Caribbean (Fodor's, 2011) - Fodor's Travel Publications [11]
A few hotels lack air-conditioning, relying instead on ceiling fans to capture the almost constant trade winds. Nights are cool and breezy, even in midsummer, and never reach the temperatures or humidity levels that are common in much of the United States. You may assume that all accommodations listed here have air-conditioning unless we mention otherwise. Remember that some places may be closed during the peak of hurricane season—August through October—to give their owners a much-needed break.
Villas
Renting a villa is growing in popularity. Vacationers like the privacy, the space to spread out, and the opportunity to cook meals. As is true everywhere, the most important thing is location. If you want to be close to the beach, opt for a villa on the North Shore. If you want to dine out in Road Town every night, a villa closer to town may be a better bet. Prices per week during the winter season run from around $2,000 for a one- or two-bedroom villa up to $10,000 for a five-room beachfront villa. Rates in summer are substantially less. Most, but not all, villas accept credit cards.
Areana Villas
(Box 263, Road Town, VG1110 | 284/494–5864 | www.areanavillas.com) represents top-of-the-line properties. Pastel-color villas with one to six bedrooms can accommodate up to 10 guests. Many have pools, whirlpool tubs, and tiled courtyards.
The St. Thomas–based McLaughlin-Anderson Luxury Villas (1000 Blackbeard’s Hill, Suite 3, St. Thomas, USVI, 00802-6739 | 340/776–0635 or 800/537–6246 | www.mclaughlinanderson.com) manages nearly three dozen properties around Tortola. Villas range in size from one to six bedrooms and come with full kitchens and stellar views. Most have pools. The company can hire a chef and stock your kitchen with groceries.
Purple Pineapple Villa Rentals
(Box 3705, Avon, CT 32034 | 305/897–0088 | www.purplepineapple.com) manages seven luxury homes in locations all over the island. Most have pools, hot tubs, and other amenities. Villas range in size from one to six bedrooms.
Smiths Gore
(Box 135, Road Town VG1110 | 284/494–2446 | www.smithsgore.com) has properties all over the island, but many are in the Smuggler’s Cove area. They range in size from two to five bedrooms. They all have stellar views, lovely furnishings, and lush landscaping.
ROAD TOWN
Moorings-Mariner Inn. | Map
$$$–$$$$ | INN | If you enjoy the camaraderie of a busy marina, this inn on the edge of Road Town may appeal to you. Pros: good dining options; friendly guests; excellent spot to charter boats. Cons: busy location; long walk to Road Town; need car to get around. | Waterfront Dr., Box 216 VG1110 | 284/494–2333 or 800/535–7289 | www.bvimarinerinnhotel.com | 32 rooms, 7 suites | In-room: refrigerator. In-hotel: restaurant, bar, pool, diving, Internet terminal, no-smoking rooms | MC, V | EP.
Village Cay Resort & Marina. | Map
$$ | HOTEL | If you want to be able to walk to restaurants and shops, you simply can’t beat Village Cay’s prime location in the heart of Road Town. Pros: prime location; shops and restaurants nearby; nautical ambience. Cons: little parking; busy street; need car to get around. | Wickham’s Cay I, Box 145 VG1110 | 284/494–2771 | www.igy-villagecay.com | 17 rooms, 5 suites | In-room: refrigerator, kitchen (some), Internet. In-hotel: restaurant, bar, pool, spa, Internet terminal, Wi-Fi, no-smoking rooms | AE, MC, V | EP.
OUTSIDE ROAD TOWN
Fort Recovery Beachfront Villas. | Map
$$–$$$$ | VILLA RESORT | This is one of those small but special properties distinguished by friendly service and the chance to get to know your fellow guests rather than the poshness of the rooms and the upscale amenities. Pros: beautiful beach; spacious units; historic site. Cons: need car to get around; isolated location. | Waterfront Dr., Box 239, Pockwood Pond VG1110 | 284/495–4467 or 800/367–8455 | www.fortrecovery.com | 29 suites,