Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - tortola or nevis?

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tortola or nevis?

it's a toss up. we cannot decide which island to go to. who has some advice? we will be renting a villa w/pool on either island, so its not about what hotel/resort is better. (i know alot of folks adore the 4s) however, i'm torn between the two islands. i know nevis, is difficult to get to, thats a given. but besides the travel issue, what island wil offer the independent, adventurous, west-indian food, beach and hiking enthusiast the best time? all advice welcome. thanks!

I would have to opt for Tortola. I like the wonderful people, the great opps to take your 4WD to little bays and tiny, secluded beaches, and the almost crime-free environment. If your villa is near West End, then you can view your vacation as to the Virgin Islands more so than to the BVI or USVI, because the West End ferry will be near at hand so you can have a dramatic change of pace by taking a day trip over to Charlotte Amalie or Cruz Bay. Also, nearby Virgin Gorda offers a great day trip. You can really get into the funghi bands and Caribbean cuisine. Try Mrs. Scatliffe's. A family runs it in their home. Great Caribbean food in a VERY authentic environment with home band. Also, a bit more upscale is Quito Rhymer's bar & restaurant over the water at Cane Garden Bay. He's a very well known Caribbean reggae artist. He plays at least 2 nights a week at his place.

Sara, I forgot to mention that the 30 min ferry ride over to St. John puts you into the US National Park there which has GREAT hiking over two thirds of the island in unsullyed forests and along pristine beaches. I'd also recommend the Patouche II, catamaran day trip snorkeling along the Sir Francis Drake Channel. They'll take you to uninhabited islands for excellent snorkeling for swimmers/nonswimmers alike. A great day and change of pace. Consider flying to STT and taking the ferry to West End, Tortola, as a means to get the best view of the VI prior to settling in on Tortola.

I have been to both and did like 4S on Nevis, too. However, if you are looking for non-resort activity, I found Nevis/St. Kitts to be very disappointing. Some very good restaurants on Nevis but IMO other than that very limited choice of activities on either island. Tortola, however has some excellent restaurants, better shopping, and more access to activities including, as the last poster stated, easy access to other islands like St. John and St. Thomas by ferry or charter a boat for the ability to visit the other BVIs for some memorable entertainment. Have fun!

It's a tough call because they are both my favourites. I think Tortola has the edge over Nevis because of its proximity to the other Virgin islands. Also, the roads in Nevis are terrible so getting around is a bit of a pain. Overall, you can't beat the BVI for beauty.

Hi Sara - Haven't been to Nevis so can't compare. Can tell you that Tortola "offers the independent, adventurous, west-indian food, beach and hiking enthusiast" all you can handle. It's not a resort oriented island and most bars, restaurants, etc are not associated with the few small resorts that do exist. I can rattle off 5 - 6 incredible owner-operated west-indian eateries that will blow you away. Mt Healthy and Mt Sage offer a hiker all they want with the views for the payoff. 6-7 great beaches each with it's own personality. Great toes-in-da-sand beach bars, many with live music at night. A great place to explore. Rent a jeep and soak it up. Dave

Dave --- I am off to tortola in march. Am interested to know the WI eateries you are referring to and if the big name restaurants are worth it, ie. brandywine, sugar mill. I've read different opinions

Hi Jackie - The merits of Sugar Mill and Brandywine are relative. I've never eaten at Brandywine but they say it's the complete package (ambiance, view, service, food). I've found Sugar Mill inconsistent and the cuisine is mostly continental with a little WI fusion. I'm sure that you have very fancy, big $$$ fine restaurants at home but what you don't have are the great locally owned WI places. Here ya go, in no particular order: Palm's Delight - Carrott Bay, North Shore...Superb Ginger Wine Chicken and Grilled Shrimp C&F - Purcell, RoadTown...WI BBQ at its finest. Great Conch & seafood. Huge portions. North Shore Shell Museum, Carrott Bay, North Shore...Incredible $6 breakfast, Go with the Curry Goat for lunch or dinner. Egbert Donovan, Proprietor is a hoot. He'll enlist you into his funghi band. Roti Palace, RoadTown...The name speaks for itself. De Loose Mongoose, Trellis Bay, Beef Is...BBQ, grilled shrimp & seafood. Good stuff. Elm's, Cane Garden Bay...Elvett's BBQ on Fri & Sun. Sebastian's, Apple Bay, North Shore...Also has a great Ginger Chicken dish, great Carib lobster and other WI fare. Quito's, CGB...Never ate there but its got a good rep. Mrs Scattliffe's, Carrott Bay...ditto Ceta's, Apple Bay...ditto In addition, others that are not WI oriented but that I found to be really good...Jolly Roger, Chop House, Virgin Queen (Pizza). Have a great time on Tortola! Dave