beachplum

I definitely would vote for Virgin Gorda v Tortola. Whole different attitude with wonderful beaches and many resorts/hotels/villas on those beaches. Tortola has limited beach - Smuggler's, Brewer's, Josusha's but each one on VG is long and usually you see a few people at best. Lots of choices in all price ranges for accomodations. Also snorkeling from some of the beaches on VG is much better.

As to Long Bay, that someone recommended on Tortola, in winter the water there tends to be very rough. It is also very rocky. It is also large comparied to the more intimate "Caribbean-like" places to stay.

Check out MangoBay on VG for their rates. They may be in your range. Not sure about St. John in your range tho. Maybe one of the B&B's. Check usvi-on-line.com for their active St. John message board.

Problem is if you have to come back to STT for your flight home, it makes for a long long day from VG especially if you have to ferry to Tortola and then to STT. You might want to save a nite to finish on STT at Secret Harbour or one of their spots so you don't have that horrid day. I much prefer to fly out of VIJ (Virgin Gorda) to San Juan or you could fly back to STT if that's where you are landing/departing.

lovethecape

Janeanne,
I love the BVI's and would also love to spend more time on Virgin Gorda. I've only been to the Baths for a brief visit. Enjoy!

Jayneann

tforty,
Thank you for a truthful answer!

beachplum,
I've been reading lots of Caribbean posts and your name comes up alot. Thanks for answering! I am definitely leaning towards VG. I like the looks of Mango Bay Resort. I'm going to write to them and hopefully they won't think I'm crazy since I'm planning this for next year! I do want to stay on the beach though and those may fill up quickly.

I'm actually thinking about flying from Boston to Beef Island, then taking the ferry to VG. That looks to be the easiest. What do you think?

lovethecape,
Thanks again, you've been so helpful!

ScubaMom

Yes, you want to fly to Beef Island and take the 20 minute ferry to Virgin Gorda. Mango Bay can arrange someone to meet you and/or a car rental which is highly recommended.

Booking now is a good idea since their beach front villas fill up quickly.

If you plan to use FF miles, book that too as soon as you can set dates with Mango Bay. Free seats also go quickly. If the airline tells you that a segment has no FF seats left, ask what the price is to buy that segment. We've done that many times - it is far cheaper than buying a whole ticket.

Have Fun! Mango Bay has a gorgeous beach and snorkeling area.

Jayneann

Thanks for the help, ScubaMom!

Now I just have to decide between Mango Bay Resort or Guavaberry Spring Bay. I will probably post this on a new thread!

Anyone care to comment on pros and cons of both places?

laplaya

have not been, but read about both.

per research, Guavaberry has what some consider the prettiest beach (Spring Bay), close to town, sound of roosters in AM, near Baths.

I think its 10 min walk to beach, but not sure.

laplaya

read that mango bay (in mahoe bay) has small beach

StanKase

I only spent 2 days on Torto;a 8 or 9 years apart but not overnight.But have spent the equivalent of 2+ months on St. John and almost as much time but mostly in the 1985-1998 period exceprt for a trip in Dec. '06.
I would say hands down Tortola was the least attractive island though the least congested. I did not find many beaches with palms swaying around me but on the other 2 there are many.I tended to stay at resorts so cannot comment on condo's or cottage rental.Accessibility to other islands is the only thing Tortola has going for it over the others that you seek. The next best is probably BG.But as for restaurants St.John I would say has a wider selection than VG.
It is true the least expensive accommidations are probably on Tortola but thattells you something, I believe. If you want occassional snorkeling on your base island then St. John wins hands down. It really has several spots that still, despite global warming killing the coral, have healthy areas that are as serene, co;orful and interesting as The Baths though the Baths are unique because of the boulders.But VG is limited to The Baths and 2-3 other spots left for good snorkeling bit none are in the league of the Great Barrier nor is St. John and Anegada for snorkeling was a major disappointment in '-6 with mostly dying coral that was gray and therefore less fish and few sea anenomes. In about 1996 it was quite spectacular but Al Gore was right but no one listened to diatribe back as early as 1990 or so.
We likely will return to the Virgin's 1 more time, likely in "09 and go to St. John and do a long day or overnight day trip charter as far as Jost.

laplaya

is virgin gorda a place you'd like to return to for good beaches?

Jayneann

StanKase,
Thank you for your insight!! I'm now leaning towards Virgin Gorda. I emailed a couple of places, but rates and availability aren't out for 2009 yet! So, I still have time to continue researching!

ejcrowe

I stayed at one of the villas at Mahoe Bay this past summer, but for a future trip I would be just as happy at the Guavaberry Spring Bay as I would be at Mango Bay. In terms of strict beach, I'd say that Mango Bay was better--a walkable beach with gentle water. In terms of snorkeling, Spring Bay wins out--it's got all the mystique of the bolders at the Baths but without the crowds. Both places are in a good location.

I just loved Virgin Gorda, and while my companions and I had a tremendous time on Tortola, we overall preferred VG as a destination.

In response to your earlier question, we stayed in one of the family-style rooms at the Sugar Mill that hadn't been renovated yet. It was very comfortable with a kingsize bedroom, a kitchenette, a full bathroom and a living room with a pull-out sofa bed where our granddaughter stayed. It was very comfortable and large enough that we didn't feel crowded. It also had a balcony with very nice views over the gardens looking out toward Jost Van Dyke.

laplaya

would you consider Virg Gorda as lush & tropical, with lots of palm trees and flowers?

Or is it less lush, with grass & cactus?

Are the restaurants good, or mediocre?

Jayneann

ejcrowe,

Thanks for sharing your experiences! I am very intrigued by Virgin Gorda so we'll probably stay there and do a day trip to Tortola instead.

Interestingly though, I just met a woman who is very well traveled and she told me she prefers Tortola. She thought VG was too boring and harder to get to the other islands when staying there. She loves going to Bombas Full Moon Party and reminded me that if I only do a day trip, then I wouldn't be able to go.