Long Bay Beach Resort is built on 52 acres on a hillside that rises up from Tortola’s finest beach – a mile of talcum powder sand, with accompanying swaying palms, and surf that booms on to the shore to serenade you to sleep.
It’s within easy reach of local restaurants, Bomba’s Shack, shops and sports facilities – but then, let’s face it, nowhere is too far on Tortola. The hotel will organise diving, deep sea fishing, sailing, island hopping, even golf (an hour away by ferry).
My room (beachfront deluxe) was enormous with a walk-in shower, a bath with a view, four-poster bed, flat screen TV, DVD and CD player, and direct dial to my room from the UK. It had a big balcony overlooking the ocean, too.
Just a few steps from the beach, I could paddle my way along it to breakfast at the main restaurant, 1748, which is named after the 18th century sugar mill of which it forms a part.
An ideal place for families, it features a number of interconnecting rooms, as well as villas and ‘estate homes’ higher up the hill for larger groups, some with their own pools and views to die for.
Facilities: 157 rooms, cabanas and villas, three restaurants, three bars (including a swim-up pool bar), spa, pools, gym, wedding and honeymoon packages, conference centre for up to 200, tennis, car rental, deli
Get there: Tortola’s airport is a 45-minute drive.
Verdict: 4 / 5
Book direct:www.eliteislandresorts.com or call 0870 160 9645
As a package: Fourteen nights in the British Virgin Islands, staying at the Long Bay Beach Resort, start from £1,319. Prices include Virgin Atlantic flights from London Gatwick to Antigua and connecting flights with LIAT to British Virgin Islands, transfers and accommodation on a room only basis. Call 0871 222 0304 or visit www.virginholidays.com
