Some very random thoughts on Virgin Gorda
Posted: Sun Nov 24, 2013 11:34 am
It is much easier to travel to Virgin Gorda than I had thought.
Spanish Town is not a typical tourist destination as I think of them, and, yes, it is a small town. The kind folks we encountered there looked you in the eye, and you knew at once that they were sincere in whatever they said… warm, friendly, welcoming… helpful.
Guavaberry Spring Bay Vacation Homes is a very, very, well planned, maintained, and managed place where slowing down a notch or two into a simpler mode is relaxing and rewarding. The island as a whole felt much more laid back than the USVI seems to us.
I read three books in six days... "like"
Virgin Gorda has some exclusive resorts and luxury villas, but is not overwhelmed by them. Yet.
http://www.biras.com/ http://www.beyc.com/
In addition to 110 Pond Bay, previously mentioned, there is Oil Nut Bay which is being developed on the far northern tip of Virgin Gorda, and accessible only by boat… or helicopter.
http://oilnutbay.com/overview
It CAN rain A LOT on an island often described as arid.
Buck's Market at the yacht harbor has a deli inside... we forgot to take a look.
A comparison of supermarket prices:
We found restaurant prices similar to those on St John, USVI.
The Roti at the Top of the Baths was excellent. Shrimp dishes that I chose at Mineshaft and Chez Bamboo were lightly spiced with the flavor of West Indian cuisine. My husband found his fish dishes at the same places were more heavily spiced than mine. Food there was a little more interesting than average, yet not something to text home about.
CocoMaya seemed more cosmopolitan than the longer established island places… I could see this restaurant in any beach side location, as in Florida.
I feel reviewing restaurants is relative to so many variables; these are my opinions only.
Hog Heaven is an all around winner… view, service, and the BBQ.
Our car was tuned to Tradewinds radio 92.3 http://twrlive.net/ We also played it on the cottage radio… quite a mix. Listening at home takes me back.
I wish that I had found more info on National Park Trusts and trial maps of Gorda Peak, especially before we arrived.
We missed some side roads which led to beaches we would love to explore. My husband snorkels; he wished for more time there to do so. The weather did have an impact in this regard.
Nail Bay would interest us for dining, beaches, and ruins. Maybe next time, we'll add a few nights there.
A friend has repeated her recommendation of the Sugar Mill at Little Dix Resort for dinner; I would make a point of going! http://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/little ... sugar-mill
I would take a ferry out to Saba Rock. And one to Anegada… maybe for an overnight stay.
A very industrious young man, named Gumption, has a small clear bottomed boat for taking out snorkelers, day and night tours and sometimes trips to nearby Necker Island. He has an arrangement with Richard Branson to visit the wildlife habitats on Necker. http://www.seaitclearbvi.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sea-It-C ... 5405318060
This is a big wish for next time!
Until "the next time" I have super good memories and big dreams. Questions are welcome.
Spanish Town is not a typical tourist destination as I think of them, and, yes, it is a small town. The kind folks we encountered there looked you in the eye, and you knew at once that they were sincere in whatever they said… warm, friendly, welcoming… helpful.
Guavaberry Spring Bay Vacation Homes is a very, very, well planned, maintained, and managed place where slowing down a notch or two into a simpler mode is relaxing and rewarding. The island as a whole felt much more laid back than the USVI seems to us.
I read three books in six days... "like"
Virgin Gorda has some exclusive resorts and luxury villas, but is not overwhelmed by them. Yet.
http://www.biras.com/ http://www.beyc.com/
In addition to 110 Pond Bay, previously mentioned, there is Oil Nut Bay which is being developed on the far northern tip of Virgin Gorda, and accessible only by boat… or helicopter.
http://oilnutbay.com/overview
It CAN rain A LOT on an island often described as arid.
Buck's Market at the yacht harbor has a deli inside... we forgot to take a look.
A comparison of supermarket prices:
We found restaurant prices similar to those on St John, USVI.
The Roti at the Top of the Baths was excellent. Shrimp dishes that I chose at Mineshaft and Chez Bamboo were lightly spiced with the flavor of West Indian cuisine. My husband found his fish dishes at the same places were more heavily spiced than mine. Food there was a little more interesting than average, yet not something to text home about.
CocoMaya seemed more cosmopolitan than the longer established island places… I could see this restaurant in any beach side location, as in Florida.
I feel reviewing restaurants is relative to so many variables; these are my opinions only.
Hog Heaven is an all around winner… view, service, and the BBQ.
Our car was tuned to Tradewinds radio 92.3 http://twrlive.net/ We also played it on the cottage radio… quite a mix. Listening at home takes me back.
I wish that I had found more info on National Park Trusts and trial maps of Gorda Peak, especially before we arrived.
We missed some side roads which led to beaches we would love to explore. My husband snorkels; he wished for more time there to do so. The weather did have an impact in this regard.
Nail Bay would interest us for dining, beaches, and ruins. Maybe next time, we'll add a few nights there.
A friend has repeated her recommendation of the Sugar Mill at Little Dix Resort for dinner; I would make a point of going! http://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/little ... sugar-mill
I would take a ferry out to Saba Rock. And one to Anegada… maybe for an overnight stay.
A very industrious young man, named Gumption, has a small clear bottomed boat for taking out snorkelers, day and night tours and sometimes trips to nearby Necker Island. He has an arrangement with Richard Branson to visit the wildlife habitats on Necker. http://www.seaitclearbvi.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sea-It-C ... 5405318060
This is a big wish for next time!
Until "the next time" I have super good memories and big dreams. Questions are welcome.