Moonhole resort on Caribbean island Bequia is available to hire

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Moonhole is located on the island of Bequia and consists of five villas offering spectacular sea views
The unique cluster of stone houses were built by adventurous couple Tom and Gladdie Johnston in the 1960s
Now only five of the original 17 houses are available to stay in and come complete with 12 staff members

Published: 11:06 EST, 9 November 2015 | Updated: 03:58 EST, 10 November 2015

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It could easily pass for a Bond villain lair or a secluded retreat for those who like to castaway and immerse themselves in nature.

Moonhole, a resort nestled under a rocky arch surrounded by the turquoise Caribbean waters, boasts five quaint houses now available for holidaymakers to rent.

True to its nautical theme, the idyllic cluster of properties on the Grenadine island of Bequia was built incorporating whalebone, driftwood and shells into each building's structure for a rustic feel.

It is the ultimate Robinson Crusoe retreat - a secluded resort nestled under a rocky arch surrounded by the turquoise Caribbean waters

The natural paradise is called Moonhole, which boasts five quaint houses that are available around the arch to rent

True to its nautical theme, the idyllic properties were built incorporating whalebone, driftwood and shells into the structure for a rustic feel

Travellers can explore the stunning Bequia area by day, either by scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, fishing or hiking round the impressive landscape.

And at night, guests can relax overlooking the sea on the terraces dotted around the picturesque location.

Staying true to its natural aesthetic, water for the resort is collected from rain, with solar and wind power used for energy.

However, visitors are made comfortable by the 12 staff who work at Moonhole, including a cook and a housekeeper.

Travellers can explore the stunning area by day, either by scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, fishing or hiking round the impressive landscape

Perfect spot to watch the sun set: Guest can kick back overlooking the stunning waters while swinging in a hammock

Rooms are built around the natural rock and wildlife structure, with passageways and staircases linking the different levels

Room with a view: Guests can wake up to unparalleled sea views from the quaint rooms

Flintstone feel: Visitors are made as comfortable as possible by the 12 staff who work at Moonhole, including a cook and a housekeeper

Secluded luxury: Guests can unwind on the resort's beach enjoying their very own slice of paradise

The history behind the adventurous house is as colourful as its Caribbean island location.

In the late 1950s Tom and Gladdie Johnston decided to leave behind their busy life working in the advertising business and have a change of pace running a hotel on the tropical Caribbean island of Bequia.

They were invited to visit the crumbling arch on an uninhabited side of the island and quickly fell in love with the spot, which was accessible only by footpath or by boat.

After many picnics under the arch, in the 1960s they ended up buying the entire 30-acre plot beneath the natural arch of volcanic rock with the dream of building their ideal hideaway home.

Working with local masons from a nearby village, food and supplies had to be delivered on foot to the building site.

With no formal training as an architect, Tom used plans sketched in the sand and a trial-and-error approach to construction.

In the late 1950s, Tom and Gladdie Johnston decided to leave behind their busy life working in the advertising business and have a change of pace running a hotel on the tropical Caribbean island of Bequia, where they discovered the arch on an uninhabited part of the island

After many picnics under the arch, in the 1960s they ended up buying the entire 30-acre plot beneath the natural arch of volcanic rock with the dream of building their ideal hideaway home, which is now in need of restoration

With no formal training as an architect, Tom used plans sketched in the sand and a trial-and-error approach to construction

Rainwater was collected from the roofs to use for washing and bathing, and rooms and stairways were constructed around trees rather than cutting them down.

As the news of the fairy-tale existence became more widely known, requests were put in by the Johnston's friends for houses of their own near the rock.

Tom and Gladdie formed Moonhole Company Limited in 1964 and transferred the land titles to the company.

A further 16 more houses were built, including a commissary and office as well as living quarters for the growing Moonhole staff.

As the tale of the fairytale existence became more widely known, requests were put in by the Johnston's friends for houses of their own near the rock

Tom and Gladdie formed Moonhole Company Limited in 1964 and transferred the land titles to the company. Now the site covers a 35-acre plot which are ran by the villas' trust

When the house was originally built rainwater was collected from roofs to use for washing and bathing, and rooms and stairways were constructed around trees rather than cutting them down

Sadly when Tom died in 2001 the conditions of the houses started to deteriorate with legal battles springing up regarding the ownership of the buildings.

Prices for the houses ranged from £200,000 to £795,439, with 11 being sold after his death.

However, now the Moonhole Trust is dedicated to the upkeep of the five idyllic houses that remain, along with the protection of local marine life.

Although the original house is not available to hire the other two to three bedroom villas cost around £993 for the week and can be viewed on the company website.

Two of the rentals are located on the beach, with the other three high on the peninsula offering sweeping lofty views.