Just doing a little traveling planning and came across an intriguing looking, off the grid place, called "Jost van Dyke"--one of the British Virgin Islands. Anybody ever been there? Is it worth the trip? Are there mosquitos? Here's the article--would love to get any feedback from anyone who's been out there. Thanks.

http://www.airlinecity.com/2007/11/30/jost-van-dyke/

Not so "off-the-grid" to the thousands of sailors who make JVD a necessary stop during any cruise of the BVI. There's not much to it -- a few harbors, some beach bars (including my absolute favorite, the Soggy Dollar Bar) and restaurants, and probably more goat than human residents. It's charming and laid back, with a small handful of places to stay for land-based visitors. I consider it a pleasant part of a week's visit -- where sand gravity can maroon me for a couple of days -- but happily move on after a few days.

The denizens of the BVI forum on www.traveltalkonline.com can tell you all about it, both from the sailor's and landlubber's perspective.

I agree with everything Calaloo said. It's not that "off the grid" if you are familiar with The Virgin Islands region of the Caribbean. We have been several times on day trips from St John and White Bay is one of my favorite places on the planet.

Although White Bay is bustling with boats during the day, it is very quiet there at night other than Foxy's Bar. If you are looking for peace, quiet and relaxation this would be a great place. Keep in mind that accomodations here are on the rustic side.

This is just OUR personal preference. There really isn't much to do there other than be a beach bum and there aren't the abundance of restaurant choices like most islands nor are there many markets to buy goods. For us, it would just be too quiet and not enough to explore for an extended stay. I think it is a wonderful place to day trip to or maybe even spend a night or two. It really just depends on what you are looking for in your vacation. If you want a laid back time doing not much of anything and staying in modest accomodations, it might suit you. Here is a website that will give you more information about Jost Van Dyke and The British Virgin Islands.

http://b-v-i.com/JostVanDyke/default.htm

You might also want ot have a look at St John, US Virgin Islands. You can easily day trip to The Britsh Virgin Islands from there.

My favorite memory of Jost van Dike was the Soggy Dollar Bar. I was on a day trip, (New Horizons, and among the other daytrippers, went to the bar. The bartender asked what I wanted to drink. Being on my first caribbean trip, and from Conservative Missouri, knowing not what to order I said, "Mai Tai". The bartender consulted his bar guide and began mixing. After watching a mixing of many liquors, I timidly said, " I think is it is supposed to contain fruit juice'. He referred to his guide, and politely said, "this is what it says', and continued mixing. Needless to say, I had a Wonderful Time!!

All--thanks very much for your insight and opinions--I think we will definitely add it to our itinerary a for few peaceful and lazy nights. Thanks again!

yes, do add Jost to your list. we do LOVE this island !! JVD is not for everyone...for us heaven !! i arrive , the shoes come off and many times they don't return till i leave. we've stayed at Ivans a few times ( very rustic,laid back with always an eclectic group ) our top choice is Sandcastles/home of the Soggy Dollar Bar. great staff/fun/friendly !! this is the one place i really relax !!

Loved White Bay---not so much Great Bay.

I agree with tess53, JVD is not for everyone. But if you, as we do, love an awesome beach and are looking to just relax, read a lot of boks and do some decent (off-beach) snorkeling, this is the place. We have traveled throughout the Caribbean and the BVI in particular and White Bay Beach holds its own with any. The beach does tend to fill up with day sailors and passengers from an occasional small cruise ship, but it's always manageable and, in many mornings and evenings, virtually private.

We stay away from Soggy Dollar. It is on every checklist of "must dos" in the BVI, along with Foxy's. The Soggy Dollar is reknowned/notorious for creating the Painkiller and there is often a lot of pain killing going on there. It tends to get filled with a loud day sailing crowd and is often over crowded. Foxy's is somewhat overrated but one of the few decent places for dinner.

For us the only place to stay on the island is White Bay Villas. The accommodations there are reasonably priced, clean and offer among the most amazing ocean views I've ever seen. (And I've done a lot of tropical and other ocean area traveling.) I could watch the seagulls fly and dive along the cliffs for hours. We grilled on our deck almost every night, though the accommodations at WBV have well-equipped kitchens too. You should probably make arrangements to provision your room before you arrive as the on-island grocery election is EXTREMELY limited and just as EXTREMELY expensive.

Enjoy.