Caribbean (Fodor's, 2011) - Fodor's Travel Publications [20]
The Rock Café. | Map
$$$ | ITALIAN | Surprisingly good Italian cuisine is served among the waterfalls and giant boulders that form the famous Baths. For dinner at this open-air eatery, feast on chicken and penne in a tomato-cream sauce, spaghetti with lobster sauce, or fresh red snapper in a butter-and-caper sauce. For dessert, don’t miss the chocolate mousse. | The Valley VG1150 | 284/495–5482 | AE, MC, V | No lunch.
Top of the Baths. | Map
$$$ | AMERICAN | At the entrance to the Baths, this popular restaurant starts serving at 8 AM. Tables are on an outdoor terrace or in an open-air pavilion; all have stunning views of the Sir Francis Drake Channel. Hamburgers, coconut chicken sandwiches, and fish-and-chips are among the offerings at lunch. For dessert, the key lime pie is excellent. The Sunday barbecue, served from noon until 3 PM, is an island event. | The Valley VG1150 | 284/495–5497 | AE, MC, V | No dinner.
WHERE TO STAY
Whereas villas are scattered all over Virgin Gorda, hotels are centered in and around the Valley, Nail Bay, and in the North Sound area. Except for Leverick Bay Resort, which is around the point from North Sound, all hotels in North Sound are reached only by ferry.
PRIVATE VILLAS
Those craving seclusion would do well at a villa. Most have full kitchens and maid service. Prices per week in winter 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. On Virgin Gorda a villa in the North Sound area means you can pretty much stay put at night unless you want to make the drive on narrow roads. If you opt for a spot near the Baths, it’s an easier drive to town.
The St. Thomas–based McLaughlin-Anderson Luxury Villas (1000 Blackbeard’s Hill, Suite 3, Charlotte Amalie, USVI 00802 | 340/776–0635 or 800/537–6246 | www.mclaughlinanderson.com) represents nearly two dozen properties all over Virgin Gorda. Villas range in size from two bedrooms to six bedrooms and come with many amenities, including full kitchens, pools, and stellar views. The company can hire a chef and stock your kitchen with groceries. A seven-night minimum is required during the winter season.
Tropical Care Services
(Box 1039, The Valley, VG1150 | 284/495–6493 | www.tropicalcareservices.com) manages about a dozen properties stretching from the Baths to the Nail Bay area. Several budget properties are included among the more pricey offerings. Most houses have private pools, and a few are right on the beach. A sister company at the same number, Tropical Nannies, provides babysitting services.
Virgin Gorda Villa Rentals
(Box 63, The Valley, VG1150 | 284/495–7421 or 800/848–7081 | www.virgingordabvi.com) manages more than 40 properties near Leverick Bay Resort and Mahoe Bay, so it’s perfect for those who want to be close to activities. Many of the accommodations—from studios to six or more bedrooms—have private swimming pools and air-conditioning, at least in the bedrooms. All have full kitchens, are well maintained, and have spectacular views.
The following reviews have been condensed for this book. Please go to Fodors.com for expanded reviews of each property.
Biras Creek Resort. | Map
$$$$ | RESORT | Although Biras Creek is tucked out of the way on the island’s North Sound, the get-away-from-it-all feel is actually the major draw for its well-heeled clientele. Pros: luxurious rooms; professional staff; good dining options. Cons: expensive rates; isolated location; difficult for people with mobility problems. | Box 54, North Sound, VG1150 | 284/494–3555 or 877/883–0756 | www.biras.com | 31 suites | In-room: safe, refrigerator, no TV (some), Wi-Fi (some). In-hotel: 2 restaurants, bar, tennis courts, pool, spa, beachfront, water sports, bicycles, Internet terminal, Wi-Fi, no-smoking rooms | AE, D, MC, V | FAP.
Fodor’s Choice | Bitter End Yacht Club. | Map
$$$$ | HOTEL | Sailing’s the thing at this busy