We (me, my wife and a child aged almost 5) spent a land-based vacation on Tortola (6-20 August). Rather than a trip report I would like to post my comments about some of the issues that were discussed on TTOL in the past few months. So, here we go:
ACCOMMODATION – We stayed at Lambert Beach Resort, where my wife and I had already been in 1998. The place needs a bit of restyling (which I know will be done between September and October) but it’s still a great place. The rooms are located in beautiful gardens (I believe that the max distance from the beach is no more than 300 ft), large and comfortable (A/C, fan, TV and an outdoor veranda); the beach is fabulous, much better than in many other hotels, even the most famous ones (caution: I understand the sea could get a bit dangerous during winter, as it happens all along the North Shore); the pool is known as the largest one on Tortola; the restaurant serves excellent food (though the service is quite slow – not a surprise though on the island). The only cons are that the place is distant from everything (so you need to rent a car or call a taxi if you want to go anywhere) and that there is no kind of entertainment but a pool table in case that’s what you are looking for (but if you want a casual yet elegant and relaxing atmosphere instead, then LBR is perfect). Besides, Lambert arranged for a charter flight connecting from/to our international flight at a very reasonable price (that is no waiting time at all!)
RESTAURANTS (FOOD, SERVICE, ATTITUDE, BILLS) – We visited the following: Pusser’s (Road Town, West End and Marina Cay), The Pub, C&F, Captain’s Table, De Loose Mangoose, Myett’s, Fat Hog Bob’s, Cyber Cafe. Generally speaking we found the service quite slow, but as I said I understand this is quite common – and after all no one was running after us, so it was not a big problem. Over all the food was good (my best vote goes to Captain’s Table), in most places (not everywhere) the staff was kind and smiling (best at Captain’s Table, worst at Fat Hog Bob’s), and our bills were always correct (the service charge, where added, was always clearly shown and never hidden as a tax).
DIVE SHOPS – I dived with Sail Caribbean Divers at Hodges Creek (having Melissa and Peter as instructors) and Dive BVI at Marina Cay (Casey). Nothing to say, the staff at both places was very professional and helpful so that the dives were excellent.
BEACHES – Besides Lambert Beach, we went to Little Bay (just beside Lambert), Long Bay on Beef Island, Josiah’s Bay, Cane Garden Bay, Brewer’s Bay, Smugglers’ Cove. All beautiful of course, however I must say that compared to our 1998 visit we found Smuggler’s Cove very bad maintained – lots of plastics and bottles everywhere. We decided not to return to The Baths as everyone who had been there during our stay told us it was always very crowded.
DOLPHIN DISCOVERY – Ok, it’s a sort of a circus thing. However, as it is advertised it is an “Experience of a Lifetime” indeed, I don’t think my son and I will have the opportunity to hug and play with a dolphin often in our lives! Moreover the impression was that the animals are treated well (except of course the fact that they are not free).
THE ER AT PEEBLE HOSPITAL - Yes, I even experienced that - nothing serious, just a precaution since it seemed that my body was the preferred food to those awful bugs you can find on the beach. Whether I was allergic to them or (as my wife says) I got infected for scratching too much, the fact is that I got a couple of large, bad looking, bubbles on my ankles. I had to wait less than half an hour before I was visited by a doctor, both he and the nurse were friendly.
Well, that’s all. As you have probably understood we surely had a great time on Tortola without experiencing any of the troubles I read about on TTOL. Are we people who get easily satisfied? were we lucky? I don't mind, all I know is that we do hope we could return next year !!!
