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B M & T ••• May/June 2018 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 47 AREA GUIDES B V I MEET IN THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS… FOR A TROPICAL EVENT! BY SOLOMON J. HERBERT II The British Virgin Islands are a collec- tion of 60 unspoiled islands that pack the best of the Caribbean into one conven- ient destination. The BVI consists of the main islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke along with 50 other smaller islands and cays. On the BVI, planning for meetings, conferences and other intimate occa- sions will be an exciting experience. Because of the islands' natural beautiful ambiance and scenery, location sites for various breakouts and gatherings can be just steps away from one of the BVI's many resorts. Little Dix Bay Resort is an example of one of these hospitable venues. The resort is ideally situated on over 500 acres with a half-mile beach, complimen- tary water taxis to eight other beaches and miles of hiking trails and snorkeling reef. The resort was recently renovated with new Junior Suites, cliff top spa and wonderful Virgin Gorda service staff; committed to ensuring a memorable small board meeting, as well a s honey- moons and weddings. Powdery white-sand beaches, lush green mountains, and sheltered, yacht- filled harbors characterize the island of Tortola, the BVI's largest and capital- island. The past of the West Indies and the present-day BVI mix and mingle with ruins existing alongside the luxury resorts that draw visitors from around the world. Swim or stroll the secluded palm-shad- ed white sands of dozens of beaches, including Apple Bay, Brewer's Bay, Smuggler's Cove, Long Bay Beach, Elizabeth Beach and Josiah's Bay Beach to name just a few. If water-sports or fishing are more your style, don't miss the protected anchor- ages at Brandywine Bay, Soper's Hole and Trellis Bay and surfing Cane Garden Bay or game fishing the North and South Drops. Warm, friendly and hospitable, Tortola has a wide variety of places to stay, ranging from luxury resorts and pri- vate villas to a scenic campground. Hop to Virgin Gorda for a visit to the Baths, a maze of gigantic boulders at the south end of the island that create other- worldly pools and grottoes. Emerge on the other side to the crystal clear shal- lows of Devil's Bay. Saba Rock, a favorite among yachting and snorkeling fans, is a destination for water excitement from kiteboarding to underwater shark sight- ings. The fleet-footed may opt for a trek to the top of the Mount Scenery. Enjoy absolute quiet on Anegada's astoundingly secluded white sand beach- es, like Flash of Beauty beach, and while away the day. As the evening closes in, head to Cow Wreck Beach to watch the sun set from a gently swaying hammock. Rugged volcanic wilderness and spirit- ed local watering holes make Jost Van Dyke a favorite dayhop destination. Spend your day swimming or snorkeling off the island's gorgeous beaches before treating yourself to a Painkiller with wet money, per the local tradition. U.S. citizens travelling by air to Canada, Mexico, 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 travel- ling to the BVI, there are no direct flights from the USA, Canada, Europe, or South America to the British Virgin Islands' main airport, the Terrence B. Lettsome Airport (EIS). All flights must connect through anoth- er Caribbean airport on islands such as Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Antigua, or St. Maarten. Meeting and incentive planners, your travel agent or international airline will be able to assist with booking flights. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? BVI Tourism (800) 835-8530 (u)www.bvitourism.com(eu) Colorful homes of Tortola, British Virgin Islands Roadtown, Tortola Photo Credit: BVI Tourism Photo Credit: BVI Tourism