BVI Lodging: Endless Variety

By Jane Bakewell

Breathtaking beauty envelops these 60-odd islands and cays like a garland of fragrant flowers.

Every view is a great view, whether looking from the infinity pool of your luxury villa on a mountaintop or gazing at the ocean from your beachside bungalow. From all-inclusive resorts to locally-owned guest houses and villas (the true Jewels of the BVI), there is a perfect type of accommodation for every traveller. The BVI even boasts about its large selection of “floating guest houses.” The red carpet awaits you at the many charter yacht companies with a bottle of Champagne and the sheets already turned down.

Tortola
Centrepiece in this necklace of island jewels, Tortola is the seat of government and the most populous of all the islands. The bustling, commercial hub of Road Town offers marinas and hotels. Maria’s by the Sea has the advantage of being centrally located with reasonably priced and very spacious rooms overlooking Road Harbour and within walking distance of shops, restaurants and the ferry. The Sea View Hotel, at the western edge of town, offers bargain rooms with a lovely local ambience. West of Fort Burt Hill, Prospect Reef Resort features nicely appointed rooms and suites plus a popular local restaurant, Brisani’s at the Reef, which serves international cuisine with a Caribbean flavour. A hop over to the eastern outskirts of town, The Moorings offers custom yacht rentals or a chance to stay at the Mariner Inn’s luxury garden- or ocean-view suites. Charlie’s is the signature restaurant here, situated dockside with exquisite views and eclectic menu options such as Italian pizza from a stone oven and delightful fish dishes.

Tortola’s topography includes a mountainous ridge running the length of the island, which slopes down to a north shore dotted with white-sand beaches. Cane Garden Bay, a crescent beach lined with palms, is a picture-perfect postcard and the location of Myett’s Garden Inn. The cozy rooms here will make you feel like family among the locals. One bay over is Brewer’s Bay, a bit quieter and definitely a place to enjoy a villa with panoramic views in a natural environment.

The East End of the island boasts some “to die for” luxury villas dappled along the north shore. Golden Pavilion is a Balinese-inspired multi-purpose villa built on a dramatic cliff overlooking Guana Island. Ideal for larger groups, it has five bedrooms with en suite baths. Amenities include a media room, pool table and fully equipped gym; but you may never leave the mesmerising infinity pool. Just over the bridge on Beef Island is a protected cay, home of Surfsong Villa Resort on tranquil Well Bay. Each of the unique villas tucked among the gardens is decorated with teak furnishings and offers both peace and privacy in an intimate setting.

A great way to have a more intimate experience in the BVI is to choose a property from Jewels of the BVI, an association of locally owned and operated guest houses and villas that span all four major islands. Not only will you pick up a little local knowledge you might have missed, but you can customise your choice based on price, location and amenities. For more information, go to jewelsofthebvi.com.

Virgin Gorda
Bougainvillea and cactus grow side by side on this less populated island with boulders and beach as a backdrop. Virgin Gorda (literally “fat virgin”), once a quiet getaway, has blossomed like a rose. Little Dix Bay, the legendary Rockefeller resort now part of the prestigious Rosewood Hotels group, offers the ultimate in seclusion and world-class pampering. Rooms are large and tastefully furnished, and once you discover the hilltop spa with cascading pools, you may never leave. Biras Creek Resort lies partially hidden in a water cul-de-sac of the North Sound. Here, low-key luxury, scenic beauty and excellent service are readily available.

For mid-range travellers looking for a bargain, local hospitality and a killer view, Gordian Terrace in the North Sound is a perfect fit boasting many repeat visitors. Eight en suite rooms have kitchens with either garden or sea views from intimate patio balconies. Leverick Bay Resort, located on a marina with speed boats to rent for exploring the North Sound, has reasonably priced rooms in a hotel-style building or a private villa option along with three on-site restaurants. For those desiring a little more privacy in an upscale setting, Sol Y Sombra, a four-bedroom luxury villa right on the beach, is surrounded by an acre of tropical gardens. A main living room pavilion looks out on the infinity pool and ocean with adjoining villa bedrooms nestled among the boulders overlooking Little Trunk Bay. Another luxury villa option is the breathtaking Baraka Point, which offers wooden Balinese-style clustered villa rooms resplendent on a hill. Amenities include an on-site chef and a spa treatment therapist.

Jost Van Dyke
Reachable only by ferry or sailboat, Jost Van Dyke has always been a favourite of the nautical community. The famous Foxy’s Restaurant and Bar anchors one end of the popular harbour dotted by gift shops and small eateries. One bay over the hill by taxi van is White Bay, which features several villa rental options. For view seekers, White Bay Villas and Seaside Cottages offers 10 separate villas with one to three bedrooms, all with great ocean views and just a few minutes walk to the beach. The Sandcastle Hotel fashions itself as a “barefoot retreat in paradise” and has four charming bungalows close to the beach and is home to the well-known bar that created the infamous rum-based Painkiller. White Bay has a wonderful snorkelling reef where many varieties of fish and coral life can be seen in just a few feet of water. For the more casual outdoor types, a popular option is Ivan’s Campground on White Bay, which features campsites (you supply the tent) and bare cabins to rent.

Anegada
Anegada is the BVI’s only all-coral atoll. Flat as a pancake, it is the palms that stand out here. The island also boasts large salt ponds that are home to an amazing variety of bird life, including the roseate flamingo. Known as a nature preserve, Anegada protects its indigenous wildlife, including the rare Anegada rock iguana, which can be seen at the Headstart Facility across from the local police station. Guest accommodations vary from the beautifully appointed sea- and garden-view rooms at Anegada Reef Hotel, known for its nightly lobster grill on the beach, to the cabin-style Lo'Blolly Beach Cottages, fully furnished and on a secluded stretch of beach, a favourite of snorkellers. Other beach cottages can be found at Keel Point, with a view looking towards Tortola, a mirage in the far distance, or the charming Cow Wreck Beach Resort offering fully-equipped beachside cottages and a popular local restaurant, game center and bar.


Baraka Point Estate
Nail Bay, Virgin Gorda
Tel: 541-1102/1103 or 1-800-969-9713
E-mail: info@barakapoint.com
Web: barakapoint.com
Unique beachfront estate offering extensive tropical gardens, panoramic views and luxurious accommodations for up to 16 guests in a fully private setting with dedicated staff of nine, including chefs, spa therapist, butler and housekeeper. Five king-size ocean view suites with A/C, handmade silks and hardwood furniture plus 4 twin bedrooms. Satellite TV, DVDs and iPod docks throughout. Indoor/outdoor SONOS stereo system and high-speed Wi-Fi, gym and personal training, secluded beach area and fire pit. Massage and Yoga Pavilion plus Games Pavilion with pool table, wet bar and home movie theatre. Children's activities, watersports, Hobie Cat, sea trampoline and beach buggy included in rental rates. This exclusive retreat is rented to only one group at a time and is ideal for groups or family holidays, weddings and special celebrations.

Fort Burt Hotel & Marina
Fort Burt, Road Town, Tortola
Tel: 494-2587
Fax: 494-2002
Web: fortburt.com
This historic landmark offers views of Road Harbour from the deluxe rooms, suites and the elegant dining terrace. Breakfast, lunch and dinner served daily. Ideal for special events.

Golden Pavilion
East End, Tortola
Tel: 541-0185; 541-0201
E-mail: info@goldenpavilionvilla.com
Privately situated on four gated acres, this Balinese-inspired villa with four bedrooms and 4.5 baths features stunning 180-degree ocean views, heated infinity pool, hot tub, outdoor gas fire pit, second-floor gallery with wet bar and pool table, media room with large flat-screen TV and surround sound, office with fax/PC/wireless Internet, a fully equipped gym, air-conditioning in all primary rooms and a private chef.

Jewels of the BVI
Hotels, Villas and Inns
Tel: 1-866-GOTOBVI
E-mail: info@jewelsofthebvi.com
Web: jewelsofthebvi.com
The Jewels of the BVI are a wonderful collection of unique family-owned vacation properties. We give you personal attention — turning a simple vacation into the experience of a lifetime. Looking for a honeymoon retreat, or ready to share the beautiful BVI with the whole group? You'll find the perfect "Jewel" with us!

Leverick Bay Resort & Marina
North Sound, Virgin Gorda
Tel: 495-7421
Fax: 495-7367
E-mail: Leverick@surfbvi.com
Web: leverickbay.com
With 14 hotel rooms and four suites, Leverick Bay sits on the southern shore of one of the most unique bays within the Caribbean Sea. Encircled by small islands and barrier reefs, the waters of North Sound offer a magnificent playground in every shade of aquamarine imaginable.

Maria’s by the Sea
Road Town, Tortola
Tel: 494-2595
Fax: 494-2420
E-mail: mariasbythesea@surfbvi.com
Web: mariasbythesea.com
This central waterfront location offers spacious air-conditioned, Internet-ready rooms with wet bars. Vacationers and business travellers will appreciate the on-site car rental agency. Cool off in the pool or dine at Maria’s Restaurant overlooking the Sir Francis Drake Channel.

Myett’s Garden Inn and Grille
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
Tel: 495-9649
Fax: 495-9579
E-mail: myettent@surfbvi.com
Web: myettent.com
Enjoy charming beachfront rooms nestled in tropical gardens, a spectacular white sandy beach, crystal-clear water and romantic sunsets. Spacious air-conditioned rooms with tropical décor, refrigerator and wet bar, coffeemaker, telephone and maid service. ATM and restaurant on property.

The Refuge
Brewer’s Bay, Tortola
Tel: 494-5440
Fax: 494-3026
E-mail: info@therefugebvi.com
Web: therefugebvi.com
The Refuge is a secluded villa community, ultimately consisting of eight luxury villas on beautiful Brewer’s Bay. Villas are available for purchase and for vacation rentals. Rental accommodations include entire villas and one- or two-bedroom studios. Three-bedroom villas have private indoor/outdoor showers and private balconies, fully equipped kitchen, air-conditioning, cable/Internet, dip pool, terraces, snorkelling and much more.

Sea View Hotel
P.O. Box 59
Road Town, Tortola
Tel: 494-2483
Fax: 494-4952
E-mail: seaviewhotel@surfbvi.com
Built by Timothy Christopher in 1958, Sea View Hotel is a family owned and operated business. Now owned by his daughter, Ishma, and managed by his great-granddaughter, Safiya. Sea View Hotel is a few minutes walk to the town centre with views of Road Harbour. Refurbished early in 2012, it offers low cost, high-quality accommodations, including both standard and studio rooms. Each self-catering studio has cable television and a spacious porch. Central swimming pool on property.

Surfsong Villa Resort
Well Bay, Beef Island
Tel: 495-1864
 Fax: 495-0089
E-mail: info@surfsong.net
Web: surfsong.net
A secluded beachfront resort offering distinctive villas, Surfsong boasts luxuriously appointed accommodations with plush king beds, air-conditioning, fully equipped kitchens, satellite TV, DVD/CD, room safes, Wi-Fi, a beach lounge, massage pavilion and tranquil courtyard. This exclusive retreat is perfect for weddings, honeymoons and private celebrations.

Village Cay Marina, Hotel & Restaurant
Road Town, Tortola
Tel: 494-2771
Fax: 494-2773
E-mail: hotel@vcmarina.biz
Village Cay is the most centrally located full-service marina, hotel, restaurant and deli complex in the British Virgin Islands. Situated directly in the heart of Road Town, it’s a favourite of yachtsmen and land lovers alike!

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