Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE BRITISH
VIRGIN
ISLANDS
The British Virgin Islands embrace 40-odd islands,
6
some no more than just rocks or spits of land in the
sea. Only three of the islands are of any significant
size: Virgin Gorda (Fat Virgin), Tortola (Dove of Peace), and
Jost Van Dyke. These craggy and remote volcanic islands are just 15 min-
utes by air
or 45 minutes by ferry from St. Thomas.
With its small bays and hidden coves, once havens for pirates, the Brit-
ish Virgin Islands are among the world's loveliest cruising areas. The
islands mainly attract those who like to sail, although landlubbers will
delight in the beaches. Despite predictions that mass tourism will invade,
the islands are still an escapist's paradise. The smaller islands have color-
ful names, such as Fallen Jerusalem and Ginger. Norman Island is said to
have been the prototype for Robert Louis Stevenson's novel Treasure
Island. On Deadman's Bay, Blackbeard reputedly marooned 15 pirates
and a bottle of rum, giving rise to the well-known ditty.
Even though they are part of the same archipelago, the British Virgin
Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands are as different as Dame Judi Dench
and Julia Roberts. U.S. islands like St. Thomas are deep into mega-resort
tourism, but it's still a bit sleepy over in the B.V.I., where the pace is much
slower and laid-back, and the people seem more welcoming. Even the
capital, Tortola, seems to exist in a bit of a time capsule.
Most of the resorts on Virgin Gorda are so isolated from each other that
you'll feel your hotel has the island to itself. For those who want to be truly
remote, there is a scattering of minor hotels on a handful of the smaller
islands. Peter Island has the poshest lodgings, and there are modest inns
on Jost Van Dyke and Anegada. Some places are so small that you'll get to
know all the locals after a week. With no casinos, no nightlife, no splashy
entertainment, and often no TV, what does one do at night? Jost Van Dyke
has only 150 souls but six bars. Question answered.
