Hi. We got back from Tortola yesterday and just wanted to give a brief trip report. We were there for 3 nights/4 days. Tortola was just amazing! Beautiful scenery, gorgeous beaches, clear and warm water. We had a great time!<BR><BR>The first day we went to the beach at Cane Garden and went kayaking. The beach was a bit crowded because 2 cruise ships were in port, but the cruise people left by around 4 or so and it got quieter. We rented a kayak--not a sea kayak, more of a toy, but it was still fun. We saw a turtle while out on the water, which was great.<BR><BR>The next day we got some snorkeling gear and went to Smugglers' Cove--amazing. It was so beautiful. The sand was very powdery and the water was just perfect. There was plenty of shade. My husband snorkeled the whole area and saw some really pretty fish and neat corals. Also, while I was wading in the water by the shore I saw a ray, which was amazing--just kind of hanging out.<BR><BR>The same day we stopped off at Long Bay on our way back to the hotel. It is really a beautiful beach. Very quiet, very picturesque. Contrary to the reports that I had read on this board, the sand on the beach was fine and powdery--at least at the west end, where we were walking. We walked down to the area in front of the Long Bay Resort and the sand was still beautiful. However, the sea was a bit rougher there than elsewhere on the North side of the island and it looked like there were rocks in the water. So, nice beach to walk on, but not so much for swimming, I think.<BR><BR>The next day we stayed at the hotel--Heritage Villas and enjoyed the gorgeous views from the porch and pool area. The view really was incredible. The hotel was nice and the owners were fabulous--very friendly and extremely accomodating. We got to chat with them quite a bit, which was really nice. Our room was quite comfortable--a one bedroom with a living room/kitchen area and bathroom. The view from the porch was amazing; possibly the only view more amazing was that at night, when the sky was all lit up with stars. <BR><BR>The last day we went to Virgin Gorda for the morning. We took the ferry over--a word of advice: take the Speedy Ferry, not the Smith's ferry. The Smith's Ferry is entirely enclosed and not well air conditioned and I became really nauseated as a result (and I don't usually become sea sick). We took the Speedy back to Tortola and it was much better; we sat outside, which was really nice. Anyway, we went to the Baths and then took this crazy path through boulders and water, etc. to Devil's Bay, which was beautiful.<BR><BR>After that, we headed back to Tortola and went to Elizabeth Beach (I think it's also called Lambert Beach) on which the Lambert Beach Resort is located. It was also pretty. Very isolated and quiet. The water was good for swimming and the sand was superb. <BR><BR>I think that Smuggler's Cove was definitely our favorite part; it was just perfect. If you go, definitely rent a car (4wd) and either bring your snorkeling gear with you or rent it was soon as you get to the island so you don't have to waste time doing that like we did. <BR><BR>If you have any questions, I'm happy to answer them. Just post them to this site.<BR><BR>Thanks again for all of your help!

You certainly packed a lot in in your short time. It sounds like you will be hooked now on the BVI.

Absolutely!

Hi, I'm so excited to hear about someone loving Tortola! My husband and I have been there twice. Once with our kids. They were not even bored! They just played in the sand all day. We stayed at Long Bay Resort both times. <BR><BR> We enjoyed this little restaurant called The Palms Delight. Between Long Bay and Cane Garden. It was a little divey but great Island cuisine. Did you go to ther Bomba Shack?<BR><BR>Can you tell me where Heritage Villas are located. Were always looking for good recomendations. We are actually leaving for Virgin Gorda the end of this month. Weve only been there on a day trip, so were very excited to explore the Island further. We rented a house that looks amazing from the pictures. Were hoping that we won't be bored! It's a pretty small Island, only 1,200 people habitat it. <BR><BR>Hopefully these Islands will remain secluded and beautiful forever. I'm glad not many people know about these tresures!<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR>Sharon<BR>

Sharon,<BR> Sorry it took me so long to respond to your note--it does seem that we responded to the other's post yesterday at the same time . <BR> In any event, the Heritage Villas is located on Windy Hill--you can actually see Long Bay from there. Basically you go east from Long Bay along the north shore. The view really is the best we found on the island. I think that it's a different experience from Long Bay. The &quot;villas&quot; are not stand-alone structure--more like apartments. It was perfect for us. The hotel has a restaurant--the BVI Steak, Chop &amp; Pasta House. It has a website--http://www.heritagevillasbvi.com/<BR><BR>We actually did not go to the Bomba Shack; we drove by and heard about it and decided that we'd rather have our drinks at the hotel--don't have to think about driving that way.<BR><BR>Have a great time in Virgin Gorda--if you haven't done the walk from the baths to Devil's Bay, you should--there's the prettiest grotto-like area on the way.<BR><BR>Enjoy!

Ratchie, Sharon,

We are planning our second anniversary and, based on your responses, we will definitelly head for Tortola.

I found a $1500 deal for 2 persons including a Jeep's week rental at the Frenchman's cay resort hotel and I was wondering if you had any experience with the villas or if you had any other recommendation.

Thank you very much in advance for your answer - Serge

Planing a trip to the BVI, staying for 7 days,cant decide on Tortola or Virgin Gorda,any pros/cons?? Thanks

Message: Ratchie; enjoyed your trip report on Tortola, especially Smuggler's Cove. Is it still as isolated as it was when my family was there, 6 years ago? Is the old man with the white beard still the proprietor? Is the white lincoln continental still inside the shelter, which Queeen Elizabeth used to tour the island? Is the &quot;honor system&quot; still used where you put your money in the cigar box, and go inside the kitchen and get pop, dogs, or whatever to eat? We stayed there most of the day before another couple showed up. What about the &quot;road&quot; going to Smuggler's Cove still dirt and bumpy (I hope). Please advise. You make me want to return. Robert

Unfortunately the gentleman who ran the &quot;honor bar&quot; passed away several months ago. Future plans for the property are unclear. There is someone else selling refreshments near the parking area.

The road is still dirt and bumpy, but I suspect more people have discovered the beach compared to 6 years ago. It's all the fault of these damn bulletin boards.