TORTOLA BEACHES ARE CANE CARDEN BAY (SHELTERED MOORINGS, NICE RESTAURANTS, LODGING). SMUGGLERS BEACH IS ALSO VERY NICE BUT IS QUITE REMOTE. ST THOMAS IS FAMOUS FOR MAGENS BAY.

Let me know if you hear of any good deals- I'd like to leave for an island visit at the end of this week! Thanks!

Need info on hotels in St. Thomas or Tortola. I've read all the info but would love to hear personal testimonies. Any recommendations?

I read your message that you're cruising in March. I, too, will be cruising to the same islands aboard the MV Bolero on 3/23. Will you be cruising before that time or at the same time? Pls. respond.

RESPONSE TO QUESTION ON ACCOMODATIONS IN ST THOMAS. I HAVE STAYED IN TWO COMPLETELY DIFFERENT LOCATIONS. THE FIRST, FRENCHMANS REEF HOTEL IN CHARLOTTE AMALIE, IS A VERY NICE, LARGE, BUSTLING HOTEL NEAR TOWN. MOST PEOPLE LOVE IT. I LIKED IT, BUT WHEN I AM ON VACATION, I PREFER SOMETHING A LITTLE QUIETER. THE OTHER PLACE IN ST THOMAS, WHICH IS THE ONE I PREFER, IS SAPPHIRE BEACH RESORT. IT IS ON THE EAST END OF THE ISLAND, FACING THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS AND ST JOHN. THE ACCOMODATIONS ARE ALL BEACHFRONT SUITES, AND THE THIRD AND FOURTH FLOORS ARE TOWNHOUSES. THEY ALL COME WITH TILE BATHS AND A FULL KITCHEN. THE SUITES ARE ON THE FIRST AND SECOND FLOORS, THE FIRST FLOOR UNITS HAVE PATIO DOORS WHICH WALK OUT ONTO A BEAUTIFUL BEACH. OH, AND ALL WATERSPORTS ARE INCLUDED IN THE ROOM RATES, WHICH IS NOT THE CASE AT FRENCHMANS REEF. THE DOWNSIDE - IT IS A HIKE FROM THE AIRPORT, AND WE USUALLY RENT A CAR, WHICH CAN BE A LITTLE SCARY, BUT IT ALLOWS THE CONVENIENCE OF GROCERY SHOPPING WITHOUT HAVING TO WAIT FOR A SHUTTLE. ENJOY!

My wife, one year old son and I spent a week on Tortola last year. We stayed at the Long Beach Resort. Very nice, choice of rooms (ocean front, ocean view, etc.) Another location we would consider staying (but they frown upon children) should we return would be the Sugar Mill. Its an old converted type hotel and the restaurant is exceptional. If you don't stay there at least have dinner. Good luck.

Saw that you took your child to Tortola. We are thinking of taking ours to Tortola or Virgin Gorda...what were your impressions? We love quiet, beach and hiking holidays. Was it that for you? Tranquillity?
Whatever you could tell us would be most helpful, thanks.

Irene:
Took my kids to tortola (stayed at long Bay Beach Hotel) it seems perfect for what you want to do. Would recommend beach front rooms. My 13 year old and 8 year old can't wait to go back. Loved snorkel trip on "Patouche II boat cruise. Email me if you have any more questions !