Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/140546
•Pg_65-78__BMT_pg86-162 6/22/13 12:47 AM Page 71 BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS AREA GUIDES GROUP TRAVELERS ARE RECOGNIZING THAT "NATURE'S LITTLE SECRETS"….REST IN THE BVI BY GERAD CLAYMORE Located in the northeastern Caribbean, The British Virgin Islands are known for their beauty and calm waters. A multitude of excellent anchorages and idyllic islands make the BVI one of the best locations for Caribbean sailing vacations and is one of the largest bases. Meeting planners are always looking for that perfect getaway destination to hold a spectacular event attendees will remember for years. Explore the treasurers of the BVI. Each of the British Virgin Islands has its own special beauty, character and legends and is sure to wow leisure travelers and conference attendees alike. The picturesque island of Tortola offers pristine white-sand beaches, lush green mountains, and sheltered yacht-filled harbors. The dramatic shape of Virgin Gorda island reminded Christopher Columbus of a reclining woman, so he named it Virgin Gorda, the "Fat Virgin." Named the "Drowned Land" by the Spanish, Anegada is the only coral island in the volcanic BVI chain. Home to fewer than 300 inhabitants, Jost Van Dyke is rich in folklore and renowned to be one of the most friendly and welcoming islands. Because of it's beautiful ambiance and casual setting the meeting venues the islands offer attract planners from all over the world. There are a wide array of beachfront properties that serve as perfect settings for small to medium sized meetings as well as family reunions and weddings. Located just one mile from the airport is the Little Dix Bay, A Rosewood Resort. An attractive resort situated on 500 garden acres on a tranquil, crescent-shaped beach, this 100-room resort is luxury and top level hospitality at its finest. In keeping with Rosewood's dedication to infusing the local culture and indigenous materials into every aspect of the resort, Rosewood Little Dix Bay's Colorful houses on Tortola, the capital island of the BVI meeting and conference center is distinctly Caribbean. The 500-sq. ft. room is alive with artwork, including seascapes and starfish sconces, which were all made locally by artists of Virgin Gorda. There are informal areas, such as the Pavilion, that are available during the day. The resort offers several options for gatherings of up to 200 persons. The centrally located Mahogany Boardroom accommodates up to 20 persons for a meeting in a quiet setting. Village Cay Hotel & Marina, Surfsong Villa Resort, Sebastian's On The Beach and Long Bay Beach Resort are other options of fine hotels and resorts that will surely satisfy planners and their conference attendees. The BVI offers tourists some of the most beautiful culture and geographical backdrops a traveler can ask for. Browse items from the past that tell a story of yesteryears. Gaze at beautiful art from local and Caribbean artists. Stare in awe of the breathtaking landscapes skillfully captured in print. Whether you are looking for a glimpse into BVI history or to find the perfect memento to grace your walls back home, the various museums and galleries around this region have something for you. Your experience in the BVI will be enriched by visiting the National Parks, Copper Mine, Forts, Museums, Churches, Burial sites and old Plantation Photo Credit: Lidian Neeleman Estates. Across the seas from shore to shore, you'll climb the hill to Old Government House Museum, Mount Health, Fort Burt, and the Copper Mine just to name a few. U.S. citizens traveling by air to the Caribbean and Bermuda must present a passport or other WHTI-compliant documentation to enter or depart from the United States. Connecting airports surround the BVI, making arrivals and departures an easy part of your travel itinerary. When traveling to the BVI, there are no direct flights from the USA, Canada, Europe, or South America to the nation's main airport, the Terrence B. Lettsome Airport (EIS). All flights must connect through another Caribbean airport on islands such as Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Antigua, St. Kitts, or St. Maarten/St. Martin. • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Long Bay Beach Resort Little Dix Bay, A Rosewood Resort Sebastian's On The Beach Village Cay Hotel & Marina 150 100 26 21 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? The British Virgin Islands (800) 835-8530 www.bvitourism.com B M & T ••• May/June 2013 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 71