Alas, we returned from 19 days in the BVI on 3/14. Another fabulous trip. We have been visiting annually since 1994 and most of those visits have involved sailing either on bareboat or crewed charters or with friends on their own boat. This trip we were entirely land based and, although one can never replace the experiences of sailing around the BVI, we had a GREAT time. We just wanted to outline a few of our experiences and say thank you to all the folks in the BVI who contributed to making our trip such a success.

We flew AA into EIS where we were met with our very first BVIP welcome. Talk about feeling special. What a fabulous, warm welcome. Thank you so much to Kimberly and her staff (they really do take care of everything). We could not have dreamt a better start to our trip. From there we headed to West End ferry dock and the 6pm trip to JVD, via Jolly Roger and our first cold Caribs.

We spent 5 nights at White Bay Villas - Seaside Cottages. Wow-what an amazing spot. The seaside cottages are extremely comfortable units. The views are spectacular and the entire WBV staff was more than hospitable. We provisioned ahead from Bobby’s and made arrangements through WBV for everything to be delivered to our unit and put away ahead of our arrival. That was a great service and we will definitely to do that again. We divided our days between the serene, quiet of Ivan’s and the excitement and comedy of the beach between Soggy Dollar and One Love. For several years now we have been trying to get to One Love for lunch, but something always got in the way. Seddy’s Lobster salad became an obsession, but our fear was anything made of lettuce could not live up to our expectations. Boy were we ever wrong. The lobster was moist and abundant, the greens fresh and the dressing a perfect accompaniment. We highly recommend it. We also had two dinners at Corsair’s, as good as always, and an absolutely perfect dinner at Sandcastle. Thank you to Gerry and Tish for a great night and their friendly company. Dinner at Harris’s a favorite treat, did not disappoint - don’t turn down the Coconut Pie.

On to Virgin Gorda and Guavaberry Spring Bay. This was our 5th year at GBSB, with many more to come. Tina, Michelle, Valerie and staff were more than accommodating (as always). GBSB units are very comfortable and well maintained, and the commissary is absolutely the best. Our days were spent lounging on Spring Bay (our favorite beach in the BVI) and lunching at Mad Dogs. Thanks again to the Mad Dog
ladies Leilia and Natasha. BLT/Fritos/Carib - now that is what lunch is all about! Sunday afternoons at Rendezvous are not to be missed with the band and party atmosphere. It doesn’t hurt that there are two for one painkillers and that Edith is behind the bar! For the end of the day, we loved the “new” Thursday barbeque at Mermaid’s which culminates with a tray of lobsters being delivered to the table. This is a lot of fun, especially if you are a larger group. Michael Bean’s revamped show on the beach at Leverick is great fun. Follow up Happy “Aaaaaar” with dinner Upstairs at Leverick and you have a great night. The dinner and service at Leverick Bay is still outstanding. Louis, Ali, and staff never fail to please. Without a doubt one of the best wines lists and storage in the BVI. The Village Cafe (what we call little Leverick) is a different setting, however, the food is outstanding. The chef and the the staff were delightful. Lunch and dinner there are highly recommended, especially if you are hungry! One of our staples when at GBSB is the Rock. As rabid college basketball fans, it is the one place we can always count on to catch a game. The pizza is outstanding (and I work in New Haven). Thanks to the bar staff who once again suffered and cheered through a UCONN women’s basketball Big East Championship game. Our nights at the Rock, even without basketball, are always a highlight of our trips.

From GBSB we returned to Tortola to spend our last 5 nights and our 20th wedding anniversary at The Sugar Mill. We had a pool suite, which offered a truly outstanding view. The property is very well maintained, and the landscaping outstanding. Thanks to the entire staff for making our Anniversary a very special night. Abeola, the concierge, is extremely helpful and pleasant, with a great sense of humor. The pool suites are very comfortable with a breakfast bar, separate bedroom and bath and great outdoor shower/garden. Everyone on the staff couldn’t have been nicer or more attentive. While on Tortola, we divided our days between Sebastian’s and Smuggler’s Cove. At night we had several outstanding meals at the Sugar Mill. We also had a fantastic dinner at Sebastian’s. For the first time, we had sunset cocktails and dinner at Bananakeet. What a spot! Menu is eclectic, food fresh and delicious and the view can not be beat. Not to forget breakfast; Omar’s D-cup in Soper’s Hole is outstanding.

Lastly, a big thanks to all of you on TTOL who share your trips and recommendations. We are almost daily readers. TTOL and the webcams are the only things that keep us sane until our next trip.