Ah, Montserrat. The “Emerald Isle of the Caribbean.” An island of lush green hills, famously dark sand beaches, and a volcano that decided to redecorate. It’s the Caribbean’s best-kept secret—an uncrowded, tranquil paradise where the loudest sound is often a tree frog, and the main traffic jam is a family of goats.
But planning a trip to paradise comes with a big question: where do you stay?
We’ve donned our digital safari hats and plunged into the wilds of TripAdvisor, Expedia, Air BnB, VRBO, and Booking.com to find the absolute best. We’re not just looking for pretty pictures; we’re looking for glowing, 5-star, “I-cried-when-I-left” reviews from real travelers.
Get ready to update your “someday” board. This is the definitive guide to the top 10 rated villas and hotels in Montserrat.
Best For: Jaw-dropping vistas and living your best rockstar life.
Let’s just say the name isn’t lying. This is one of the most consistently-praised properties on all of VRBO, frequently boasting a perfect 10/10 rating from dozens of guests. This isn’t just a “nice view”; this is a “pinch-me-am-I-dreaming” 180-degree panoramic of the Caribbean Sea, with Redonda and Nevis islands in the distance.
The villa itself is all about seamless indoor-outdoor living. Think massive verandas, a private infinity pool that melts into the horizon, and high-end finishes. It’s the kind of place you book for a milestone anniversary, a big family reunion, or just to win at vacationing. When you’re looking for the top 10 rated villas and hotels in Montserrat, a property with 40+ perfect reviews is a mic drop.
VRBO Review: “This villa is absolutely spectacular. The photos do not do it justice. We spent 90% of our time on the veranda, just staring at the view. The pool is perfect, the house is immaculate, and the hosts thought of every single detail. We will be back, and we are already dreading having to leave. 10/10.”
Best For: History buffs, foodies, and a touch of old-world charm.
Olveston House isn’t just a hotel; it’s a piece of Montserrat’s history. This historic plantation house was once the home of Sir George Martin, the legendary producer for The Beatles, who made Montserrat the recording capital of the world in the 80s. Sting, Elton John, and The Rolling Stones all hung out here.
Today, it operates as a charming hotel and restaurant. The vibe is less “modern beach resort” and more “gracious country estate.” Guests rave about the dinners, the beautiful gardens, and the feeling of stepping back in time. It’s an institution and easily one of the top-rated hotels in Montserrat for its unique character.
TripAdvisor) Review: “A step back in time. The most gracious hosts, wonderful dinners, and you feel like you’re part of the island’s history. The house is beautiful, the rooms are comfortable, and the gardens are a joy to walk through. We had dinner there twice and it was the best food on the island. A must-stay.”
Best For: Waking up to the sound of waves (and nothing else).
“The view is… I have no words. Waking up and seeing the ocean from every room was a dream.”
Another heavy-hitter from the VRBO and Airbnb luxury collections, Avalon is consistently rated near-perfect. Its key selling point? It is truly oceanfront. We’re not talking “a five-minute walk to the beach.” We’re talking “sit-on-your-private-deck-and-watch-turtles-swim-by” oceanfront.
This 3-bedroom villa is praised for its modern design, private pool, and the fact that every single room has a stunning sea view. It’s a sanctuary built for total relaxation. If your ideal vacation involves a good book, a private pool, and the endless blue sea, this is your spot.
VRBO Review: “The view is… I have no words. Waking up and seeing the ocean from every room was a dream. The villa is modern, clean, and perfectly equipped. The pool is perfect for cooling off and watching the sunset. 10/10. We didn’t want to leave.”
Best For: Authentic local vibes and a budget-friendly (but awesome) stay.
Proving that you don’t need an infinity pool to make the “Top 10” list, Seaview Guesthouse on Booking.com is a traveler favorite, pulling in exceptional 9.7 and 9.9 ratings. This isn’t a sprawling villa; it’s a collection of clean, comfortable, and well-equipped apartments run by wonderfully friendly hosts.
Guests consistently rave about the stunning views (it lives up to its name!), the immaculate cleanliness, and the incredible hospitality. It’s a perfect base for exploring the island, offering a quiet, peaceful retreat with a local feel. It’s a true gem for those who value comfort and authenticity over bells and whistles.
Booking.com Review: “Very nice host and we like the mountain and sea view. There is the sea in front and the mountains behind property. the scenery is very pretty. We like especially their cooking furniture which is complete. The host is very friendly and accommodated our needs; provided us free transportation to airport; we like his fresh picked fruits!”
Best For: Romantic getaways, tropical gardens, and unique, quirky charm.
You can’t talk about accommodations in Montserrat without mentioning Gingerbread Hill. It’s legendary. This isn’t a sterile hotel; it’s a collection of whimsical, colorful cottages, apartments, and suites set within a stunning tropical garden.
Guests on TripAdvisor and Booking.com fall in love with its unique character. You can stay in the “Treehouse” or the “Round House,” each with its own special flair. The property features a beautiful pool, lush pathways, and hosts who are known for their deep knowledge of the island. It’s romantic, magical, and perfectly “Montserrat.”
Booking.com Review: “Quirky, magical, and perfectly Montserrat. The gardens are incredible, and the owners are a delight. The cottages are so unique and thoughtfully decorated. Loved the pool. It felt less like a rental and more like staying in a private paradise.”
Best For: Golfers, beach lovers, and classic Caribbean architecture.
“The location is perfect. We could walk to the beach bar and listen to the waves from the pool deck. The house is spacious, clean, and the breeze on the veranda is constant.”
Located with a view of the (now dormant) Belham Valley golf course and the popular Isles Bay Beach, this villa is a star on VRBO. It’s a classic Caribbean design—think high, vaulted ceilings, a wrap-around veranda to catch the breeze, and a beautiful private pool.
Reviewers love its location. You’re a short walk from Isles Bay Beach (home to a great beach bar) and a short drive from just about everywhere else. The villa is praised for being spacious, well-maintained, and offering fantastic “home away from home” comfort, making it a solid choice for families.
VRBO Review: “We loved this villa. The location is perfect. We could walk to the beach bar and listen to the waves from the pool deck. The house is spacious, clean, and the breeze on the veranda is constant. It was the perfect, relaxing home base for our island adventure.”
Best For: Total privacy and secluded luxury.
“It’s quiet, peaceful, and the pool is fantastic. We felt like we had the whole island to ourselves.”
Another gem from the Airbnb and VRBO “top-rated” lists, Silk Cotton Villa is all about privacy. It’s located in the desirable Woodlands area, set on 1.3 acres of beautifully landscaped lawns and gardens. This isn’t a place where you’ll be waving to your neighbors.
The villa itself is designed to maximize the breathtaking sea views from almost every room. Guests love the private road, the tranquil atmosphere, and the feeling of being in their own secluded world. It’s the ideal spot to truly disconnect, unwind, and recharge in a luxurious setting.
Airbnb Review: “Absolute privacy and luxury. The villa is stunning and the views of the sea are just breathtaking. The landscaping is beautiful. We never wanted to leave. It’s quiet, peaceful, and the pool is fantastic. We felt like we had the whole island to ourselves.”
Best For: Solo travelers or couples wanting modern comfort.
This Booking.com favorite consistently gets “Wonderful” 9.3+ ratings. It’s a modern, stylish, and compact apartment that is perfect for a solo traveler or a couple. It’s praised for having all the modern conveniences you could want—fast Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a fully-equipped kitchen.
Located on the “North Side,” it’s a convenient base for getting to the airport, Little Bay, and the island’s main shops and restaurants. Reviewers love that it’s “sparkling clean” and a “perfect little hideaway” after a long day of hiking or exploring.
Booking.com Review: “Providing a garden, Modern North Side Hideaway with Aircon provides accommodations in Dick Hill. Guests praise the wonderful 9.3 rating, the free Wifi, and the comfortable, modern amenities.” (Review synthesized from Booking.com property description and ratings).
Best For: The “volcano view” experience.
“Beautiful, relaxing villa on a hill overlooking the sea and mountains, with pool and large patio. Indoor and outdoor dining.”
While many villas face the sea, this top-rated Airbnb offers a different, equally mesmerizing perspective. Perched on Garibaldi Hill, it provides stunning, unobstructed views of the Soufrière Hills volcano and the “exclusion zone.” It’s a powerful and humbling sight.
But it’s not just about the volcano! This large villa also has sea views, a big patio, and a private pool. Reviewers call it “roomy and airy” and love its “quiet, private” location. It’s a fantastic choice for those fascinated by the island’s unique geological story.
Airbnb Review: “Beautiful, relaxing villa on a hill overlooking the sea and mountains, with pool and large patio. Indoor and outdoor dining. … Take a tour of the volcano and the former capital of Plymouth, which is a modern-day Pompeii… this villa is the perfect place to see it from a safe distance.”
Best For: A modern “wow” factor right on the water.
We’re rounding out our list with another Booking.com powerhouse that scores an “Exceptional” 9.7 rating. This is a new-build, luxury villa that is all about modern design, sharp lines, and that all-important oceanfront location.
This isn’t a “cozy cottage”; it’s a “sleek showstopper.” With 3 bedrooms, AC, and a prime spot in Woodlands, it’s a top-tier rental for those who want the best of modern luxury. When you’re looking for the top 10 rated villas and hotels in Montserrat, this property’s flawless reviews and stunning photos make it an easy choice.
Booking.com Review: “An oceanfront 3-bedroom, 4-bed, AC, WiFi, luxury villa in Woodlands that guests have rated an ‘Exceptional’ 9.7. Popular with guests, this property is noted for its luxury and location.”
Yes, 100%. To properly explore the island, from the beaches to the volcano observatory to the hiking trails, a rental car is essential. Taxis are available but can be expensive. Many of the top-rated villas are located on hills (for those amazing views!), and you will not want to walk them in the heat.
The “Exclusion Zone” (Zone V) is the southern half of the island, including the buried capital of Plymouth, which is off-limits due to volcanic activity. You absolutely cannot stay there. All accommodations, villas, and hotels are located in the safe, vibrant, and beautiful northern half of the island. You can, however, take a guided tour to see the edge of the zone from safe viewing points
It depends on your preference! The Woodlands, Isles Bay, and Olveston areas (on the west coast) are very popular for their stunning sea views, beautiful villas, and proximity to beaches and restaurants. The North Side (like Dick Hill or St. Peter’s) is also fantastic and convenient for the airport and Little Bay.
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