DK Travel : Virgin Islands

Mere specks in the Caribbean, the US and British Virgin Islands sit within eyesight of each other. The Stars and Stripes flutters over St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas and the Union Jack over Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and the outer islands, but all offer tropical sun, soft sand beaches, and turquoise sea. In both territories motorists drive on the left, a decidedly British practice, while the US dollar serves as legal tender. However, each island has its own ambience, from the bustle in St. Thomas to downright sleepiness in the outer BVIs.

Eclipse, Tortola

A grazing menu allows you to sample a little of everything at this seafront place (seeEclipse).
Elrod Hendricks, St. Thomas

Played baseball, mainly for the Baltimore Orioles (1968–79).
Emancipation, BVI

After Great Britain set the stage by outlawing slavery in 1808 and then seized a number of slave-carrying ships in BVI waters, this British colony finally freed its slaves on August 1, 1834. The former slaves continued life as paid laborers.
Emancipation, USVI

Rioting slaves marched on Frederiksted, St. Croix, in 1848, forcing Danish Governor Peter Von Scholten to declare from the ramparts of Fort Frederik that “All unfree in the Danish West Indies are from today emancipated.” His decree also included St. Thomas and St. John.
Emile Griffith, St. Thomas

This fighter born in 1938 holds professional boxing titles.
Epernay

The sophisticated fare here runs to sushi. Also transforms into a swinging night club (seeEpernay, St. Thomas).
Epernay, St. Thomas

On Fridays and Saturdays, this posh restaurant becomes a late-night club (seeEpernay).
Estate St. Peter Mountain Great House

This estate overlooking Magens Bay includes a spacious great house and botanical garden with varieties of plants, waterfalls, fish ponds, and a bird sanctuary.
Estate Zootenvaal, St. John

Get away from the crowd at this cottage colony on protected Hurricane Hole. The three units, all with kitchens, are near the water or across the road from the private beach. Superb snorkeling.
Exploring St. John

Mid-Morning

While the air’s still cool, spend an hour or two poking around snug Cruz Bay ’s few sights and numerous shops. You can pick up a bathing suit at Bougainvillea (seeBougainvillea Boutique).

Take time to sit awhile on Cruz Bay Park ’s benches. The shady park with its flower-fringed walkways serves as the town’s crossroads (seeCruz Bay Park).

After shopping and people-watching take a break for lunch at the popular Lime Inn (seeLime Inn).

Afternoon

Gorgeous white sandy beaches fringe the coast. Pick the one that most appeals to you. If you’d like some quiet, Maho Bay Beach may be your best option. Just park along the road and stretch out on the beach for an hour or two in the sun or, more wisely, in the shade of the seagrape trees.

After a swim and a snorkel, make the brief drive along the North Shore Road to the Annaberg Plantation cut-off. A visit to the sugar plantation ruins will take about 20 minutes, unless you spend time absorbing the spectacular view of the sea and nearby Tortola or walking along the shore.

Late Afternoon

Continue along North Shore Road until you meet Centerline Road. Make a quick trip to Coral Bay for late afternoon drinks and a chance to mingle with the local folks at Skinny Legs Bar & Restaurant (seeSkinny Legs Bar & Restaurant) before heading back to Cruz Bay.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under $100
- $100-$200
- $200-$350
- $350-$500
- over $500
Restaurant price categories

Price categories include a three-course meal for one, a glass of house wine, and all unavoidable extra charges including tax.
- under $20
- $20-$30
- $30-$45
- $45-$60
- over $60