Tortola is one of the many British Virgin Islands. The West Indies lie just 60 miles east of Puerto Rico. These islands can be reached from the air via San Juan or by a 15-mile ferry ride through St. Thomas (about $50 per person/round trip). The islands were named one of Conde Nast Traveler’s Top Ten Caribbean Islands of 2006. The 12 inhabited islands have villas, apartments and resorts to choose from. Searching for the most romantic islands is my personal search. I specialize in romantic travel and try to find at least one great property on every island I visit to share with my clients.
The British Virgin Islands, as those in the know refer to them, is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom until it believed that the US dollar was the only legal currency. For most visitors, the islands are all about sailing. One can charter a yacht with a crew or attend a recognized sailing school. For me, it was finding a romantic hotel to send honeymoon and anniversary clients to visit.
Your BVI wedding will be unforgettable and stress-free. The marriage license is easy to arrange and the certificate is valid in the United States. I was able to witness one of our stress free weddings at the cozy and romantic Sugar Mill Hotel. The rain forced the wedding to take place under the large tree-shaded gazebo outdoors. With twinkling lights, flowers, and ribbons, the setting was definitely romantic.
Sugar Mill Hotel is set in a lush tropical garden among the ruins of a 17th century sugar plantation. According to Conde Nast Traveler 2006, the Sugar Mill is one of the top 5 best hotels in the Caribbean. The critically acclaimed kitchen in the historic stone building once housed the farm’s rum distillery. The food is a culmination of Caribbean ingredients meets California cuisine in an innovative, 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 United States should remember to drive on the left side of the road. I suggest a taxi from the airport. Car rentals can be arranged at the Sugar Mill Hotel if one is so inclined.
The hotel has a honeymoon suite located near the restaurant. Although this standalone unit is nicely appointed, for me it is too close to the parking lot and pool. Much better plantation house suites. They’re designed to reflect the charm of traditional Caribbean architecture, with beautiful stonework, breezy balconies and filigree gingerbread trim. These rooms are located just a few steps from the beach. With an open layout, each master suite includes a king-size bed, large bathroom with double sinks, living room with sofa and chairs, cable TV, VCR, and kitchenette with microwave and refrigerator. The steep hillsides give all guests great views of the ocean and some of the neighboring islands.
The 7-night honeymoon package includes a luxury stay, a bottle of fine champagne, 3-day jeep rental, 1-hour massage, full-day sail to neighboring islands including lunch and drinks, a gourmet picnic for two, a bottle of Sugar Mill, a welcome cocktail, and a copy of the Sugar Mill Caribbean cookbook written by Jeff & Jinx Morgan – Bon Appetit. Breakfast and dinner can be included in the daily fee.
If low key and relaxation is what you are looking for then this island resort is what you are looking for. This hotel is not for the physically challenged, it is for a few special people who enjoy getting to know the staff and other guests.
For more romantic travel information, please contact me at Special Occasion Travel either by phone 1-800-691-0243 or email me at Ellen@SpecialOccasionTravel.com. Please visit my website at http://www.specialoccasiontravel.com And sign up for our free weekly travel tips.