The British Virgin Islands, in contrast with the U.S. Virgin Islands, are noticeably less developed and life moves at a much slower, gentler pace. The main centre of tourism is Tortola, a mountainous island, just 12 miles long and 3 miles wide, and with a rocky coastline interspersed with many beautiful and uncrowded beaches. The capital of the British Virgin Islands, Road Town, is situated in a sheltered harbour to the south of the island, while the airport is on neighbouring Beef Island, with its flatter terrain, and connected to Tortola by toll bridge.

Tortola has a thriving local economy due to its tourist trade, largely catering to the number of yachtsmen who visit the British Virgin Islands. As centre of Virgin Islands sailing, most of the marinas, boatyards and charter companies are based here. As well as sailing, the clear seas offer excellent snorkelling and scuba diving. The reefs are unique in the diving world and the National Parks’ Trust has been responsible for putting in place hundreds of mooring buoys, making it easy for divers visiting the islands with their own sail boat or by charter yacht.

Our property here is situated on the western tip of the island, near Smugglers’ Cove, a particularly beautiful white sand beach and close to the West End Ferry Dock and Marina. Tortola offers the opportunity for island hopping and there are ferry links to Peter Island, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda, as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands. The best way of exploring the interior of the island and other beaches is by hire car. Interesting places to discover include the centuries-old ruins such as the Dungeon, Fort George, Fort Recovery, the Mount Healthy Windmill, and Callwood's Rum Distillery, which is still in operation. At Sage Mountain National Park, traces of the primeval rain forest can still be seen at higher elevations. Main Street in Road Town, the only town of any size, offers a choice of shops and restaurants, as well as the BVI Folk Museum. The currency is the US$ and the produce in shops is entirely from the U.S. unless it is locally grown or caught. The cuisine is largely international, but including some West Indian local delicacies such as fresh lobster, conch and curry dishes.

There are direct flights from London, and other European airports to San Juan or Antigua, from where it is a short flight to Beef Island. There are also regular daily ferry crossings from St. Thomas and St. John to either West End or Road Town.