TravelTalkOnline Forums Trip Reports (Read Only) BVI Trip Reports and Photos What makes the British Virgin Islands special?

Hi! As someone who hasn't yet been to the British Virgin Islands (going next April!), I am curious to hear what other visitors think make these islands special. I like the fact that massive commercialism hasn't yet taken root. I also like the laid back atmosphere I hear about and can't wait to visit. Thanks!

I took my first trip in October 2001 and I remember everything. But what I loved most of all was the Baths. It was the most perfect place I had ever seen. We had a blast crawling through the passageway, and had a burger at Top of the Baths (which we stil claim was the best ever!) We snorkled and saw rays and many fish. We weren't the only ones there but somehow that made it better knowing that others were sharing this too.

I also loved Sandy Spit, the little tiny spit of sand by Jost Van Dyke. I've never seen anything so small!

Something about how untouched the area is just gets me. And I love how everyone who resisdes there knows one another and is most probably related. It makes me feel like I am instantly welcomed. (Is that too sappy?) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" />


Katybug
Owings Mills, MD

Scuba Diving on the Rhone in the morning in water thats 89 degrees and perfect Viz. Lunch on the balcony and Surfing at Josiahs Bay in the afternoon. Then back to the balcony to watch the sun go down.

Sums it all up for me!

The people!!! - The locals as well as the regulars, who keep coming back for many years. Brewers Bay is such a place. The last 16 winters I met a lot of lifetime friends. I'll keep coming back for the rest of my life.

just look at the hundreds of personal web pages devoted to sailing and vacationing in the BVI. It is more than a vacation spot - it's an obsession. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Love.gif" alt="" /> Enjoy your honeymoon. Be sure to take a sail at some point.

Thanks for the responses everyone!

I agree that the people are definitely what makes the BVI Special. However, for me, it isn't only that. It is just a feeling I get when I get off the airplane. To me it is like entering into a different world. I feel like I am coming home and the people welcome me home each time I visit.

Hi Scott -

I'll take a stab at this one:
Beautiful, hilly islands just a few miles away in any direction always helping to fill your view.
Wonderful variety of beaches...a different character of beach for each day
Zero glitz
You actually have to hunt for someone to braid your hair
Passive marketing...you want it, come on over and they'll sell it to you
Airplane views...1,000 ft vistas from all along Ridge Rd on Tortola
Some pretty good snorkling from shore
Very nice Day Sail opportunities in picturesque waters
Lots of funky places to eat & drink
"Hidden" beaches for private times
Go ahead and drive, you can't get lost for long...it's an island!
Ferries that go everywhere...take a side trip
Very consistent weather...mid-upper 80's and a nice breeze
Phenominal local cuisine
The only "high-rises" are the villas halfway up the hillside
Other visitors who, like you, are absolutely euphoric about being there = camaraderie
Very friendly locals IF you're friendly and respectful first. The don't consider themselves to be tourist servants. You're simply visiting their home.

This might be hard for some to understand but I think of the BVIs as a place that would be relatively unchanged if there was no electricity. By that I mean that this society isn't predicated on modern conveniences, rather meerly augmented by them. The facets that charm are timeless.

A bit of advice. Get perspective early! Unplug. "Do" half of what you've planned.

12 Days & Counting <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" />

Thanks! I can't believe how much this place is turning out to be the ideal spot for me. Not jammed with mega-resorts, casinos and americanized fast-food, but a place where visitors can actually experience the native feel of the islands.

Your last post is the key to enjoying your stay. You will get a feeling in your soul of the absolute freedom this place brings to your spirit. I cannot add enough to take lots of side trips.

Yesterday was our one year anniversary, Rex and I were married in Cane Garden Bay and it was our first trip to the BVI. We have spent the last couple of days saying things like "one year ago to this moment we were snorkling at the Indians". I know that in twenty years, no matter how many times we go back in between, we'll say the same thing.

Needless to say, every experience was savored and nothing was taken for granted.
One of my favorite memories was sitting on Cow Wreck Beach on Anegada and picturing myself in relation to the rest of the world at that moment. I could see the world map in my head and I was so far from "reality" so to speak. (that's why I use a photo I took as part of my ttol screen name, it's also my screen saver on my computer)


If this all sounds very emotional it's because it is. It was almost spiritual, and some may say it is <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

It is also the screen saver on my computer, thank you Laura & Rex, in 42 days we are going back for our sixth time. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

I have to admit, it's my screensaver as well. I find myself staring at it way too much these days, in great anticipation of our trip coming up next friday...

Thanks so much for sharing it!!

Jen

I agree. Coming from the US, I tell people to "Dial it Back" several days before going to BVI. Forget hurry. Don't worry.