TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands First Tortola Land-Based Vacation

Evening all! It's been a couple of years since my last charter. It was a great charter but, unfortunately, Irma came through two weeks after we left and the cat we chartered was lost in the storm.

However, in two weeks we'll be staying at a villa on Tortola for a week. While I'm very used to the usual haunts while sailing around the islands, I've never stayed on Tortola. Other than West End, Road Harbor, CGB, and Trellis, I've not really experienced much else of the island.

I'd love to hear about the places on Tortola that you love and we must hit to eat, drink, be merry, catch some rays, hike, and explore! Really appreciate your thoughts!

If you are staying on Tortola for an extended period one of the best options is to Island Hop - check out anegada, Virgin Gorda and JVD

We absolutely loved dinner at the Sugarmill and sunset cocktails from Bananakeet!

CottageGirl, this is perfect. I'm going to check those out.

Gordaguy2 - We're planning on heading over to JVD for a day, but otherwise plan to stay on Tortola. Most of us have been all over the BVI's since the 80's, so very familiar with the islands from the charter side. Really looking to explore Tortola this time from the land side. Appreciate the suggestions though!

Sugarmill is great and I think their beach bar is even better in terms of service and definitely price. Check out it (Tramonti) out!

On the north shore, I also recommend D'Coal Pot for lots of great Caribbean food options.

Be sure to stop at Stoutt's Lookout for a drink and to take in the views of CGB. In CBG, Quito's probably has the best food currently but also give Banana's and Paradise Club a shot. We like Paradise Club for lunch because it's quieter during the day.

If you haven't been to Smuggler's Cove, go there and check out that beach for a day. Have drinks with Nigel and lunch with Patricia. Same goes for Brewer's Bay if you haven't been there yet. Nicole's is the only place open and has drinks and sometimes lunch.

Where are you staying?

Jason - we’ll be in CGB next week. Had planned on cocktails at Bananakeet and then dinner at Sugarmill. We’re travelling with some serious foodies. Would you recommend Sugarmill or Tramonti?

Tramonti has a menu limited to Italian and sort of a small offering. Their liquors and wines are also limited so if you want more of a foodie experience stick with Sugarmill.

We like both but find the service more consistent at Tramonti. Many people have great experiences at Sugarmill, ours is just average every time. Plan on a couple of hours and enjoy it. It's a spectacular venue and really has a lot of old Caribbean charm.

Thanks Jason! We’re looking forward to it!

Jason, thanks so much for the info! These are just the kind of info I was looking for. Will be sure to check out Smuggler's Cove and Brewer's Bay for sure!

We're staying at the Pelican Peak Villa (http://www.pelicanpeak.com/home) overlooking Little Apple Bay. Should have some outstanding views, though it's a "sidehill wompum" trail up the road to get there from what I hear.

Smugglers Cove is our favorite. Banakeet for sunset dinner.