Fort Recovery Beachfront Villa & Suites Hotel
An Inn-timate experience... peaceful, breezy, comfortable and clean...voted the "Best Views in the BVI" !!! Caribbean-Fusion pool side dining!
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Apple Bay - Beach in Tortola, BVI
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Grab your boogey board and get ready to chop the waves of this very popular surfer's haven. After a few chops, let Bomba's surfside bar get you fired up with Bomba's infamous 'shroom punch. Like many beaches in the British Virgin Islands, the beach shore is subject... (more)Grab your boogey board and get ready to chop the waves of this very popular surfer's haven.
After a few chops, let Bomba's surfside bar get you fired up with Bomba's infamous 'shroom punch.
Like many beaches in the British Virgin Islands, the beach shore is subject to the whims of the ocean and waves. Thus, the actual size of the beach varies throughtout the year. While it's not the best wading beach, body surfing and surfing are terrific. (close) |
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Aragorn Studio - Art Gallery in Tortola, BVI
www.aragornsstudio.com email: dreadeye@surfbvi.com phone: 284 495-1849 |
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Aragorn's Studio is located in beautiful Trellis Bay on the eastern tip of the island of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. Aragorn’s abundant creative energy is embodied in his studio, pottery and local art center situated at the heart of Trellis Bay Village, BVI. His dedication... (more)Aragorn's Studio is located in beautiful Trellis Bay on the eastern tip of the island of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands.
Aragorn’s abundant creative energy is embodied in his studio, pottery and local art center situated at the heart of Trellis Bay Village, BVI. His dedication to the cultural arts are blossoming in a center where his own works are displayed amongst the works of the top artisans of the Caribbean and where craft skills are taught.
Starting off his day early in the morning, Aragorn loads up his shop on the water, his inflatable boat, with a sampling of goods you will find in the shoreside shop: spices, freshly baked bread, local island produce, his world famous t shirts and baskets full of the smaller Caribbean crafts. You will find his boat shop on the water between Trellis Bay and Marina Cay each morning. Just give him a shout if you see him going by and he will drop in for your convenient onboard shopping!
The shore side shop located on the water's edge in Trellis Bay is open from 8 am until 6 pm and later on evenings when events such as the Trellis Bay Fish Fry or the Full Moon Party is happening on the beach.
It is the ONLY gift and craft shop of its kind in the British Virgin Islands where support for local craft and encouragement of craft as a viable income in the region is strongly supported. What you won't find in the shop are trinkets from the Far East or other parts of the globe. What you WILL find are authentic Caribbean made items.
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Brandywine Bay - Beach in Tortola, BVI
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The government of the British Virgin Islands brought in several thousand tons of sand dredged from various harbours around the island and used it to rebuild the beach at Brandywine Bay. The beach had eroded substantially over the past several years. There's nothing here other than good... (more)The government of the British Virgin Islands brought in several thousand tons of sand dredged from various harbours around the island and used it to rebuild the beach at Brandywine Bay. The beach had eroded substantially over the past several years.
There's nothing here other than good swimming and pretty decent snorkelling too! There's likely good shell collecting as well, as the sand has been dredged. If you bring a small shovel and sieve, chances are you may find a few treasures here!
Tourists rarely visit, so if you'd like a stretch of sand all to yourselves and enjoy shell collecting ... this is the place for you!
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Brewers Bay Beach - Beach in Tortola, BVI
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The snorkeling is fabulous at Brewer's but getting here isn't for the faint of heart! Road access consists of several hair pin turns and steep ascents, which some BVI visitors find more than a wee bit scary. Its really no problem if you take it slowly. Four wheel drive or... (more)The snorkeling is fabulous at Brewer's but getting here isn't for the faint of heart! Road access consists of several hair pin turns and steep ascents, which some BVI visitors find more than a wee bit scary. Its really no problem if you take it slowly. Four wheel drive or front wheel drive is a real bonus when travelling to any of the beaches on Tortola.
If lucky and the weather cooperates, you will find Tarpon, squid, octopus, box fish, trigger fish, loads of parrot fish, thousands of interesting little reef dwellers and various coral formations. Just follow the shoreline near Nicole's Bar and you will find a marvelous underwater world which still remains mostly undisturbed.
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Cane Garden Bay - Beach in Tortola, BVI
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For folks who, like Jimmy Buffet, truly appreciate sailing, great beaches, swimming, good restaurants, Caribbean entertainment, scuba diving, shopping and the ever popular beach bars, Cane Garden is your one stop shop! There is no question that this is one of the most popular beaches in... (more)For folks who, like Jimmy Buffet, truly appreciate sailing, great beaches, swimming, good restaurants, Caribbean entertainment, scuba diving, shopping and the ever popular beach bars, Cane Garden is your one stop shop!
There is no question that this is one of the most popular beaches in the British Virgin Islands and the entire Caribbean!
Buffet immortalized Tortola in the lyrics of his song, "Manana"
"I hear it gets better, that's what they say,
As soon as we sail on to Cane Garden Bay"
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Crafts Alive - Shop in Tortola, BVI
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Crafts Alive, a picturesque village for local artists and craftspeople, is worth the visit. The houses are reminiscent of the wooden gable end houses that were prominent features of the landscape during the first half of the 20th century. The same type of architecture still forms part of the vernacular... (more)Crafts Alive, a picturesque village for local artists and craftspeople, is worth the visit. The houses are reminiscent of the wooden gable end houses that were prominent features of the landscape during the first half of the 20th century. The same type of architecture still forms part of the vernacular architecture on the main street complete with ginger bread trimmings around the roofs. The thatched houses recall a different era when slaves built thatched houses entirely from grass. The fragile nature of these houses resulted in the great loss of lives during hurricanes in 1867, 1916, and 1924. Some of the craft items in Crafts Alive go back to African roots - dolls dressed in typical African attire, clothing materials and pottery. Typical of the BVI is the straw work, which was once a prosperous cottage industry in the eastern end of Tortola. Hats and bags plaited and sewn by the local women take a prominent place in Crafts Alive. (close) |
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Elizabeth Beach - Beach in Tortola, BVI
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Elizabeth Beach is without doubt, the widest on Tortola, providing sun worshipers plenty of room to stretch out, get a great tan and enjoy the beautiful views of the British Virgin Islands. However, its girth also presents one rather daunting problem. Getting from the shade of the tree line to... (more)Elizabeth Beach is without doubt, the widest on Tortola, providing sun worshipers plenty of room to stretch out, get a great tan and enjoy the beautiful views of the British Virgin Islands. However, its girth also presents one rather daunting problem. Getting from the shade of the tree line to the water can be a somewhat "warm" experience! Sandals don't cut it in the heat of the day and doing the 100 yard dash can be challenging in the sand. Bring a pair of closed toe shoes with you unless you want to burn your feet!
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Fahie Hill Mural - Historic Sites in Tortola, BVI
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In 2001 a local artist, Reuben Vanterpool, decided to turn a retaining wall in his Fahie Hill community into a gallery of its history; he sketched a series of scenes on the wall and, with the help of other artists, painted them in vivid colors. The result was the Fahie... (more)In 2001 a local artist, Reuben Vanterpool, decided to turn a retaining wall in his Fahie Hill community into a gallery of its history; he sketched a series of scenes on the wall and, with the help of other artists, painted them in vivid colors. The result was the Fahie Hill Mural, an excellent depiction of life on Tortola after Emancipation but before widespread development.
Panels show how islanders raised and gathered their food: they depict young men fishing, older men watering cattle, and the whole family working together to terrace land for crops. One panel illustrates women baking bread in traditional Dutch brick ovens.
Other panels show the schoolhouse where children once studied, a sugar factory at harvest time, and men working at the nearby rum distillery. The mural also shows how islanders had fun: One panel depicts a fungi band at work, and another shows traditional dancing.
The mural is located along the Ridge Road between Great Mountain Road and Johnson’s Ghut Road. (close) |
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Island Treasures - Shop in Tortola, BVI
phone: 284 495 4787 |
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Islands Treasures has a great collection of Caribbean books and maps, model ships and local Caribbean art from watercolors to sculpture.
Road Town
across from the hospital |
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Joseph Reynold O'Neal Botanical Gardens - Parks/Gardens in Tortola, BVI
www.bvinationalparkstrust.org phone: 284 494 4557 |
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Among the joys in visiting radically different places and climates far from home are the totally new vistas encountered. Gardeners encounter unfamiliar and exotic growth in the four-acre Joseph Reynold O’Neal Botanical Gardens. Park is open from 8am to 4pm with an entrance fee of $3 for adults, $2... (more)Among the joys in visiting radically different places and climates far from home are the totally new vistas encountered. Gardeners encounter unfamiliar and exotic growth in the four-acre Joseph Reynold O’Neal Botanical Gardens. Park is open from 8am to 4pm with an entrance fee of $3 for adults, $2 for children under 10. The setting is an oasis of quiet in bustling Road Town. The gardens were opened in 1986 on part of what was once the island’s 60-acre agricultural station, the rest of which has been consumed by schools, roads, and commercial development.
Named for the founder and first chairman of the BVI National Parks Trust, the gardens are the place to come to get acquainted with the rich variety of tropical plants and animals that live in the BVI. The gardens include an orchid house, fern collection, and a garden of local medicinal herbs. You will also find a wide range of fruit trees, such as mango, passion fruit, and breadfruit. Look out as well for the gardens’ collection of palm trees, including the native tyre palm, traditionally used to make brooms.
The gardens are a popular venue for weddings. Call the BVI National Parks Trust for the fees. (close) |
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Josiah's Bay Beach - Beach in Tortola, BVI
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Of all the beaches in the British Virgin Islands, Josiah's Bay Beach is a surfing paradise! As soon as a north swell begins to roll, surfers suit up and head out to the break line! Swimming is hit and miss for those who are not strong... (more)Of all the beaches in the British Virgin Islands, Josiah's Bay Beach is a surfing paradise! As soon as a north swell begins to roll, surfers suit up and head out to the break line!
Swimming is hit and miss for those who are not strong swimmers. It depends on the weather.
Access is easy by road. This is not one of those beaches where you can safely test your swimming skills or take your eyes off your children! Be sure you know where the undertows are before entering the water!
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Little Denmark - Cigar Shop in Tortola, BVI
phone: 284 494 2455 |
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Little Denmark offers just about everything under the sun, but it is the Cuban cigars that have made Little Denmark famous as a distributor and retailer. This shop is complete with its own room-sized humidor and a large selection including Cohiba, Montocristo, Hoyo de Monterrey, Partagas, H. Upmann, and Romeo... (more)Little Denmark offers just about everything under the sun, but it is the Cuban cigars that have made Little Denmark famous as a distributor and retailer. This shop is complete with its own room-sized humidor and a large selection including Cohiba, Montocristo, Hoyo de Monterrey, Partagas, H. Upmann, and Romeo Y Julieta. Stop by and have a chat with its owner, Diana Bruce, a native BVIslander whose father came to the BVI in 1936 and started a cigarette factory on Peter Island.
on Main Street near its Top
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Long Bay Beach - Beach in Tortola, BVI
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Situated just east of Smuggler's Cove in Tortola's West End, Long Bay Beach offers several advantages for visitors to the British Virgin Islands. It is easily accessible by road and there's a lovely resort with restaurant and pool nearby with plenty of chairs provided free of charge for... (more)
Situated just east of Smuggler's Cove in Tortola's West End, Long Bay Beach offers several advantages for visitors to the British Virgin Islands. It is easily accessible by road and there's a lovely resort with restaurant and pool nearby with plenty of chairs provided free of charge for all comers!
There is quite a bit of coral at the surf line of this beach if you like to look for shells and other sea offerings.
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Oasis Salon & Spa - Spa in Tortola, BVI
email: relax@oasis.com phone: 284 494 8891 |
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Full Service Spa carries the top quality products for use and sale including Aveda, KMS, Mizani, Paul Mitchell for hair, beauty, nails and skin care.
Please visit our Salon & Spa at Village Cay Hotel & Marina, Inland Messenger, Road Town, Tortola.
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Old Government House Museum - Museum in Tortola, BVI
phone: 284 494 4091 |
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Elegant former residence of the representative of the British Monarch. Intriguing and informative guided tour encompasses past and present. Shop and stamp museum. Monday - Saturday 9 am - 3 pm. A 2-hour guided walking tour of Government Museum and historical Main Street, including... (more)Elegant former residence of the representative of the British Monarch. Intriguing and informative guided tour encompasses past and present. Shop and stamp museum. Monday - Saturday 9 am - 3 pm.
A 2-hour guided walking tour of Government Museum and historical Main Street, including refreshments and museum entry fee is available. Email isatco@surfbri.com, phone: 284 494 2268. (close) |
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Sage Mountain National Park - Parks/Gardens in Tortola, BVI
www.bvinationalparkstrust.org phone: 284 494 2069 |
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Hikers at Sage Mountain National Park, admission is free, can climb to the highest point in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, 1,716 feet above sea level. The 92-acre park located in west-central Tortola is also home to forest untouched for over 500 years. The National... (more)Hikers at Sage Mountain National Park, admission is free, can climb to the highest point in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, 1,716 feet above sea level. The 92-acre park located in west-central Tortola is also home to forest untouched for over 500 years.
The National Parks Trust has erected dozens of signs that identify trees and plants along the trails, including the West Indian mahogany, elephant-ear vine, and bulletwood tree. Visitors will hear the sounds of resident birds and bo-peeps, one of the most common kinds of tree frogs.
The entrance to Sage Mountain National Park is located about 0.3 mile from the parking lot, at the end of a wide trail that cuts through private property. Once inside the park, you can choose to follow the North Trail, which descends slightly before passing through some of the oldest and most lush parts of the forest; the South Trail, which cuts through drier forest; or the Central Trail, which follows the spine of the ridge. All three trails meet at a giant old fig tree at the western end of the park. Other trails track eastward from the park entrance and climb past impressive lookouts to the highest point in the park.
Shelters have been built at several spots along the trails, and there is a picnic table on the North Trail just past the park entrance. Brochures, which include a map of the park, are usually available at the park entrance, and there is a map on display at the parking lot.
Sage Mountain is almost always cool and damp; the air here can be a real relief on hot days. Wear sturdy shoes and plan to spend about two hours here if you want to see most of the park. (close) |
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Samarkand Jewelers - Jewelry Store in Tortola, BVI
phone: 284 495 6415 |
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Samarkand Jewelers specializes in Caribbean gemstones from Santa Domingo (such as black coral), Tortola (such as jasper not normally in green), Dominica and other islands. This family business makes all its own jewelry. Real local shells are made into molds, the shell burnt out and the piece filled with gold... (more)Samarkand Jewelers specializes in Caribbean gemstones from Santa Domingo (such as black coral), Tortola (such as jasper not normally in green), Dominica and other islands. This family business makes all its own jewelry. Real local shells are made into molds, the shell burnt out and the piece filled with gold and silver. Pendants of private boats are made by special order.
Main Street past The Plaza.
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Serendipity - Shop in Tortola, BVI
phone: 284 494 5865 |
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Serendipity has wonderful island sundresses as well as glass, shirts and other local handicrafts. There is a "husband's chair" for comfort while admiring the wares being modeled by their spouses!
Main Street near its Top.
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Smugglers Cove Beach - Beach in Tortola, BVI
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This is a great place to swim, kick back and relax for a while. The dirt road access is less than inviting but worth the trek! In fact, many people prefer to walk in, leaving their cars at the Jolly Roger, West End Ferry Terminal or at Long Bay... (more)This is a great place to swim, kick back and relax for a while. The dirt road access is less than inviting but worth the trek! In fact, many people prefer to walk in, leaving their cars at the Jolly Roger, West End Ferry Terminal or at Long Bay Resort, rather than drive. But of all the beaches in the British Virgin Islands, this one is definitely worth the trouble! It is quiet, has good snorkelling and uncrowded beaches. (close) |
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Sunny Caribbee Spice Co. Ltd - Shop in Tortola, BVI
www.SunnyCaribbee.com email: sunnycaribbee@surfbvi.com phone: 284 494 2178 |
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If you love the art and spices of the Caribbean, this is a must see! The shop is brimming with island seasonings, sauces, tropical sweets, gift sets, legendary teas and coffees of the Caribbean, exotic herbs and spices, West Indian crafts, Karl Merklein art. 119... (more)If you love the art and spices of the Caribbean, this is a must see! The shop is brimming with island seasonings, sauces, tropical sweets, gift sets,
legendary teas and coffees of the Caribbean, exotic herbs and spices,
West Indian crafts, Karl Merklein art. 119 Main Street, Road Town.
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The Bat Cave - Nightlife in Tortola, BVI
www.spaghettijunction.net/batcave.htm email: mail@spaghettijunction.net phone: 284 494 4880 |
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Black Lights, glowing artifacts, great dance music intermingled with some awesome blues, and laser lights, haze machine, and people dancing, or chatting, singing karaoke, or having dinner at the bar ... these are all things you'll find in THE BAT CAVE! You'll notice bats pictured everywhere as... (more)Black Lights, glowing artifacts, great dance music intermingled with some awesome blues, and laser lights, haze machine, and people dancing, or chatting, singing karaoke, or having dinner at the bar ... these are all things you'll find in THE BAT CAVE!
You'll notice bats pictured everywhere as well as Batman and Robin memorabilia that customers bring in to add to the collection.
You'll also find a fabulous, bigger than ever, air conditioned, circular, raised dance floor (that will rival any New York night club) complete with haze machine and some of the latest lighting technology in the BVI. (close) |
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Trellis Bay Full Moon Party - Festival in Tortola, BVI
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Beef Island’s Trellis Bay is an artsy and hip place to be every day of the year, but on full moons its funky atmosphere boils over at the Full Moon Party, a joint production of Aragorn’s Studio and the Trellis Bay Cybercafé. The parties may share a name with Bomba’s... (more)Beef Island’s Trellis Bay is an artsy and hip place to be every day of the year, but on full moons its funky atmosphere boils over at the Full Moon Party, a joint production of Aragorn’s Studio and the Trellis Bay Cybercafé. The parties may share a name with Bomba’s Full Moon Parties on the west end of the island, but the similarities end there. Trellis Bay’s fetes feature local musicians, a top-notch barbecue buffet, stilt walkers, and local artist Aragorn Dick-Read’s flaming fireballs.
The parties are a good place to sample Tortola’s traditional music form, scratch-band music called fungi. Entertainment also often includes mocko jumbies, colorful stilt-walking characters that perform impressive moves at heights of up to 10 feet.
Aragorn’s fireballs are a story unto themselves. Spherical metal sculptures about five feet in diameter, the fireballs are stuffed with flammable material, fastened on stands over the water, and lit afire. The effect is mesmerizing; flames dance over the crystal water, allowing glimpses at the balls’ intricate carved designs.
The fireballs have a checkered past. Aragorn engaged in a very public dispute with the island’s Conservation and Fisheries Department in 2004 and 2005 over whether he had the required permission to station them on the seabed. (Local law states that landownership ends at the high water mark; the seabed is controlled by the government). At the height of the dispute, the fireballs were confiscated and locked up at the East End Police Station. The matter seems to have been resolved for the time being.
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