Sugar Mill beach?
 

Hi. Thanks again to everyone who helped us decide where to take our short break. In the end, we decided on Tortola because the flights get you in early and leave late, allowing a full Sunday. <BR><BR>In any event, we are now trying to decide where to stay. We're thinking of the Sugar Mill Hotel, but are concerned about the size of the beach. I've heard it said that it is tiny. So, I am wondering how tiny? Mostly, we'd want to swim a little and relax in a chair (btw, are there beach chairs?). For snorkeling, I think that we'd head elsewhere.<BR><BR>Also, how is the pool?<BR><BR>Any other suggestions on where to stay? We've been concerned by the mixed reviews of Long Bay.<BR><BR><BR>Thank you.

Ratchie; My wife, daughter and I stayed at Sebastions By The Sea several years back. The Sugar Mill was right down the road, and I stopped in for drinks several times, and talked to the owners. Plush grounds, very tropical setting and laid back. A classy but natural ambience emanated from the grounds. The beach was small, and very rocky, across the road, which is about 60 feet across a lightly traveled road. I would highly recommend you rent a jeep from them or from Sebastions (they have a jeep rental on the premises) and tour Tortola. Yes, Sugar Mill's beach is tiny, but you could lay out on a lawn's chair. The beach at Sebastions was small as well. The snorkeling off Sugar Mill is uneventful. But a short 4 minute jeep ride down the road brings you to Cane Bay Beach, which is great snorkeling. Also, don't miss Smuggler's Cove beach. The road is great, with sharp turns, but slow traffic and majestic views of the ocean and beaches below. You could stay at Sugar Mill, rent a jeep, tote your snorkeling gear around and experience great beaches; i.e., have your cake and eat it too. I would say Sugar Mill, from what I saw, tops many of the other places to stay on Tortola. It's got soul and naturally blends into the surroundings. The Tortolans are extremely environmentally conscious, and Sugar Mill is a symbol of this attitude. Robert

Thank you, Robert. Your information was really helpful. We're definitely renting a car and plan to visit the places you mentioned. Also, because the beach sounded rather unimpressive, we decided to stay at a smaller hotel--Heritage Villas--and save the extra money. <BR><BR>Thanks again for your information!

Good idea. You will not regret renting a car...but make it a jeep. As I write, I'm staring at an enlarged photo looking down from a hilltop ridge, onto Cane Bay. Tortola is as beautiful as the USVI of St. John. Carry snorkeling equipment wherever you go. Another great beach is where a camping area is. Anybody recall the name of it? Anyway, snorkeling off of Cane Bay, Smuggler's Cove we Id'd over 58 reef fish species, including octopus, stingrays and Caribbean squid. Pack your camera and snorkeling gear in the jeep. Also, Pusser's is a neat area to shop. Whilst my wife and daughter shopped there, I dove into the dock area, and recovered gold-painted mugs, foreign coins, and other relics accidentally dropped into the water by visiting yachters. When I dove 15 feet down on one run, I looked up to see a huge mass of silver fish, appearing like a torpedo, jetting pass me. My wife and the local Tortolans were yelling &quot;Get out of the water!&quot; on the dock. Apparently, a large Tiger Shark was positioned underneath one of the yatchs in the shadows, waiting for a food dish. It must have been there for at least 45 minutes watching me delight in the snorkeling experience. It slowly cruised away out of the dock area, bothered by my presence and the yelling from above. Another testimonial that sharks aren't crazy killers. I can honestly say I've always wanted to return to Tortola. You will have fun. Robert

You'll enjoy your stay on Carrot Bay, which is next to Apple Bay on Tortola's north coast. The beaches up north are a little rocky, but your view will take your breath away. Hint: hit the Bamba Shack for great seafood buffets; it looks like a Little Rascal's broken down clubhouse, but looks are deceiving. It rocks on a full moon. You'll find out more about it via local lore and stories. Visit and snorkel at Brewer's Bay which is incredibly beautiful. A coral reef protects it. You'll like Long Bay, which is a huge white sand beach surrounded by lush coconut palms and seagrapes. Bring your camera to this beach! Remember Smuggler's Cove; we found it after some searching, and no one was there. A cigar box was on the honor system; I put in the coins for a pop which I had to squeeze through the kitchen door, obstructed by a hanging 6 foot, freshly-caught shark! It is a hidden and obscure beach; you won't forget it. Great snorkeling and many ocean reef fish offshore. Give us a trip report when you get back. Robert

Thanks again for even more great info.! I will definitely write when we return.