Getting a Massage in Virgin Gorda

“What a delightful hideaway. It was just the place we needed to be for a break from the hectic home activities.” - B. Lewis, Sioux Falls, SD

by Ray Larson

This is what you do after a Virgin Gorda massage: sleep in the hammock.

The island lifestyle is full of exploration, adventure and of course relaxation. One of the best ways to relax in any location is by receiving a massage. An even better way to relax is receiving a massage amid the cool ocean breeze and overlooking miles and miles of pristine water during your spectacular BVI vacation at Sunset Watch Villa.

Virgin Gorda has two world-class spas that you can visit for an unforgettable massage experience – The Spa at Leverick Bay and Sense, A Rosewood Spa at Little Dix Bay.

The Spa at Leverick Bay

Leverick Bay is on the northeastern coast of Virgin Gorda, but you don’t have to go anywhere to receive the array of treatments offered from The Spa’s professional therapists. That’s right, they’ll come to you at your Sunset Watch Villa. Receive a number of massage treatments from deep tissue and Swedish to hot stone and Thai. Other treatments offered by The Spa at Leverick Bay include:

• Facial treatments

• Body treatments – Dead Sea mud wrap or an aloe wrap

• Hand and foot treatments

• Decleor treatments

• Hair removal and even hair braiding

Sense, A Rosewood Spa at Little Dix Bay

Located south of Sunset Watch Villa and north of Spanish Town in Virgin Gorda, Sense, A Rosewood Spa provides a dramatic scene overlooking Sir Francis Drake Channel, capturing the very essence of relaxation. Although they don’t make house calls, this Rosewood Spa offers spectacular views with private terraces and opulent amenities. The moment you walk into the spa you’ll be given a bathrobe, sandals and a native bush tea with lemon grass and chamomile to begin your day of ultimate relaxation. The spa has guests fill out a lifestyle questionnaire while sipping tea in order to recommend personalized treatments matching your day-to-day routine. Choose from a variety of treatments to soothe and relax you into a state of pure luxury. Treatments include:

• 4-hands massage

• Aromatherapy massage

• Skin care treatments

• Signature Body Scrub

• Volcanic mud mask

• Caribbean specialties including a salt island scrub or goat milk and honey wrap

Find a new level of relaxation during your ultimate island vacation at Sunset Watch Villa by booking a massage at either of these magnificent spas right on the island, just minutes away from your own private villa.

The Baths: A Can’t-Miss Virgin Gorda Experience

“Our family has traveled quite a bit and we think we have found our Shangri-la. Somehow Belize and Mexico don’t compare.” - Allie and Emily, New Haven, CT

by Ray Larson

During your Sunset Watch Villa vacation, make sure to explore one of the most the most visited destinations in the British Virgin Islands, The Baths.

Virgin Gorda’s most famous landmark, The Baths.

The Baths are unlike any beach in the Caribbean, featuring truly majestic rock formations that have created sheltered sea pools between pristine white sand beaches. Located on the southwestern corner of Virgin Gorda, between Devil’s Bay to the south and Spring Bay to the north, The Baths are a breathtaking geological wonder.

The unique rock formations are evidence of Virgin Gorda’s volcanic origins. Over time, deposited granite eroded and molten rock seeped up into existing rock layers to form piles of boulders, some up to 40-ft. long. These boulders have created natural tidal pools, tunnels, arches and scenic grottoes opening to the sea. All of these natural formations make The Baths a can’t-miss destination during your Sunset Watch Villa vacation. Check out a few homemade videos of tourists exploring The Baths here and here. The second video features underwater shots that offer a firsthand look inside the cavernous surroundings.

The Baths have been a British Virgin Island National Park since 1990, and the park is one of only three places in the world where this type of rock formation has occurred. The seven-acre national park features a trail to Devil’s Bay, leading visitors through the scaling boulders with a series of ladders, steps and rope handrails. After safely navigating your way through The Baths, lay out on the lovely white sand beaches, enjoy a relaxing swim or strap on a snorkel to explore the depths of the startling blue waters. The Baths are a perfect place to spend a day during your Sunset Watch Villa vacation.

Located just a mile south of Spanish Town, The Baths is just a short cab ride away from Sunset Watch Villa. Make sure to carve out some time during your stay to explore The Baths, where you’ll have a truly breathtaking experience.

Packing for the BVI: Info You Need to Know

”The Villa had everything. I mean EVERYTHING.! We needed only our swimsuits. That’s it. ”  - Laura Stimson, Wilmington, DE

by Ray Larson

You won’t need to pack much to enjoy the secluded beach at Sunset Watch Villa.

Packing for your BVI vacation at Sunset Watch Villa is almost as laid back as the atmosphere here in Virgin Gorda and throughout the BVIs. Make sure to bring your passport, plenty of sunscreen and a willingness to explore – other than that, here is everything you need to know about traveling to the British Virgin Islands:

• Currency: U.S. dollar – The majority of establishments also accept all major credit cards – Visa, Discover, MasterCard.

• Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time – The BVI’s are one-hour ahead of CST and the same as EST.

• Power: Standard U.S. (120V) – This means you don’t need to worry about bringing adaptors to power all of your electronics. Also, Sunset Watch is plugged into the Nail Bay Community back-up power generator system – the biggest auxiliary system in the BVIs. If the power goes out or a storm strikes, Sunset Watch is one of the only places throughout the islands with power.

• Temperature: Virgin Gorda has year-round temps ranging from the lower 70’s to upper 80’s. The rainiest months are from September to November, but it’s always glorious here.

• Dress: Locals and tourists adhere to tropical and casual clothing. Swimsuits are great for the beach bar while cover-ups are appreciated in a restaurant. Make sure to pack beach gear and your most comfortable, loose fitting clothes to enjoy the peaceful breeze and laid-back island life.

Now that you know what to pack for your Sunset Watch Villa vacation, you can finalize your travel plans and begin day dreaming about snorkeling in the pristine waters minutes from your Villa, exploring the luscious island or partaking in the exciting Full Moon parties.

BVI Full Moon Parties

”Full moon parties are a bucket list for any BVI visitor.”  - Cassius Wright, Chicago IL

by Ray Larson

Although you could spend your entire vacation at Sunset Watch Villa exploring everything Virgin Gorda has to offer, from snorkeling in pristine waters to spending a relaxing night at the secluded beach just steps away from your villa, Full Moon Parties in Tortola and on Beef Island are a can’t miss BVI experience. Full moons in the BVIs are commonly associated with beachside celebrations and two places do it best – Bomba’s Surfside Shack and the Trellis Bay Kitchen and Cyber Cafe.

The famous Bomba’s Surfside Shack is one of the more unique places you can ever visit. Constructed entirely of wood remnants, license plates and anything friends have left behind (even an assortment of undergarments) Bomba’s Surfside Shack is a great place to interact with locals and fellow travelers over a few adult beverages – check out this video of a tourist retelling the story of their time at Bomba’s during a second visit. Bomba’s is located on Tortola and easily accessible from Virgin Gorda with daily ferry rides from Speedy’s and Smith’s Ferry Service. Once you arrive in Tortola, Bomba’s is just a short taxi ride away.

The Full Moon Parties at Bomba’s Surfside Shack are legendary. Bomba started throwing beachside full moon celebrations in 1989 and the partycontinues today whenever the moon is full. Bomba is known for serving his famous mushroom tea and rum punch during the party as guests enjoy an enthralling night of dancing and laughter – these parties have been known to spill into the early morning and are not intended for kids or the easily offended. If you want, you can always find a hotel near Bomba’s to spend the night before heading back to Sunset Watch Villa in the morning.

Trellis Bay Kitchen and Cyber Café has equally eventful Full Moon Parties but a more kid-friendly theme. Full Moon Parties at Trellis Bay Kitchen consist of interacting with locals and fellow travelers over drinks, but also include local performances, fire sculptures (check out the video here), reggae bands and an authentic Caribbean buffet. Owner Jeremy Lewis loves to interact with travelers and is sure to provide an entertaining evening for guests of all ages. Trellis Bay Kitchen and Cyber Café is located on Beef Island and easily accessible from Virgin Gorda with daily ferry rides from Speedy’s and the North Sound Express.

A BVI vacation at Sunset Watch Villa presents endless opportunities for exploration, relaxation and a fun taste of adventure. Book your Sunset Watch Villa vacation now and make sure to align your travel dates with a full moon so you can experience the renowned Full Moon Parties firsthand.

BVI Ferries from St. Thomas to Tortola and Virgin Gorda

“Virgin Gorda is the most laid back place I have ever been. Sunset Watch Villa even more so. The villa delivers so much more than the website promises.”  Fred Salinas, Gulf Port MS

by Ray Larson

Daydreaming about a getaway vacation and booking your island retreat at Sunset Watch Villa is the easy part, now it’s time to set up travel plans and we’re here to help. One of the more unique ways to travel to Virgin Gorda are the inter-island ferries between the US Virgin Islands and the BVIs. Before anything else, you’ll need to book a flight from any major destination to St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands – check sites like Kayak or Expedia for top rates.

Once you find your trip to St. Thomas, you’re ready to browse through the variety of ferry options taking you from the Charlotte Amalie dock in St. Thomas directly to Virgin Gorda, or making a brief stop in Road Town, Tortola before reaching the final destination. The BestofBVI.com offers an informative FAQ section breaking down all of the inter-island travel schedules here. Below we’ll provide a more in-depth look at your ferry options from St. Thomas to Virgin Gorda.

Option 1: Direct ferry from St. Thomas to Virgin Gorda

This is the fastest way to travel from St. Thomas to Virgin Gorda without making any stops along the way. Two ferry services provide a direct ferry from the Charlotte Amalie dock steps away from the St. Thomas airport to Spanish Town in Virgin Gorda – Speedy’s and Interisland Boat Services.

Speedy’s offers direct ferries to Virgin Gorda on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and afternoons along with a Saturday morning ferry. Speedy’s also offers nonstop ferries from Virgin Gorda to St. Thomas on the same days – morning ferries leave at 8:45 a.m. and afternoon ferries leave at 5:00 p.m. for Virgin Gorda. The Saturday ferry leaves at 4:00 p.m. Ferries leaving from Virgin Gorda to St. Thomas depart on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. and on Saturdays at 8:30 a.m.

Interisland Boat Services offers Thursday and Sunday morning ferries to Virgin Gorda with afternoon departure trips from Virgin Gorda to St. Thomas on the same days – morning ferries leave at 8:00 a.m. and the afternoon ferries leave at 3:00 p.m.

Option 2: St. Thomas to Tortola to Virgin Gorda

If you’re scheduled to arrive in St. Thomas on a day when a direct ferry service to Virgin Gorda isn’t offered, you still have multiple options. Even if you do arrive on a day with direct ferry service but miss the available times, you’re still in luck. You can depart straight from St. Thomas’ Charlotte Amalie dock to Road Town, Tortola and then catch a short ferry straight to Spanish Town in Virgin Gorda.

Three ferry services provide daily ferries from St. Thomas to Road Town, Tortola – Road Town Fast Ferry, Smith’s Ferry Services and Native Son. All three service providers have multiple ferries leaving for Virgin Gorda Monday through Sunday.

After arriving in Road Town all you’ll have to do is clear customs before locating the next ferry leaving for Virgin Gorda. Two ferry providers offer trips from Road Town to Virgin Gorda – Speedy’s and Smith’s Ferry Service. They both offer multiple trips daily – Monday through Sunday  – and no reservation is required.

If you missed your ferry from the Charlotte Amalie dock in St. Thomas to Road Town, Tortola, you can still catch a ferry from another St. Thomas dock just a short 20-minute cab ride away in Red Hook. Native Son ferry service offers multiple daily trips from Red Hook to Tortola’s West End where you can catch a short cab ride to Road Town before departing for Virgin Gorda. Road Town Fast Ferry also provides ferries from Red Hook to Tortola on Saturday and Sunday.

Use this guide to book your travel plans to our beautiful Sunset Watch Villa and your unforgettable island retreat vacation. At our Sunset Watch Villa you can wake up each morning and decide what type of island activity you want to try – explore the luscious island, dive into the rich blue waters or snorkel and discover the beauty below sea level all on this magnificent private island.

How to get to Virgin Gorda: Inter-Island Ferries

“As we planned our Virgin Gorda getaway I thought it’d be fun to take a ferry into the island paradise. Boy, were we in for a treat. The ferry ride was full of breathtaking scenes and a great way to kick off our island retreat.” Jinny Cho, Virginia Beach VA

by Ray Larson

Taking an inter-island ferry to Virgin Gorda is one of the most scenic ways to arrive on the picturesque island. It’s also a great way to become acclimated to island life before your unforgettable retreat vacation.

The easiest way to jump on a ferry to Virgin Gorda is by flying directly to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and taking an hour-and-a-half long ferry ride through the spectacular island chain into Virgin Gorda.

Speedy’s Ferry Service is one of the most experienced inter-island transportation companies serving travelers around the U.S. and British Virgin Islands daily. Speedy’s has two ferries leaving directly from St. Thomas to the Virgin Islands on a peaceful ride that gives travelers a chance to connect with their beautiful surroundings. Once you arrive in Virgin Gorda, you’ll have to clear customs before taking a short taxi ride to the Sunset Watch Villa.

If you fly into San Juan, Puerto Rico, you can still experience an island ferry ride on the way to Virgin Gorda, but not directly from San Juan. After arriving in San Juan, you’ll catch a connecting flight on Cape Air or Seaborne Airlines into either St. Thomas or Tortola to catch your ferry – the ferry ride from Tortola is only 30 minutes long. Cape Air and Seaborne Airlines have code sharing relationships with United Airlines and American Airlines ensuring your baggage will make it to St. Thomas or Tortola in time for your ferry ride.

Sunset Watch Villa provides endless opportunities for adventure, from diving and snorkeling in the majestic waters to exploring everything the plush private island has to offer. Schedule your island getaway today and before you know it you’ll be creating unforgettable memories to be cherished by you and your loved ones forever.

How to get to Virgin Gorda: Flying to San Juan, Tortola, or Virgin Gorda

“I couldn’t have asked for a better beginning to our Virgin Gorda vacation than cruising into the remote island destination on, not above, the clear blue waters. After flying into San Juan it was just one short plane ride and a majestic inter-island cruise away from the beautiful island of Virgin Gorda.”  Jan and Kevin Traurig, Centuria WI

by Ray Larson

Deciding to stay at the Sunset Watch Villa in Virgin Gorda is easy. Now let us help you navigate your way to this spectacular island retreat destination. We’ve previously discussed the options for flying and taking inter-island ferries to Virgin Gorda, the third and final option includes both – a short inter-island flight and breathtaking cruise.

Flying over Virgin Gorda

The first part of your trip starts with a flight from any major destination to San Juan, Puerto Rico. From there you’ll take a connecting flight to the island of Tortola (airport code: EIS) in the British Virgin Islands. The connecting flights are operated by either Cape Air or Seaborne Airlines. Both of these island airlines have code sharing relationships with United Airlines and American Airlines, allowing you to rest easy knowing your luggage will travel with you from San Juan to Tortola before catching your ferry into Virgin Gorda.

After arriving in Tortola, you’ll catch a ferry from the most reliable transportation service in the British Virgin Islands – Speedy’s Ferry Services. With a handful of daily ferries from Tortola to Virgin Gorda you’ll be able to find a departure time suitable to your schedule. The 30-minute ferry ride will ease you into the island lifestyle with cold beverages and serene views before docking in Virgin Gorda. Once you arrive in Virgin Gorda, you’re just a short taxi ride away from the Sunset Watch Villa.

The Sunset Watch Villa provides endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. You’ll be able to wake up each morning and choose between an assortment of island activities from snorkeling and diving in the pristine blue waters to touring all the plush private island has to offer. Schedule your island getaway today and start daydreaming about all of the unforgettable memories you’ll be making at Sunset Watch Villa tomorrow.

BBC Coverage of the British Virgin Islands

Here’s a link to a great overview of the BVI. Though no mention of Sunset Watch Villa, the article does give a very concise history of the area.

Latest BBC Coverage of the British Virgin Islands

Meet Sonny Franklin, Sunset Watch Onsite Villa Manager

Sonny Franklin was best described by one of our recent guests as a “gentle soul.” We couldn’t agree more.

Sonny’s a veteran of the cruise ship industry (that’s where he picked up his prodigious towel folding skills) and a native of St Lucia. He worked at Nail Bay Resort where Ajit recognized his work ethic, honesty, and people skills. Sonny’s the “go to guy” for the villa guests. He makes it his business to know what’s happening island wide and treats our guests like the extended family members they are. We’re so glad to have Sonny on the Sunset Watch Villa team.

A travel bloggers view of Virgin Gorda

Linda Thompkins, well known Caribbean blogger and traveler is staying at Sunset Watch Villa this week. You can read here comments about the villa and Virgin Gorda Here. We’ve worked awfully hard this past year restoring the Villa’s reputation as Virgin Gorda’s best. We thanks Linda for sharing her impression of our results.

BVI to Host Richard Branson’s Premier Tennis Event

If you are interested in attending the “Necker Cup Pro/Am Tennis Cup” on Sir Richard’s island and are in need of more “economical” digs rather than his $55K per night accommodations, consider please Sunset Watch Villa. It’s just a 10 minute drive from the ferry (10 minutes) to the mercurial entrepreneur’s island. We guarantee are sunsets will be breathtaking. In 2018, the Necker Cup featured special guest performing artist Kenny Chesney!

The Baths in Virgin Gorda

Here’s a nicely done video of the Baths in Virgin Gorda. It’s only a 15 minute drive from Sunset Watch Villa.

Travel & Leisure World’s Best Awards and Virgin Gorda Ranked…….

3rd in the reader’s poll in the category of Best Islands in the Caribbean. Virgin Gorda moved one spot higher this year from last year’s 4th spot. Congratulations to the British Virgin Islands and Virgin Gorda. We however know better: Nature’s Little Secrets are by far an island paradise. Maybe a number one ranking might let the secret out.

Here’s a view from Nail Bay, the best beach on one of the top three islands in the Caribbean!

Sunset Watch Owner, Ajit George, interviewed by Delaware Today Magazine

Wonder what Ajit’s been up to? Read this recent interview with the owner of Sunset Watch Villa to find out. In case you don’t know him, Ajit George and his wife Dr. Sarah Brown built this popular BVI vacation villa in 1996. Ajit spent 27 years as the Managing Director of Nail Bay Resort. He’s best known as a gentle soul with big ideas and a bigger heart. Ajit put both together many times to raise money for charities in the BVIs. Most noteworthy of his many philanthropic efforts was creation of the BVI Winemaker’s Dinners, a wildly successful fundraiser marrying his love for fine wines and exceptional food. But if you asked Ajit what’s most important to him, without hesitation he’d boast of the many friendships he has forged over the years in Virgin Gorda and the BVI.

Wall Street Journal visits the BVI

The Wall Street Journal published a pretty nice piece on the BVIs. The author had some solid recommendations (the Dove restaurant in Tortola for example), but missed out on visiting Sunset Watch Villa. Just my editorial comment for a beautiful morning.

Virgin Gorda: Paradise Bouldering

I’ve always wondered if anyone had the “stones” to climb the boulders at the Baths in Virgin Gorda. I’ve swam, snorkeled, explored, hung out, and genuinely loved the Baths since I first visited in the Summer of 1984. Never have I seen anyone attempt any serious climbing. Until now. Check out the attached video from the climbing website “Louder than 11.”

The Reef off Sunset Watch Villa

Reef fish are plentiful at Sunset Watch Villa

Did you know that the Baths, though wildly popular, are not the best place in Virgin Gorda to snorkel? Everyone has their favorite spot. Mine is just off the shore of Sunset Watch Villa, located on the beach at Nail Bay Estates. Since this Caribbean Villa is located at the end of a steep road, beach access is limited. This makes this beautiful beach secluded most days.

Nail Bay Beach is normally secluded

The reef at Sunset Watch is alluring to many creatures.

The reef starts in ankle deep water. Watch out for the sea urchins ! It extends a quarter mile south past famous guest house Baraka Point to Mountain Trunk Beach. It also extends a half mile north, almost to Long Bay. You can spend days exploring the nooks, crannies, and arches of this expansive reef. Small sharks, turtles, eels, and the occasional monster lobster are usually present.

The reef at Sunset Watch Villa is fairly indicative of all the waters around Virgin Gorda. There are many, many, small reefs waiting for you to explore. So the next time you visit Virgin Gorda Island Paradise, try one of nature’s little secrets not named the Baths.

Sundowner Featured in Huffington Post

Well known travel writer and self-described “travel diva” Teresa Rodriguez included Sundowner in a Mother’s Day article she wrote for her column on Huffington Post. Here’s the link:

“Give Mom a Break: 8 Great Vacations For Moms & Families”

And here’s another view of Virgin Gorda’s most romantic beachfront villa.

The infinity edge pool of Sundowner beachfront villa.

Exploring Virgin Gorda by Video

Videographer/photographer/traveler Alex Lop recently posted this wonderful video of Virgin Gorda.. Check the video and let us know what you think. Very cool in my book.

Why We Call it Sunset Watch (Part 2)