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Virgin Gorda
Photo 1 - Swimming between the Rocks at The Baths in Virgin Gorda
Photo 2 - Picturesque landscape surrounding the Baths. Photo 3 -
Family time at The Baths - All Photos Copyright BVI Tourism Board
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.
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 Café, 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 Café and
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
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