Tortola Vacation Rentals
The largest island of the British Virgin Islands group just happens to be the least populated and that is Tortola. It is the perfect spot to enjoy pristine water, fine sand beaches, and mountain vistas, without losing out on great food, entertainment and luxury accommodations. A stay on Tortola can range from vacation rental villas perched high on the hills or based along the perfectly idyllic setting of the sea. You won't have any problems finding luxury lodgings that are a perfect fit and a visit to Tortola is one of the best choices you can make for your next trip.
Tortola Beaches
The beaches of Tortola are rarely crowded with one of the nicest beach is located at Cane Garden Bay. The white sand is ringed by palm trees giving you the real feeling of being in the tropics. You can laze on the beach, take in some swimming or rent a kayak or sailboard. The best surfing beach on the island is that of Apple Bay. For something a bit more tranquil and private, head to Smugglers Cove where the waters are always calm and the beach is popular with snorkelers. Another great beach for snorkeling and surfing is that of Brewers Bay where you can walk for miles. Try some of the scuba diving, water skiing, and windsurfing too.
Tortola Activities
If you want activity, you will have no problem finding plenty to do in Tortola beside leisurely lie on the beach are some of the most popular activities such as fishing, tennis and horseback riding. You can swim with dolphins at Dolphin Discovery. The rugged mountains within Sage Mountain National Park offer innumerable opportunities for hiking and mountain climbing. Climb of the highest points at 1751 feet for a spectacular 360-degree view of the neighboring islands. There are several tour companies operating on Tortola offering hiking tours of the rainforest or yachting tours around the coastline. Tortola is also the best jumping off point for exploring the other islands of the BVI, some of which are barely inhabited.
Tortola Points of Interest
Constructed in the mid 1600s by the Dutch, the centuries-old ruin of Fort Recovery is located near the West End of Tortola. At some point of your visit to Tortola, you will come in contact with the capitol Road Town. Main Street in Road Town has a diverse collection of shops housed in island style bright multi colored bungalows. The J.R. O'Neal Botanic Gardens located in Road Town. This venue consists of 4 acres of tropical flowers, shrubs and trees complete with a pergola, a waterfall and exotic orchards of medicinal herbs. First a sugar plantation and then a run distillery, Josiah's Bay Plantation is now an art gallery and contains a well stock collection.
Tortola Dining
With the island's rich cultural mix, dining can take place in a converted sugar mill, first class resorts, a table near the seaside complimented by Reggae music or in your vacation rental. Inventive entrees such as pan roasted grouper on plantain with orange mango sauce or sautéed shrimp with passion fruit and coconut cream will enlighten the palate of those seeking gourmet. Some local specialties include the West Indian roti is a curried dish made with choices of chicken, beef, conch, shrimp, or vegetables and Johnny Cakes, a small, sweet cornmeal cake that you can often buy from islanders at beach side stalls. Indulge in having a chef come and prepare the evening meal right in your vacation rental villa.
Tortola Shopping
Main Street in Road Town is the concentrated area with an array of shops. The open-air market of Crafts Alive is the best place to start if you want to purchase authentic crafts. Browse the selection of local spices and herbs, jams, rums or shop for silk-screened fabrics, and local art.
