Month: November 2016

Skiing in the French Alps is a fabulous experience, especially in a resort town that has committed itself to exquisite grooming and modernizing of its lifts and infrastructure. This is only one issue that sets Val D’Isere apart from neighboring alpine towns. After all, it has remained fully committed to upgrading over the years and features multi-passenger gondolas and express shuttles that make it easy and fun to head to all points within the resort.

However, even the best snows and resorts will be found lacking if they have nothing to offer after skiing is done for the day. This too is something that helps Val D‘Isere stand apart, and its little village is a remarkably vibrant place full of appealing architecture, dazzling nightlife, excellent dining and activities for those who didn’t burn up their energy on the slopes.

The Village

Established in the 1600s, the village of Val D’Isere was essentially built around its utterly charming Baroque church. Today, it is home to a wonderful array of charming shops and restaurants. Its appealing high street is like something out of a picture postcard as it is framed by mountain scenery and full of appealing buildings and architecture. Stone and wood ensure that visitors feel the classic warmth of this locale, though it is far from sleepy.

The center is lined with high end boutiques, sports shops, bars, and  fabulous restaurants.  The transport shuttles make constant stops enabling visitors to reach any point in the resort within moments, and of course, this is also where the bustling nightlife and amazing restaurants are found too.

Dining

Unlike many neighboring resorts that are spread out over the face of their respective mountains, Val D’Isere is centered in its village. Here you can savor some remarkable dining experiences that range from five star to fast and tasty. Some of the must-try options include La Fruitiere, Le Signal, and La Peau de Vache. History buffs will want to visit La Grande Ourse as it opened in 1936 and has remained one of the finest spots throughout the decades. Michelin star rated La Table de L’Ours is also a must try as well as L’Atelier d’Edmond, another Michelin star recipient.

If seeking authentic Savoyard food, try La Casserole with its raclette and other cheese dishes, or Le Lodge known for its masterful handling of beef. For the local scene, head to Sur La Montagne and sample their unique fusion dishes. Don’t ignore the pubs and bars that also offer some fun and filling foods.

The Aquasportif

Another destination within Val D’Isere that has to be enjoyed during a visit is their Centre Aquasportif. Here, guests can head to the Beach World, the Sports World, the Well-Being World, Lounge World or the Spa World and soak up the setting. As their names suggest, each of the worlds is full of activities that encompass the full array of experiences contained in the name.

Beach World, as a prime example, offers a leisure pool, water cannons, aqua gym, and river currents feature among others. The Spa World is also as it sounds, with saunas, spas and steam baths. The Sports World is for the adventurous with its climbing walls, weight rooms, treadmills, trainers and much more. And when you have had your fill of action, head to Well-Being World for your full body massage, facial, waxing and other body treatments. Top it all off with a visit to Lounge World and enjoy something from the Water Bar or a nice herbal tea. This is also where various simulators let you play golf, drive a high-speed sports car, and more.

There is truly something for everyone when you experience the delightful Val D’Isere resort area in the French Alps.

Barbados has long reigned as one of the finest Caribbean destinations. With its excellent beaches and safe, calm waters it has become a destination for individuals, families and groups seeking a lot of fun in the sun and reliable weather. So, beachfront vacations on Barbados are a popular choice, but the question then becomes just “where” on the island is it best to enjoy your waterfront holiday?

Let’s take a moment to look at the geography of the island and understand the nature of the beaches in each of the different regions. For instance, many say that Barbados’ beaches are as unique as the island itself, and you will want to choose your beachfront location based on your needs.

In the western coastal area of the island, for instance, you can enjoy the typical, picture postcard perfect beachfront. Here you can watch the palms dance in the breeze, gaze at the sugary white sands, and listen to the waters as they just gently lap along the shore. It is here where you will find a lot of swimmers, kayakers, jet skiers, and snorkeling.

In the south, these same conditions continue, and because there are coral reefs offshore here, you see a bit more surf in the bays. With consistent winds, as well, this is a great area for testing out your surfing or boogie boarding skills. Safe conditions prevail, making it a good spot to learn these activities, including wind or kitesurfing.

The eastern coast has the windy beaches and the tough surf that can only come from the Atlantic. This is good for skilled surfers, but not for the novice. In fact, the surfing here is so good that experts travel from all over the world.

As you head up to the north coast, you reach the tall sandstone cliffs that can climb 100 feet or more. The coves tucked in the cliffs are picturesque and even workable for some beach going, but this is not the area for those who have a tropical holiday clearly in mind.

All of the island’s beaches have coral, whether you find it offshore or in the cliffs, and this makes them some of the prettiest beaches you might ever find, with the most unique sand that comes from the coral.

Staying at the Beaches

If you are planning a holiday and want to find a beachfront vacation accommodation, you will need to use the information above to choose the best spot for your needs. However, we’ll do a quick round up of the best beaches to help you choose the resort or private villa rental that best matches your personal vision of island paradise.

Crane Beach is one of the loveliest on the island. Home to resorts and an old harbor, it is luxurious and often identified as one of the best in the world. Ideal for surfers, it is also a safe swimming beach.

Silver Sands is a windsurfing paradise, and a southern coast gem. Close to a resort, it is considered a prime location and truly picturesque.

Bottom Bay beach is like something out of a postcard and features high cliffs, gorgeous white sandy beaches, and is ideal only for viewing as the waters are not so safe. If your holiday ideal is all about views and sea breezes, this is the spot.

Bath Beach is one of the island’s favorite swimming beaches, though it is along the Atlantic shore. Small waves, plenty of facilities and a lovely waterfall make it ideal as a spot to enjoy a holiday.

Other good choices for your beachfront vacation in Barbados would be properties near Dover, Folkestone, or Mullins Bay beaches too.

Virgin Gorda, in the British Virgin Islands, is a relatively long and narrow island with several large sounds and many smaller bays. This makes it an ideal spot for fans of water sports, sailing and beach going. Because all of the beaches on the island are within 25 minutes of one another – in fact, it is around 25 minutes by car from one end of the island to the other – you may think you can just drive around and pick a good one. However, why waste a moment of your precious holiday time looking for the perfect beach? Instead, we offer you a simple guide to the best beaches based on their conditions and prime activities.

However, before setting off on this virtual tour of the island’s beaches, it is a good idea to understand the basic geography of their locations. A vast majority are tucked into the southern end of the island, below Spanish Town. Here you find a delicate chain of beaches that offer safe swimming, gentle and very light surf, gorgeous sands and seawater. They don’t run together because of the enormous boulders that serve as natural dividers, and some areas of beachfront are private here as well.

With this in mind, we suggest the following beaches that are found in the southern areas, and some a bit farther north:

The Baths

By far, one of the most famous beaches on the island (and that is most deservedly) is the one known as The Baths. It is also one of the most famous beaches in all of the islands but is rarely crowded because no large cruise ships visit Virgin Gorda. It gets its name from the amazing caves and hidden pools created by enormous boulders tucked along the shore. These boulders are so massive that they create natural caves, and when the sunlight peers between the cracks, illuminating the lovely sea green waters, it is like another, magical world.

Small cruise ships do visit the island, so you will want to forgo your exploration here until a day when no cruises are in port. The good news is that this is not all that often and you will be able to enjoy the use of the locker room facilities and the different restaurants along the beach.

Devil’s Bay

Close by The Baths, it is found via a trail adjacent to the parking area as well as a trail that runs through the caves of The Baths. If you are a snorkeling fan, this is the beach to choose, but it is also an ideal sunbathing destination that is quiet and relaxed.

Spring Bay

Also close to Devil’s Bay and The Baths, this is a public beach with the same boulders and hidden caves as the other beaches. This beach has “The Crawl” full of pools and safe climbing rocks. The snorkeling here is impressive as well, and it is the perfect place to learn how to enjoy this water sport. Don’t miss your chance to climb up on the famous “jumping rock” and take a thrilling plunge.

Little Dix Bay

This is one of the first “crystal clear” beaches you will find and it is sheltered and pristine. Located near a famous resort, it provides you with access to water sports as well as dining and drinking options.

Savannah Bay

Heading north of Spanish Town is this safe and romantic destination. If you have children, this is the beach to choose. The waters are so clear you can see the bottom and there are many times when the beach here is entirely empty and abandoned.

Other “must see” beaches include Fischer’s Cove for its restaurant and low-key beach, Levericks Bay for its wonderful swimming and water sports, and Pond Bay which is beautiful and often empty.

Long described as one of the world’s most “ideal” ski resorts, Val D’Isere is a long-time French Alps icon. It has amazing terrain and a truly charming village that provide visitors with a flawless setting for their ski holidays. It is connected to nearby Tignes, and together they create more than 300km of pistes and almost 95 lifts. And unlike many other resorts claiming to be connected, these two do not ask you to take long lifts or ski unappealing trails. Instead, they truly do connect via lovely pistes that require short distances and offer great scenery and conditions.

Ideal for beginners to experts, it sits much higher than many of its neighbors, with the village at 1850 meters and slopes topping out at an astonishing 3400 meters. The pistes here are noted for their impeccable grooming, while the modernity of the lifts is a constant source of praise.

For 2017, the resort introduces its new Solaise gondola that is a replacement for the outdated Solaise Express lift. The ten-person gondola has heated seats, WiFi and will allow more than 3,500 passengers to make their way up and down the mountain each hour. In addition to this new lift, there is also a wonderful new dining facility at the top.

Situated at such altitudes, the slopes provide excellent coverage, and good snow is such a guarantee that major global skiing events are held here every December.

It is understood that most the slopes here are for the intermediate to expert skiers, though there are nursery slopes available too. There are four sectors to ski, and two are reached right from the resort. Solaise is the first of the resort’s pistes and is accessible via the new gondola. It is a distinctly red rated run with some black trails. Bellevvarde is accessible from the Olympique gondola and is a challenging black downhill trail.

Le Fornet is at the western end of the resort and accessible via the ski bus or the pistes at Solaise. You can head up to the Pissaillas glacier or you can simply head back down through La Solaise. La Daille is at the eastern end of the resort and reached by bus. The pistes lead towards Tignes but also take you to the Funival funicular that leads to the top of Bellevard.

Nursery slopes are tucked all around the bottom of the resort, and there is another area at La Daille as well as the one situated on the slopes at Solaise. If you ride the Madeleine Express lift, it takes you to one of the gentlest slopes for beginners.

For the more adventurous, there is a terrain park. This is the Oakley Valpart that is tucked into the La Daille area of the resort. It sits at the bottom of the Marmottes lift, and requires the use of a separate lift to access the park. Guests are able to use the permanent racecourse, test themselves on the slalom or use the different trails contained within this park.

The Town

At the heart of the resort is the charming village, which actually dates to the 1600s. Interestingly enough, the town did not see much improvement or expansion until the 1990s and the Winter Olympics. One of Val D’Isere’s slopes, known as La Face, hosted several contests and this triggered many updates to the amenities, services and overall look of the village.

This is all great news to those who wish to ski Val D’Isere and discover for themselves just why so many flock here each winter to experience the amazing conditions and wonderful scenery.

Courchevel has long held a reputation as offering travelers an idyllic blend of gorgeous terrain, flawless snow, amazing food, active nightlife and stunning accommodations. Home to scores of ski chalets, it rates as one of the famous “Big 4” resorts and is linked directly to the Three Valleys (Trois Vallees) in the French Alps.

Noted as the gateway into the Three Valleys, it is often described as four separate villages, with Le Praz at the lowest region of the mountain, then Courchevel Village at 1550 meters, Courchevel Moriond at 1650 meters and Courchevel 1850 at the highest peak. It has more than 600km of pistes and over 170 lifts. With its northern facing orientation, the snows of the entire Courchevel area are frequently described as some of the finest.

A highly efficient shuttle service links all four villages, and a trip from bottom to top allows you to partake of stunning scenery. Essentially, a skier or group of skiers need never leave Courchevel to experience the very best skiing, but if you are eager to experience the finest chalets, it is towards the uppermost point of Courchevel that you must turn your attention.

Bottoms Up

While it is possible to find luxurious chalets in Le Praz and near Courchevel Village, a great deal of effort has been made to create a truly exclusive world within Courchevel Moriond and Courchevel 1850. While Moriond is a bit more of a quaint, mountain village center, with cozy and somewhat lively bars, Courchevel 1850 has become a well-known spot for the sophisticated, glitzy and exciting. With some of the best shops, bars, and restaurants, it also has some of the very finest chalets too.

Understanding Chalets

For the uninitiated, it is important to understand that premium ski chalets in Courchevel are each designed to offer comprehensive services, premium amenities, and even be a solution for a mixed group with ski enthusiasts and the decidedly non-skiing individuals.

Just consider that many of the Courchevel chalets have indoor and outdoor amenities. For example, it is not unusual for a chalet to feature a full ski room that opens to a piste or within minutes of a lift. The ground floor may also be a wellness level with indoor pool, hammam, fitness room, and treatment rooms for private spa options. There is also typically a full home theater along with a wide array of shared living spaces.

Consider that many Courchevel chalets have a great room with oversized fireplace, large dining room and splendid views of the mountains, which may be enjoyed from the inside or on one of the balconies. There will be everything from smaller lounges and libraries, lofts for teens, and private art collections to savor. Bedrooms are apt to be private and luxurious retreats, offering views, entertainment systems and spa like, ensuite baths.

Of course, one thing that makes the chalet life of Courchevel so utterly appealing is that many properties are fully staffed. A chalet might easily provide guests with round the clock services from a host, housekeeping team, and even chefs to prepare everything from morning coffee and afternoon teas to children’s dinner and multi-course gourmet meals. There is also usually a four-wheel-drive vehicle and chauffeur.

Because all of Courchevel was designed as the ultimate ski resort, all chalets have been conveniently placed. Whether you are directly on a slope, close to top pistes or just a short distance from the lifts, you will savor amazing views, services, amenities and skiing. Whether for a couple, small family or enormous gathering, the chalets of Courchevel offer a truly premium experience at any point along the mountain.

A common way of defining the word gastronomy is gourmet eating, but it is more than that. It also has to do with the art and appreciation of preparing and eating good food. While you may not think of a world-class skiing destination like Val D’Isere as a place for the gourmands of the world, you need to reconsider.

Restaurants and food in general are a major focal point in this region, and whether you are someone in search of perfect hot chocolate just off piste or a gourmet meal made of local produce, you are in the perfect place. With two Michelin starred restaurants in the area, and a long list of dining spots in the resort and on the mountain, it can also be described as a true “foodie’s” favorite too.

The Unique Gourmand Experiences

In addition to many fine restaurants, some of which we will list below, you will also want to book time for some of the following gastronomic experiences during a visit to Val D’Isere at any time of the year:

Cooking Class With Benoit Vidal

A kitchen workshop with Benoit Vidal is an amazing opportunity. This world-class chef offers a single cooking course every month (always on a Thursday) and they feature the cooking course along with a “degustation” in the bistro that adjoins the property. Chef Benoit is only one of nine chefs in France to win two Michelin stars, and a course under his tutelage is obviously a remarkable opportunity.

Pastries with Patrick Chevallot

Pastry making with Patrick Chevallot is also another remarkable experience open to visitors to Val D’Isere. Since the mid-1960s, Chevallot’s Maison Chevallot has been recognized as the location for the very best baked goods, breads, and chocolates in the region, and the opportunity to book a spot in the L’Atelier de L’Adroit is a rare opportunity.

Alain Lamaison at La Table De L’Ours

Dining at La Table De L’Ours is considered a “not to be missed” gastronomic experience. The chef, Alain Lamaison is another Michelin star holder and the cuisine he offers at the Hotel Les Barmes de L’Ours (as well as its two additional restaurants, Coin Savoyard and the Rotisseries) are extremely popular and favored.

Must Try Val D’Isere Restaurants

For the gourmet and non-gourmet alike, Val D’Isere has a fantastic array of dining options. Some of the best include the following Val D’Isere Restaurants:

La Fruitiere

La Fruitiere which is alongside the less expensive Foli Douce, has long been noted as a remarkable dining experience. It emphasizes a Savoyard menu and the house specialties include many meat dishes, as well as pasta. Their Spag Bol is served in a glass jar and is one of the best dishes to sample whether for dinner or lunch.

Le Signal

Le Signal is at the top of the Le Fornet cable car and is decorated in a wildly colorful manner. The food here is traditional French that is accented with remarkably fresh ingredients. Many are stunned at the attentive and warm service provided by the entire staff, and it is best to book ahead.

La Peau de Vache

La Peau de Vache is considered to be one of the finest spots in the Trois Vallees, offering amazing service and food. It is half way down La Face and is best reached by the new Bellevarde Express.

Sur la Montagne

Sur La Montagne is within the resort on the main street and is one of the most popular with locals. Reservations are a must, and the menu is really unique, offering a Thai shrimp dish alongside traditional Savoyard steak options.

La Grande Ourse

La Grande Ourse sits above the nursery slope and was opened in 1936. It is considered one of the finest restaurants in the region, and offers an amazing duck foie gras as well as a popular grilled Dover sole.

There are many other spots to try in Val D’Isere, and you should know that food is a treat and emphasis of any experience in the region.

The British Virgin Islands are home to some truly unique locations and destinations, and no matter where you happen to be, you will easily find amazing, gourmet dining options. While it is also always a good thing to sample some of the local favorites, such as the beach shacks that have enormous lines of locals and travelers waiting for whatever specialty is being produced, it is also fantastic to dine at the finest locations when in the BVIs.

These are some of our recommendations and suggestions:

Saba Rock – Virgin Gorda

Set within a resort, this amazing restaurant offers stunning views and is persistently ranked as one of the best dining destinations in the islands. If you are a star gazer or celebrity watcher, this is the place to see them. However, the food is truly stunning and served in the dining room, al fresco terrace or the bar. Their signature dish is the fish and chips, but they also have a stunning dinner menu emphasizing the fresh seafood.

The Rock Café – Virgin Gorda

With its al fresco setting covered by a canopy of trees, it is tucked between the world-famous The Baths and Spanish Town just north of the beach. It focuses primarily on a fusion of Caribbean and Italian cuisines and has a fabulous outdoor pizza oven that sends the aromas of island and Mediterranean spices wafting throughout. Perfect for a romantic evening, it also has a family friendly menu. With a piano bar and indoor dining room, it is a fantastic spot to sample its fresh, signature dishes.

Quitos Gazebo – Tortola

A pastel hued vision directly on the sands of Cane Garden Bay, this is a truly low-key spot for catching a sunset or savoring a live musical performance from the restaurant’s namesake reggae star. The menu is true Caribbean classic and the house specialties include their pulled pork, jerk chicken and mahi mahi sandwiches.

Sugar Mills – Tortola

Tucked into an old rum house that was part of the original sugar mill estate, it has two dining rooms and still features some of the original boiling pots and equipment. This is a fine dining establishment with an impressive wine list and a commitment to the use of locally grown produce and fresh seafood. Their specialties include conch dishes, a crispy pork belly dish and their famous coconut chicken.

Brandywine Estate – Tortola

Looking out over Sir Francis Drake Channel, this historic restaurant has a garden setting and offers an amazing fine dining experience. Their most famous dishes include their moules a la mariniere, their tuna tartar, and their beef carpaccio. They are also noted for their flourless chocolate cake.

Foxy’s Taboo – Jost Van Dyke Island

Sitting right above the water on Diamond Cay, this is a fantastic spot for those who wish to sail right up to the restaurant. It is a lunch-only destination and is often noted as one of the top “must try” restaurants for anyone in the BVIs. It emphasizes Caribbean cuisine and cocktails, and the meals are served with authentic side dishes and prepared in the classic island style.

Tradewinds – Peter Island

With a sterling reputation, this fine dining spot offers what many call “addictive” coconut French toast, and farm to table meals grown in the organic gardens surrounding the resort. Offering a fusion of Caribbean and Asian cuisine, it provides breakfast buffets through late evening meals.

These are but some of the world-class dining options available to those visiting the BVIs, and you may even want to set sail from one island to the next to enjoy several of these impressive destinations.

Honeymoons…they are not made to be the same as a typical holiday. Few honeymooners create lists of “must see” or “must do” activities. Rather, they want to find a place that is private, low-key, beautiful and with a few nice things to enjoy if the mood strikes. Naturally, dining is something honeymooners do intend to do, and maybe some beach going or outdoor activities that both enjoy.

This is one of the primary reasons that luxurious and tropical destinations have become so popular as honeymoon destinations, and why Mustique should be at the top of your list if planning your nuptials and romantic retreat that follows.

Meet Mustique

A tiny, private island with coast along the Caribbean and Atlantic it is part of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, but it is officially owned and operated by its shareholders (landowners). It is often described as one of the best kept secrets in the world of luxury travel, and to describe it as exclusive and unspoiled is both fair and accurate.

Dotted with stunning villas, each with private chef and personal household staff, it is a place where you might catch a glimpse of a famous super model, celebrity or member of England’s royal family. It has nine stunning beaches, each different and unique from the rest, making them the perfect “itinerary” for your visit.

Devoid of the usual crowds in more well-known areas, you can still socialize with fellow travelers (if you feel the need to do so during a honeymoon!) at the luxurious spa, the famous Basil’s Bar, the Cotton House (which is the only resort associated property on the island), or at the weekly outdoor movie night. There are also some options for sunset cruises, wine tastings, and another smaller bar (Firefly) at the island’s only guesthouse.

The activities available to visitors on the island include tennis facilities, horseback riding, guided bird watching, sailing options, tortoise-watching, and a visit to the only harbor where you can peruse the charming little shops and do a bit of boat and/or people watching.

In Your Villa

With 24 villas available, honeymooners are going to easily find the perfect choice. Most have plunge pools, gardens and an array of indoor or outdoor living spaces. Your chef is going to allow you to savor your meals wherever and whenever you prefer. If you want a picnic at one of the beaches, the chef ensures you have all you need. If you want breakfast in bed, that is also possible.

You will be able to opt for a beachfront property or a more secluded setting, and the choices typically include some villas designed by world famous architect Oliver Messel. With two or more bedrooms, indoor and outdoor living spaces, and household staff, it is a perfect retreat for the honeymooning couple.

Dining on Mustique

While you may love the opportunity to dine in your private paradise, and even ask your chef for tips on using the local ingredients, there are a few dining options on the island. Basil’s Bar offers famous cocktails on the water along with noted seafood dishes, and Firefly is a nice spot for a drink. You can also visit the Cotton House for its dining room, the Veranda, where a fantastic cellar and gourmet menu awaits. The Beach Café sits down on the sands along Endeavor Bay, and you will want to sample the island’s specialty dish “callaloo soup” whenever you choose to dine out.

Reached easily from Barbados via the island’s private flights, Mustique is the perfect honeymoon destination. The Cotton House even has special packages for newlyweds or you can simply book your villa and arrange for everything from candlelight dinners to romantic picnics on the beaches.

 

Although Punta Mita is noted as the outdoor enthusiast’s ideal holiday location for its beaches, water sports, golfing, and general level of outdoor activity options, it is also a great place when the sun goes down. A beachfront setting with flawless weather on a nearly constant basis, it provides you with great days as well as comfortable night time conditions, ideal for exploring options in Punta Mita nightlife.

However, unlike many tropical getaways, Punta Mita typically has a much more laid back and low key atmosphere at all times. This is not to say that it does not have a nightlife scene, it is simply that the pounding beats, dazzling light displays and “drink till dawn” spots are not to be found here.

Instead, you can enjoy specialty drinks, themed events, DJs or local bands, delicious foods, and settings you will dream about weeks after you arrive home. After all, some of the beachfront spots make themselves available for evening fun while lobby bars in some of the best resorts also serve as Punta Mita nightlife destinations. Let’s consider a few of the most popular areas for travelers to find fun.

Before we start to consider the more popular locations, let’s consider an essential part to your Punta Mita evenings, and that is viewing the sunset. Many of the best restaurants, villas and resort properties have great views out over the beaches and waterfront. A truly unforgettable night of Punta Mita fun should kick off with a meal or experience at one of these destinations.

At Sunset

If you are staying in a villa or resort with a concierge, consider discussing the sunset cruise options available. Many travelers opt to book passage on the sunset cruises offered at the Four Seasons, which includes champagne. The restaurant at the resort, known as The Rock, is also one that looks out towards the sea and offers a perfect sunset experience.

Kupuri Beach and a picnic basket is also a good way to begin an evening out in Punta Mita. There is even a palapa available if you are a guest of the resort.

The Punta Mita Hotspots

Once you have toasted the sunset and enjoyed a meal, it is time to head to town, and here are some reliable places to enjoy an evening.

Bar Czar

With a DJ and décor that is a blend of classic Thai design and tropical themes, it provides visitors with a list of specialty cocktails available only at this location. There are also tapas and bar food made readily available for the nightlife crowd.

Playa Escondida Restaurant and Bar

A stylish teak and bamboo bar, this hotspot features smoothies, signature drinks and icy beer in addition to a waterside hut also serving drinks directly on the sands. A serious eatery, the menu changes daily to accommodate the freshest and finest ingredients, and the chef uses only locally grown foods to delight diners.

Sunset Boulevard Disco at the Royal Suites Resort

This hotspot remains open until dawn and is a true disco with large dance floor, dance parties, and a huge menu of specialty drinks. You can enjoy selections from their wine list and beer menu, and the food is noted for its excellence. Ideal for the “dance the night away” crowd, it is a fun and safe choice.

Margarita’s Restaurant

Outdoor seating means great sunset views, allowing you to enjoy your night out in one location. They too have unique cocktail options and are famous for their margaritas. This is a local favorite too, and it is perfect if you want recommendations for everything from shopping to beaches from those in the know. It is famous for delicious local seafood dishes and is a must for dining and night life.

With its unique shape, Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands offers an enormous amount of coastline, and that means one thing – a large number of beaches. However, for decades, many have visited this wonderful island for its water sports and sailing along with other non-beach activities. If you are planning a holiday on Virgin Gorda, by all means, make plans to visit those amazing beaches – particularly those of the southern end such as The Baths, Devil’s Bay and especially Savannah Bay. However, don’t miss out on the many other things to do in Virgin Gorda apart from the lovely beaches.

Explore the Cultural History

The history of all Caribbean islands is remarkable and diverse, and Virgin Gorda is no exception. Here, you find influences of African, Spanish and Indian cultures as well as those of many other groups that have made their way to the region. Some of the best spots to really experience this are the remaining historical sites.

Little Fort National Park is one fine example of this. It is behind the old post office in the Fort Point area (not far from the southern end of the island). It became a national park many decades ago and is full of local wildlife. However, there are still the remains of the original magazine room and munitions building.

Close by is the historic Old Methodist Church and if you are eager to enjoy more of the natural beauty of this region, Spring Bay National Park is just a few minutes away. Before you head there, though, checkout another of the historical sites that help you understand the island’s unique culture a bit more.

The Copper Mine Ruins in the Copper Mine National Park offer a fascinating experience. Copper was mined on the island beginning in the 1700s and throughout the 1800s. Cornish miners were sent from England to build the mine, but it officially closed in the 1860s.

Today, the ruins are an amazing thing to see as even the surroundings are otherworldly. The granite and quartz rocks that frame the opening into the mine also reveal the different copper and feldspar that drew mining firms to the area. There is a ruin of the miners’ housing complex and educational and informational signs explain the different structures and functions of the setting. It is a perfect spot for a picnic!

Bird Watching

While this can be done almost anywhere on the island, those who are avid bird watchers will want to book a visit to Fallen Jerusalem National Park. It is comprised of a small island just a few miles offshore from Virgin Gorda and it provides a rare opportunity to spot some of the most coveted of the island’s native birds. A day trip begins from Leverick Bay or Spanish Town and includes time on the empty and flawless beaches, snorkeling (if desired) and that amazing bird watching.

Dry Forest Hiking

Virgin Gorda is one of the only spots with authentic Caribbean dry forest remaining. The Virgin Gorda Peak National Park allows you to tour through this rare setting and reach the highest point of the island – at 1,370 feet above the sea. As you make your way through this unique environment, you travel from dry lowlands to moister, more traditional forests at the higher elevation. You may also be lucky enough to spot one of the tiniest lizards in the world, the Virgin Gorda gecko. Be sure to pack a picnic because there is a lovely area designated just for that!

Spanish Town is also a good choice for a day of exploration and fun. While it may seem silly to visit on a Saturday, when markets and shops will be full, it is also the one day of the week to enjoy Grandma’s Kitchen, which is an amazing outdoor market that happens only on Saturdays and offers you chances for handmade artisan goods.