// // EASTERN CARIBBEAN
// a genuine slice of tropical serenity
images : awl images
TORTOLA , BVI
Over on the British Virgin Islands , the pace of life is often little more than a gentle patter , so that you can better appreciate the lap of the waves on the verdant shores of Tortola , one of the Eastern Caribbean ’ s finest natural spaces . The various lookouts atop Sage Mountain , where there are several different hiking trails , present stunning vistas of verdant land and turquoise sea . There ’ s a real harmony on Tortola , so it might be surprising to learn that this was once a refuge for pirates . Privateer and knight of the British Crown , Sir Francis Drake , often moored his fleet in Tortola ’ s bays ; the strait to the south of the island is still named after him .
Road Town , the main port of entry , has been affected by hurricanes , although the damage to the Old Government House from 2017 ’ s Hurricane Irma was repaired and this former Governor ’ s residence , turned local history museum , reopened in 2020 . For a dose of unbridled Caribbean whimsy , head to Soper ’ s Hole , a laidback marina where entire buildings , including their roofs , are painted in bright shades of pink , mauve , green , yellow and blue . A genuine slice of tropical serenity can be found at nearby Long Bay or Smuggler ’ s Cove .
British Virgin Islands , Tortola , Cane Garden Bay Below : Soper ’ s Hole spring 2022 // 55