Joel

Me again, Karen. As I look at your first posting on this string, you and I are saying the same thing: "Go to Aruba." My sentiments exactly.

KC

Ditto. Some very good small resorts on Tortola. Obviously not for everyone and certainly not for Barbara. She should have brought her smelling salts. But now let's all stop this silliness and get back to the Caribbean, shall we?

Karen

All is "forgiven" ... LOL ... and there isn't even a full moon!! Guess I did come down a wee bit harsh! Needing some serious limin' time with temps in the single figures and more snow!! <BR>Sorry!

Maureen

You know when I read Patty's post, saying she was considering Grotto Bay in Bermuda, I had the same reaction as Joel. <BR> <BR>Patty, if having a beach outside your room is important to you, Grotto Bay is not going to do it for you. It's a nice resort, but for a honeymoon I think you want something a bit more special. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Karen

Not to take a turn here but on one of my early visits to Bermuda, we stayed at Grotto Bay Club! First time that the napkins and matches in the room were personally engraved with our name and it was rather like consierge service as we know it today - but not all inclusive that I remember. It was a lovely small propety, the beach was not super when I saw some of the others and it really was a great trip. Of course, this was back in the early 70's and what did I know then!! Every once and awhile the name pops up and brings back memories ... especially of the Pringle sweaters and the great prices!! LOL

Barbara

OK! OK! You folks need to lighten up! You'd think that my "American point of view" description of Tortola was a personal insult. My comments about Tortola are strictly to give a newcomer a perspective from an American point of view, and to help her be prepared if she would choose Tortola. I would be just as candid about someplace in the U.S. I live near Chicago. It's a great place but the geography is flat and boring. You don't come to Chicago for wonderful scenery. I vacation in Northern Wisconsin. It is filled with natural splendor but it is rustic. You don't go there for luxuries. That's not an insult, just the facts. The fact about Tortola is that is rustic compared to the US. I did not say slum, nor meant to imply that. Go to Tortola for privacy and unspoiled natural beauty, but don't expect lots of luxuries. Please recognize the "heads up" as an honest depiction of the scene and not a slam of the Island or it's people.

KC

One of the more interesting strings: does one miss something by staying in the womb-like big AI places like LDB, Caneel, Ritz-Carlton? Or are the small resorts that provide less of a buffer to the island itself just quaint places with less to offer? <BR>A lot to be said for both experiences, obviously, but I have to vote for the smaller resorts that don't isolate you in terms of socio-economic class. The gates may be open, but there is little inside the gates that resemble what's outside except for the air temperature. I'm no bleeding liberal, and have enjoyed Biras, Guana, and PIR but I must say that to get the flavor of the islands, where you lay your head at night matters. Any thoughts?

anonymous

First thought is that if you have stayed at Little Dix, Caneel or the Ritz Carlton you would know that they are not all inclusive. The Rosewood resorts do offer meal plans as an option. Even PIR and Biras are not the traditional a/i either! And where I lay my head at nite does matter as does the quality of a resort. Not that the quaint resorts that you can do on a shoestring can't be a great experience, sometimes I much prefer the ambience and amenities that are offered by "luxury," pampering and poshness! There is room in this world for both and it has nothing to do with "socio-economic isolation." I do not agree that there is little inside that resembles the outside at those you mention! They are not gated communities but often offer the convenience of having things - like a wonderful beach, excellent restaurant(s), included water toys - on site so that one does not have to go schlepping all over to hunt it down or pay extra for it! If one enjoys, can afford and wants to go "first class," then they should. Otherwise "coach" gets you to the same place at the same time just with a little less comfort! As far as the "bleeding liberals," Rockefeller and the RockResorts are long gone unfortunately - speaking of liberals - and I guess it meant a lot to them where they and their friends rested their heads too!!

joan

OK here's my two cents: Out of all the Caribbean islands my husband and I have been to, St. Lucia and TORTOLA are the only two we have returned to...and we still want to go back again to Tortola. What a perfect mix of blue water, friendly locals, good restaurants, and mountainous terrain (a must for us Florida flatlanders). I too take issue with Barbara - I think using the term "Dumpy" is what got me going. Rustic maybe, but "dumpy" is downright insulting. And inaccurate. Oh well, the less people that embrace the place, the more perfect it will remain, right Joel? <BR> <BR>Note to Paula: Don't know personally about Fort Recovery (do a text search on this forum and you will see alot of info). But consider renting a villa on Tortola - they offer privacy and luxury (most with pool), at or below resort prices. Some folks (Karen) wouldn't dream of it due to the cooking/cleaning aspect, but we go out almost every night, and it's nice to get up and not have to go anywhere to get breakfast... <BR> <BR>To each his own! <BR>Joan

Barbara

Mea Culpa! for the word "dumpy" You are right that is offensive and I apologize. "Unkempt" would have been an accurate but more neutral word. I will tell you what surprised me, was the amount of loose trash and discarded items hanging about. Perhaps that is because collecting and disposing of unwanted items large and small, is very challenging on a mountainous island. Please also remember that this was my first trip to the Caribbean, maybe those who have been elsewhere have a comparison that puts Tortola in a different light. I hear that it is much more economically stable. I really can't imagine what "poor" islands are like. Also, I must confirm all that others have said about the BVI "belongers". They are wonderfully warm and inviting. They are justifiably proud that Tortola is much more friendly than the St. Thomas and the like, where the Islanders have been pushed out of the economic main stream. We noticed this right away on our day trip to St. Thomas. Given the choice, I would much prefer Tortola to St. Thomas. But, now I would be prepared for the rustic elements. Let's remember that Patty asked about planning a honeymoon. Many honeymoon couples are looking for some luxury on their special trip and I think it is fair to give a realistic portrait of what to expect. Again, please accept my apologies for an offensive term.

Mariarosa

Hi! I'm trying to find a relatively inexpensive accomodation in the BVI, with good food, and some amenities. Can anyone who has been there recently, give me the scoop on the Prospect Reef - Peter Island Beach Club? I know Prospect Reef does not have a beach, how is the beach at their Beach Club in Peter Island? How easy is it to go there from Prospect Reef (i.e., do they have multiple tripe per day, etc) Also, how is the food at Prospect reef in general? <BR> <BR>Also, does Prospect Reef have car rental on site? How much would it be? <BR> <BR>Also, are there any A/C rooms that face the water, or do they all face the road? <BR> <BR>Thanks a bunch!

KC

Mariarosa, <BR>I may be out of touch, but I have never heard that Peter Island Resort and Prospect Reef were part of the same company.

Karen

There are "new" owners of Peter Island but it was my understanding that the owners were part of the Amway "family." There were signifigant changes at PIR, the Tradewinds being enclosed, signifigant changes in staff and duties assigned to particular staff and a consult by the Blanchard's which to me would indicate some big changes on the menus/winelists to name some of the ones I am aware of. It also seems, when you go to the Prospect Reef site, that there is a part of a beach set aside for Prospect Reef. If you look at the pix when clicking on the "Beach Club" there are some "tents" set up and a large assortment of water toys lined up. It, to me, does not look like a part of Deadman's Bay but it could be. I am hoping that it is not the fabulous White Bay that has somehow fallen into the hands of Prospect Reef - but it kinda looks that way to me! I have not gotten a definitive answer but this has renewed my puzzling over the "changes" at PIR. I find it interesting that on one hand Prospect Reef is going "time share" but also advertising "spa" services and the introduction of a "cooking school." It certainly does not take much imagination to see where PIR might be headed!

Karen

Opps! hit send! I guess the rumor from Anguilla that Blanchards are interested in selling their restaurant (altho my belief that anything at any time is for sale if the price is right) only adds mystery to the puzzle! Of course, this is pure conjecture ... and I do hope that I am WRONG!!

kathleen

Having been to Tortola , I can completely understand why some of you would not recommend it for a honeymoon. It is a beautiful island but I completely agree with the lack of luxury and it can be a bit rustic- I would use other words but I don't want to offend anyone..I stayed at Long Bay and really did have a nice time but it was not the greatest place to stay...The best part of our stay was C&F Restaurant( amazing BBQ!!) and The Sugar Mill restaurant( great food and atmosphere). <BR>As for Caneel Bay- I know several people who have stayed there recently and all were disapointed with everything except the beaches there but is there really any better place to go for beautiful beaches than St. John (at least in the virgins). <BR>I am currently planning a trip to Peter Island and I may change my mind since a couple of you have mentioned some changes there but scubamom loves it and she seems a pretty good judge of the resorts she has visited. Any feedback would be appreciated. <BR>

Karen

I spoke with Lynn (scubamom) this afternoon and she has found out that the "Prospect Reef Beach Club" is on a small sandy spit on a little piece of land that the resort doesn't own. It is nowhere near either Deadman's or White Beach nor the resort! In fact, one needs a boat to get there. So, as far as the "daytrippers" coming for the day every day to use PIR as their beach, that is NOT happening. So, I am reassured that PIR does continue to offer the pristine quiet escape and the wonderful beaches, great food and primo staff are all still there!! The beachfront rooms are perfect for a honeymoon! (I too had the misfortune of staying at Long Bay once! Peter Island is a gazillion and one times better in every way) I am just glad to hear that one of my favorite of all time destimations has changed drastically and the changes have been for the better!!

Karen

Opps! sorry!! It should read: <BR>PIR has NOT changed drastically and the changes that have been made are for the better!!

Mariarosa

Hi Karen! Thanks for finding out more on the Prospect Reef's Peter Island Beach Club. Did scuba mom know anything about how is the Prospect's Club beach?

Karen

No, she didn't say. But I do remember several active threads on www.traveltalkonline.com on the BVI page. I think that they had some of the same questions that you did. Maybe go and see what is cooking there! If you can't get there, email me and I will send you the link. You do not have to "register" to use that site.

Preston

My wife and I are planning a November trip to BVI. We want the best of both world, so we are splitting our vacation between Tortola and PIR (although Biras is still in the running). Where are good places to go on Tortola for: <BR>Food (good food), Fun (not a nightclub type place), Art shops (we always pick up 1 or 2 pieces of artwork to remember our vacations), and a true taste of island atmosphere.