She is the British royal whose taste for the high life keeps her constantly in the news.

But when she flew to Bermuda, the fun-loving Duchess of York wanted a get-away-from-it-all holiday in paradise.

And that is just how it has proved ... away from the spotlight and away from the prying eyes of the Press.

Flame-haired Fergie, as she is popularly known from her maiden name Ferguson, and her daughters have found a perfect island retreat in the luxurious home of entertainment mogul Mr. Robert Stigwood.

The Australian impresario, who also owns homes on the Isle of Wight and in New York, has let the Duchess, Eugenie and Beatrice have the complete run of his west end property.

At their disposal on the sprawling Wreck Hill estate, which boasts a guest cottage, tennis courts and swimming pool, are a luxury speed boat and private pink sand beaches.

Quiet holiday for Duchess of York Others to have sampled the comforts of Wreck House in recent years include showbizz stars Madonna, the Bee Gees and John Travolta.

The home, however, is currently on the market for about $22 million, and among those who have shown an interest is singing superstar Mr. Michael Jackson.

World number one golfer Mr. Nick Price has also had his eye on the home, and even toured it recently with his wife during a short stay on the island.

Mr. Stigwood, who spends little time at Wreck House these days having bought Barton Manor on the Isle of Wight in 1991, pumped several thousand dollars into the estate for improvements this year after its condition had reportedly deteriorated during his absence.

The 61-year-old multi-millionaire was at the home last week, but it wasn't known whether he was still on the Island to greet the Duchess who arrived on Saturday night, travelling first class aboard a scheduled British Airways flight.

An English security guard indicated to reporters who approached the eight-bedroom house yesterday that the Duchess' visit was private and that she wished to be left alone.

"I have absolutely nothing to say to you,'' he said.

No public engagements have been announced, although it is understood she will meet with Bermuda Governor, Lord Waddington, the former Home Secretary, who himself hosted the visit of the Queen and Prince Philip just over a year ago.

The Duchess of York's Press office in England told The Royal Gazette : "It is a private visit. That's all we can tell you.'' A spokeswoman refused to comment on rumours that the Duchess was planning to send her daughters back to school in England before moving on to Los Angeles after her one-week Bermudian break.

Deputy Governor Mr. Peter Willis remained similarly tight-lipped when questioned about the Duchess's plans.

Security at Mr. Stigwood's estate has been tight this week, and it is understood two British Police officers accompanied the Duchess to Bermuda.

Yesterday some light may have been thrown on why the Duchess appears a little mellower these days ... and why Bermuda provides the perfect retreat.

In an interview with the celebrity magazine `Hello' she said: "Sometimes when I look back I am embarrassed by some of my behaviour in the past.

"But I have grown up, I believe. I have learned, among other things, the value of money and to relish every minute of peace and every moment of fun with my children.'' She said weekly visits to a therapist "help me keep my serenity and face up to my problems''.

The Duchess also revealed she had cut down on charity work so she could earn a living for herself and her daughters.

"I have to work to earn my living, to be able to provide my daughters with a pleasant upbringing.'' She added: "I have decided to concentrate on my commercial activities and cut back momentarily my trips for charity.'' The Duchess's stories about Budgie the Helicopter have been made into a television series, and she is also writing two books on Amanda, a little girl who travels a lot.

She also hopes to be a creative consultant on a film about Queen Victoria.

Mr. Stigwood, who produced such films as Saturday Night Fever, Grease, Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar, is known to be fond of Fergie.

In March this year he did the Duchess a favour by giving a paralysed British boxer and his family an all-expenses paid stay at Wreck House.

The gift for 41-year-old Gary Davidson, who is paralysed from the neck down, was at the request of the Duchess who is president of Britain's Motor Neuron Association.

The Duchess has been estranged from Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, since 1992.

DUCHESS OF YORK -- On holiday at Wreck House.