Virgin Gorda... First Visit-Part Seven

Travel discussion for Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and beyond!
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lprof
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Virgin Gorda... First Visit-Part Seven

Post by lprof »

Part one of Virgin Gorda ... First Visit:
http://virgin-islands-on-line.com/virgi ... =6&t=26275
Part two of Virgin Gorda... First Visit:
http://virgin-islands-on-line.com/virgi ... =6&t=26283
Part three of Virgin Gorda... First Visit:
http://virgin-islands-on-line.com/virgi ... =6&t=26284
Part four of Virgin Gorda... First Visit:
http://virgin-islands-on-line.com/virgi ... =6&t=26287
Part five of Virgin Gorda... First Visit:
http://virgin-islands-on-line.com/virgi ... =6&t=26294
Part six of Virgin Gorda... First Visit:
http://virgin-islands-on-line.com/virgi ... =6&t=26298

My random thoughts on Virgin Gorda:
http://virgin-islands-on-line.com/virgi ... =6&t=26311






Such a pretty day...
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Departure Day… Beach for an hour. Pack. Tally the charges and pay by check. Say thank you and farewell to Guavaberry.
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We thought we would drive out to Little Dix Resort for a look around, have lunch, and then go to the ferry dock for our three o'clock ride to St John.
http://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/little ... rgin-gorda

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The grounds and buildings at Little Dix are nice, the staff we talked with were pleasant, the beach and pool attractive enough, but I like Caneel Bay much better. I knew both resorts were part of the Rosewood group until recently when Caneel Bay left, however I did not know that Laurance Rockefeller was also involved with Little Dix and with donating some land on Gorda Peak to the National Parks Trust.
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It didn't take long to do a little tour on our own of the grounds and shops… where is lunch? Although it was almost noon, nothing was happening in the dining Pavilion or the Beach Bar.
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We decided to return to the Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor and eat at the Bath and Turtle. Pizza with smiles. Very good pizza.
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We still had some time with little to do before three.
Next time we'll check out, but leave our luggage at the office at Guavaberry, go back to the beach, use their showers, have lunch at the Top of the Baths and THEN go to the ferry dock. As it was, we were entertained watching men loading and unloading containers onto a couple of ferries while we waited.

We learned that buying ferry tickets on line and paying by credit card might be simpler than paying cash "at the tree" before boarding (as we did) or paying by credit card, having it called in and someone meeting you on St John with the receipt to sign before you can pass through customs. There is a $15.00 per person departure fee which is paid to BVI customs at their dock office and you need the receipt for it when boarding the ferry.
Our instruction for the car was "roll up the windows, put the keys in the ashtray and don't lock it… leave it at the dock." Since we have not heard from the rental agency, I assume all went as planned.

About 2:30 a few people started lining up "at the tree" and before long we were all boarded and St John bound. See you there!
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St John Trip Report:
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/v ... q3cpKX8eao
Last edited by lprof on Sun Dec 15, 2013 11:48 am, edited 3 times in total.
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shoemak38
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Re: Virgin Gorda... First Visit-Part Seven

Post by shoemak38 »

like :D

Laurance Rockefelle also had a hotel in Jackson hole and Woodstock VT My wife worked at both of them :D
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lprof
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Re: Virgin Gorda... First Visit-Part Seven

Post by lprof »

shoemak38 wrote:like :D

Laurance Rockefelle also had a hotel in Jackson hole and Woodstock VT My wife worked at both of them :D
Very cool! The more I know about them, the more I feel a stronger sense of gratitude to the Rockefellers.
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shoemak38
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Re: Virgin Gorda... First Visit-Part Seven

Post by shoemak38 »

lprof wrote:
Very cool! The more I know about them, the more I feel a stronger sense of gratitude to the Rockefellers.
You get his history in a visit to the following
http://www.billingsfarm.org/
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ccasebolt
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Re: Virgin Gorda... First Visit-Part Seven

Post by ccasebolt »

Loved your report- thank you so much!!!

We're sailing the BVIs in March and will spend at leaf one night moored at VG, but I'm seriously considering a land-lubber stay on VG sometime in the near future. You've inspired me! 8)
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lprof
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Re: Virgin Gorda... First Visit-Part Seven

Post by lprof »

ccasebolt wrote:Loved your report- thank you so much!!!

We're sailing the BVIs in March and will spend at leaf one night moored at VG, but I'm seriously considering a land-lubber stay on VG sometime in the near future. You've inspired me! 8)

We truly had a good time there and hope to return... hope your March sail is super!
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Pickle
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Re: Virgin Gorda... First Visit-Part Seven

Post by Pickle »

I just now finally (!) caught up with all your trip reports. Your reports are always informative and a great read. We have never been to VG. I keep telling myself "Someday we will…" but, as many things in my life, it hasn't happened for one reason or another. At least I know more about the island now, and for that, I thank you!
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lprof
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Re: Virgin Gorda... First Visit-Part Seven

Post by lprof »

Pickle wrote:I just now finally (!) caught up with all your trip reports. Your reports are always informative and a great read. We have never been to VG. I keep telling myself "Someday we will…" but, as many things in my life, it hasn't happened for one reason or another. At least I know more about the island now, and for that, I thank you!
Guavaberry Spring Bay is in an excellent location and offered everything we needed or wanted this trip.
Next time, this place on Nail Bay, with more luxury for sure, is one where I am hoping we can spend a few nights... you might like it too!
http://www.sunsetwatchvilla.com/onebedroom.php?level=3

I think the underwater world of VG would make you very happy!
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toni
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Re: Virgin Gorda... First Visit-Part Seven

Post by toni »

We will be staying at a place at Nail Bay very soon, http://www.nailbay.com/sugar_mill.php
I looked at guavaberry, but wasn't sure of the views, though the proximity of the Baths looks outstanding. I tend to be a villa gravity person so I like to sit and watch the water.....and any boat activity.

I hope I can write as interesting and informative reports as you!
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lprof
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Re: Virgin Gorda... First Visit-Part Seven

Post by lprof »

toni wrote:We will be staying at a place at Nail Bay very soon, http://www.nailbay.com/sugar_mill.php

Toni, the sugar mill looks super deluxe! You should have an expansive water view there for a full and well rounded gravity experience!

I looked at guavaberry, but wasn't sure of the views, though the proximity of the Baths looks outstanding. I tend to be a villa gravity person so I like to sit and watch the water.....and any boat activity.

The view from our Guavaberry cottage was not spectacular, but one we enjoyed, even with all the rain. The beach was a big draw for us there.

I hope I can write as interesting and informative reports as you!
I'll be looking forward to hearing about your dining... places, foods, crowds... I am sorry that I didn't have more to report. It is up to you! Enjoy Virgin Gorda!!
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PA Girl
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Re: Virgin Gorda... First Visit-Part Seven

Post by PA Girl »

Rockefeller also donated Sandy Cay to the BVIs.
Capn Dan and Ruby
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Re: Virgin Gorda... First Visit-Part Seven

Post by Capn Dan and Ruby »

Thanks for this wonderful report! We are thinking of doing a week in the BVI's and this was really helpful.... and made my island fever more intense than ever! :D :D :D
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