Caribbean (Fodor's, 2011) - Fodor's Travel Publications [22]
Rosewood Little Dix Bay. | Map
$$$$ | RESORT | This laid-back luxury resort offers a gorgeous crescent of sand, plenty of activities, and good restaurants. Pros: convenient location; lovely grounds; near many dining options. Cons: expensive rates; very spread out; insular though not isolated. | Box 70, Little Dix Bay off North Sound Rd., VG1150 | 284/495–5555 | www.littledixbay.com | 73 rooms, 20 suites, 7 villas | In-room: safe, refrigerator, no TV, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: 3 restaurants, bars, tennis courts, pool, gym, spa, beachfront, water sports, children’s programs (ages 3–16), Internet terminal, Wi-Fi, no-smoking rooms | AE, MC, V | EP.
Saba Rock Resort. | Map
$$–$$$$ | RESORT | Reachable only by a free ferry or by private yacht, this resort on its own tiny cay is perfect for folks who want to mix and mingle with the sailors who drop anchor for the night. Pros: party atmosphere; convenient transportation; good diving nearby. Cons: tiny beach; isolated location; on a very small island. | Box 67, North Sound, VG1150 | 284/495–7711 or 284/495–9966 | www.sabarock.com | 7 1-bedroom suites, 2 2-bedroom suites | In-room: no phone (some), kitchen (some), refrigerator. In-hotel: restaurant, bar, beachfront, water sports, Wi-Fi, no-smoking rooms | D, MC, V | CP.
NIGHTLIFE
Pick up a free copy of the Limin’ Times—available at most resorts and restaurants—for the most current local entertainment schedule.
During high season, Bath & Turtle (Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour, Spanish Town VG1150 | 284/495–5239), one of the liveliest spots on Virgin Gorda, hosts island bands Wednesday and Friday from 8 PM until midnight. Local bands play several nights a week at the Bitter End Yacht Club (North Sound VG1150 | 284/494–2746) during the winter season. Chez Bamboo (Across from Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour, Spanish Town VG1150 | 284/495–5752) is the place for live jazz on Monday night and calypso and reggae on Friday night. The bar at Little Dix Bay (Little Dix Bay VG1150 | 284/495–5555) presents elegant live entertainment several nights a week in season. The Mine Shaft Café (Copper Mine Point, The Valley VG1150 | 284/495–5260) has music on Wednesday and Friday. The Restaurant at Leverick Bay (Leverick Bay Resort & Marina, Leverick Bay VG1150 | 284/495–7154) hosts live music on Tuesday and Friday in season. The Rock Café (The Valley VG1150 | 284/495–5177) has live bands nearly every night during the winter season.
SHOPPING
Most boutiques are within hotel complexes or at Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour. Two of the best are at Biras Creek and Little Dix Bay. Other properties—the Bitter End and Leverick Bay—have small but equally select boutiques.
CLOTHING
Blue Banana
(Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour, Spanish Town VG1150 | 284/495–5957) carries a large selection of gifts, clothing, and accessories. At Dive BVI (Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour, Spanish Town VG1150 | 284/495–5513), you can find books about the islands as well as snorkeling equipment, sportswear, sunglasses, and beach bags. Fat Virgin’s Treasure (Biras Creek Hotel, North Sound VG1150 | 284/495–7054) sells cool island-style clothing in tropical prints, a large selection of straw sun hats, and unusual gift items such as island-made hot sauces, artistic cards, and locally fired pottery. Margo’s Boutique (Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour, Spanish Town VG1150 | 284/495–5237) is the place to buy handmade silver, pearl, and shell jewelry. The Pavilion Gift Shop (Little Dix Bay Hotel, Little Dix Bay VG1150 | 284/495–5555) has the latest in resort wear for men and women, as well as jewelry, books, housewares, and expensive T-shirts. Pusser’s Company Store (Leverick Bay VG1150 | 284/495–7369) has a trademark line of sportswear, rum products, and gift items.
FOOD
The Bitter End Emporium (Bitter End Yacht Harbor, North Sound VG1150 | 284/494–2746) is the place for such edible treats as local fruits, cheeses, baked goods, and gourmet prepared food to take out. Buck’s Food Market (Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour, Spanish Town VG1150 |