Virgin Gorda | BVI

This Island is spectacular. The third largest of the British Virgin Islands (after Tortolla and Anegada) Virgin Gorda entices with her natural beauty and calm relaxing lifestyle. We spent our days snorkeling at quiet postcard coves like Mahoe Bay and Spring Bay and exploring the granite grotos at Little Trunk Bay and The Baths. One afternoon we took in the views and ate conch fritters and pulled pork at Hog Heaven, then drove over to the North Sound where we took a water taxi from Leverick Bay Marina to Saba Rock for a sunset happy hour. This was my first time traveling to the BVI and I'm really glad we chose VG as our home base. 

Getting There: The ferries from STT --> VG are 90 minutes and run on a limited (once or twice a day) schedule. Speedy's runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays ($70 round trip) and Inter Island Boat Service on Thursday & Sunday ($90 RT). 
Getting Around: Rent a car. Our VRBO host rented us one of hers for $50/day.
If you are staying at a resort it is still worth renting a car - the island has lots of different beaches and unique vantage points worth checking out at your leisure.

Water Island | USVI

Water Island is the smallest of the main US Virgin Islands with under 200 residents. It is a sub district of St Thomas located in Charlotte Amalie Harbor. Leah, Alex, Dad and I spent a day cruising around the tiny island on our golf cart, relaxing on Honeymoon beach and exploring Fort Segara. You feel completely removed from the hustle and bustle of St Thomas; it is like uncovering a secret island worlds away from the Caribbean you've become accustomed to.

Getting there: Crown Bay Marina, STT --> Phillips Landing. A small passenger ferry is $10 round trip and takes 10 minutes. Service is reliable and the ferry runs just about every hour.
Getting Around: Kelly's Carts. We lucked out with getting the last available golf cart rental that day. Definitely call at least a day in advance to ensure Kelly will have a cart waiting for you. She's located right at Phillips Landing. $40/day
Fort Segara: Built as part of the defense strategy for WWII, the war ended before it was completed. The abandoned fort has a series of underground bunkers and tunnels that were pretty cool to check out. Otherwise, the panoramic views at the highest point on the island are worth it!
Honeymoon Beach: We arrived on the early side - around 8:30am and had the place to ourselves, besides a yoga class on the nearby porch. Kelly recommended the tacos for lunch at Heidi's Honeymoon Grill, they did not disappoint. I should mention, this was my third day in a row of having fish tacos for lunch! On the far end of the beach, grab some beers at Dinghy's and relax at the floating bar.

St Thomas / St John

My cousin Kate who I grew up with on Cape Cod was recently married on St. John! The tear-jerker of a ceremony was held overlooking stunning Caneel Bay and the reception at the neighboring resort. Kate and her husband KJ live on St. Thomas so that was our home base for three days of wedding festivities before taking off to explore the BVI. 

1 | Our quaint Airbnb rental on the east side of St. Thomas was walking distance to Secret Harbor and a three minute ride into Red Hook. 

2, 8, 9, 10 | KJ hooked Kate!

3 | Painkillers at the reception

4, 5, 6 | For one night we re-located to Charlotte Amalie on the other side of the island to facilitate catching an 8 am ferry to Virgin Gorda. The Malfolie Hotel proved to be the perfect host, where cliffside accommodations offered dramatic views of the island. An afternoon lounging poolside and an evening at their restaurant was a delight. 
7 | Caneel Bay via kbinthecity

11 | Drinks on the Red Hook Ferry (STT --> STJ)

12 | Dress from LIT Boutique / shoes from DSW.