St Bernard’s Hill House’s owner, Dr Juleen Christopher, acquired the property in 2021. She is passionate about providing a first-class guest experience, and raising the BVI’s profile to a global audience.
What’s your background, Juleen?
I worked as a cognitive behavioral research scientist in academic medicine for over 20 years. These days I find great satisfaction in my consulting work in health equity and philanthropic efforts.
While I enjoy assisting teams in for-profit and non-profit businesses to work better together, one of my lifelong motivations is to provide tools that help empower minorities, specifically Caribbean Islanders, by raising aspirations and supporting opportunities for their development.
Why is this important to you?
I was born and raised in the US Virgin Islands and my mother grew up in Tortola, so my heart is here. Growing up, I benefited from a rich and diverse Caribbean heritage and the islands’ natural environment.
Now I’m passionate about promoting the beauty and benefits of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) to a global audience. There are many people in the US, Europe and beyond who have not visited or experienced the BVI. This includes a growing number of BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) individuals with spending power who would be thrilled to enjoy St Bernard’s Hill House.
Currently, many from BIPOC communities are exploring other island nations or even Africa. They have bypassed the BVI which is unfortunate and, I think, a missed opportunity. The islands have a lot of meaningful history, beauty and stories that can capture the hearts and minds of those individuals.
Additionally, many people in other parts of the globe have not been enticed enough to visit our parts.
While ambitious, my desire is to increase that number, even if it is by a small percentage point. I want travelers from around the globe to be able to experience the transformative beauty of the British Virgin Islands that colored my childhood.
How do you plan to do this?
It’s not something that can be achieved alone, but through community collaboration. It’s also achieved by providing guests the opportunity to enjoy the richness of the islands through curated seamless, exceptional, and luxurious experiences.
Over the past couple of years, St Bernard’s Hill House has been intentionally transformed. We are curating a high-end luxury enterprise and aim to provide the type of positive guest experience that will keep guests coming back on repeat. It’s not just about the activities that we curate for our guests, but also how we make our guests feel.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I have traveled the world and have always been impressed by the exceptional hospitality offered in boutique hotels in India and Dubai. Every detail is considered for comfort and luxury.
At St Bernard’s Hill House, we have taken a similar approach.
What are some examples of the attention to detail?
There are multiple seating areas on the expansive veranda at the main house to encourage relaxation, reflection, and spending quality time with loved ones. The furniture was chosen in muted tones to convey a sense of serenity and to enhance the vibrant colors of the gardens and panoramic views.
We understand that a comfortable bed and a restful night’s sleep are a priority when you’re on vacation. Each guest bedroom has high-quality branded linens, and the beds are meticulously made to lure you back.
The rooms are intentionally kept minimalistic, so you don’t feel cluttered. There is nothing to distract you from the natural beauty of the outside during the day and, at night, this promotes peace, calm and quiet.
It’s also important to engage all the senses.
St Bernard’s signature scent – mission fig and blond wood – has been carefully chosen to compliment the Mesmerizing Oudh Accord and Gold fragrance of the Molton Brown bath products.
We partner with the most talented private chefs the BVI has to offer, and guests are welcomed with a St Bernard’s Signature Cocktail, giving them a taste of the Caribbean and setting the tone for the rest of their stay.
What makes St Bernard’s Hill House different?
In my opinion, the views from St Bernard’s Hill House are the best the BVI has to offer. It’s on one of the highest points of Tortola and you have 300-degree views of the beautiful blue ocean and lush green islands. On a clear day you can see all the way to St Croix (USVI). The views took my breath away the very first time I visited St Bernard’s Hill House and they continue to do so.
St Bernard’s Hill House was built by the original owners as a place to enjoy with their family and friends on vacation. This is still at the heart of what we do. The wraparound verandas, multiple decks and individual villas were purposefully designed so you spend quality time together, play games (there’s a St Bernard’s Hill House branded domino set for this very reason) and make memories. There’s also plenty of space when you need it!
We also offer guests authentic Caribbean experiences that they might not get elsewhere, such as foods inspired by the flavors of the Caribbean, and modern takes on foods from my childhood. We can also facilitate access to local historians who can tell them more about the islands and people.
“Authentic Caribbean” can have multiple meanings, but here we don’t just marvel at the natural world from behind glass windows. We intentionally curate seating to draw you to our gardens so you can experience it.
Caribbean people are known for their hospitality and providing foods that burst with aromatic flavors and spices. That’s what we want to provide to every guest… an unforgettable taste of the Caribbean!
Ultimately, guests can do as much or as little as they wish. That’s the beauty of the St Bernard’s Hill House experience. You design your perfect vacation. We make it happen.
Thank you, Juleen.
