In September 2017, two of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded — Irma and Maria — swept across the Caribbean just fourteen days apart, each packing sustained winds of over 155 mph. The storms left a trail of devastation, and among the structures battered was the property once known as Villa Fantasia, perched high on Cabrita Point in St. Thomas.
What followed wasn’t just a rebuild — it was a rebirth. A revival born through generational collaboration between a father and daughter, bringing together experience, vision, and love for an extraordinary place. Two storms. Two generations. One redemption story.
A Legacy Worth Rebuilding
Originally constructed in the late 1980s by Thomas, the villa’s original builder and steward of the land, the home was crafted as a gathering place for friends and family — a place where hospitality, laughter, and island beauty came together. For more than three decades, Villa Fantasia stood as a symbol of Caribbean joy.
After the hurricanes, Chelsea — Thomas’s daughter — and her husband Connor knew this wasn’t the end of its story. Partnering closely with Thomas, whose knowledge of every beam and stone was unmatched, Chelsea directed the villa into a new era: blending her fresh perspective with his craftsmanship and the history embedded in its walls. Together, they charted a path to honor the past while designing for the future.
Five Years. One Vision.
What began as a storm-damaged shell evolved into a five-year labor of love. Every wall, beam, and window was reconsidered: how could it remain true to the villa’s original soul while offering an elevated, modern experience?
The result is Castle at Cabrita — a fully reconstructed luxury retreat that pairs timeless Caribbean charm with contemporary elegance, giving guests an immersive sense of comfort and wonder.
A rebuild from the heart of connection
After Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, we chose to treat the rebuild as an invitation to reimagine the heart of the villa — flipping the great room, moving the kitchen into the former living space, and tearing down walls so sightlines sweep a full 360° from anywhere in the room. The kitchen now sits in a spacious elevated outlook overlooking the pool and great room as a conversational hub where guests naturally gather, while the living and dining areas flow together to create an open, airy space made for shared meals, stories, and slow afternoons. It was a big overhaul, but the result is a warm, effortless place designed for connection and the kind of memories families come here to make.
Rising Above: From Torn Roof to Rooftop Retreat
When the storms ripped the roof off in 2017, we saw another chance to rebuild with intention — to honor the villa’s stunning original, gazebo-like interior woodwork while reimagining the rooftop as a place for our guests to truly connect with the unique vantage point of Cabrita Point overlooking the USVI and BVI from one place. We preserved the warm, handcrafted details inside, and added a rooftop deck with a circular couch designed for unobstructed 360° views — perfect for sunrise, sunset, stargazing, and lingering conversations. The new roof keeps the villa’s original charm but elevates the experience: a place where the horizon becomes part of your gathering and every evening feels a little more magical.
The Iconic Rock Room
One of the villa’s most memorable spaces is the Rock Room Suite. From the very beginning, a massive boulder naturally embedded in the hillside inspired the original design. During the rebuild, Chelsea, Connor, and Thomas reimagined how this unique feature could make the space even more inviting. The remodel added a freestanding soaking tub and rainfall shower, turning the room into a sanctuary where nature and design meet in perfect harmony.
Guest Comfort, Above All
Every choice throughout the restoration was guided by two goals: enhancing the guest experience and strengthening the villa to withstand future storms.
Chelsea and Connor now live in a nearby home to welcome guests personally and ensure every stay feels seamless and warm. Thomas continues to visit often, sharing stories and making new memories with his family on the very land he once envisioned as a haven.
Ready to stay somewhere with a story?
Come experience the care, history, and craftsmanship that make Castle at Cabrita so much more than just a vacation rental.