Virgin Islands it is...now where to stay...
 

So decided on Virgin Islands, now where to stay.
Options (in order of $) -
Biras Creek (VG)
Gallows Point (St John)
Peter Island
Frenchmens (Tortola)
Mango Bay (VG)

or a St John villa rental, though I am wary of not having maid service for a week...

Any thoughts? Mango Bay seems like a great deal - anything I'm missing (besides extra travel)? Peter Island has a great deal on LL right now, but recent reviews leave me very worried that it has gone way downhill. Gallows Point seems convenient as its St John, but seems a bit expensive. Biras Creek is twice the price of the rest, though maybe its worth it.

Want great beaches, quiet, access to day trips to some of the other islands.

Any thoughts?

St John my fav for best beach acess value combo

caneelbay.com

Gallows

Westin Resort nice for price snagged bidding priceline $80 last

vrbo.com good deals research carefully some reviews censored

maho.org has a very nice vibe for price.

Brias more remote super nice great food if money no object.

Happy Hunting,

For great beaches and quiet, Caneel Bay. Incomparable. 171 rooms on 170 acres in the National Park, with 7 tree-shaded white sand beaches, all with wade-in snorkeling.

I was also curious about why Caneel and Little Dix Bay (VG) are not on your list -- is it a cost issue? They're both lovely properties, and I think I would pick LDB over Biras Creek.

That said, I've only visited Mango Bay, but I've seen some nice reviews, and it's a beautiful setting right on the beach. You can use the money that you're saving toward some nice boat excursions.

Hmm, Caneel and LDB both are a bit more expensive than the other (even Biras - they are offering some ok deals now AI).

From an island perspective I'd pick VG over St John and Tortolla. I felt VG was more quaint than the other two. I agree with the Caneel suggestions since its right on the beach if within price range. St John is great if you can stay on caneel but otherwise I felt the beaches were a bit crowded.

I'm in the midst of planning my first trip to St, John, but I've traveled to the BVi a few times. I find that I prefer Virgin Gorda over Tortola, despite Tortola's superior choice of restaurants outside of the resorts. For me it was more laid back, better beaches, better snorkeling, and easier to get around. We stayed in one of the Maho Bay villas (Adagio), which are right next to Mango Bay and it turned out to be my favorite location on the island--short drives to Leverick, Spring Bay, the baths, Spanish Town, but far enough removed that it was quiet and felt quite secluded.

If you're interested, you can read my trip report and see photos here: http://asthecrowefliesandreads.blogs...at-virgin.html.
The "next" and "previous" posts after that one are also about our Virgin Gorda trip.

There is a good price on an auction site for Biras Creek-much better than their own rates.