Romance in Tortola-British Virgin Islands
Tortola is one of the many British Virgin Islands. Just 60 miles east of Puerto Rico are the West Indies. These islands can be accessed from the air via San Juan or by a 15-mile ferry through St. Thomas (approximately $ 50 / 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 of each island is my personal quest. I specialize in romantic travel and I try to find at least one great property on every island I visit to share with my clients.
The British Virgin Islands, as those who know them know them, are an overseas territory of the United Kingdom, although the US dollar is the only legal tender. For most visitors, the islands are really about sailing. You can rent a yacht with a crew or attend a recognized teaching school for sailing. 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 stress-free and memorable. A marriage license is easy to process 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. The rain forced the wedding to take place under the large open-air gazebo in the shade of the trees. With twinkling lights, flowers, and ribbons, the atmosphere was definitely romantic.
The Sugar Mill Hotel is nestled in a lush tropical garden amongst the ruins of a 17th century sugar plantation. According to Conde Nast Traveler 2006, the Sugar Mill Hotel is one of the top 5 in the Caribbean. The critically acclaimed kitchen in the historic stone building once housed the plantation’s rum distillery. The food is a 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. Travelers from the USA should remember to drive 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 bridal suite located very close to the restaurant. Although superbly equipped, this freestanding unit is too close to the parking lot and pool for me. I prefer the Plantation House Suites. They are designed to reflect the charm of traditional Caribbean architecture, with fine stonework, airy porches and ginger lace trim. These rooms are just a few steps from the beach. With an open-plan layout, each master suite has a king size bed, a large bathroom with two sinks, a living room with a sofa and chairs, cable TV, VCR, and a kitchenette with a microwave and refrigerator. The steep slopes provide all guests with great views of the ocean and some neighboring islands.
Honeymoon package for 7 nights includes luxury accommodation, bottle of fine champagne, jeep rental for 3 days, 1 hour massage, full day sailing to neighboring islands with 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 Jeff & Jinx Morgan columnists – Bon Appetit. Breakfast and dinner can be included in your daily charge.
If discreet and relaxing is what you are looking for, this island resort is for you. Not for people with physical disabilities, this hotel is for some special people who enjoy meeting the staff and other guests.
For more information on romantic travel, please contact me at Special Occasion Travel, either by phone at 1-800-691-0243 or email me at [email protected]. Visit my website at http://www.specialemploitravel.com and sign up to receive my free weekly travel tips.