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This 12-room hotel, on the island’s eastern side, is at the sheltered Hodge’s Creek, center of the Sunsail Charter marine scene. Meet old salts at the hotel’s bar, or spend your days gazing out to sea from your airy hotel room.

This mid-rise hotel across the road from the Charlotte Amalie waterfront attracts business people and vacationers who want a modern, in-town location. Rooms have typical Holiday Inn amenities, but sport tropical touches. Take a taxi to the beach or linger at the pool.

The food here is something to write home about. Try the delicious homemade chicken noodle soup.

Paul and Jill’s Equestrian Stables offer rides through the rainforest and the hills surrounding its base at the 18th-century Sprat Hall plantation.

Carolina Corral, located just outside Coral Bay, runs one-hour trips along quiet lanes and pebbly beaches. Rides leave from Route 107 across from the restaurant Time for a Break.

Shadow Stables takes you trotting along beautiful, deserted beaches and up and down Tortola’s hills. The island takes on a new perspective when viewed from the saddle, and spectacular vistas are all around.

Conjured up in local kitchens, hot sauce adds extra bite to any dish. It’s made of fresh hot peppers, onions, and whatever else strikes the cook’s fancy. Every one is different; try several of them. A bottle keeps forever in your refrigerator even though the color may change.

Finished in 1829, the building was the home of a French sea captain; its 15 rooms have an old-world charm with modern touches. The location, on a hill overlooking Charlotte Amalie Harbor and the city, places it in the heart of the shopping and restaurant district.

Located just outside Road Town, this has slightly dowdy rooms, all with balconies and some with full kitchens. Make it the base for a busy Tortola vacation, returning for a swim in the pool or dinner at restaurant.

With wings flapping at phenomenal speeds, hummingbirds hover over flowers to dine on their nectar. Mostly green in color, they’re easy to spot as they dart here and there. They’re so well loved that residents make homes for them in feeders made of coconut shells.