Rediscovering Paradise: The Timeless Allure of the British Virgin Islands

Author: Victor Block
Published: 2024/12/13
Publication Type: Informative
Topic: Disability Travel Information - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis Introduction Main

Synopsis: Experience the unspoiled beauty of the British Virgin Islands: pristine beaches, rich history, and Caribbean culture without the commercialism. Discover hidden gems, explore diverse islands, and enjoy world-class sailing in this accessible paradise.

• People in a wheelchair can get close to some beaches by rolling over the grass. That's just one plus factor that make the BVI, especially the island of Tortola, disabled friendly.

• What's missing in the BVI? High-rise hotels, gambling casinos, chain restaurants and the commercialism found at many Caribbean destinations.

Introduction

Two decades ago, I visited the British Virgin Islands. I checked out their inviting beaches, visited historic and nature-made sites, and oohed and aahed at the magnificent scenery.

During my return trip there, I relived those experiences. I also enjoyed others which make this a welcoming destination for those seeking to combine a typical sun, surf and sand vacation with opportunities to delve into intriguing touches of Caribbean culture.

Main Item

What's missing in the BVI? High-rise hotels, gambling casinos, chain restaurants and the commercialism found at many Caribbean destinations.

Available in large quantity are almost vertical mountainous hills over which roads rise and fall, twist and turn. With many stretches that are more pothole than pavement, and the fact that vehicles drive on the British side, I recommend taking taxis and tour buses rather than renting a car.

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This image depicts a lush, hilly landscape covered in dense vegetation and dotted with several buildings. The scene is dominated by the verdant foliage, with various shades of green from the trees, bushes, and other plants cascading down the slopes. At the center of the frame, we can see numerous buildings nestled amongst the greenery. These structures appear to be residential or small commercial properties, with a mix of colors and architectural styles visible. Some have balconies or outdoor spaces, while others seem more utilitarian in design. The landscape has a tropical or subtropical feel, with palm trees and other large, leafy plants visible throughout. The sky overhead is a brilliant blue, dotted with fluffy white clouds that add depth and movement to the scene - Image Credit: Victor Block.

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The first place many visitors head for are beaches, and they come in sizes and amenities to meet most tastes. Cane Garden Bay combines a swath of inviting sand with a wide choice of water-based activities. Smuggler's Cove is fringed by cactus and palm trees, and offers good snorkeling far from shore.

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This image depicts a tranquil tropical beach setting. In the foreground, we can see a pristine sandy beach stretching out. The sand appears fine and light in color, dotted with a few small indentations and footprints left by previous visitors. Gently lapping against the shore is the calm, turquoise-colored ocean. The water has a beautiful, almost glassy appearance, reflecting the clear blue sky above. Further out in the distance, we can see a small sailboat or yacht gliding across the water, its white sails catching the wind. Framing the scene are lush, verdant leaves and branches of what looks like a fig tree or similar tropical plant. The vibrant green foliage provides a striking contrast to the blue sky and ocean, creating a sense of depth and natural framing for the beachscape. The overall mood of the image is one of tranquility and serenity. The combination of the peaceful ocean, pristine beach, and verdant tropical vegetation evokes a feeling of being in a secluded, idyllic paradise. It's the kind of scene that invites the viewer to imagine themselves relaxing, unwinding, and taking in the soothing sights and sounds of this natural coastal setting - Image Credit: Victor Block.

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People in a wheelchair can get close to some beaches by rolling over the grass. That's just one plus factor that make the BVI, especially the island of Tortola, disabled friendly. Road Town, the capital, is flat and accessible, and most pavements have curb cuts at street crossings. Wheelchair friendly public bathrooms, and many shops with a ramp entrance, add to the welcoming atmosphere.

Wheelchair accessible tour vans are available that provide views of sights of some sites, and step-free access to others during the walking/rolling portions of the excursion. For those with a disability who wish to take a sightseeing boat, there are vessels that can accommodate them.

Road Town is a good place to delve into BVI history. The Virgin Islands Folk Museum brims with pre-Columbian artifacts that were used by people who once inhabited the islands. Stories it tells also include tales of pirates and buccaneers who found a home base for seeking quick treasure, and British colonists who came to stay.

The J.R. O'Neal Botanic Gardens is an oasis of tropical plants that represent the different habitats of the BVI. Given the lush foliage that proliferates everywhere, even such a magnificent garden seemed almost redundant to me.

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This image depicts a lush, tropical landscape nestled within a mountainous region. The scene is dominated by the verdant foliage covering the surrounding hills and slopes, creating a vibrant, almost jungle-like atmosphere. In the foreground, we can see a residential or small commercial building perched on the hillside, blending seamlessly into the dense vegetation. The structure's white walls and red roof tiles contrast nicely with the various shades of green in the vegetation. Expanding the view, the image reveals a sprawling town or city situated along the coastline. Numerous buildings, both large and small, can be seen clustered together, creating a dense urban environment. Interspersed among the structures are patches of greenery, indicating the presence of trees, gardens, or other natural elements. Beyond the town, the azure waters of the ocean stretch out, dotted with a few small boats or ships. The ocean blends into the horizon, where a hazy blue sky meets the water, creating a serene and calming backdrop. Overall, the scene conveys a sense of lush, tropical abundance, with the verdant hills and coastline providing a picturesque setting for the bustling town below. The integration of the built environment with the natural surroundings suggests a harmonious coexistence between human development and the natural world - Image Credit: Victor Block.

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One hidden gem which many visitors miss is the Jenesis Studio. It showcases paintings of BVI life, some of which also decorate a mural that stretches along a roadside wall nearby. Some aspects of life in the BVI decades ago are represented in lifelike dioramas. Behind the building is a garden of tropical herbs and medicinal plants with signs indicating what ailments each has been used to treat.

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This image, capturing the essence of a quaint, vibrant tropical village or community, depicts a vibrant, colorful mural that appears to be set in a tropical or Caribbean-inspired setting. The central focus of the mural is a pair of buildings - what look like small houses or structures - rendered in a soft peach and blue color palette. These buildings have typical tropical architectural features, like tiled roofs and window shutters. Surrounding the buildings are lush, verdant palm trees and other tropical foliage. The plants are depicted in various shades of green, creating a sense of depth and a layered, jungle-like environment. In the foreground, we can see the addition of some whimsical elements - a colorfully decorated donkey or mule, and a person, likely a local resident, standing nearby. These character elements add a sense of life and community to the scene. The overall style of the mural has a vibrant, almost impressionistic quality, with bold brushstrokes and bright, saturated colors. This gives the artwork an energetic, joyful feel that is characteristic of many tropical-themed murals and paintings. At the bottom of the image, we can see the artist's signature - Ramerpool 2004 - indicating this is an original work created in 2004 - Image Credit: Victor Block.

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I also took time to visit three of the other inhabited islands, of some 60 that comprise the BVI. Because of its coral and limestone topography, contrasting with the volcanic origin of the others, Anegada is rimmed by the loveliest sparkling sand beaches. It's surrounded by colorful reefs and old shipwrecks that make it a popular dive and snorkeling destination.

Virgin Gorda offers remnants of early African, Spanish and Indian settlements, but is best known for a geologic formation called "the Baths." This is a collection of large granite boulders piled on a beach which form a series of scenic grottoes.

Jost Van Dyke, said to be named for a Dutch privateer, makes up in attractions what it lacks in size (about 3.5 square miles). It's dotted by the ruins of early sugar mills and laced by early explorer foot paths. But the virtual world-wide reputation of this tiny enclave also rests upon the Soggy Dollar Bar, a nondescript but inviting beach watering hole which reputedly is the birthplace of the highly popular local beverage known as the Painkiller.

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This image depicts a tranquil beach scene in what appears to be a tropical or subtropical location. The most prominent features are the palm trees lining the shore and the beach umbrellas and lounge chairs set up along the soft, sandy beach. The palm trees have tall, slender trunks and lush, fan-shaped fronds. Their vibrant green leaves provide a striking contrast to the brilliant blue sky overhead, which is dotted with a few wispy white clouds. In the foreground, there are rows of bright orange beach umbrellas and matching lounge chairs arranged neatly on the pristine white sand. The umbrellas provide shade and protection from the sun for the people relaxing on the beach. Many of the lounge chairs are occupied by beachgoers, some reading or using their electronic devices, others simply soaking up the sun and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. The overall scene conveys a sense of relaxation and leisure, with the palm trees, azure sky, and tranquil ocean setting the tone - Image Credit: Victor Block.

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The name of the establishment came from the fact that before a road had been built, people docked their boat nearby, swam to shore and paid their bar bill with wet paper money taken from their pocket.

Those folks were early participants in an activity for which the BVI is world-famous. Along with the usual leisure pursuits expected in the Caribbean - sunning and swimming, snorkeling and diving, and much more - the British Virgin Islands are known as a virtual paradise for boaters. The first visitors came by sea and since then, the consistent trade winds, clear water and countless islands close enough to navigate by sight have combined to make the archipelago known as the sailing capital of the Caribbean.

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This image shows a scenic sunset over the ocean, with several sailboats anchored in the foreground. The sky is filled with colorful clouds in shades of pink, orange, and purple, reflecting the setting sun. In the distance, the silhouettes of tall palm trees or other foliage can be seen along the horizon. The calm, blue-green waters of the ocean stretch out, gently lapping at the boats, which are securely moored and appear to be resting for the evening. The overall mood is serene and peaceful, capturing the tranquility of a sunset over the water - Image Credit: Victor Block.

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For many people, the islands serve as a stopover before they rent a catamaran or sailboat and head out. Sea-faring visitors can discover tucked-away coves, deserted beaches and other attractions unavailable to landlubbers.

Even so, I highly recommend spending time on the islands. Each has its own scenic appeals, variety of activities and intriguing chapters of history to relate.

When you go. My stay at the Wyndham Tortola Lambert Beach Resort introduced me to much that the BVI offers. The property fronts an outstanding beach and offers an inviting pool, both lined by sheltering cabanas; low-rise accommodations set amidst Caribbean foliage, and gourmet dining. Room rates begin at $220 a night.

A favorite food find was the Coconut Lounge in Roadtown, which overlooks the harbor. Personal favorites were the coconut crusted shrimp and seafood pasta.

For more information contact wyndhamhotels.com and bvitourism.com

Author Credentials:
Victor Block has been a travel journalist for many years, and has written for major newspapers, magazines and travel websites and served as an editor of Fodor's Travel Guides. He is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and the North American Travel Journalists Association. Victor is a regular contributor of reviews to the Disabled World travel section. Visit Victors's biography for further insights into his background, expertise, and accomplishments.