Rawlins Plantation is right at the top of the Island up a track through the sugar cane. Situated on higher ground, the hotel has spectacular views of the sea and is permanently cooled by the breeze. We stayed in Almond Tree; a cottage with a 15ft by 12ft living room, similar sized bedroom, a bathroom and walk-in dressing room which Pippa loved.. We also had our own veranda that overlooked what looked like our own private part of the garden.

All the cottages are dotted around the grounds that extend to some 15 acres with lawns, vistas and palm trees. The main house has a lounge and dining room each with its own veranda onto the mountain and sea respectively.

It is quite here; there are no casinos and nightlife is restricted to a three-piece jazz group on Thursday nights, which draws in locals and diners. But the location is idyllic, the food very good and the staff friendly. The fixed 4 course dinner each night gives you the chance to sample things you might not have chosen, but you have the flexibility to swap items with the à la carte menu. The wine list is extensive and includes some very good French wines as well as a selection from the rest of the world.

You will need a car for part of your stay, although getting a taxi to the capital is relatively easy and the staff will give you a lift when they go into town. There is the odd mosquito, but our room came ready equipped with spray, repellent and a good net – which compared to most other hotels, is really good.

We really enjoyed Rawlins, found the other guests fascinating and Kevin extremely obliging, but with breakfast as well, this place can seriously damage your waste line.

Hi my name is Blondelle, I just got married recently and we spent our first honeymoon night at Rawlins Plantation. If I had my way, I would have stayed forever. However, it was really romantic. My husband and I stayed in the Honeymoon suite, better known as "The Mill." Its an old sugar mill that was refurbished into a honeymoon suite, it was quite ecstatic and overwhelming, the ambiance in its entirety set the atmosphere for romance and indeed it was romantic and well-spent. The grounds and the quietness of our surrounding there welcomed nothing but peace and tranquility. We had a wonderful honeymoon, thanks to Rawlins Plantation and my advise to anyone who wants to set a standard for their marriage life of joy and love, please visit RAWLINS PLANTATION! Zai you were wonderful.

Blondelle & James Browne

Just returned from a week at Rawlins Plantation. It was wonderful!It offered pure relaxation and pampering in a naturally beautiful setting. This is a small and intimate resort with only 10 rooms - each in individual and unique cottages. We stayed in "Lemongrass" which offers spectacular ocean views of St. Eustatia and blazing sunsets through coconut trees. The grounds are impeccable and the accommodations are charming, comfortable and clean - with fresh flowers gracing antique furniture. The food was described to me by a local as "the best on the island" and I don't doubt it for a moment. Our package included breakfast, afternoon tea and 4-course dinners that were consistently delicious and generous. If you don't stay here, be sure to experience a meal here, especially their famous daily lunch buffet - a real carribbean treat! Our package also included a champagne breakfast (that never hurts), a 3-day car rental to roam this scenic island, and an interesting tour of the rainforest given by a hugely knowledgeable and gracious man by the name of Oliver. Although my husband walked to a beautiful secluded beach every day, I preferred to hop in the car. Rawlins is under new ownership, and although we haven't stayed here before, I overheard several people comment that the place never looked better. Which doesn't surprise me - it's picture perfect. I also understand that they will be adding new cottages in the coming year. No hesitation in recommending this place ... unless you're looking for lots of activity, CNN in your room and crowds of people.

I stayed for five days and was sorry to leave - athough for the sake of my waistline, I'm glad I did! The food was so delicious - the lunchtime buffet was lovely, and a four-course meal every night... everything was beautifully cooked, and so fresh. Zai was a wonderful hostess and made you feel so welcome. The gardens are so pretty - a real pleasure to explore them, and the views from the verandah are spectacular. I'd really recommend this hotel if you just want to chill out, walk and get some real R&R.