for refined island living and entertaining. Messel discovered Leamington when he stayed at the villa in the 1950's; he found it so enticing that he persuaded his friends Dru and Jack Heinz (of Heinz Foods) to purchase the estate. Mrs. Heinz then commissioned Messel to rebuild the Pavilion and his signature style transformed Leamington into one of the most stunning properties on the island today.
Recently renovated and refurbished, Leamington's meticulous décor blends luxurious furnishings, noteworthy antiques and personalised touches to make the villa truly one of a kind. The villa is filled with European and Caribbean-inspired artwork, including paintings, sculptures and hand-painted furniture, as well as artisanal finishes such as sculpted cornices and coral stone archways.
The main salon, located at the centre of the villa, opens onto a large covered terrace with casual dining and living areas, suitable for entertaining large groups and parties, yet cozy enough for a more intimate tête-à-tête. Dark wicker furniture, overstuffed white pillows and billowing curtains create a breezy atmosphere ideal for outdoor living, one of the most enticing features of a Caribbean holiday villa. There is also a separate formal dining room, decorated in the Rococo style, featuring classical statues in corner niches framed by shells and coral, surrounding a stunning marble dining table with an antiqued mirrored top. Flowering trellises adorn the entranceways, creating a romantic atmosphere ideal for candlelit dining on cool Caribbean nights.
Beyond the main terrace is the villa's classically shaped swimming pool where loungers await sunbathers, as well as two enchanting gazebos designed by famed local architect, Larry Warren. The dining gazebo is ideal for casual dining or afternoon tea, while the other features an oversized lounger. As one guest so aptly stated, Leamington is 'the perfect setting to do nothing; read, talk about things you never get around to, watch the sunset – and simply, chill.'
The beautifully landscaped grounds surrounding the pool feature lush, tropical gardens with hibiscus, bougainvillea, orchids, ixoras and ornamental palms. The well-established trees provide natural privacy, ample shade and a relaxed atmosphere. Whimsical bronze statues, a lily pond and inviting nooks for a few quiet moments to read, meditate or simply listen to the waves, help complete the garden's charming allure.
Leamington's three air-conditioned bedrooms feature charming décor, fine-quality linens and hand-painted furnishings, enhanced by warm lighting, unique artwork and ample yet cozy space for private relaxation. Each features a spacious, en-suite marble bathroom, exquisitely decorated with crystal chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling curtains and luxurious linens. Two of the guest rooms are located in one wing off the main salon, while a third guest bedroom is located in another more recently built wing designed by Larry Warren.
Beyond the enchanting surroundings and luxurious amenities, perhaps one of the most alluring features of your stay at Leamington is the five-star service provided by the villa's experienced staff: 'As much as the house is exquisitely furnished, designed and maintained, it excels most of all because of such wonderful, professional and engaging staff; they are the icing on the Leamington cake.' The dedicated staff are on hand to ensure your absolute comfort; it is their objective that you thoroughly enjoy every moment of your holiday from start to finish, leaving with memories to last a lifetime.
In addition, Leamington Cottage, set just at the water's edge, can be rented in conjunction with the main house should an additional bedroom be needed.
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Property owners tend to accept bookings over the Christmas and New Year period on stricter terms than at other times of year. In general, bookings are subject to a 14 night minimum stay but owners may require a 3 week booking in some cases and will often need to approve dates to fit with their own travel plans or those of other guests. A higher deposit of 50% of the total rental price is payable for such bookings and the balance becomes due earlier at 90 days before arrival.
All prices quoted above have been calculated based on information provided by the owners but are subject to confirmation during December and January as occasionally owners may insist on the higher Christmas rate being applied either side of the main Christmas period. We suggest you contact us for a firm price quotation at this time of year, before making your booking.
Standard checkout at this villa is at 12 noon
Late checkouts up until 5pm are charged at half of the nightly rate
Late checkouts after 5pm are charged at the full nightly rate