Prospect Reef on Tortola?
Mar 31st, 2001, 03:55 PM
#41
Guest
Posts: n/a
Hello, again. Best food on Tortola is probably Sugar Mill which is owned by a couple of "Bon Appetit" columnists. Having eaten there, I was more impressed by the building, an actual 18th Century sugar mill, ("tote that barge lift that bale") than the food, which was nevertheless very good (dinner for two with wine $100-$150). <BR>Most out-of-the-way-but-fun is dinner and entertainment at Mrs. Scatliffe's, a regional restaurant in the lady's home with funghi band and lots of "come to Jesus" and Caribbean music. Not to be missed! <BR>Place to stay on Tortola is Frenchman's Cay for the fabulous view, friendly management, great food, and kick-back atmosphere.
Apr 3rd, 2001, 01:10 PM
#44
Guest
Posts: n/a
Haven't been back to the board since I posted my earlier message. Sure has been a lot of conflict! Here's my take on my trip to Tortola last October. We have been vacationing in Sept/Oct for the last 3 years and plan on it again this year. Yes, it is hurricane season but the discounts and empty resorts at this time of year make it worth the risk for us. We always purchase travel insurance just in case. Have been lucky and never got hit. As for Prospect Reef it is a really good deal for a package in the fall. ( Cheaper than Biras, Peter Island Rsort or Litte Dix Bay but not as fancy )You get 3 meals and drinks included and 2 side trips ( we chose the Baths and Anegada ). You get a shuttle boat to Peter Island (NOT PETER ISLAND RESORT! ) every day. There is a strip of beach with lounge chairs, hammocks and every water toy you can imagine. The beach is rocky but the snorkeling is great. Equipment is included right on the beach under a tent. With the all inclusive we got a great lunch freshly prepared on an open deck right on the beach. The food at the resort was also excellent. They do try to pitch the time shares but in a low key way. I wouldn't waste time on the presentation which we did, too expensive in our opinion. As for Tortola it IS rustic but charming. There are great shops in Road Town including an art gallery. There is a pretty but modest botanical garden too. Worth spending a few minutes walking through. After all when you are on vacation you need to take time to "smell the roses" as well as party. Night life is limited but for us that is never an issue so we were fine with it. Lastly, as I mentioned in my previous posting, check for a/c wherever you choose. It is HOT! Many places do not have a/c since many guests are from England and not really used to a/c as we Americans are.
Apr 3rd, 2001, 04:56 PM
#45
Guest
Posts: n/a
Hi Lynn! Thanks for the information! It is very helpful. I don't know if you check this board frequently, but I would like to know if you rented a car from prospect Reef (or nearby) and if the cars were in OK condition. I would also love to hear more about the rooms - it seems the cheapest rooms are either road view with A/C or waterviews no A/C...do you think the additional $ for the admiral's suites was worth it? Thanks for all the information!
Apr 4th, 2001, 04:39 AM
#46
Guest
Posts: n/a
Hi Mariarosa, The Admiral Suite DID face the ocean. As do the Reef rooms which my friend stayed in 2 weeks after us. She liked it a lot and it is a bit cheaper than the Admiral Suite. The view was from the lower level sitting area. The bedroom was a loft with no view. You have to be very insistent when you book that you want a room WITH A/C facing the ocean. I think about half the rooms face the ocean but not all have a/c. During the off season in the fall we like the luxury of a fairly empty resort so if you don't like the room they give you, just ask for another one. We did rent a 4 wheel drive suv from Prospect Reef, not a Jeep but I don't remember what it was. It was new, clean and ran great. Don't remember the price either but it was fair and not very expensive. If you go definitely rent a 4 wheel drive vehicle and tour the island. The roads are very winding and some really steep and curving. Plus they drive on the left which my husband found a challenge. Go slow and be cautious. There is not a lot of traffic to worry about. Be sure to find out how to get to Smuggler's Cove and wear your bathing suits when you take the car. Smuggler's Cove is at the end of a VERY bumpy dirt road but well worth it. When you step through the trees and see the beach it is like being on a deserted island. The sand is almost white and the water is still and turquiose. The views are spectacular too so be sure to bring lots of film. Bear in mind that Tortola is not fancy or upscale but has it's own charm and beauty. Before we went to Smuggler's Cove we stopped for breakfast at the North Shore Shell Museum and had eggs, tropical pancakes, juice and coffee for about $2 each. The owner is a belonger (I think his name was Bernard, not sure ) The building is very old and run down looking but if you like really learning about a place when you visit and not being a typical American tourist this is the place. If you start a conversation with the owner, he will give you a wonderful description of their lifestyle and culture. We enjoy being pampered on our vacations but we also enjoy learning about new places and people. We go with the attitude that everyone and everything has it's own value and try to sample the culture and well as being spoiled by the resort. Hope this helps you decide. I try to check back here regularly if anyone has more questions. You can always send me an email.
Apr 4th, 2001, 05:12 AM
#47
Guest
Posts: n/a
The travelers to the BVI are initiating a boycott of Prospect Reef until the owner decides to give up his FOLLY of bringing in wild dolphins for his ABUSEMENT PARK! A pair of dolphins has already died as they were being transported. For more details you can go to the message board @ http://www.traveltalkonline.com/wwwt...&Board=bvi and look for the thread "captive dolphins."
Apr 4th, 2001, 06:43 PM
#48
Guest
Posts: n/a
Lynn, thanks again for the information. It is very helpful. If we do go, we will definitely get a room with A/C and rent a car.<BR><BR>Annonymous - I remember seeing the swim with the dolphin program at Chanknaab Park in Cozumel - we didn't do it as we a) did not agree with the captivity of the dolphins and b) I would never spend $100 to swim with them, but it looked to be a very popular program, there were tons of families with kids. I think it is more of an attraction for families than for couples. Maybe these types of programs should be banned?
