Hubby and I just got back from a week on Tortola. We are forty-somethings from the Atlanta suburbs that enjoy the Caribbean.
Debbies is a great resource for research and trip reports, and I always try to leave a little something when I return. Here goes.
Arrival: We flew early out of Hartsfield, 6:30 A.M. to be exact (way too early), on our all-day odyssey to Tortola. Atlanta to Miami, Miami to San Juan, and then San Juan to Tortola. I will never do that again! I will pay the extra money and fly direct to San Juan. Although, IMHO American Airlines is better than Delta, I just wish they had a direct flight, ATL to SJU.
Customs in Tortola is a breeze. We had rented a car from Denzil Clyne in West End. Brian was waiting for us, and we were off. A word about Denzil Clyne. Very good company, great cars, and prompt.
The apartment: We stayed at Coconut Point in Carrot Bay. We rented the Orchid, which was the studio. The apartment was clean, spacious, and had everything you could possibly want for a great vacation, including books to read! We met Uschi, the manager, at Sebastians, and she took us straight away to our apartment. We enjoyed Orchid. It was quiet and peaceful; right on the ocean. The A/C worked wonderfully, although some days we didn’t need it. The water pressure was great in the shower, and there were plenty of towels and soaps. There was a coffee pot, blender, two refrigerators, and plenty of space. There was cable TV and a few chairs for lounging. French doors that led to a great porch. Just wish they’d trim that tree in front. It blocks a good bit of the view.
Staying in Carrot Bay was great too. We were close to Long Bay Beach Resort where we ate breakfast a few times. Also, Sebastians was great. We had dinner there twice and it was wonderful. Palms Delight was a great restaurant too right down the road. Oh and Bomba’s Shack is within walking distance. Interesting place.
Beaches: The beaches we enjoyed most were Long Bay, Smugglers, and Brewers Bay. Long Bay was deserted most of the time. Just simply a beautiful beach, with lively waves, where you could walk and walk. Smugglers Cove was tough to get to, but once you got there it was heavenly. There were a couple of people selling food and drinks there, very nice. Brewers Bay had great snorkeling. We went there quite a few times and snorkeled all day. There’s a great beach bar with wonderful cheeseburgers and pina coladas. The beach was usually deserted. Felt like a Survivor.
Cane Garden Bay was okay, but there was trash in the water. It was sad. We tried to find Lambert Beach, but after wasting a couple of hours on the Ridge Road, never could find it. Oh well, next visit.
Conclusion:
One thing we loved about Tortola was the rural-ness (is that a word?) of it. It’s still unspoiled. The water is so clean and the people are sweet. I hope it stays that way. Limin’ is truly what we did. We never locked our car, never felt unsafe, and loved the chickens and chicks running around everywhere. Can’t wait to go back!