The Islands - Romantic Escapes in the Caribbean: Lovetripper Guide - page 142

Sound like a boating fantasy? It is, but in the British Virgin Is-
lands, it can also be a reality. Year-round, old salts and would-
be skippers come from around the world to sail these calm wa-
ters and take advantage of a group of 50 islands called “Na-
ture's Little Secrets.” These Virgins are loved for their quiet
getaways, empty beaches, and a romantic maritime atmo-
sphere.
More than any other Caribbean destination, you'll find that the
British Virgin Islands (or just “the BVI” if you want to sound
like a real salt) is a great destination for those who want to di-
vide their vacation with a stay on land and on water. The island
of Tortola is the home of the largest charter yacht company in
the world, The Moorings, and many properties offer packages
combining resort rooms with a few days on a crewed or bareboat
yacht. You can set sail for paradise from just about any point in
the BVI.
Tortola will probably be your first taste of these islands. It's the
most active destination in this island chain, but don't expect big
resorts, duty-free shopping or cruise ship crowds. Here traffic
comes from a goat in the middle of the road or from boaters com-
ing ashore for a full moon party at a side-of-the-road joint called
Bomba's Shack . These are, as the tourist office likes to say,
the Virgin Islands that are still virgin.
Semi-arid and hilly, Tortola is home to two primary communi-
ties: Road Town, which is the capital, and West End. With
such no-nonsense names, you'd expect no-nonsense places, and
that's exactly what these towns are. You won't need a road map
to locate West End, a community that's visited by yachtsmen
who come in to provision their vessels and to enjoy the local fla-
vor at Soper's Hole, a marina splashed in shades of pink, sea
green, and turquoise. This pastel shopping center offers Carib-
bean arts, crafts, and also one of the most picturesque photo
spots in the islands where waterfront buildings are as colorful
as Easter eggs.
Another popular provisioning area is Road Town, logically
named because most roads converge here. Government offices
and banks line the streets of the capital city, along with a few
shops and restaurants of special interest to travelers. In either
town you can catch a water taxi to other islands in the chain.