Romance in Tortola-British Virgin Islands
Tortola is one of the many British Virgin Islands. Just 60 miles east of Puerto Rico are the Antilles. These islands can be accessed from the air via San Juan or via a 15-mile ferry via St. Thomas (approximately $50 per person/round trip). The islands were named one of the top ten islands in the Caribbean in 2006 by Conde Nast Traveler. The 12 inhabited islands have villas, apartments and resorts to choose from. Finding the most romantic on each island is my personal quest. I specialize in romance travel and try to find at least one great property on every island I visit to share with my clients.
The British Virgin Islands, as they are known to those in the know, are an overseas territory of the United Kingdom, although the US dollar is the only legal tender. For most visitors, the islands are really all about sailing. You can rent a yacht with a crew or attend a renowned sailing school. For me, it was finding a romantic hotel to send my honeymoon and anniversary clients to visit.
A wedding in the British Virgin Islands will be memorable and stress-free. A marriage license is easy to apply for and the certificate is valid in the United States. I was able to witness one of those stress-free weddings at the cozy and romantic Sugar Mill Hotel. Rain forced the wedding to take place under the large outdoor gazebo shaded by trees. With twinkling lights, flowers, and ribbons, the atmosphere was definitely romantic.
The Sugar Mill Hotel is set in a lush tropical garden among the ruins of a 17th-century sugar plantation. According to Conde Nast Traveler 2006, the Sugar Mill Hotel is one of the 5 best in the Caribbean. The critically acclaimed kitchen in the historic stone building once housed the plantation’s rum distillery. The food is the culmination of Caribbean ingredients combined with California cuisine in an imaginative, award-winning menu that changes nightly.
Across the street from a small white-sand beach in reef-protected waters, this resort is located on the west side of the island. US travelers should remember that driving is on the left side of the road. I suggest a taxi from the airport. Car rental can be arranged at the Sugar Mill Hotel if desired.
The hotel has a honeymoon suite located very close to the restaurant. Although superbly appointed, this self-contained unit is too close to the parking lot and pool for me. I much prefer the Plantation House Suites. They are designed to reflect the charm of traditional Caribbean architecture, with fine stonework, airy porches, and lace gingerbread trim. These rooms are just a few steps from the beach. Featuring an open-plan layout, each master suite has a king-size bed, a large bathroom with double sinks, a sitting area with sofa and chairs, cable TV, VCR, and a kitchenette with a microwave and refrigerator. Steep slopes provide all guests with great views of the ocean and some neighboring islands.
The 7-night honeymoon package includes luxury accommodations, bottle of fine champagne, 3-day jeep rental, 1-hour massage, full-day sailing to neighboring islands including lunch and drinks, gourmet picnic for two, a bottle of Sugar Mill Rum, welcome cocktail and a copy of the Sugar Mill Caribbean Cookbook written by Bon Appetit columnists Jeff and Jinx Morgan. Breakfast and dinner can be included in your daily rate.
If quiet and tranquility is what you are looking for, then this island resort is for you. Not suitable for people with physical disabilities, this hotel is for some special people who enjoy meeting the staff and other guests.
For more information on romance travel, contact me at Special Occasion Travel by phone at 1-800-691-0243 or email me at [email protected]. Visit my website at http://www.specialoccasiontravel.com and sign up for my complimentary weekly travel tips.