Peaceful Romantic Caribbean getaway on the 'secret' Virgin Island

This was our first Carribbean experience and we hit the jackpot. This cottage is warm and inviting, well appointed and ready to welcome you. The deck was our prize location and having coffee early in the morning ranks with the best of our experiences. There is a wonderful library and supply of games and DVDs for activities. The beds are comfortable, the kitchen or grill ready for all culinary adventures and the outdoor shower a treat after a sandy beach day.

The beaches are beautiful and varied. We would snorkel in the morning, retreat to the house for lunch to,get out of the hottest sun and pick a different beach for afternoon body surfing or reading until sunset.

We found good food at reasonable prices at The Dinghy Dock, el Eden, Zaco's Tacos and Heathers. Small markets offered most of what one needs for food and supplies.

If you are looking for tennis and golf and a wild night life, Cu
Ebra is NOT for you. If you want to relax, enjoy your friends, visit outstanding beaches, put this place on speed dial.

We felt right at home the moment we walked in the door. First, the house is well-stocked with kitchen utensils and pans (making cooking a breeze) plus extra supplies like sunscreen and bugspray left by former guests. But more importantly, you'll find a treasure chest of special collections: books, movies, shells and other beach finds, homemade island crafts, both amateur and professional. The house's island creations even inspired one in our group to decorate a glass jar that she filled with her Culebra beach treasures.

The owner and caretaker provide plenty of advice on the island. While we did a lot of cooking in, we loved our nights out too. Don't miss out on the Dinghy Dock happy hour post a day at the beach: it's got an amazing view of the cleanest harbor we ever seen plus amazing people watching. Zacos Tacos is also worth a meal or two! Heather's hawaiian pizza is one of the best we've ever had!

Flamenco beach is amazing--a great beach to begin and end the trip with. But Brava is definitely worth the hike--you might be the only ones there! We snorkeled at three beaches and each had something special and different to see.

At the end of each day, we were extra content to return to our secluded hideaway and just unwind on the deck.

This is our 9th trip back to Culebra, starting in 1994 when my (then) boyfriend and I stumbled upon a pre-discovered, magical place. Since then, we have invited many friends to experience the beaches with us, and many have accepted or come on their own influenced by rave recommendations. Each time we return, the people, circumstances, and stories change; yet the allure of Culebra remains. The first five visits, we camped on Flamenco Beach-this time, we returned with our three children who couldn't sleep for a week prior, in anticipation of battling the waves, strawberry frappes, eating fresh lobster, and catching sight of sea turtles while snorkeling.

This is the first time we have had the absolute luxury and pleasure of staying at Hilary and Andy's Caribbean hideaway. As repeat visitors to the island, we can assure you that you can stop looking for the "right" place-this is it. You can come with very little, because the home is supplied with all the essentials for the beach, as well as cookery to dine-in. We loved traveling down the hill to El Eden, Susie's, & Zaco's Taco's-but there is something about sitting in a hammock after a day of sun and beach, with rum drink in hand, warm breezes and the spectacular evening view of the bay. And although we spent many hours exploring and beaching, some of our favorite moments were spent reading quietly, listening to music, and simply sharing space and peaceful appreciation for life, slowed way, way down.

What you can expect from Culebra: seduction of simplicity, pristine beauty, and the absolute gift of having your biggest decision of the day be, "Which beach should we go to?"

What you can expect from Casa Estrella: privacy, spaciousness, amenities covered, cleanliness, a home with personality. From the art to the management, you can tell the owners love and restore in this space. It is a gift to others that they are willing to share it, and in more selfish moments, I would keep it on the down-low. But in the spirit of "pay it forward", if you can, experience Culebra-stay at Casa Estrella. It is the ultimate setting for you to create your own magic.