BVIs and USVIs Trip Report - Day 1
Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 12:10 pm
Background: My husband and I have been enjoying vacation every year in the Virgin Islands for our anniversary. This was going to be our 7th year in the Virgin Islands and 6 for St. John. Well after last year’s trip consisting of an earthquake, hurricane and complete washout we were ready to go back and enjoy some sun. Luckily tropical storm Henri quickly disappeared and we were on our way. This year since Caneel (our favorite) was closed we decided to give their sister resort Little Dix Bay a try.
I had originally booked airfare to St. Thomas but later changed it to Tortola, causing a 3 hour delay in San Juan. Surprisingly our 3 hour layover went by painlessly and we boarded the Cape Air flight to Tortola. The flight was about 30 min. give or take and about the same as flying to St. Thomas. We did fly past St. John and although I was a little sad, I knew that we would be there in a few days.
We landed at the Tortola airport and it was completely quiet, besides the customs agent. When we walked outside a friendly smile was waiting for us. A young nice lady had a little sign with our name on it for Little Dix Bay. She took us to their check in office and were told that we would be upgraded to a beachfront cottage. Nice! We then left the office and were directed to the Little Dix Ferry waiting for us. Besides my husband and myself, only the staff were on the boat. We were giving a welcome rum punch and a cool face towel to wash our faces. We were on our way!
We reached Little Dix Bay after about a 25 min. ferry ride and were given an informative tour while on our way to our room. Once we reached our room we were very impressed. The beachfront cottage was beautiful. While the views of the ocean were impaired with the overgrowth of vegetation, we were still steps away from the ocean and good hear it. The room consisted of a large king size bed, full bathroom and an outdoor shower. We had an outdoor patio complete with two lounge chairs. It was perfect.
After settling in a bit we wanted to get a few things for our room (beer). I heard about a grocery store close by so I figured that we could just walk to it from the resort. We started walking and when we pasted the security guard, he reconfirmed that there was a grocery store near just outside of the resort. Well what we didn’t realize, about halfway from the resort, the road took a split. We went towards the left (even though we were supposed to stay to the right). We made it to the main road and just kept walking.
We found a side street and started to walk down the road. There was no sign of a grocery store and it was really hot out. After another block or so we did see some sort of building with a sign indicating a mini-mart. We found it! Or so we thought. We walked in and there were a few beers in the fridge but nothing really as far as stocking our room. We walked out of the store completely disappointed when a pick up truck pulled up asking us if we needed a ride. Two nice locals picked us up and we were on our way to the correct grocery store. The driver dropped off his passenger and continued on to Spanishtown. He told us how he was originally from England and visited the island while on holiday and never returned. He also mentioned that the island was very safe and no crime. I was pretty surprised to hear that. Well we got to the correct store and he showed us where to get the beer. Now beer there was sold separately, so you basically had to take an empty carton and put any 6 beers together. This works well when you’re not sure what you want. My husband offered to grab him a 6 pack and he thanked us. He then took us back to Little Dix Bay. This is when we noticed that we took the wrong road to town. It was about a 5 min. drive back to the resort. He dropped us off and my husband gave him a tip for his generosity. At first he didn’t take it, but after my husband’s persistence he obliged. I think his name was Alex. Very nice guy - thanks Alex!
After a few beers, we got ready for dinner.
Being it was our first night at the resort we decided to dine at the Sugar Mill Restaurant (only restaurant available for dinner). We didn’t need reservations since the resort was nearly empty. We had a short stroll to the restaurant were seated right away.
The server first told us about the buffet that they were offering at $45 per person. At first I thought that it was too high of a price for what they had. Then we opened the menus and realized that the buffet was a good deal. When we usually stay at Caneel, we opt for the breakfast/dinner option so I never take a look at the prices that well. However, I felt that the prices at Little Dix Bay were very high. For example, they charged $18 for a caesar salad?! Entrees ranged from $38 to $45. Needless to say, we decided on the buffet. I also looked at the wine list and found the cheapest red wine for $45. Again the prices (for us anyway) seemed exceptionally high. The food was good but for those prices I would think that it should be great. When we received the bill we noticed that in the BVIs they charge a gratuity/service tax. We realized that an additional tip was not necessary. After a nice first dinner we headed back to our room. We were exhausted (up since 3:15 in the morning).
Next Day 2
I had originally booked airfare to St. Thomas but later changed it to Tortola, causing a 3 hour delay in San Juan. Surprisingly our 3 hour layover went by painlessly and we boarded the Cape Air flight to Tortola. The flight was about 30 min. give or take and about the same as flying to St. Thomas. We did fly past St. John and although I was a little sad, I knew that we would be there in a few days.
We landed at the Tortola airport and it was completely quiet, besides the customs agent. When we walked outside a friendly smile was waiting for us. A young nice lady had a little sign with our name on it for Little Dix Bay. She took us to their check in office and were told that we would be upgraded to a beachfront cottage. Nice! We then left the office and were directed to the Little Dix Ferry waiting for us. Besides my husband and myself, only the staff were on the boat. We were giving a welcome rum punch and a cool face towel to wash our faces. We were on our way!
We reached Little Dix Bay after about a 25 min. ferry ride and were given an informative tour while on our way to our room. Once we reached our room we were very impressed. The beachfront cottage was beautiful. While the views of the ocean were impaired with the overgrowth of vegetation, we were still steps away from the ocean and good hear it. The room consisted of a large king size bed, full bathroom and an outdoor shower. We had an outdoor patio complete with two lounge chairs. It was perfect.
After settling in a bit we wanted to get a few things for our room (beer). I heard about a grocery store close by so I figured that we could just walk to it from the resort. We started walking and when we pasted the security guard, he reconfirmed that there was a grocery store near just outside of the resort. Well what we didn’t realize, about halfway from the resort, the road took a split. We went towards the left (even though we were supposed to stay to the right). We made it to the main road and just kept walking.
We found a side street and started to walk down the road. There was no sign of a grocery store and it was really hot out. After another block or so we did see some sort of building with a sign indicating a mini-mart. We found it! Or so we thought. We walked in and there were a few beers in the fridge but nothing really as far as stocking our room. We walked out of the store completely disappointed when a pick up truck pulled up asking us if we needed a ride. Two nice locals picked us up and we were on our way to the correct grocery store. The driver dropped off his passenger and continued on to Spanishtown. He told us how he was originally from England and visited the island while on holiday and never returned. He also mentioned that the island was very safe and no crime. I was pretty surprised to hear that. Well we got to the correct store and he showed us where to get the beer. Now beer there was sold separately, so you basically had to take an empty carton and put any 6 beers together. This works well when you’re not sure what you want. My husband offered to grab him a 6 pack and he thanked us. He then took us back to Little Dix Bay. This is when we noticed that we took the wrong road to town. It was about a 5 min. drive back to the resort. He dropped us off and my husband gave him a tip for his generosity. At first he didn’t take it, but after my husband’s persistence he obliged. I think his name was Alex. Very nice guy - thanks Alex!
After a few beers, we got ready for dinner.
Being it was our first night at the resort we decided to dine at the Sugar Mill Restaurant (only restaurant available for dinner). We didn’t need reservations since the resort was nearly empty. We had a short stroll to the restaurant were seated right away.
The server first told us about the buffet that they were offering at $45 per person. At first I thought that it was too high of a price for what they had. Then we opened the menus and realized that the buffet was a good deal. When we usually stay at Caneel, we opt for the breakfast/dinner option so I never take a look at the prices that well. However, I felt that the prices at Little Dix Bay were very high. For example, they charged $18 for a caesar salad?! Entrees ranged from $38 to $45. Needless to say, we decided on the buffet. I also looked at the wine list and found the cheapest red wine for $45. Again the prices (for us anyway) seemed exceptionally high. The food was good but for those prices I would think that it should be great. When we received the bill we noticed that in the BVIs they charge a gratuity/service tax. We realized that an additional tip was not necessary. After a nice first dinner we headed back to our room. We were exhausted (up since 3:15 in the morning).
Next Day 2