Black Meetings and Tourism

Jan/Feb2011

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AREA GUIDES BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS PERFECT ISLAND GETAWAY FOR SMALL MEETINGS AND RETREATS Known as “the land that time for- got,” the British Virgin Islands remains an undeveloped haven for natural treas- ures; what the destination lacks is its greatest asset – no high-rise hotels, no casinos and no crowds. Mystical, lush and inspiring with 60 storied islands, the destination lures adventurers, romantics and escapists with verdant hillsides covered in ancient mahogany trees and cacti, pris- tine beaches kissed byTechnicolor tides, a colorful aquariumof the world’smost diverse sea life, extensive coral reefs responsible for claiming renowned wrecks, vast outbacks and wildlife sanc- tuaries sheltering endangered species. The BVI is situated between the deep waters of theAtlantic and the glit- tering Caribbean Sea, just east of Puerto Rico. Other nearby neighbors include the United States Virgin Islands, located to the immediate south west of the BVI. As the anchor island of the British Virgin Islands and greeting all to the Caribbean nation,Tortola – lined with a scalloped edge alternating from bay to peninsula – mesmerizes visitors with breathtaking views of white crescent beaches, radiant blue bays, lush hillsides and mountain tops and a personality that is both warm and welcoming. The curvy island offers simple pleasures on every side, from surfing Atlantic swells in the North and embarking on sailing adventures in the South to discovering the history of the island in the East and congregating among fellow yachtsmen in theWest.Also long in her physique, (more than 39 square kilometers) Tortola offers the best sailing in the world as the smaller southern islands of Norman,Peter,Cooper,Salt andGinger A Scenic Vista of the British Virgin Islands provide sailors safe passage. Creating the eastern most border of the BritishVirgin Islands,Virgin Gorda – named by Christopher Columbus in 1493 for her long shape and belly-like feature – beckons sailors fromall ports- of-call to discover her bountiful gifts, from Mother Nature’s work of art at TheBaths to the luxurious accommoda- tions and charming Jewels of the BVI. Virgin Gorda tempts visitors with the best of both beaches and mountains – flat, powdery sands on the south side and lush vegetation on peaks and hills running along the spine of the north shore. Sitting more than 366 meters above the sunlit sea in a natural pre- serve of mahogany trees, Gorda Peak (the belly of the Virgin), provides panoramic views of the necklace of islands below, from remote Anegada high in the north to the smaller Fallen Jerusalem and Round Rock to the south. While the beautiful BVI may not be able to host large conventions and con- ferences, there is no better place for a board meeting, retreat, incentive pro- gram or team building experience. Woven throughout the emerald green coastline, like hidden gems await- Photo Credit: bvitourism ing discovery, are a series of simple, inti- mate inns, villas and cottages lovingly referred to as the Jewels of the BVI. Locally owned by BVIslanders, these jewels allow your delegates and atten- dees to enjoy the islands on the most genuine level.Accommodations dotting the islands range from modest seaside inns, with simply a bed, bathroom and breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea, to deluxe villas equipped with every luxury one could want. Some Jewels even offer vehicles allowing guests to cruise the coast during their stay. While there are no direct flights into the main airport of the BVI – the Terrence B. Lettsome Airport (EIS) – from the USA, Canada, Europe or SouthAmerica, a number of flights are routed through Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico with connecting service to the BVI offered by American Eagle, Caribbean Sun, CapeAir and LiatAir. A valid passport is required for entry. WHOYOUGONNACALL? BVI Tourist Board (284) 494-3134 info@bvitourism.com Black Meetings & Tourism January/February 2011: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 57

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