Virgin Gorda, BVI: 11 - 20 July 2019




After postponing our initial trip from 2017 due to hurricane that devastated the island we finally were able to get there and check this one off our bucket list.  Virgin Gorda is one of the islands among the British Virgin Islands.  We found this spectacular secluded beach during an excursion from St. Thomas quite a few years ago that took us to the famous "Baths".  We fell in love with in and made a promise to each other to someday come back here and stay.  There are several was to get here but during our research we found the cheapest way is to fly to St. Thomas then catch the Speedy Ferry over to Virgin Gorda.

We had some Delta SkyMiles that we were able to use for the flight.  We had to fly on a Thursday to use the sky miles so we had to stay 2 nights in St. Thomas until we could catch the Ferry service on Saturday.  They only run 2 days a week during the Summer season.

We stayed at Ogla's Fancy which was within walking distance to the ferry departure point.  The cab ride from the airport was 20.00 for both of us.  It was only about 5 miles to the hotel.  It is located on a small coast area within minutes walking distance of downtown Charlotte Amalie.  The property is very quaint and locally owned.  We had booked a "Cozy Double" which actually was such an unique room.  The room itself really is a half room with an outside shower and bathroom which was really cool.  Sounds like a hillbilly setup but it was actually an enjoyable stay.  The cost was 99.00 a night.  A great stopover with a pool and nice breeze coming off the water.  




This cat greeted all the guests





On Saturday we caught the 1600 ferry.  The cost was $70 per person round trip.  It takes about 2 hours for the ride over.  It was a smooth ride in air conditioning.  Arriving at Virgin Gorda we have to go through a quick customs check and a 10.00 per person environment fee.  We had previously arranged pickup with the property where we stayed.  We gave them the time of our arrival time and they had a cab waiting on us.  About a 10 min ride from Spanish Town to Guavaberry for $4 per person.  Spanish Town itself is still rebuilding from the 2017 hurricane so a lot of things to see there.

We made reservations with Guavaberry Springs Bay about a year ago.  We booked a 1 bedroom cottage for $210 per night which is the off season price.  Their peak season starts October and runs through March  It was a great cottage called Lily with great furnishings and plenty windows with a nice breeze.  We did get one with AC which was nice after a full day in the sun.  We took a hammock and it hung perfectly on the front porch.  There is maid service that comes daily and they have a charcoal grill at the bottom of the stairs.

Lily Cottage


 

 The property has their own beach.  Its a couple minute walk from the cottage.  About 10 min walk is the famous "Baths" and "Devils Bay Beach".  They are must sees.  The pictures say much more than I can.  As close to paradise as we have ever experienced.  Below is a mixture of all three places




 
 
 
 








 
 



The granite boulders create such a unique coast.  This is one of a few places in the world where you can find this type of geology.  There is a $3 per person charge to enter Devils Bay and the Baths if you enter from the parking lot.  But its a short snorkel from Spring Bay at no cost.  We have been to a lot of beaches but none come close to these places.

The property is family owned for several generations.  They are great people and will work with you to make your stay memorable.  There is a commissary (mini grocery) on the property that is open 24/7.  They work on the honor system.  So you take what you want and write it down on the pad of paper assigned to your cottage and at the end of your stay they add it onto your bill.  We ate from the store all week for $209. They do not take credit cards so be sure to take a check or cash to settle up at the end of your stay.  We did eat out one dinner at Mad Dogs located at the top of the Baths.  They had 2 dogs (Roxy and Pearl) that loved hanging around guests on the beach





Pearl

Roxy


Top of the Baths



If you are looking for a social scene this is not the place.  At most there was about 10 people on any of the beaches at one time.  So peaceful and a great place to rest and relax.  Temps are in the mid 80s with a constant breeze.  The snorkeling was amazing.  We have paid for many snorkeling trips and none were as good as the snorkeling at all three beaches.  A lot of fish and underwater rock formations.  We got to use our new masks and they worked so great.  They look funny but snorkeling in them is so easy and fun.

The Ferry has a return trip that leaves at 0830 on Saturday back to St. Thomas.  There was a $20 per person exit fee from Virgin Gorda….never did figure that one out.


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