Have been to the BVI several times, including to
the so-called "high end resorts" (Biras, Peter
Island and Little Dix Bay). Need to plan a much
more modest trip for Jan. or Feb. of 2005. Prefer
not to stay on Tortola - all that is needed is a very
beautiful beach and total relaxation. Happy to read, snorkel, "chill". Am also comfortable in more rustic setting, and have stayed in numerous guest houses/bed and breakfasts, etc. So, am considering a stay at Sandcastle at White Bay. Has anyone been there recently? The last posts on this location go back a few years. Also, for
anyone who has been there recently, did the hotel help with ferry transfer from West End? If flight
arrives in Beef Island late afternoon (as late as
5 p.m.), is there still time to take taxi to West End
and get to Jost by boat?

I was in the BVI in March, with a stop (via chartered sailboat at White Bay). One thing you can count on these days -- especially in the winter -- is that the beach at White Bay will be invaded not just by the usual sailors coming ashore at the Soggy Dollar Bar, but by cruise ships, some of which anchor off the beach. They land their launches right on the beach, bring the guests (LOTS of them) ashore, direct them to ATV tours and other amusements, etc.

It does get quieter in the late afternoon, and it's not an everyday thing, but you can pretty much expect a cruise ship every other day.

Hubby and I recently spent a week at Sandcastle and loved it to death. Be prepared for very low-key, non-luxury accomodations, but smack on the beach. White Bay is beautiful enough to take your breath away.

Included in your stay is transportation transfers to and from JVD. Generally this is accomplished by the hotel motor launch, but they will pay for and make arrangements for the ferry if weather necessitates. E-mail them and ask Allison for details (especially regarding your arrival time - that might be a problem). She (and everyone else there) is a sweetie.

Personal recommendation is to stay either in one of the 2 beach front rondel cottages (no air, but lots of good breezes)or the new air-conditioned rooms. I suspect that the 2 cottages further back would be a tad warm without air con as they don't get the same amount of breeze.

Get the MAP plan. You won't find better dinners any where in your travels. Trust me on this one!

Regarding the previous poster. We did not find cruise ship passengers or sailors to be a major issue. That having been said, on Friday to Sunday the beach in front of Sandcastle gets annoyingly crowded, but mostly with local day-tripping young people who live and work on St. Thomas and come in for the whole day on their weekends off work. We call JVD "Multiple Personality Disorder Island". Mornings and nights on White Bay are serene and quiet as a grave. Day time invasions are often entertaining and often annoying when you are staying there and see the comparison.

Bottom line though? Would we return? - In a heartbeat! This is a place not easily matched for its beauty and charm, its cuisine and the family-type atmosphere of the resort. We are already planning our 2nd trip!

Linda

Thank you saharabee (Linda) for a thoughtful and very helpful response!

Boonie, I just thought I'd recussitate this post to let you know that I really meant it when I said we'd go back in a hearbeat. Took advantage of the recent seat sales and we are booked back at Sandcastle in April 2005!

Linda