T Bradford

We are considering vacationing on either Virgin Gorda or Tortola in July 1997. Any information on where to stay, night life, activities, etc. would be greatly appreciated. How would you compare them to CANCUN Mexico? Is it very expensive or not? Any recommendations on diving or shopping there?

Kathrine Noel

We spend Easter '97 at Virgin Gorda and it was great! Stayed at Paradise Beach Resort, which was really three buildings with two condo-type units in each. It was just what we were looking for--quiet, right on the water, and with a kitchen. VG is a beautiful island--20 MPH speed limit--you must rent a jeep in order to get around. there is not any shopping to speak of, but the restaurants there are good. We did miss having some local/exotic food--it was pretty much American fare at the places we went. (except the wonderful Italian Rest., Georgio's table) we visited Tortola one day--also beautiful, but much more busy! I'd chose VG and take day trips to other islands. Our most fun day was the day that we rented a little boat at Leverick's and visited nearby islands and snorkeling spots--the greatest snorkeling! Let me know if you have any specific questions--k noel

DON

Been to tortola, vg and cancun during the last two years. Virgin Gorda and Tortola are beautiful, peaceful quiet and expensive (especially food). comparing cancun to tortola or vg is very hard. it is like comparing a quiet country town to a big city. They are very different. Cancun is built up with much nightlife and restaurants. Their is tons to do and cancun almost never sleeps. also prices are quite reasonable. Virgin Gorda is very quiet with stuff to do but it is very different and very, very quiet if you compare it to cancun. Tortola (my favorite) is beautifull and the people are wonderfull but it also is much different than cancun. in cancun you have a million things to do. In the British Virgin island it is much more laid back. and yes much more expensive for food and drink. Hope this helps EMAIL me if you need more info

Debi

Went to Virgin Gorda October of 1990. Stayed at Bitter End Yacht club. VERY wonderful and romantic. All inclusive, including use of small motorboats and day sail to the Baths (you've probably seen in pictures) for snorkeling. Rooms are in little bungalows on hillside. When in shower, look out over sea, Beautiful! Biggest drawback is not much beach (coral). We took boat to go snorkeling all around the area. Will arrange diving for you also. (not included). We loved it as a couple. Big sailboat docking point during certain weeks of the year. Since you're going at off season, like we did, rates are about 1/3rd off, but only one of the two restaurants were open when we were there.

Fabrizio La Rocca

I went to Virgin Gorda with my wife and daughter 2 years ago at about the same time. We stayed for 5 days at Mango Bay, a really nice, small and isolated resort of private villas by the beach. The villas, set in a beautiful tropical garden, are extremely comfortable, with equipped kitchens, 2 or 3 bedrooms and terraces overlooking the sea (you should ask for a front row villa, right on the water). The beach was rather small when we were there but it seems to change in size from season to season. If you call talk to the owner, Paola Moretti, and send her my best. The tel. is (809) 49-55672 and the fax (809) 49-55674

The food is not the highlight of the island. Very little is grown there and even the fish is imported, sometimes all the way from the U.K. Giorgio's Table, by Mango Bay Resort, with good pasta dishes and fresh lobsters, and Mad Dog, a bar at the top of The Bath, are the most memorable places.

Only one problem in the summer. Mosquitoes.

Jean Spencer

Spent a week on Virgin Gorda at the Bitter End Yacht Club. A lot of sail boats dock there. We don't sail, but no matter. Still a great time. It is completely different from Cancun. The Bitter End is the closest we have ever come to really "getting away from it all." There is a disco there, but thank goodness it was closed for maintenance. No other night life. Only one of the two resteraunts was opened, but it was enough. The food was great and plentiful. The cottages are rustic, but very comfortable. You feel like you are the only ones there. There are side trips available every day--snorkling, shopping, etc. Everything is accessible by boat. It is more expensive than Cancun, but worth every penny. I've been to both, and would much rather return to the Bitter End. Most people there are on some kind of all inclusive plan for 7 or 10 days.

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My wife and I have been to the BVI's 7 Times. It clearly is the best place in the Carribean and a sailors and divers paradise. The two ultra lromantic places are Peter Island and Little Dix bay- Both are expensive >$400/ night in season without food. We are going to Biras creek this year on Virgi Gorda which is also Beautiful. Peter Island is still my favorite place in the Carribean even after seing almost every Island.

Good Luck