THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Located just 5 miles from Cruz Bay in St. John, Jost is a must visit for anyone interested in great beaches, great food and drink or for those who want party central in the BVIs. The many protected anchorages, beachfront restaurants, bars, and casual lifestyle make this a great place to relax. Foxy’s Tamarind Bar and Grill, located in Great Harbor not far from the customs office, is known for its great local food and drink. The famous Soggy Dollar Bar at the Sandcastle in White Bay is one of the most popular destinations of the jet-set visiting Jost. White Bay is home to one the most spectacular beaches in the Caribbean. Sidney’s Peace & Love is a unique dining experience with perhaps the best food on the island. Also home to Sandy Cay and Sandy Spit as well as the Bubbly Pool, Jost is well worth a day by itself.

The third largest island in the BVIs, Virgin Gorda means “Fat or Pregnant Virgin,” so named by Columbus for its shape as seen on the sea’s horizon. Of volcanic origin, Virgin Gorda has a mountainous center, the location of Gorda Peak National Park, that connects three very different worlds: the waterworld North Sound, its secluded Beach Coast and the boulder-strewn plains of The Baths and the Valley–Virgin Gorda’s main habitation. Spanish Town is the largest city on the island. The North Sound features Saba Rock Resort and the Bitter End Yacht Club: both destination resorts with all the amenities. The Baths are one of the Caribbean’s natural wonders, great for snorkeling and hiking. There is even a snack bar with food and drink. Virgin Gorda is a 1.25 to 1.5 hour trip each way from Cruz Bay, St. John depending on sea conditions.

Tortola is the largest and most densely populated of the British Virgin Islands. Local tradition recounts Christopher Colombus naming the island Tortola meaning “Land of the Turtle Dove.” The Dutch later settled the island and called it Ter Tholen, after an island off the west coast of the Netherlands. When the British took over, they altered the name to its present-day Tortola. Tortola is very mountainous and is 13.5 miles long and 3 miles wide. The largest town in the BVIs, Road Town, is located on the south side of Tortola as is Nanny Cay, the largest marina. The north shore is lined with beautiful beaches and coves that offer easy access for boaters and snorkelers. Several marinas (Nanny Cay, Marina Cay, Road Harbor) also call Tortola home.

Norman island is said to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel Treasure Island. The island has no permanent inhabitants but there is a restaurant and bar named Pirates Bar and Grill in addition to the old barge named William Thornton (popularly known as Willie T’s), which is a bar and a restaurant. Both are located in “The Bight.” The Indians and The Caves (for snorkeling) are also located at Norman Island.

A tropical island out of a Hollywood script, mostly uninhabited Cooper Island is surrounded by coral reefs and dive sites. The vegetation on Cooper Island includes coconut palms, bougainvilla, frangipani, lime trees, hibiscus, oleander, tamarind, yucca, orchids and cactus. The Cooper Island Beach Club offers cottages, a boutique, and restaurant in a beautiful setting. Open for lunch during the season from 11:30am-2:30pm.