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Caribbean Travel Roundup
Paul Graveline, Editor
Edition 66
July 15 1996
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PUBLICATION SCHEDULE: PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CTR WILL NEXT BE PUBLISHED ON SEPT. 1.
Highlights for July 1996: There's news from the Bahamas and the USVI the islands supplied by the CTR's on island corespondents followed by press releases featuring information about family travel and tennis events. A list of official WWW sites for the Caribbean Islands. A special section from Lynn McKamey updating five resorts in the BVI and then there's over 30 files from correspondents which have just returned from the Caribbean. This is the largest CTR is history!
Because of my vacation schedule, this July 15 edition of the CTR was uploaded on July 5 with information obtained through that date. As I will be on a vacation schedule over the next two months, I may not return e-mail on a timely basis. I'll try to get back to all messages as soon as possible but I will be off-line for extended periods until Sept. 1 when the next CTR will be published.
Paul Graveline
Editor
CONTENTS FOR JULY
1/ News from the Caribbean
2/ Press Releases
Aviation -------- On 5/27 a Caledonian aircraft had an engine catch fire on St. Lucia and the passengers had to be evacuated. Apparently no one was hurt. (BBC) There's a new on-line newsletter devoted to aviation in the Caribbean. It's been appearing on rec.travel.caribbean on the newsgroups of internet. You can get further info from Chung-Wee Roger , Concord World Travel, London at E-mail: roger@concord-world- travel.co.uk. It's called the CARIBBEAN AVIATION NEWSLETTER and provides quite a lot of detail. He's looking for people in North America to contribute to the newsletter so if you have aviation news about the Caribbean drop him a line. Anguilla -------- They are changing back to the former name, Anguilla Great House Beach Resort effective June 1. While the excellent management and accomodating staff will remain the same, they will no longer be a franchise operation. They will still be an all inclusive resort, but offer more competitive rates, and the option of a European Plan. (Joan Schmiedlin) Bahamas News ------------ (Ed. Note: The following is from Robert Kennedy's Bahamas: This Week and is used with his permission.E-mail: kennedyr@bahamas.net.bs) The Ruffin Group, present owners of the Marriott Crystal Palace, announced plans to purchase Coral World and the Nassau Beach Hotel, according to the Tribune. (27 May 1996) USVI News --------- (Ed Note: The following items are reprinted with permission from Frank Barnako's Virgin Islands News. For more information check out http://www.clark.net/pub/fbarnako/otr/Paradise.htm/ as Frank also has a local villa to rent. Much tanks to Frank for keeping us updated on the USVI happenings. ). Marriott purchasing Grand Palazzo, St. Thomas? The Daily News reports they answer the phones at Turquoise Bay's Grand Palazzo saying "Ritz Carlton Grand Palazzo". The paper says the sale of 49 percent of the GP has been set for some time. The four star hotel is currently undergoing hurricane repairs and is expected to reopen by Dec. 1.(June 18, 1996) "Chateau bodacious" That's how Daily News reporter Lynda Lohr sums up the newly-reopened Chateau Bordeaux restaurant, overlooking St. John's Coral Bay and the British VI's. She says the chef, Scott Bryan "conjures up imaginative dishes, elegantly presented." Entrees priced $19.95- $29.95, including Cornish game hens, tuna, and roasted rack of lamb.(June 18, 1996) Double thanks Two letters to the Daily News editor in the past week ... thanking people. One St. Johnian said he met some people at the St. Thomas airport, but his visitor's luggage had been lost. Travel services returned the bag, door to door delivery, the next day. Another writer says she left her money and some items in a bag on a truck on St. John, and the owner of the truck tracked her down to return them.(June 18, 1996) Relieving traffic on St. Thomas A town meeting drew as many as 100 people offering to find ways to cut down on traffic along Charlotte Amalie's waterfront. The Daily News reports some residents suggested widening the roadway, while others suggested there should be efforts to simply reduce the number of cars on the entire island - pointing out traffic jams occur outside downtown, too. (June 11, 1996) Federal budget cuts reduce beach lifeguards and parks' maintenance No National Park trails on St. John are being maintained, some are even closed, due to federal budget cutbacks and resulting staffing reductions. The popular Reef Bay hike on St. John used to be given three times a week, now it's only once. And residents say lifeguards at the beaches are few and far between. Sources blame rising materials costs and salaries for forcing cutbacks in services.(June 11, 1996 VI National Park may charge cruise passengers It's reported cruise lines could be charged fees by the Park, as a way of dealing with Park service cutbacks. Reportedly, the Park service now charges cruise ships in Alaskan waters $5 a passenger. Service officials point out thousands of cruise ship passengers visit the VI's each week, using the park beaches at no charge.(June 11, 1996 An artist's dozen At least a dozen art galleries are operating on St. John these days. From Bamboula's at Mongoose Junction, featuring Caribbean art and works by Betty Weiss, to Elaine Estern and Lucinda Schutt's Coconut Coast Studios, onto the cooperative formed by almost another dozen artists at Island Made in Palm Plaza, there's lots to see, appreciate and enjoy.(June 11, 1996 It wasn't always like that It was 21 years ago that Linda Smith-Palmer,. the island's first commercial sign artist, came to Cruz Bay. Smith-Palmer tells the Daily News she started painting watercolors of women who lived on St. John, then began drawing Max the Mongoose, a cartoon the Daily News ran for years. "Making money was cool", Smith-Palmer says.(June 11, 1996 Open air fresh market Every Saturday on St. Thomas. At Rothschild Francis "Market Square", islanders who "grow their own" sell them. The Daily News reports you can find fruits, vegetables and fish, cakes and pies, and even potted plants. The market is open each day of the week, however it's Saturday when the largest number of vendors turn out. Some vendors begin setting up "shop" as early as 3am. (June 4, 1996) Eclipse reopens on St. John This time, the downtown Cruz Bay club owned by Elvis Yearwood, is turning to jazz and blues. Manager Ed Kyle says it will be "a classy place" (Last incarnation, it was a topless bar.) There will be a dance floor and plenty of room, Kyle says, to create a comfortable room in which visitors can enjoy the best music. Live entertainment is expected Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. (June 4, 1996) Caneel Bay set to reopen in October, Hyatt uncertain Engineers have estimated Caneel Bay repairs and renovations would be 80% complete by now. But that's not good enough, says the resort's new general manager, so Caneel will open this Fall with all repairs done. Meanwhile, the Hyatt is still closed, primarily because the bank which owns the property is trying to oust Hyatt management.(June 4, 1996) Hand made, island made A new shop has opened near the Hyatt Regency Hotel, in the new Palm Plaza shopping center. It's a cooperative and collective of artists, each of whom takes tuns clerking while all share expenses of operating the store. Artists are encouraged to show their work on consignment. (May 14, 1996) Little Switzerland getting bigger The company is expanding its St. Thomas store, and announces it also purchased the china and crystal business of A. H. Riise, another island retailer, some time ago. The flagship Switzerland store is due to reopen in early June, with more space to show case jewelry and watches.(May 14, 1996) Morgan's Mango draws new menu The three-year old Cruz bay restaurant on St. John is freshening its tastes. Morgan's is strengthening its Caribbean cooking offerings, expecting local deep sea fisherman to supply its more numerous fish specials. One new beef offering includes a filet mignon with a South American garlic, parsley and olive sauce. And there's a new espresso machine., If you visit, find Jane and tell her 'the Internet brought me'.(May 14, 1996)
La Cabana All Suite Beach Resort and casino offers its "Club Cabana Nana" children's program and "Teen Cabana Culture Club" making Aruba's premiere resort and entertainment center the ideal vacation experience. The "Club Cabana Nana" program, created for CHILDREN aged 5-12, keeps the youngsters on the go from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily except Wednesday, when the program convenes in the evening from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m.. The "Club Cabana Nana" package is priced at $80 per child, pre week. "With a host of activities ranging from pool and beach games to the creative arts like face painting and sand castle building, we feel we have a very unique offering for children away on vacation," said David Page, La Cabana's general manager. Each child in camp will receive a "Club Cabana Nana" T-shirt, lunch daily from the special children's menu ( except Wednesday which is movie night and camp participants will be served pizza for dinner) and all planned activities which include coloring, scavenger hunts , basketball, mini-golf, table tennis, bingo, pool and beach games, sand castle building, tennis lessons, talent show, face and t short painting, kids aerobics, badminton on the beach, ring toss, balloon throwing, fill the bucket, tube races and mini billiards and more. Incorporating educational and cultural elements into its program "Club Cabana Nana" features Papiamento lessons ( the local language), a botanical tour around the property and entertaining lessons on the island's history and culture. Aside from the above camp activities, La cabana has on premises shuffleboard, basketball, a children's playground, barbecue facilities, a game room equipped with and extensive selection of board and video games, and a library of educational tapes and sign along videos. For 13-17 year olds, La Cabana created the "Teen Cabana Culture Club" with wind surfing, snorkeling, billiards, mini golf, beach disco parties and more, keeping in mind the teens like to do their own thing and hang pout with their own crowd. Families seeking pursuits together can enjoy tennis, shuffleboard, volleyball, basketball and swimming in three pools and a children's pool. La Cabana's staff also can arrange off property tours to Aruba's many historical sites and excursions to the Dutch accented capital of Oranjestad. Spacious studio one-, two-, three bedroom and grand suite accommodations with fully equipped kitchenettes and the conveniences of an on property mini market, make family dining a comfortable and affordable experience. For reservations call 800-835-7193 or contact your travel professional.
The Caribbean Tourism Organization, which represents 33 Caribbean nations, states and territories, has renamed its WWW site for ease of use and recall. The new WWW site is http://www.caribtouism.com. "We felt that the name should reflect the site's content, making it easier for users to remember and easier to find when conduction a general topical search", said Michael Youngman, CTO's director of marketing. "While the site's name has been changed, its features have remained the same. CTO's home page was established on TravelFile's WWW server. TravelFile is the most comprehensive on-line service for Caribbean- specialist travel agents. CTO's site features nearly 300 pages of information about the Caribbean vacation attractions, activities, destination, hotel accommodations, culture, geography climate, a calendar of events and other pertinent information for both travel agents and consumers. Each CTO member state is profiled. To simplify the information gathering process, CTO's site also features hyperlinks to the Caribbean Hotel Association's WWW site, located at http://caribbeantravel.com and ASTAet. Future plans include links to the home pages of individual CTO member countries. Eighteen of the members now have official home pages. All begin with http://: Antigua and Barbuda www.interknowledge.com/antigua-barbuda Aruba www.interknowledge.com/aruba Bahamas www.interknowledge.com/bahamas Belize www.belize.com Bonaire www.interknowledge.com/abonaire Caymans www. caymans. com Curacao www.interknowledge.com/curacao Jamaica www.jamaicatravel.com Martinique www.nyo.com/martinique Mexico www.mexico-travel.com Montserrat www.mrat.com/ Saba www.rurq.com/saba St. Kitts Nevis www.interknowledge.com/stkitts-nevis St. Lucia www.interknowledge.com/st-lucia St. Martin www.interknowledge.com/st-martin Trinidad and Tobago www.tidco.com Turks and Caicos www.digimark.net/dundas/turksog/ USVI www. usvi.com
Offering an appealing alternative for Caribbean bound families, Blue Horizons Cottage Hotel in Grenada has designed a special six point family program for the off-season featuring free nights, valued added rates and a children's program. The special six point program offers the following: 1- Families received a seventh night free fore all bookings in deluxe room categories for travel May-Oct. 1996. 2- Children under 18 stay free when sharing deluxe accommodations with paying parents (Maximum of two kids per room). 3- Kids under 12 of age eat free from the children's menu with parents on the MAP or CP meal plans. 4- Parents receive a 50 percent discount on a second room with a connecting door for children 12 years old or younger. 5- Blue Horizons maintains a supervised children's program for kids 5-12 years of age. Available from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., the program includes games, treasure hunts, movies, books, lunch, use of playground facilities and more -- for $20US per child. 6- Complimentary baby-sitting is offered for two hours per day for three days on a seven night stay. "Blue Horizons is one of Grenada's only hotels to offer a product for families," said Arnold Hopkin, the resort's managing director. "To satisfy the needs of this growing market segment, we designed a cost effective program incorporating discounted children's rates and activities keeping convenience and budget considerations in mind," he added. Spacious accommodations in deluxe suite categories are furnished with air conditioning, ceiling fans, color television, hair dryer, telephone, clock radio and kitchenette featuring a refrigerator, stove and sufficient counter space. Parents favor the suite configurations which provide ample sleeping space and kitchenettes for in-room dining. For booking information contact GOGO Worldwide Vacations
SEE TENNIS LEGENDS COMPETE -- AND PLAY WITH THEM, TOO! ** Club St. Lucia Hosts Third Annual Legends Tennis Event One-Week All- Inclusive Tennis Lovers Package Includes Air & Special Events for $1,040 Club St. Lucia, one of the Caribbean's top all-inclusive resorts, will once again host the annual Legends Tennis Event, from December 8 - 15, 1996. For tennis lovers interested in seeing such legends as Guillermo Vilas, Johan Kriek, John and David Lloyd, Roy Emerson, Fred Stolle and others compete, plus participate in coaching sessions and social events with these legends, Club St. Lucia has created an unbeatable 8-day land/air/tournament package starting at $1,040 per person, double occupancy, including roundtrip airfare from Miami; or $1,100 with airfare from New York. The special package includes round-trip airfare from New York or Miami on BWIA Airlines, seven nights accommodations in air- conditioned double- share rooms with telephone and cable t.v., airport/hotel transfers; admission to all tournament events, plus use of all the facilities of the Club St. Lucia resort. This 372- room all-inclusive beachside resort provides three meals daily, all snacks and beverages (including alcohol), a full array of watersports available on two beaches (with free instruction), a multi-sectional pool, daily sports and leisure activities and classes, a daily professionally-supervised children's program (for those aged four to 12), nightly entertainment, and more. A nearby nine-hole golf course is also available to guests for a small fee, and an on-site tour desk will assist guests in making arrangements for optional island sightseeing tours. In addition, one child under 12 can stay free when with two adults. The Legends Tennis Tournament will take place at the prestigious St. Lucia Racquet Club (located on the grounds of Club St. Lucia). In addition to complimentary admission to all event exhibition matches, the special package provides guests with opportunties to participate in coaching sessions and social events with the tennis greats. Guests may also compete for prizes in an on-site amateur tennis tournament, as well as enjoy use of the Club's courts and other facilities during their stay. For more information and reservations call Clubs International at (212) 476-9465.
(Ed Note: Lynn McKamey our regular BVI guru has updated her files
and shares them with us. Each resort is written up separately.
Please remember Lynn's work is copyrighted and is used in the CTR
with her permission. She can be contacted at SCUBA.MOM@GENIE.COM or
70413.2030@compuserve.com).
The resorts covered are:
BIRAS CREEK
BITTER END
GUANA
LITTLE DIX
PETER ISLAND
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BIRAS CREEK, AN ENCHANTING RESORT UPDATE BY LYNN MCKAMEY
Author's Comments and Introduction to the "New" Biras Creek:
This file includes a revised version of my November, 1994 Biras
Creek vacation review. My husband and I returned for our third visit
to this secluded paradise during May 1996.
Biras has always been an upscale, unique Caribbean destination, and
yet, almost a "best kept secret" of those who desire romantic
relaxation in beautiful surroundings.
During the fall of 1995, Biras received a new owner, new manager,
and new chef, plus a complete refurbishment of the entire property.
The new owner, Bert Houwer - a Dutch National living in Argentina
and a repeat guest for more than 15 years - purchased it as a
personal investment with the intention of adding some modern touches
and subtle enhancements while retaining the same enchanting
atmosphere. He succeeded beyond my wildest dreams! I was delighted
with the "new" Biras Creek and we plan to return, once again, this
fall.
New "Training Chef", Daniel Patterson from Britain has taken the
always delectable Biras cuisine to new heights. He has spent several
years in the Caribbean and his many talents are reflected in
excellent menu selections which have a hint of West Indian
preparation and ingredients. Chef Earl Williams is working with
Daniel to continue adding culinary delights for guests.
"New" manager Jamie Holmes has been in the BVI for almost a decade;
he was once on the staff of Biras, then became director of Peter
Island from 1990 to 1995, and now has come full circle back to
Biras. For those who know Jamie, he brings his famous friendly,
personal attention for guests, service, and detail to Biras Creek.
The combination of Bert, Daniel, Jamie, and renovations has launched
Biras Creek Resort into being a serious contender as one of the best
destinations in the British Virgins - a formidable feat since there
are several GREAT resorts in this group of islands. Redecorated
rooms with larger private porches now have optional air conditioning
and telephones - neither needed if you prefer not to use them. A
dramatic stone conference/lounge pavilion with soaring ceilings and
a vast terrace has been added and has a dazzling view of the North
Sound - I spent several afternoons there, quietly reading a book and
enjoying the vista.
Biras now strikes a perfect balance between being a small exclusive
inn and a large, full service resort - with 32 suites, it is big
enough to offer all the on-site and off-island activities of larger
hotels, yet intimate enough to retain all the personal attention
which many guests expect and appreciate. Or, for those who would
rather be mostly alone, just the two of you, Biras is a special hide-
away. The lovely suites are far more spacious than many "rooms" in
the BVI, much more privately located, and only a few steps from a
gorgeous shell strewn seashore. Biras has a divine setting, uniquely
centered between three bays and three steep hills. Most of the
property has been left in its natural state of lush tropical
forests, yet walkways and areas near the rooms have been
meticulously landscaped.
And best of all, the rates are in a "best value" category ... at
least for now. I suspect that Biras Creek is about to be discovered
by lots of savvy vacationers and rates may eventually increase. If
you ever thought about going to this resort, do it now. You'll be
glad that you did!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BIRAS CREEK RESORT UPDATE BY LYNN MCKAMEY
Biras Creek is like a exquisite jewel set within emerald hills and
shimmering turquoise waters. Secluded cottages resemble pearls cast
along the silvery shoreline...
I had these thoughts while standing on the edge of a lovely terrace,
part of Biras's landmark "stone castle" crowning the top of a peak -
the centerpiece of the resort. We have visited many places in the
Caribbean, but truly, Biras Creek has one of the most romantic,
idealistic locations of any we have seen. It is situated on a
slender isthmus connecting three land masses in the North Sound of
Virgin Gorda. The steep hillsides separate three bays and are dotted
with marked hiking trails for the sure-footed and more adventurous
guests. Colorful tropical plants line paths and walkways throughout
the property. Some Caribbean resorts are located on the "calm" side
of an island and have tranquil waters for swimming and snorkeling,
while other hotels reside on windward shorelines with surging waves
for seaside walks. Biras uniquely has both!
The "stone castle", an open sided architectural wonder of multi-
level rooms and terraces, holds the main bar, restaurant, a cozy
chess room, elegant library, and reception office. Sweeping
panoramic views show that to the south, a fresh water swimming pool
and sixteen cottages line Berchers Bay which faces the breezy
Atlantic Ocean and has rolling waves and coral rock beaches. To the
east, wooded tropical forests surround a bird sanctuary and salt
water lake which lead to the protected cove and sandy beach of Deep
Bay - a perfect place for sunning, swimming, and watersports. To the
west are placid waters of the North Sound which contain the marina
and main dock. A few steps down from the "castle" is a new lounge &
conference pavilion with a wrap-around terrace overlooking the north
side of Virgin Gorda.
We reached Biras Creek by boat, the only method of arrival since a
steep hill isolates it from the rest of Virgin Gorda. A hostess with
a motorized golf cart met us at the pier and gave us a tour of the
140 acre grounds before taking us to our cottage suite. Check-in
amounted to filling out a card which could be dropped by the office
at our convenience. There are no keys (unless you request one), but
rooms have a safe for valuables and plane tickets. Cottages contain
two suites - each having a sitting room, bedroom with a king bed,
bathroom with a huge shower open to the skies, and large porch with
private walkway. Ceiling fans whirl overhead, plus louvered windows
allow the breeze to float through; bedrooms also have optional air-
conditioning.
Our beachside suite overlooked Berchers Bay on the Atlantic - a
picture perfect, rocky shoreline. Each morning we awoke to a
glorious sunrise, watched waves splashing the beach and pelicans
diving for fish. Most of the cottages sit at waters edge, but eight
"ocean view" units are located nearby in gardens for those who might
find the sounds of the surf a little distracting at night. The
lapping waves slightly disturbed us the first evening, but
thereafter, lulled us to sleep.
Biras Creek also has two marvelous Grand Suites located at the end
of the beach - each having a shaded porch, private patio for
sunning, huge sitting room, bedroom with king bed, and a sectioned
bathroom with separate areas for toilet/bidet, two lavatories, and a
big shower and sunken tub for two. Six ceiling fans cool these
spacious units, plus the bedroom has an air conditioner to
supplement nature a bit.
Guests will find umbrellas, a concealed bar with refrigerator and
coffee maker, large closet, desk, and plenty of dresser space.
Bathrooms have hair dryers, shampoo, hair rinse, soap, and other
essentials. Bicycles are parked in front of the suites and can be
used for peddling to Deep Bay, about 3/4 mile away or for cycling
the resort pathways.
A gorgeous hillside villa has a large living room, kitchen, two
bedrooms & baths, a wrap-around deck with panoramic view, and patio -
perfect for families or two couples. The house is located at the
top of a steep winding path so a motorized cart is included for
guests staying there. The decor of the suites and villa are stylish
Caribbean - lots of wicker and rattan with gorgeous custom-printed
tropical fabrics.
The gift shop is presently located at the marina and is full of
Caribbean artwork, hand-crafted ceramics, and fun Biras Creek T-
shirts. I fell in love with the hand painted "seascape" bedspread
and pillows in our room and Mrs. Dunlop offered to special order a
set for us.
After watching the sunrise each morning, we had breakfast in the
castle restaurant which is 50 winding steps above the cottage paths.
A buffet of cereal, fresh fruit, juices, croissants and danish
pastry awaited us, followed by a full menu of pancakes, eggs,
omelets, french toast, and bacon.
On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, barbecued lunch was served from 1
to 2 p.m. at the beachside pavilion/bar on Deep Bay and offered a
selection of salads, cheeses, caviar, plus grilled chicken, fish,
hamburgers, hot dogs, and ribs. Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, a
light lunch of fruit, salads, quiches, and sandwiches was served in
the main restaurant. A Caribbean Buffet of soup, salads, and West
Indian chicken, lamb, and pepper pot was available on Sunday.
Every evening, we enjoyed tropical drinks on the bar terrace and
watched the sun slowly set over the North Sounds glittering waters.
As dusk arrived, the castle turned into a romantic setting of candle-
lit tables and soft lighting. Dinner began at 7 p.m. and consisted
of three courses starting with a choice of soup or salad such as
Pumpkin & Rum Soup, Avocado & Lobster Salad, Crab & Spring Onion
Bisque, or Biras Mesclun Salad. The main entree offered such
delicacies as Tenderloin of Beef with Madeira Sauce, Grilled Chicken
with Papaya Vinaigrette, Pan Seared Snapper with Ginger Buerre
Blanc, and Glazed Crouton of Wild Mushroom with a Mustard Sauce. The
menu changed each night, but a meatless entree was always listed, as
was succulent Caribbean lobster. In addition to Stilton cheese and
port wine, three dessert choices and a selection of sorbets and ice
creams were offered each evening. The wine list was quite extensive.
Dinner was usually accompanied by live, soft music, except for the
night that the wonderful steel band came and the fun evening of
dancing ended far too soon! Early risers could find pastries and
juice by the pool at 7 a.m.; afternoon tea was served at 4 p.m.
Complimentary guest activities include fishing, swimming,
snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing, and sailing in Deep Bay, plus
tennis, puttering a boston whaler round the North Sound, hiking on
miles of trails, playing snooker in the billard room, and simply
swinging from a hammock. The resort will pack a lunch and take
guests by motor launch to a remote "cast-a-way" beach. We are not
serious hikers, but enjoyed strolling some of the pretty pathways on
our way to Deep Bay and the main pier to catch the dive boat. While
Biras can accommodate 66 guests, the extensive estate provides
plenty of room for everyone and allows a sense of privacy.
Biras Creek is a nature lovers delight! Palms, sea grape and
tamarisk grow along the beaches; thick stands of Mangrove trees line
the marina and the cove at Deep Bay. Flowering shrubs, white cedar,
nutmeg, and cactus are scattered along the hillsides. Bird watchers
will enjoy visiting the salt water pond which attracts migratory
flocks and provides a nesting ground for Banana Quits and
hummingbirds. The estate has no poisonous snakes or dangerous
beasts, but a stray goat or sizable Iguana may cross your path,
along with lots of cute hermit crabs skittering by. During our
visit, hundreds of white butterflies fluttered around. Numerous
garden walks through wooded areas connect the cottages with the
lake, marina, and beaches. Six nature trails offer treks up
hillsides, around peaks, and along the shorelines (don't forget to
take your camera!) One 30 minute walk leads to the Bitter End Yacht
club. I loved walking the long rocky beach on Berchers Bay and
finding mounds of shells, broken coral and sponge which had washed
ashore.
We spent each morning exploring "underwater flora and fauna" with
Dive BVI, our favorite scuba diving operation. We arrived back at
the resort in time to stop at our suite and hop on our bikes for a 5
minute ride to Deep Bay, or a short walk to the main restaurant for
a leisurely lunch. My husband usually windsurfed the crescent cove
each afternoon, while I lazily read books and absorbed the vistas.
Biras now has telephones which are modem compatible in each suite,
and two phones for yachting visitors are located in small booths
behind the billard room next to the "castle". One is for local
calls, the other for long distance. The office is open from 8 a.m.
to 8:45 p.m. and has a FAX machine available for those who might
need to stay in contact with the "real world". Satellite television
is in the pavilion, current newspapers are in the library, and a
TIMES-FAX is available at breakfast. Electricity is 110 volts; water
is provided by a desalinization plant and is quite safe for
drinking. I might add that water pressure is excellent and hot water
abundant!
We found service at Biras very friendly and helpful. Seldom did we
have to wait for a menu to appear or a dinner course to arrive.
Biras Creek does not have a flurry of busboys and waiters at every
beck and call, but then, we didn't need them - one, usually prompt,
waitress was more than enough for us. Chris Smith, the food and
beverage manager, was a delight and could be seen "everywhere"
making sure guests were having a great time. Biras always has
several "General Assistants" called GAs, young energetic "twenty
somethings" from the U.K., who assist guests with watersports
equipment and lessons, give tours of the resort, and lead snorkeling
trips at nearby beaches and reefs in the North Sound area.
Rates include breakfast and dinner plus complimentary activities.
Guests simply sign up for these at the main desk; instruction is
provided for watersports and tennis if requested. At additional
charge, scuba diving, daysails, sunset cruises, overnight sailing
adventures, special snorkel trips, waterskiing, and sport fishing
are available. The resort will gladly arrange a day trip to the
famous Baths, Tortola, the distant island of Anegada, or a car
rental for a trip around Virgin Gorda.
Dress is casually elegant in the evening. Beach coverups are worn in
the "castle" during the day; for dinner, most men wear slacks and
collared shirts (jackets are optional), ladies wear cool dresses or
resort slacks and tops.
Currency is the U.S. dollar, but Biras also accepts major credit
cards. To enter the British Virgin Islands, Americans need proof of
citizenship, while those from all other countries must have
passports.
WHO WOULD ENJOY BIRAS CREEK: vacationers wanting an upscale hide-
away in a picture perfect setting; young lovers who desire privacy
and a romantic atmosphere; executives searching for total
tranquillity far away from the daily rat race; anyone who wants to
slow down, relax, and enjoy nature at its Caribbean finest. Biras
Creek has some of the best beaches, hiking trails, windsurfing,
accommodations, and cuisine in the BVI. It is on the edge of
elegance, yet comfortably casual, friendly, and relaxed.
HOW TO GET THERE: Several ways... one is to fly into Virgin Gorda
airport, presently served by commuter airlines, not always reliable.
A taxi will meet and take guests to Gunn Creek where a resort launch
will provide a short 10 minute ride to Biras. Another, the most
reliable way, is to fly into Beef Island Airport at Tortola and take
the North Sound Express boat to Biras - a 40 minute ride. Round trip
transfers are $25 per person. After 7 p.m. a charter boat may have
to be arranged by the resort for an additional fee. You may also fly
into St. Thomas, but will take the public ferry system on a two hour
cruise through the Virgin Islands - a beautiful trip. Have the
resort or your travel agent check the current ferry schedule to plan
your connections.
RATES: All include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, afternoon tea, plus
complimentary amenities for two people.
1996/97 RATES: Apr.1 - Dec.16 Dec.17 - Mar. 31
Garden Suite $350 $495
Ocean Suite $425 $595
Grand Suite $550 $695
Villa for two $575 $795
Villa for four $725 $945
Several packages are available during the off season, such as an 8
day/7 night "Week of Enchantment" for $2100, and a
honeymoon/anniversary package starting at $2300 which includes a
sunset cruise, a beach trip with picnic for two, continental
breakfast in bed one morning and a bottle of champagne on arrival. A
special summer family package which includes two suites for 2 adults
and children ages 6 to 16 is offered. The Biras Creek Sailaway, a
land/sea combination, is available year around. All rates are
subject to a 7% Government tax plus a 10% service charge. Prices are
subject to change.
For more information, contact:
Ralph Locke Islands, Inc. P.O.Box 492479, Los Angles, CA 90049-8477
Telephone: (800) 223-1108 or (310) 440-4225 FAX: (310) 440-4220 In
the U.K.: 0-800-894057
Olson Travel and Nautical Charters 401 Highway 181, Portland, TX
78374 Telephone: (800) 525-8090 or (512) 643-4555 FAX: (512) 643-
6975
Dive BVI Box 1040, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands Telephone:
(800) 848-7078 or (809) 495-5513 FAX: (809) 495-5347
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BVI: THE BITTER END YACHT CLUB BY LYNN MCKAMEY,
In the sailing days of yesteryear, the last nub of land that
galleons and schooners passed on the long journey back to the Old
World was the North Sound of the British Virgin Islands - known as
the "bitter end". Today, this remote peninsula of Virgin Gorda holds
one of the busiest resorts in the Caribbean - one which remains true
to the nautical tradition of wind, water, and sails.
The Bitter End Yacht Club began in the 1970s as a small marina for
sailboats and has slowly grown to become a huge self-contained
complex which caters to visiting and vacationing yachtsmen, boaters,
and waterlovers of all ages. Cruising sailors can dock or pick up a
mooring, go ashore to restock provisions, visit shops, and join
festivities at the bars, restaurants, and the new Almond Walk for
dancing. Vacationing guests can stay at one of the 100 rooms spread
along, around, and up a step hillside. The center of resort
activities holds the QuarterDeck Marina with a handsome open air
lobby, restaurant, bar, sailing school, shops, and watersports
building, all overlooking the North Sound area. From there,
Beachside Villas scatter left along a long narrow beach, and
Chalets, now called Commodore Suites, sprinkle up the hill toward
the right, past a freshwater pool. The distance on a stone pathway
from one end to the other is almost a mile, but chauffeured
motorized carts will provide rides. The overall ambiance is active,
casual fun with a nautical theme.
We arrived at Beef Island Airport, Tortola on the late evening
American Eagle flight, and wandered over to the North Sound Express
counter to check our transfer by fast ferry to the Bitter End. After
a short van ride to a nearby dock, we settled down in a 45' power
cruiser and had a 30 minute trip to the Bitter End. Check-in was
prompt and we were quickly taken to a Commodore "suite" which was
one large room with a king bed, a sitting area, and good size
bathroom with a huge garden shower. Since it was not on the windy
side of the resort, the room was cooled by a rather noisy air
conditioner, but had shutters which could be opened if we wanted to
use the fan instead. Each Commodore Chalet has a balcony across the
front and holds side by side guest rooms with either two queen sized
beds or one king bed. Ours was a lower unit, near the pool; others
perched farther up the hill.
The next day, we hiked to the other end of the resort and saw the
Beach- side Villas on the windward side; each holds a pair of fan-
cooled rooms which have smaller bedrooms and baths than the
Commodore Suites, but much larger wrap around balconies with
sweeping views. Some are down near the pathway, while others are
"way" up the hill, and have either a king or twin beds. The
Commodore Chalets and Beachfront Villas are perfect for family
vacations or two couples traveling together since a balcony door can
be opened to connect the pair of rooms. The Bitter End also has
centrally located hillside rooms, which are ideal for those who do a
land-sea package with a vacation split between living on a sailboat
and staying in a room.
All Bitter End weekly packages and daily room rates include a full
meal plan. The main restaurant is waterside and has a breakfast
buffet of fruits, juices, and freshly baked breads plus made to
order eggs, pancakes, and omelets. Lunch is a buffet selection of
conch fritters, pizza, crepes, burgers, salads, and pitchers of rum
grog to get you happily started toward afternoon activities! Dinner
offers a buffet of soups, salads, and pastas plus a huge array of
entrees such as fish, steaks, chicken, shrimp, and with a surcharge,
lobster. The food was very plentiful and filling.
I was sitting at lunch one day watching the continuously busy
waterside activities and thought "boats, boats, boats!" - if anyone
ever wanted to do a study on every kind of watercraft in the world,
the survey could easily be taken on the restaurant terrace of the
Bitter End Yacht Club. Cruise ships passed in the distance; just
offshore were yachts and sailboats of every kind, size, and shape -
power boats, fishing boats, scuba diving boats, windsurfers, rowing
sculls - if it floats, you'd see it at the B.E.Y.C. The 70 sailboat
moorings were all full and visitors were coming and going
constantly. Bitter End is like a nautical "Grand Central Station"!
Guests have unlimited use of the Clubs fleet of small sailboats,
sunfish, keelboats, dinghies, kayaks, windsurfers, and can also
participate in the Bitter End sailing regattas. We signed out a
dinghy one afternoon and putt-putted around the North Sound,
stopping at Pusser's Bar for a rum drenched PainKiller (two of those
and you can't even find the boat, much less your way back to the
Bitter End), Kilbrides WaterSide Bar on tiny Saba Rock, snorkeled a
couple of reefs, and lazed around a few beaches along the way.
Guests who want to scuba dive can join Kilbrides Underwater Tours or
Dive BVI to visit more than 40 sites around the north and southeast
islands of the British Virgins.
Kilbrides is conveniently based at the Bitter End and schedules
daily scuba trips to sites such as the famous Wreck of the Rhone,
Wreck of the Chikuzen, The Dogs, and Alice's Wonderland near Ginger
Island (in my estimation, one of the most incredible advanced dives
in the BVI). Mike Van Blaricum's custom built scuba boat is 40' long
with a large covered deck area. Divers use giant stride entries and
two long step ladders for full gear exits. His divemasters do not
coddle divers, but are helpful with newly certified, giving
suggestions and double checking equipment. Mike is flexible - if all
the divers agree on an unscheduled site, he will change the
itinerary, weather and conditions permitting. PADI Open Water
certification and resort courses are available. Mike's boat leaves
the dock at 8:15 every morning which gives divers time to stop by
the restaurant for a quick breakfast snack, and it returns in time
for lunch.
Dive BVI has a nearby scuba operation at Leverick Bay and goes to
many of the same sites as Kilbrides on different days. (If you
missed going to the Wreck of the Rhone with one, just check with the
other.) Dive BVI has fast boats with water level platforms for easy
entry and exits - just put on your weightbelt, carry your mask,
snorkel, and fins to the back of the boat, and sit on the platform.
Diveleaders will set your BC and tank behind you - then just strap
them on and do a simple front roll into the water. Exits are even
easier, swim up to the platform, remove BC and weightbelt and hand
them to the diveleader, then slither up on the platform. Dive BVI
will pick up divers between 8:15 and 8:30 - just call the day before
to book a reservation. If you do multiple day diving with them and
have your own equipment, they will rinse and store your gear for
you. They also do full certification or resort courses and have a
full range of equipment and wet suits for divers.
Bitter End guests can also take advantage of many day trips offered
by the resort such as excursions to The Baths, Horseshoe Reef, and
Anegada, snorkeling trips to Statia Reef, glass bottom boat rides,
sight-seeing and shopping trips to Tortola, all included in weekly
packages, but at extra charge for daily rate guests. Serious sailors
can take a free "introduction to sailing" or for a small fee, sign
up for a series of professional courses at the Nick Trotter Sailing
School.
Obviously, no one who loves sailing and boating should get bored at
the Bitter End Yacht Club! Those wanting a relaxing day by the
seaside will be happy too - just walk to the end of the narrow beach
by the Villas and stretch out under a palm thatched hut, or grab a
boat and sail or putter off to any of the remote strips of sand
along the North Sound.
Dress is very casual - guests usually wear swimsuits and T-shirts
during the day. and shorts and shirts at night.
Telephones are in each Commodore Room, and public ones are available
in the main reception area. The "Sand Palace" has a giant TV and
movies at night.
The Commodore Club is a "resort within a resort" located near the
pool at the base of the Commodore Suites. It has a beachside
Pavilion and the English Carvery Restaurant which is open for guests
during the high season. The nearby Conference Center with seating
for up to 100 people can be reserved for group board meetings,
seminars, special events and weddings.
Who would enjoy the Bitter End? Couples, singles, and families who
like big bustling resorts with sailing, boating, and watersports of
all kinds ... and those who do not expect luxurious rooms and
elegant dining, but prefer pleasingly furnished accommodations with
outstanding views, plentiful food, and carefree vacations. Children
of all ages are welcome, but Bitter End does not have babysitting
service or scheduled activities for them.
The Bitter End has a wide array of weekly packages such as Island
Cruises, summer family specials, yacht/villa combos, and others far
too numerous to list. The most popular is the Admiral's Package
which includes use of the resort fleet, an Introduction to Sailing,
island excursions, all meals, and airport transfers. The Summer
Family Package includes all of the above, plus a Beachfront Villa
with two connecting rooms for two adults and up to four children.
Guests can also do a Sailing School Package, 3 Day Freedom 30
Charter, Windsurfing Package, or a Dive Package. The famous Nick
Trotter Sailing School has six different professional sailing
courses from beginners to advanced, plus a complete 3 1/2 day
intensive school.
Daily rates below include all meals, manager's welcome party, and
unlimited use of the club's fleet which includes Sunfish, Lasers,
Vanguard 15s, Rhodes 19s, J-24s, Hobie Waves, Ocean Kayaks, Boston
Whaler outboards, and Mistral
Sailboards.
Rates for two Apr.14-Sep.2 Sep.3-Oct.26 Oct.27-Dec.22 Dec.23-Jan.6
COMMODORE SUITE $470 not avail. $490 $595
BEACHFRONT VILLA $420 $370 $440 $545
HILLSIDE VILLA $380 $320 $400 $500
FREEDOM 30 YACHT $350 not avail. $400 $450
A 7% BVI tax and $15 service charge per person per day must be
added.
These rates were in effect May 1996 and are subject to change.
For more information, contact your travel agent or ...
Bitter End Yacht Club
U.S. Reservations: (800) 872-2392 FAX: (312) 944-2860
U.K. Reservations: 0800 591 897
Europe Reservations: 44 (0) 1737 769565
Dive BVI Virgin Gorda
(800) 848-7078 (809) 495-5513 FAX: (809) 495-5347
Olson Travel and Nautical Charters
(800) 525-8090 (512) 643-4555 FAX: (512) 643-6975
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
GUANA UPDATE BY LYNN MCKAMEY
When we stepped from the boat onto the dock at Guana Island, I felt
as though we had walked through Alice's Looking Glass into a
tropical wonderland. Seven white sand beaches edge three towering
hills full of flora and fauna. Bright pink flamingos lazily drift in
the large salt water pond and colorful flowers dot trails and
hillsides. Clouds of white butterflies flutter by as a hermit crab
skitters underfoot...
...Guana is an 850 acre private island on the north side of Tortola
in the British Virgin Islands. Under the direction of owners Henry
and Gloria Jarecki, it has become an important nature preserve and
wildlife sanctuary with one of the richest collections of plant and
animal species in the Caribbean.
This magical island has three peaks rising 325', 442', and 806'
above sea level and is named for an iguana shaped rock formation on
the western coast. A long shoreline, called White Bay Beach, borders
a valley with a tranquil salt pond. A paved road winds up a steep
hill to cottages set on a saddleback ridge almost 200' above the
beach. Twenty hiking trails criss-cross the island and allow access
to several other beaches, a bat cave, the three peaks, and ruins of
former sugar and cotton plantations. A "Beach House" near the dock
on White Bay has a self-serve bar, water sports equipment, changing
rooms, bathroom, and shower. Transportation between the cottages and
the beach is provided by staff members driving motorized carts or a
Land Rover.
White-washed stone cottages for thirty guests overlook the nearby
islands of the British and U.S. Virgins with the deep blue Caribbean
beyond. The main club house, called Dominica, was built on ruins of
an 18th century Quaker estate and has a boutique, large communal
living room, cozy library with lots of books and games, a self serve
bar, and dining areas for guests. A nearby stone terrace links
meandering garden paths to rooms and island trails. Cottages are
named after Caribbean islands and some contain only one guest room,
while others have clusters of two and three private accommodations.
Guana's fifteen rooms have different configurations, locations, and
panoramic vistas, but each is spacious and has a porch, patio, or
balcony. Some rooms overlook the valley and White Bay, while others
face Crab Cove and Muskmelon Bay. Decor is comfortably "basic" with
white walls, dark beamed ceilings, painted concrete floors, and
small accents of color in cushions here and there. All rooms have
excellent foam mattresses which can be configured into king size or
two twins. Amazingly, when joined together as a king, the seam edges
cannot be detected. Each room has flashlights, two umbrellas, and
plenty of bars of soap, however, bring your own shampoo, rinse, and
other personal necessities or purchase them in the boutique. My
biggest surprise was super water pressure in the shower and instant
hot water, something not often found in Caribbean resorts!
We stayed in a cottage called Upper Camanoe near the main house. Our
large bedroom had two ceiling fans, a king bed, cane chair, dresser,
desk, and walk-in closet. The bathroom had a free form shower big
enough for both of us. A huge covered porch held two wicker lounge
chairs and footstools, plus several tables. We spent quite a bit of
time relaxing on our secluded porch - enjoying the scenic view,
watching birds, listening to waves crashing on Crab Cove Beach far
below, and savoring colorful sunsets.
I had a chance to see some of the other rooms. Anegada cottage,
located a short walk from the main house, holds three large
bedrooms, each with its own entryway and terrace; it also has a
living room which can be opened to provide additional space for a
group of six or three couples vacationing together. Barbados, near
the main road, has one room with a big porch and is very private,
but can be a little noisy when motor carts go to and from the beach
and dock. Lower Camanoe (which was below our room) is quiet and
isolated. Dominica, the main club house, has several rooms attached -
the couple staying in #4 said that the bedroom has a sitting area
with a day bed plus a private terrace with a wonderful view of White
Bay. Dominica #3 also has a very secluded patio.
Other cottages are scattered along a hill rising near the main
terrace. Eleuthera contains one suite with a huge front porch - a
living area with a day bed and a bedroom - perfect for a family of
three or a couple wanting extra space. Fallen Jerusalem is another
complex holding three bedrooms, each with its own patio, and has an
adjoining shared terrace. At the highest point of the steep hill is
Grenada cottage which has two guest rooms and outstanding vistas.
The newest addition is a remote and isolated North Beach Cottage,
the only oceanside accommodation on Guana. It sits at the end of a
narrow road which winds around the salt pond and through a dense
tropical forest. The cottage has a large living room, bedroom,
bathroom, kitchen, and two patios. A boardwalk leads to a wooden
deck overlooking the vast North Beach shoreline and has steps down
to a swimming area which has been cleared of underwater rocks and
coral. This is truly the ultimate "hideaway" nestled within the
natural splendor of flora and fauna. Guests have access to a
motorized cart which can be driven to White Bay Beach. If they
prefer not to have breakfast in the main dining area, a staff member
will deliver a fruit plate or light breakfast.
Dining at Guana is a delectable experience! All meals are served
under covered verandas on either side of the main house and
occasionally on Sunset Terrace. The menu changes daily under the
direction of talented chef Manny Thompson who recently was one of
the BVI's four culinary ambassadors to an international gourmet
competition. The group won three silver medals and a bronze, quite
an accomplishment for the smallest nation in the conference.
Breakfast is from 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. and begins with a fruit, cereal,
and pastry buffet. Guests also have a choice of juices and eggs
cooked any style or "the special of the day" which can include
pancakes, waffles, eggs benedict, omelettes, smoked salmon and
bagels, or french toast.
A buffet lunch at 1:00 p.m. has delightful selections which always
include two entrees. One of our meals offered Poached Salmon, West
Indian Ribs, Coleslaw, Tomato-Basil-Onion & Feta Cheese Salad, Fruit
Platter, followed by Passion Fruit Sorbet. Another lunch had choices
of Shrimp & Snow Peas with Olive Oil & Lemon Dressing, Chicken Roti,
Waldorf Salad, Pickled Cucumber Salad, Mixed Green Salad, Fresh
Fruits, and Lime Tart. Afternoon coffee, tea, and cookies are
available on the buffet table.
Appetizers can be found in the living area at 7:00 p.m. A seated
candlelight dinner with a fixed menu begins at 8:00 p.m. and guests
are served such gastronomic treasures as Carrot & Thyme Soup, Fresh
Fish Grilled and Served with a Shrimp Sauce, Spinach Flavored with
Nutmeg, Zuccini, Gatin Potatoes, and Lime Mousse. Another dinner
might consist of West Indian Conch Chowder, Tenderloin of Beef
Grilled & Service with Mushroom & Port Sauce, Broccoli, Grilled
Tomatoes, Pureed Red Bliss Potatoes, followed by Creme Brulee for
dessert. The evening menu can be previewed in the afternoon, and
alternative entrees can be requested. Complimentary wines are
available at lunch and dinner.
In the evening, a seating chart is posted by the manager and guests
dine at several tables set for six or eight which have a view of the
garden, Sunset Terrace, and Muskmelon Bay. Each night the
arrangement is changed to mix the group and encourages guests to
meet and visit with each other. Couples or families who prefer their
own table are often seated on the porch overlooking White Bay or on
the terrace.
A small museum displays artifacts and information about Guana's
wildlife. Guests also are provided with a twenty page natural
history guide to the island. It describes many different species
which may be observed - birds, reptiles (non-poisonous!), insects,
amphibians, bats, trees, plants, palms, tropical fish and reef
creatures. Most of the incredible array of flora and fauna are
indigenous to the West Indies, except for a majestic "Australian
Pine" on the beach and a couple of cute burros. Some species, such
as Iguana pinguis, the great 6' long 70 pound iguana once found
throughout the Virgin Islands, have become rare and endangered; a
few years ago, only a small number remained on remote Anegada until
eight pairs were transferred and reintroduced to Guana. Other "lost"
species are slowly being brought to the island in hopes that they
will thrive and multiply in a protected, natural environment.
My husband explored many of the trails, but the great iguanas were
elusive. No problem - most mornings, one or two of these shy giants
can be observed on the Iguana Trail at "feeding time" when they are
offered fresh fruits from the kitchen. While snorkeling White Bay
reefs, we found an enormous brain coral and saw lots of tropical
fish of all colors, shapes, and sizes. A large barracuda followed us
around while we swam through several schools of friendly fish. Crab
Cove, on the other side of the island, is the best place to observe
marine life. Monkey Point, another exceptional snorkeling spot, can
be reached by a very strenuous hike or a short boat ride to the
small beach there.
Guana island has the delightful ambience of a large bed and
breakfast or small inn where guests are generally on their own to
enjoy nature at its finest. The Dominica and Beach House bars are
self serve - guests record their drinks in small books and are
charged accordingly. The boutique also has a booklet for listing
purchases. However, if guests need anything from extra towels to a
special menu, the staff will graciously try to accommodate.
The resort is managed by John and Catherine Morley-Dickens, both
British. They can arrange off-island activities such as scuba
diving, deep sea fishing, trips to Tortola, day sails, and castaway
picnics to remote beaches. A staff member is usually near the Beach
House and will help set up small sailboats, windsurfers, provide
tennis rackets and snorkeling equipment or fishing rods. He will
also arrange a ride up the steep hill to the cottages for those who
would rather not walk.
Dress is casual during the day and casually elegant in the evening.
Bathing suits with coverups and shoes or sandals are acceptable at
breakfast and lunch. In the evening, ladies wear dresses, skirts, or
pants-suits and men wear slacks with collared shirts. In the high
season, some men prefer coats and ties.
The island has 110 volt, 60 cycle power and a water treatment
system, however guests are encouraged to help conserve water. A
telephone is in the library and fax is available. Wash and fold
laundry service is provided at no charge. Currency in the islands is
the U.S. Dollar.
Visitors to Guana are mainly from the U.S. and Europe. Most guests
are couples searching for a quiet, magical retreat - far away from
businesses and "civilization". The island is also a special haven
for honeymooners of all ages, small conferences, and family
reunions.
The resort is generally closed to guests during September and
October when scientists pursue research and studies in marine
biology, entomology, ornithology, herpetology, archeology, and
botany.
DAILY RATES for two include all meals, afternoon tea and coffee, and
wines with lunch and dinner. The use of tennis courts, small
sailboats, kayaks, and windsurfers is also included plus snorkeling,
beach, and fishing equipment.
1996/1997 COTTAGE NORTH BEACH RENT THE DAILY RATES ROOM COTTAGE
ISLAND
Apr. 1 - Aug. 31 $480 $720 rates on Nov. 1 - Dec. 15 $495 $740
request
Dec. 16 - Mar. 15 $675 $995
Add 7% room tax and 12% service charge. A $25 per person charge
covers round-trip taxi and boat transfers from the Beef Island
airport. Rates are subject to change.
Guana Island accepts personal, travelers, or business checks and
cash. No credit cards.
GETTING THERE: Fly to the Beef Island Airport (EIS) on Tortola. A
resort representative will meet you at customs and arrange a taxi
for a short ride to the Queen Elizabeth Bridge. A Guana boat will
provide a 10 minute cruise to the island. If possible, plan to
arrive and depart between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. If your schedule allows
only late evening arrival, Guana Island will be happy to accommodate
you.
For more information, contact:
GUANA ISLAND RESERVATIONS OFFICE 10 Timber Trail, Rye, NY 10580
(800) 54 GUANA (914) 967-6050 FAX (914) 967-8048
For complete airline and BVI travel planning, contact:
OLSON TRAVEL AND NAUTICAL CHARTERS 401 Highway 181, Portland, TX
78374 (800) 525-8090 (512) 643-4555 FAX (512) 643-6975
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
LITTLE DIX UPDATE BY LYNN MCKAMEY
Almost everyone has heard of Little Dix, known in some circles as
"the world's most famous beach resort". It was created more than 30
years ago by Laurence Rockef
Caribbean Travel R
for honeymooners and America's "rich and famous". His original
design included 50 no-frills bungalows in the center of a gorgeous
crescent beach edged with perfectly manicured lawns, towering palms,
and colorful tropical foliage - one of the most beautiful properties
in the Caribbean.
Alas, during the 1980's, the legendary "Rockresort" was sold,
endured several expansions, changes of ownership, and eventually
transformed into a large 98 room complex filling the entire half-
mile beach. Happily, Rosewood Hotels assumed management of Little
Dix, carried forth extensive renovations, and has turned it into a
very upscale family resort, complete with scheduled children's
activities!
The basic concept of Little Dix is a very expensive, five star
resort with a country club atmosphere and personalized service for
its guests and their children, or grandchildren as the case may be.
Want to visit a secluded cast-away beach for a day? No problem, a
captained boat will take and retrieve you at the times of your
choice. Want to join a crewed day sail to Peter Island or through
Drakes Channel? No problem, the resort will schedule it. Like to
scuba dive? Dive BVI has a shop located at the pier. Almost every
imaginable off-island activity can be arranged, most at additional
charge.
Prefer to stay at the resort? Guests have a choice of booking a
reservation for the tennis courts or waterskiing, paddling a kayak,
hiking the nearby hills, sailing a sunfish, snorkeling the reef,
renting a bicycle, or sharing the shoreline with 200 guests plus
their children. Windsurfing is not available since the resort is
located on the windless side of Virgin Gorda. Children from ages 3
to 12 can be enrolled in half or full day scheduled activities.
The no-frill guest cottages of long ago and newer accommodations
received a complete modernization by Rosewood and are tastefully
decorated with soothing colors and lovely rattan furnishings. State
of the art telephones which accept data lines are now in each room.
Scattered along or near the beach, rooms are grouped two, four, or
eight to a building and follow two designs. Square rooms include a
small to moderate sized bathroom with a shower (some have one
lavatory, some have two); hexagonal shaped rooms are slightly larger
with more spacious bathrooms. Several "hex" rooms are on stilts with
patio and hammock below and are located behind the one-story
beachside units. All have a small sitting area, desk, under-counter
refrigerator, hair dryer, and umbrellas. Some rooms are air-
conditioned; others have window louvers and ceiling fans. Two air
conditioned suites feature a bedroom, living room, and bathroom with
a deep bathtub.
Unfortunately, only a few rooms offer complete privacy for couples
wanting seclusion - many beachfront units are exposed to anyone
walking the beach or the pathways (unless guests plan to keep the
louvers and/or curtains continuously closed); fan-cooled "Hex" units
on stilts have louvers which must be left open for occasional
breezes and preclude privacy. Guests who desire a quiet, secluded
accommodation should make a specific request at the time of
reservation and hope that it is still available upon arrival.
We were in room 31 near the busy arrival-departure pier, Beach House
dining room/bar, children's activity center, and rows of watersports
equipment - very much like Grand Central Station of the Caribbean!
The adjoining room (barely large enough for two people) had three
adults and a two year old child who constantly screeched and cried.
The nearby Beach House had continuous kitchen clatter, and we were
close enough to the tennis courts to hear the thunk of balls from
sunup to sundown. Older children constantly peeked into our room,
and the housekeeper ignored the "do not disturb" sign several times.
These annoying distractions did not exactly provide the quiet,
secluded, and romantic vacation which we had planned. Unless you
like lots of continuous commotion around your room, ask for one far
away from the public areas.
Little Dix has three dining areas - the Beach House grill, the huge
Pavilion, and the small intimate Sugar Mill - all with gorgeous
views of the beach and bay. Early morning coffee, juice, and
pastries were available on the Pavilion patio from followed by
breakfast which included a fresh fruit buffet with assorted cereal,
pastries, smoothies, and juices. In addition, eggs, omelettes,
waffles, and pancakes could be ordered. Service was usually quite
prompt.
Lunch was available at the Beach House Grill and the Pavilion. The
small, often crowded Beach House grill offered salads, sandwiches,
and luncheon entrees such as sauteed crab cake, fish, burgers and
hot dogs. The Pavilion lunch buffet had a salad bar, grilled fish,
chicken, burgers, and hot dogs followed with some delightful
desserts! English style tea was served each afternoon.
Dinner is served during the summer season at the Pavilion and the
Sugar Mill (the Beach House is also open during winter season).
Surprisingly for a resort of this size, the menus did not change
each night, other than the Pavilion which added a "menu of the day".
Selections at both restaurants followed the same pattern of
"fashionable" cuisine with the latest culinary combinations such as
"Yellow Chilean Tomato Carpaccio with Asparagus Tips, Plantain Rings
and Lolo Rosa", "Marinated Vegetables with warm Goat Cheese in a
Fennel Crust served with Black Olive puree", "Grilled Peppered Ahi
Tuna dressed with Black and Brown Butter, Lemon, Capers, Green Beans
and Coriander Leaf". Each course is perfectly and artistically
presented on the plate - almost too pretty to eat,
Many evenings we enjoyed a simple, excellent "Fresh Anegada rock
lobster served with rice pilaf and a bouquet of vegetables". Dinner
service in both the Pavilion and Sugar Mill was generally good until
the dessert course. Most evenings, we gave up after waiting more
than 30 minutes for the dessert menu to arrive, as did many other
guests. Entertainment was provided each night at the Pavilion,
however, the speaker volume was turned up so loud that nearby diners
could not hear each other, and it overwhelmed the soothing
background music for those dining in the adjacent Sugar Mill. The
Pavilion has a once a week buffet which is outstanding and should
not be missed (cancel those Sugar Mill reservations)!
Power at Little Dix is often sporadic. Electricity usually went off
for several hours during the afternoon and at night. While Little
Dix probably has its own generators for emergency use, it primarily
depends on "island power" which evidently is not that reliable.
Guests in fan cooled rooms might not notice too much, but those in
air conditioned rooms definitely do! We usually arrived back from a
morning of diving to find the electricity off, the room stifling,
the bathroom dark, and promises of "the power will be back on soon".
The air conditioned rooms have few louvers and when the power goes
off, it's hot! Unfortunately, the thermostats did not come on
automatically when electricity is restored and must be jump started
by guests. Several nights we awoke to no power in a stuffy room and
had to struggle out of bed several times to hit the ON button until
it was restored. I realize that some vacationers abhor the idea of
air conditioning in a tropical retreat, however, during the late
spring, summer, and fall months it is almost a necessity at Little
Dix since the surrounding hills block breezes. plus our room had a
sliding glass door which opened only partially for ventilation.
Scuba divers will be delighted to find a Dive BVI operation
conveniently on site. Mark has been the scuba representative for
several years and schedules daily dive trips, provides
certifications, and teaches the popular "resort course" - an
afternoon introduction to scuba followed by a shallow water dive. He
is an excellent instructor and gives special attention to those
venturing into scuba for the first time. The dive boat leaves the
pier each morning at 9 a.m. and returns by 1 p.m. for two tank
dives; one tank dives are offered each afternoon at 2:30 except for
Sunday.
Snorkelers can explore a protected reef just off shore and have many
choices of chartered, guided snorkeling tours to other underwater
gardens. Dive BVI also offers trips in their fast power catamaran -
afternoon snorkeling at the famous Wreck of the Rhone, and a day
trip to the distant island of Anegada, which includes a lobster
lunch and transfers to the spectacular Loblolly Beach. Check with
Mark at the dive shop for more information and reservations.
Many different day sails and sunset cruises are available, as are
island tours. Hikers will find several trails, some with outstanding
views at the top of the surrounding hills. The nearby Virgin Gorda
Yacht Harbor has fun, quaint shops and can be reached by a 15-20
minute walk or taking a taxi.
Children's activities are extensive and are available at extra
charge for ages 3 to 6 and ages 7 to 12. "Camp Little Dix", Monday
through Saturday, begins at 9:00 am and ends at 4:30 pm. - parents
can either spend the noon hour from 12 to 1 with their offspring, or
sign them up to have lunch at the Beach House with the counsellors
(reservation required). Activities consist of beach games, sand
sculpture, Caribbean stories, artwork, garden tours, beach walks,
scavenger hunts, domino tournaments, tennis lessons, and 10:30 am
snack on the beach - to name a few. Evening activities began at 7 pm
and include games or crafts followed by a movie which ends at 9:30
pm. With reservations, children can have dinner at the Sugar Mill
with the counsellors from 6 - 7 pm.
The "Children's Grove", is centrally located in Room 34 behind the
Beach House bar and grill. Activities rotate every two weeks and
children under the age of 3 must be accompanied by a parent,
guardian, or nanny. No activities are scheduled for Sunday.
Reservations for lunch or dinner with the counsellors must be made
24 hours in advance. Fees for children's activities is $20 a day per
child with two snacks included, but lunch at additional charge.
Evening activity fee is $10 per child, dinner at extra cost.
Little Dix has a huge staff for providing service to guests and
children, and for maintaining the vast landscaped grounds. However,
during our seven day vacation, some staff members spent much of
their time visiting with each other, lounging around the dining
areas, and ignoring guests. Each morning we arrived early for
breakfast to enjoy coffee, tea, juice, and pastries, but some
employees setting the tables yelled and loudly argued with each
other... not a great way to start the day in "paradise"! Fortunately
when the head waiters arrived, the atmosphere became more quiet and
attentive.
Lawns and shrubs were meticulously groomed, but plastic cups,
napkins, towels, and trash accumulated on the beach during the day
and were not picked up until late the next morning, resulting in an
obstacle course for sunrise joggers and early shoreline walks. Our
departure was scheduled on the 9:30 boat and luggage was to be
collected at our room before 9:15. When no one arrived by 9:30, we
dragged our numerous suitcases and heavy dive gear down to the dock,
passing several idle staff members who offered no assistance
whatsoever. While we often visit resorts with limited personnel and
are quite self-sufficient, we expected far more attentive service
than we received at Little Dix.
DRESS: Elegant resort wear. During the day, shoes, sportswear. or
bathing suits and cover-ups are worn in public areas. In the
evening, ladies wear pant suits, cocktail length dresses or skirts;
men wear slacks, collared shirts, and closed-toe shoes. Coat and tie
are optional for dinner. Children should be appropriately dressed if
dining with their parents.
TIPS: One of the most popular activities is escaping the often
crowded beach at Little Dix and being taken by a captained motor
boat to a remote, secluded cove on Virgin Gorda, so make
reservations a day or two ahead. If you plan to order a picnic
basket, be sure and ask how many drinks are included. One couple
discovered that their $38 box lunch only contained two sodas to last
them the whole day!
When swimming in the mid-section of the beach, between the Pavilion
and Beach House, be alert and avoid boats and watercraft which must
pass by to reach the dock.
The small, intimate Sugar Mill must have dinner reservations, as
does the Beach House during winter season. Book at least one day in
advance to be assured of a table.
Two meal plans are available - Modified American Plan with breakfast
and dinner at $75 per person per day, and Full American Plan with
all three meals included at $95. Children 5 to 12 years old is
$37.50 for MAP and $47.50 for FAP. Those planning to dine at Little
Dix will save by signing up for the meal plan since a la carte can
add up in a hurry. Guests who prefer to dine elsewhere must take a
taxi or rent a car.
ROOMS: Little Dix has a large assortment of room categories with
various locations along or near the half-mile beach. Only a few
steps from waters edge, rooms 1-36 are centered between the main
dining areas and the busy pier/beach house; seven tennis courts are
across the road from numbers 21-36. Units 37-80 are on the east side
of the resort, with 77-80 being somewhat private but farthest from
the dining rooms, however, motorized shuttle carts provide
transportation for those who would rather ride than walk. Guest
rooms 101-121 are in a secluded area on the west side of the dining
rooms and overlook a vast expanse of lawn which rolls down to the
lovely sea grape and palm lined beach. (Units 81-100 do not
presently exist.) No room keys are available, but each closet has a
safe for valuables. Unfortunately, it was far too small for our
collection of cameras, video equipment, and laptop computer.
GETTING THERE: At this time, only unreliable regional airlines fly
into Virgin Gorda from St. Thomas and San Juan - a van meets guests
at the airport for a quick ride to the resort. Reliable American
Airlines Eagles fly into Beef Island on Tortola and guests take a
short van ride to meet the Little Dix power catamaran for a 25
minute cruise to the resort.
In closing, I must say that this was an extremely difficult review
to write! Many of you have seen my numerous Caribbean vacation and
scuba diving reports before, and usually found very upbeat
information. In most cases, the resorts we visit are meticulously
researched and pleasingly match our expectations, be they large full
service properties or quaint little hide-aways. Little Dix WAS a
Rockresort, IS now managed by Rosewood, and survived a decade of
changing owners, double sized expansion, and trying to find its
niche in todays very competitive market of many five-star, first-
class hotels. It is no longer the small intimate, personalized
Rockresort for honeymooners and couples of yesteryear, but perhaps
can become an desirable destination for families. The location is
gorgeous and off-site activities abound. Little Dix is still a place
to see and be seen. Since children of all ages are welcome, families
who can afford the luxury rates may find that it provides the
"perfect" vacation. Guests who plan to spend most of their time on
day sails and island tours will probably be delighted with all the
options. However, couples wanting a vacation with lots of privacy
and ample room on the beach might be happier elsewhere.
RATES: Daily rates for two which do not include meals, 7% hotel tax,
or 5% service charge. All rates subject to change without notice.
Summer '96 Fall '96 Winter '96/97 5/1 - 11/15 11/16 - 12/19 12/20 -
3/31 Garden View $250 $300 $450 Ocean View $275 $300 $550 Deluxe
$325 $450 $600 Premium (A/C) $350 $450 $650 1 Bedroom suite $450
$750 $1100 Third adult in room $50 $50 $50
MEAL PLAN OPTIONS: [a 15% gratuity is added to meals & beverages]
Per Person MAP (breakfast & dinner) FAP (three meals) Adults: $75
$95 Children (5-12) $37.50 $47.50 Children (up to 4) complimentary
complimentary
ROUND TRIP TRANSPORTATION FEES from Beef Island Airport, Tortola:
Adults and children 13 & up - $50 Children, 5 to 12 years old - $25
Children, up to 4 years old - complimentary
Several weekly packages are available, plus a unique "Island Hopper"
which allows guests to split their vacation between Little Dix and
sister resort Caneel Bay on St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. A Summer
Special for families is also available.
For more information, contact:
LITTLE DIX: P.O.Box 720, Cruz Bay, St. John, U.S.V.I. 00831-0720
(800) 928-3000 (809) 495-5555 FAX: (809) 495-5661
OLSON TRAVEL & NAUTICAL CHARTERS: 401 Highway 181, Portland, TX
78374 (800) 525-8090 (512) 643-4555 FAX: (512) 643-6975
DIVE BVI, Virgin Gorda: (800) 848-7078 (809) 495-5513 FAX: (809)
495-5347
++++++++++++++++++++++++
PETER ISLAND UPDATE BY LYNN MCKAMEY
Revisited? Why not search for new places to go? We do, but are drawn
back to Peter Island each year since we've yet to find another dream
destination which can surpass this one.
For many of us, vacations give us precious time away from the grind,
the rat race, the routine. They provide a place to relax, see and
experience different surroundings, enjoy leisure time and
activities, sample wonderful food, and perhaps try some island
sports not available at home. Most people expect first rate service
and also want good value. High expectations ... something we all
have when setting aside time and money to play for a few days.
During our travels throughout the Caribbean, many other resorts have
come close to Peter Island, but not quite close enough to offer all
that we want to see and do on a tropical vacation. We like gourmet
food, gorgeous beaches with coconut palms swaying in the breeze
(just like on the postcards), comfortable rooms near the water with
a fabulous view, friendly natives and staff, and a wide choice of
activities. A place to enjoy, relax, and not have to worry about any
little thing. We prefer four or five star resorts that are neither
pretentious nor presumptuous. To us, cocktail dresses, coats and
ties, and a suitcase full of accessories do not belong on a relaxing
Caribbean get-away. Casual resort wear for evening plus a couple of
bathing suits, shorts and t-shirts for day wear - all of which can
be packed in two carry-on bags - is perfect!
Peter Island is a five star resort, a member of Preferred Hotels
Worldwide, one of Sterns 100 Greatest Resorts of the World, and has
food, beverage, and attentive service comparable to some of the
finest restaurants in New York. But don't let this scare you away.
Compare the rates to many of the other five star destinations, and
Peter Island offers an excellent value for a few glorious days in
paradise. Unlike many hotels which often share the same crowded
seashore with others, this one resides on it's own 1800 acre island
and has two of the most outstanding beaches in the Caribbean. The
resort is relatively small, only accommodating 100 guests, meaning
lots of personal attention if you so desire, and plenty of open
space without mobs of other vacationers and tourists vying for the
same activities, spot on the beach, or a dinner table only an elbow
away.
Peter Island offers several types of accommodations - all with modem
compatible telephones, ceiling fans, and air conditioning for those
who prefer it. Each room has a mini-bar, coffee-maker, clock radio,
hair dryer, and bathrobes. Ocean/Garden View rooms, four to each A-
frame structure, are near the yacht harbor and main reception/dining
room, and overlook a lovely garden, free-form fresh water pool, and
Tortola in the distance. These modern rooms with tropical decor are
quite large with full bathrooms (shower/tub), two twins or king bed,
lots of closet space, a long counter top with desk, and sitting area
with two chairs and a table. Lower units, called Garden View, open
onto a patio and the garden or pool area; upper units, called Ocean
View, have a balcony with an impressive vista, especially at night
when the lights of Road Town twinkle in the distance.
Beach Front rooms are located a short distance away on Deadman Beach
- a mile long curving strip of stunning white sand dotted with
palms, thatched sun shades for guests, and colorful tropical plants.
Nearby is the seaside bar & luncheon grill and water sports hut. The
Beach Front rooms are very spacious with a king bed, large walk in
closet, desk, sitting area with sofa and chair, two ceiling fans,
and a huge bathroom with long counter top and deep tub/shower. Each
building has four rooms - first floor units open onto gardens a few
steps from the beach; second floor units have private balconies with
a fabulous view of the bay and the islands beyond.
Families or couples traveling together may prefer one of the villas.
Two Hawk's Nest Villas are clustered on a hill with a sweeping vista
and offer various sizes and price ranges of two bedroom/two bath
accommodations with living rooms, kitchenettes, and sun decks. The
Crow's Nest Villa which accommodates up to eight guests is atop a
higher hill with a private pool and a panoramic view of the
neighboring islands.
Dining at Peter Island is a pleasurable experience. Early birds will
find coffee and danish pastries in the reception area at 6:30 a.m.
Breakfast is served from 8:00 to 10:00 in the main dining room and
offers a juice - fruit - pastry buffet, plus a full breakfast. Lunch
from 12:30 to 3:00 is in the beachside grill and has a huge salad
bar, freshly baked breads, and many hot selections of fresh fish,
grilled chicken and ribs, specials of the day, and yummy desserts
including some of the best chocolate chip cookies and key lime pie
ever.
Dinner is the gastronomic highlight - a sumptuous five course menu
is offered in the Tradewinds restaurant each night, changes daily,
and includes an excellent wine list. One of my favorite dinners
started with a char grilled honey glazed quail, followed by
Caribbean pepper pot soup, caesar salad, and lemon poached salmon
with shrimp mousse, ending with a sinful dessert! The elegant
Saturday night caribbean/continental buffet is not to be missed, nor
is the managers welcome party and buffet at the beachside grill on
monday evenings! Sportswear such as shorts and T-shirts or bathing
suits with cover ups can be worn for breakfast and lunch. For
dinner, most ladies wear sundresses or comfortable summer pant
suits, while men don casual slacks and collared leisure shirts.
Cocktail dresses, coats and ties are optional. During the winter
season, the beachside grill is also open for those who prefer not to
dress up for dinner or like dining under the stars by the seaside.
The island is large and beaches are abundant. New guests should sign
up for a complimentary van ride around the island to become familiar
with the many hiking, biking trails and beaches (don't forget your
camera to snap stunning panoramas of all the surrounding islands of
the BVI and St. John, USVI). Sprawling Deadman Bay skirts the main
beach and watersports center which includes every kind of equipment
imaginable with complimentary lessons to guests. Windsurfers who
meander out may see turtles along the way, and snorkelers will find
a vast array of tropical fish and marine life. At the end of the bay
is Honeymoon beach which has one thatched hut, two chairs and lots
of privacy - first come, first served! Big Reef Bay, about a 1/2
mile over a hill on the east side of the island, has a health
fitness trail and a lovely tropical palm forest. Best of all is the
long sparkling "secret beach" on White Bay which can be reached by
s