ejcrowe

Hey folks--I just found out that after spending 5 nights at Guana island next month I'll have 3 nights on my hands before flying out of STT. (Change in flight schedules, etc, brought that on.) We can't afford to extend our stay at Guana, nor at Biras, BEYC, Caneel, or Little Dix. I'm interested in a hotel or inn that is on the beach and has either a restaurant on site or one within walking distance, as we won't be renting a car and would rather just be beach bums all day and into the evening. As a rule, we don't like AI or any kind of large and bustling resort.

What do you good folks recommend for 3 nights in any of the Virgin Islands? I'm considering the Sugar Mill, as we've enjoyed it in the past, but it is at our utmost budget limitation. Is there anything along those lines elsewhere? Thanks in advance!

Mariarosa

I would recommend Sandcastle in Jost. We did a day-trip there from Tortola and it was really beautiful, but its very small, so 3 days would be nice. Lots of day-trippers and yachties, but in the low season, it shouldn't be too bad. Its also very reasonably priced. Sugar Mill gets great reviews on food, but we drove by there and the beach is *tiny*.

ejcrowe

Thanks. I had considered Sandcastle because I've always wanted to see Jost, but their web prices are similar to Sugar Mill's, and even though their beach is small, I know what to expect from them--good service and great food. I'll take another look at Sandcastle...

ejcrowe

I've been checking out someUS/BVI sites and here are the hotels in my price range for the 3 nights in question. Any suggestions?

Leverick Bay, Nail Bay, Mango Bay on Gorda

Long Bay, Frenchman's Cay, Pusser's on Tortola.

I think my fave place to stay would be St. John, but I think our transportation situation lends itself to staying on either Tortola (which I would be happy to do) or St. Thomas (which I would prefer not to do). I appreciate your help so far!

SusanLynne

Why not fly up to Anegada, northernmost of the BVI's for a few days? No tourists and loads of beaches (Flash of Beauty is gorgeous!)We stayed on Anegada for 10 days a few years ago and loved very minute of it.

ejcrowe

I think I would love Anegada, but since our flight departs St Thomas around noon, I was afraid that ferry schedule between Anegada and Tortola, and then between Tortola and St. Thomas, would be too time-consuming. I've never done any island hopping before, so I'm not sure how much time to allot to the ferries.

Bascially, my fiance and I arrive on Tortola on a friday afternoon and have to depart St. Thomas on a Monday morning. I'm really delighted to have the "problem" of 3 extra nights in the Caribbean, but I do want to be careful of (1) money and (2) spending time traveling from one island to another. Now I'm thinking that I'll spend Friday and Saturday on Tortola (Long Bay is offering a special) and Sunday night on St. Thomas in a B&B setting.

Any thoughts?

Mariarosa

I visited Anegada as a day-trip. There is no ferry (too far away) so your only option is to fly there. The flight was interesting, to say the least. When they fill up the plane they just take-off and they don't really 'call' your flight. We took off 40 minutes ahead of schedule. On the other hand, I loved the lack of mass market appeal - the 'airline's' credit card machine was not working so they just wrote down our number, where we were staying, etc. When we landed they had the slip for us to sign.

While Anegada was peaceful and had gorgeous beaches it was way too arid and too hot for my taste. It really is not for everyone, so make sure that is what you want. My husband enjoyed it very much, but I was glad to get back to Tortola.

I have heard good things about Frenchman's in Tortola.

SusanLynne

No, since Anegada is completely surrounded by a corral reef, there is no ferry. You can fly from Tortola (and other islands) to Anegada. I would agree that the island is not the most beautiful in the world, but the remoteness of it makes it paradise in my mind. No TV, no telephone ... now that's nice!!

LLindaC

ej,
I stayed at Long Bay last year and loved it. Since you're not renting a car, it is a cheap, short cab ride to Sopor's Hole and the fun restaurant Jolly Roger's. From there, you can take a day ferry over to Jost...don't miss it! I liked the beach at Long Bay, had a few rocks in the water, but very smooth on far end. Also, it's about a half-mile hike to Smuggler's Bay, which is a very cool place with an "honor bar." No kidding! From Long Bay, it's about a 15 min cab ride to Cane Garden Bay- also not to be missed! Some great restaurants there. Long Bay was a great place to stay, but I thought their food was overpriced. We loved Palm's Delight (nearby) cash only- but had full course dinner for $10.Also, the Shell Museum down the road has a HUGE breakfast for $5. The "famous island breakfast", LOL.
email me if you have questions [email protected] You will love Tortola.

spirited

Hello! I just wnated to let you know that I returned only a few days ago from my BVI/USVI adventure. I stayed at NAIL BAY, passing right in front of Mango Bay, on Virgin Gorda and can tell you that the staff, especially Sandra, were terrific! The resort itself is very nice but the road getting in is a long, dusty, 4-wheel-drive, pot-holed goat path - that just about describes it! I enjoyed it - part of the adventure- but most folks would probably not like it. There is a alot of construction going on right now in the off-season, so it is very noisy around the common areas. Despite the construction, the beach was absolutely awesome!! It was well below the noise of the construction, the water and sand pristine, great snorkeling with palm-thatched umbrellas and palms swaying in the breeze - truly delightful. Without your own car, however, you would be stuck unless you got all of your groceries in town BEFORE going out to Nail Bay. The jeep we had was only $45/day and the room was $99'/night plus 17% BVI tax per night. We had a wonderful Deluxe suite with a full kitchen, and incredible views from our covered patio. No fan in the kitchen so the cooking smells permeated the room a bit. One night I wanted to cook fish, but I did not want to cook it in the room, the Chef at the restqurant threw it on the grill for me and dressed it all up with pumpkin and vegetables. Charged me $7.00 for the service. They really go out of their way to make you happy. Despite the construction, I still enjoyed it. There is another beach on the property also which is further from the workers that was absolutely deserted. Should you go to Virgin Gorda you should also check out SpringBay homes and Savannah Bay Beach - Just gorgeous!