Caribbean (Fodor's, 2011) - Fodor's Travel Publications [13]
Fodor’s Choice | Surfsong Villa Resort. | Map | Photo
$$$$ | VILLA RESORT | Nested in lush foliage right at the water’s edge, this small resort on Beef Island provides a pleasant respite for vacationers who want a villa atmosphere with some hotel amenities. Pros: lovely rooms; beautiful beach; chef on call. Cons: need car to get around; no restaurants nearby. | Beef Island | Box 606, Road Town VG1110 | 284/495–1864 | www.surfsong.net | 1 suite, 5 villas | In-room: no a/c (some), safe, kitchen, DVD, Internet. In-hotel: gym, beachfront, water sports, bicycles, laundry service, Internet terminal, Wi-Fi, no children under 8, no-smoking rooms | AE, MC, V | EP.
NIGHTLIFE AND THE ARTS
NIGHTLIFE
Like any other good sailing destination, Tortola has watering holes that are popular with salty and not-so-salty dogs. Many offer entertainment; check the weekly Limin’ Times for schedules and up-to-date information. Bands change like the weather, and what’s hot today can be old news tomorrow. The local beverage is the Painkiller, an innocent-tasting mixture of fruit juices and rums. It goes down smoothly but packs quite a punch, so give yourself time to recover before you order another.
By day Bomba’s Surfside Shack (Apple Bay VG1130 | 284/495–4148), which is covered with everything from crepe-paper lei to ancient license plates to spicy graffiti, looks like a pile of junk; by night it’s one of Tortola’s liveliest spots. There’s a fish fry and a live band every Wednesday and Sunday. People flock here from all over on the full moon, when bands play all night long. At the Jolly Roger (West End VG1130 | 284/495–4559) an ever-changing roster of local and down-island bands plays everything from rhythm and blues to reggae and rock every Friday and Saturday—and sometimes Sunday—starting at 8. Local bands play at Myett’s (Cane Garden Bay VG1130 | 284/495–9649) has live music most nights, and there’s usually a lively dance crowd. At the Pub (Waterfront St., Road Town VG1110 | 284/494–2608) there’s a happy hour from 5 to 7 every day and live music on Thursday and Friday. Courage is what people are seeking at Pusser’s Road Town Pub (Waterfront St., Road Town VG1110 | 284/494–3897)—John Courage by the pint. Or try Pusser’s famous mixed drink, called the Painkiller, and snack on the excellent pizza. BVI recording star Quito Rhymer sings island ballads and love songs at Quito’s Gazebo (Cane Garden Bay VG1130 | 284/495–4837), his rustic beachside bar–restaurant. Solo shows are on Tuesday and Thursday at 8:30; on Friday and Saturday nights at 9:30 Quito performs with his band. There’s often live music at Sebastian’s (Apple Bay VG1130 | 284/495–4212) on Thursday and Sunday evenings, and you can dance under the stars.
THE ARTS
Every May hordes of people head to Tortola for the three-day BVI Music Festival (Cane Garden Bay VG1110 | www.bvimusicfestival.com) to listen to reggae, gospel, blues, and salsa music by musicians from around the Caribbean and the U.S. mainland.
Musicians from around the world take to the stage during the Performing Arts Series (H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, Paraquita Bay VG1110 | 284/494–4994 | www.hlscc.edu.vg), held from October to May each year. Past artists have included Britain’s premier a cappella group, Black Voices; the Leipzig String Quartet; and pianist Richard Ormand.
SHOPPING
The BVI aren’t really a shopper’s delight, but there are many shops showcasing original wares—from jams and spices to resort wear to excellent artwork.
SHOPPING AREAS
Many shops and boutiques are clustered along and just off Road Town’s Main Street. You can shop in Road Town’s Wickham’s Cay I adjacent to the marina. The Crafts Alive Market on the Road Town waterfront is a collection of colorful West Indian–style buildings with shops that carry items made in the BVI. You might find pretty baskets or interesting pottery or perhaps a bottle of home-brewed hot sauce. An ever-growing number of art and clothing stores are opening at Soper’s Hole in West End.
SPECIALTY STORES
Art
The Allamanda Gallery