traveldk.com

This unusual flower is one of the islands’ loveliest. Its waxy, heart-shaped flower comes in shades of pink, white, or red. A tapered shoot protrudes from the center. While anthurium grow in the wild, you can buy them as cut flowers from stalls by the roadside.

The waves sometimes roll at Apple Bay, particularly during the winter season, making this one of the better surfing spots in the Virgin Islands. When it’s calm, the water is fine for swimming. Nearly a mile (1.6 km) in length with white sand as well as some rocks, Apple Bay Beach never gets crowded, so pull over and pick your spot. There are a couple of small but distinctive lodging and restaurant options located at either end of the beach, with the absolutely outrageous Bomba Shack bar (seeBomba Shack, Tortola) near the western end.

The Jamaican company Appleton has several rums, including the premium 21-year-old Appleton Estate rum.

A couple of this company’s villas and apartments are on the beach, while some are located only a short walk or drive from lovely white sand, and others sit in the hills along the north shore.

Meet the islands’ art communities at monthly gallery receptions. A great opportunity to enjoy the latest from the local artists as well as sip a glass of free wine and sample the cheese tray. The daily newspapers list the latest art happenings.

Its Asian-inspired changing menu and sunset views set the stage for a lovely dinner. Don’t miss the chocolate pyramid cake (seeAsolare, St. John).

The contemporary Asian-inspired cuisine focuses on seafood dishes such as baked catfish in coconut and plum curry sauce. The food alone makes it a must-do, but go also for the feel of this old stone house overlooking Cruz Bay and the spectacular sunset views (seeAsolare).

Look out for darting fish and colorful reefs from the portholes of the submarine (seeAtlantis Adventures, St. Thomas).The captain and crew narrate the trip.

Head 90 ft (27 m) down into the briny deep on this 48-passenger submarine and view colorful reefs and watch marine life swim by through large portholes. Not for the claustrophobic. The trip also includes a boat ride out to the submarine (seeAtlantis Adventures).

Commemorating the end of slavery on August 1, 1834, Tortola’s carnival is marked by a day-long parade in Road Town, athletic events, beauty pageants, and food fairs. Even in a region not known for punctuality, the parade is notorious for hours-late starts.