Natural Wonder And Island Of Mystery
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS - Creating the eastern most border of the
British Virgin Islands, Virgin Gorda -- named by Christopher
Columbus in 1493 for her long shape and belly-like feature - beckons
sailors from all ports-of-call to discover her bountiful gifts, from
Mother Nature's work of art at The Baths to the luxurious
accommodations and charming Jewels of the BVI. A short sail from the
main island of Tortola, just 19 kilometres across the Sir Francis
Drake Channel, Virgin Gorda tempts visitors with the best of both
beaches and mountains - flat, powdery sands on the south side and
lush vegetation on peaks and hills running along the spine of the
north shore. Sitting more than 366 meters above the sunlit sea in a
natural preserve of mahogany trees, Gorda Peak (the belly of the
Virgin), provides panoramic views of the necklace of islands below,
from remote Anegada high in the north to the smaller Fallen
Jerusalem and Round Rock to the south.
Perhaps best known for
her natural masterpieces, the Virgin stretches 16 square kilometers
long and features uninhabited beaches including the nearly abandoned
Savannah Bay, Pond Bay and Mountain Trunk on the North shore with
spectacular views of Tortola and the northern islands. The North
Sound on Virgin Gorda offers near perfect sailing conditions with
protected waters and close proximity to several tiny islands
including Mosquito overlooking Colquhoun Reef, Prickly Pear with
cacti-covered hills, Eustatia and Saba Rock. Along the south shore
at Bercher's Bay and the South Sound, a glimpse of the empty ocean
is captured as it seems to extend into eternity with nothing but a
soft haze to separate sea and sky.
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Located at the tip of the
Virgin's southwest legs are the most notable beaches on the island -
The Baths - whose mysterious origins are thought to be from eons of
evolution. The initial trail leading down to The Baths provides a
hint of what is yet to be experienced as huge stones and twisted
branches overhead line the way. Anticipation heightens as the first
slender beach is reached, laden with granite boulders stacked and
strewn across the white sand with palms appearing to grow out of the
stones.
A second trail leading to Devil's Bay winds through
grottoes filled with shallow wading pools, formed from the giant
stones that lean against and support each other, only giving way to
slender crevices that allow the sea to rush in. On approach, the
entrance to the rock labyrinth appears to be too slender to breach,
however a simple duck of the head and bend of the back lets bodies
maneuver into what opens into a grand cavern accented by a series of
smaller caves. Illuminated by beams of light squeezing through
slender crevices in the cathedral-like ceilings, the caves are lined
with colourful stones -- some purple with black spots, some grey and
others white with pink coral growing atop. Tiny, silver fish explore
toes through water so refreshing and cool it feels like spring water
rather than the sea. Boulders that create the walls are marked by
various hues, including teal, burnt orange and violet chalked across
the surface.
Complementing the environmental treasures of
Virgin Gorda is a handful of high-end resorts and rustic Jewels of
the BVI dedicated to the natural preservation of the island. Facing
the Sir Frances Drake Channel, Little Dix Bay - the first luxury
resort in the BVI built in the 1960s by Laurence Rockefeller -
positions guests on a wilderness preserve of quiet elegance,
surrounded by seagrapes and coconut palms along a white crescent
beach. With interiors and exteriors incorporating the rocky island
appearance, Little Dix is renowned for its supple spa services, with
private treatment cottages tucked into dramatic cliffs amidst lush
foliage of ivy, palms and vibrant flowers in shades of oranges,
reds, pinks and yellows.
Sitting on the Virgin's thinnest
appendage and only accessible by boat, Bitter End Yacht Club is a
haven for yachters embarking on an island-hopping holiday. Visitors
stay in discreet villas tucked into the verdant hillsides or opt to
revel in the more luxurious setting of a floating room - a 27-meter
yacht. Known as the best sailing and diving complex in the island
chain, Bitter End opens into one of the most secluded, deep-water
harbors in the Caribbean.
Standing like a fortress against
worldly stresses, Biras Creek Estate -- flanked by the sea on three
sides - is a romantic hideaway where televisions are replaced with
outdoor verandas and most guests opt to trade in air conditioners
for open windows with cooling trade winds. Even when the resort is
full, another guest is rarely seen.
Complementing these luxury
resorts, Virgin Gorda is also home to almost 20 private villas
perfect for families and large groups vacationing together, allowing
an intimate playground for reminiscing while keeping a close
proximity for quality time.
Dining on Virgin Gorda is a
simply extraordinary experience with restaurants as full of
character as the natural wonders surrounding them. Rock Cafe,
serving cuisine infused with Caribbean, Italian and Mexican flavors,
surrounds diners with dramatic boulders. Top of the Baths (situated,
well, on top of the Baths) satisfies guests with menu items
including filet mignon and fresh from the docks lobster. Visitors
traveling by water can dinghy up to the Fat Virgin's Cafeand dine on
classics like homemade soups, sandwiches made to order and their
famous outdoor grilled burger in paradise.
Most cruise lines do not call directly at Virgin Gorda. A day
excursion is usually available from the neighboring sister Island
Tortola.
To
discover these secrets and create new ones, call the BVI Tourist
Board toll free: 800.835.8530 or visit www.bvitourism.com.
Source: The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board