Sandcastle is on Jost, right? I've never even visited there, but my husband stayed on Jost about 20 years ago, and if I remember his stories correctly it was before they had electricity!

My husband used to dive but he had a really bad experience a long time ago and hasn't done it since. He is considering getting recertified these days now that he's semi-retired. I've never been diving, but I like snorkeling so much that I'm sure I would enjoy it. Maybe one of these days, but not any time soon!

And yes, we're traveling to VG in July of this year. Summer is the easiest time of year for us to get away, and if we travel in the off season we can often use the money saved as a justification for making two trips a year.

ej - I am already anxious for your trip. I am sure it will be fab. really. VG is the best! Oh, yes Sandcastle is on Jost.

hee hee. Thank, MIM! You're one of the reasons it was easy to pick Virgin Gorda as our destination. As we get closer to our travel time I'll want to pick your brain about restaurants and places to buy picnic and breakfast provisions, keeping a teenager's appetite and range of food interests in mind.

There is a Sandcastle "Hotel" on Jost, but we're staying at Sandcastle Villa on Mahoe Bay www.sandcastlevilla.com
In fact, your villa (I did some research on GordaGuy) is just behind Sandcastle.
Wow...twice a year??? I consider myself lucky to visit the BVIs once every other year.
You should give scuba a try. I love to snorkel but there is nothing like the freedom that comes with diving.

ksharell, well those days of traveling to the Caribbean twice a year may be behind me now that i've started a new job that doesn't allow the same flexibility of time off that my old one did.

When we travel we usually don't travel extravagantly, and like I said, we go in the off season. FF miles help, too. But my husband and I love to travel and will prioritize that over just about any other discretionary expense.

I know the villa you're talking abut and it looks just lovely. I'll get a close up view of it in about 6 months!

ej - pick away, LOL. I know you will love it. One of my favorite places. It will be here before you know it, just think its almost Feb. already! I am glad you found a place to stay, it sounds great! Actually we are traveling with a teen ourselves I believe in June. Our niece is coming to Italy with us to be a sort of nanny for our toddler - its not definite yet, but how can she say no? --but we can compare notes on good cuisine for them!

Well I'm very happy for you - that you are able to stay on Mahoe Bay this time. It is extravagent - which is probably why we can't go as often as we'd like.
You will love the snorkeling just feet away from your villa. In the last 10 years, the number of villas/new construction has sadly, taken a toll on the reef. We've noticed a difference. But it is still wonderful and you can also walk to Savannah Bay too - the snorkeling is also good.
Thanks for the tip on the other forum. It's good to make those kind of contacts.
I don't know how I'm going to wait 300+ days for out trip. I'll have to live vicariously through all of you!