The Baths & Devil's Bay

The Baths National Park is Virgin Gorda's best known landmark, where along the islands south shore giant boulders form exotic pools and light filled grottos. We arrived early around 8am to ensure we wouldn't have to dodge cruise-ship crowds. Sure enough, besides a local artist and a chicken and her baby chick, we had the place to ourselves. We climbed over massive granite rocks and through tiny crevices, eventually reaching the picturesque horseshoe shaped beach at Devil's Bay. The snorkeling here is phenomenal; as all those boulders explored above the sea exist below it, too, only with tons of beautiful flora and fish. We snorkeled for a couple hours and then hiked the trail back up to the top of the baths. We opted to eat lunch at home and relax at our pool that afternoon, before a night out at Coco Maya just down the street. Earlier in the week we had explored Spring Bay and Little Trunk Bay - just to the west of The Baths, (also in some photos above, with a similar landscape) which I would recommend in conjunction if you had a limited number of days. 

With her luxurious, otherworldly beaches and safe, serene homes and towns, I can't say enough about how special and splendid Virgin Gorda is. 

Mahoe Bay | Virgin Gorda

On this vacation, I am pretty confident that we spent more time underwater than we did on the beach. While the BVI is know for excellent Scuba diving, I've never been particularly interested - the simplicity and ease of snorkeling is more appealing to me. Floating along in the warm water with tropical fish, my soul is happy. At Mahoe Bay we snorkeled in the most gorgeous sparkling aquamarine waters to a deserted beach just around the cove where we discovered lots of unique coral. Mahoe Bay didn't have as many fish as some of the other spots, but it did have an incredible under water landscape. Being here, exploring the bay and this quiet, pristine strip of beach was enough. (Our next snorkel adventures will have lots of fish!!) 

P.S. These and other water photos were taken with my Nikon CoolPix S32. It's a fun, easy to use and reliable underwater/shockproof camera. This trip wouldn't have been the same without it!

Coco Maya | Virgin Gorda

We cooked more at our cottage than we dined out - with a spot like that, why wouldn't you!? We found ourselves on a schedule of early to rise, early to bed. This is a daytime island and nightlife is slim. But Coco Maya gives you a taste. A chic, open air beachside lounge serves excellent maki rolls, ceviche and lots of shareable plates with a Caribbean Asian Fusion. 

What the four of us ate, pictured:
Spicy Calamari Salad ($16) | kimchee/mixed capsicum/dashi/cucumber ribbon/sesame oil
Spicy Salmon & Avocado Roll ($16) | salmon/avocado/sriracha/sesame oil
Spicy Tuna Roll ($17) | yellowfin tuna/sriracha/black tobiko
Sunset Roll ($14) | crispy salmon/avocado/mango purée
Scallop Ceviche ($17) | pickled red onion/zucchini ribbons/wasabi mayo/ponzu/micro fries/nori
Chocolate & Walnut Brownie ($9) | mint-choc-chip ice cream/coconut anglaise

Also devoured, not pictured:
Edamame ($9) | Japanese soybeans/chili butter/rock salt
Tom Yum Soup ($8) | shiitake mushroom/plum tomato/lemongrass/cilantro
Coco Maya House Ribs ($14) | sweet chili/honey/agave/garlic sauce
CFC Wings ($16) | kimchee/sambal/agave/honey sauce
Coco Maya Roll ($16) | tempura shrimp/avocado/spicy mayo/deep fried  
Dulche de Leche Cheesecake ($9) | salted caramel 

We followed up dinner with pineapple hookah in the sand around a charcoal firepit overlooking the turquoise waters of the Sir Frances Drake Channel. 

CocoMaya Beach Restaurant

Virgin Gorda, VG1150

British Virgin Islands

Windy Hill Cottage | Virgin Gorda

I LOVED the house we rented on Virgin Gorda. Tastefully decorated with an open floor plan, a large wraparound patio and multiple sets of double doors, it was elegant and spacious, secluded and relaxing. The two bedroom/two bathroom layout is ideal for two couples or a small family. 

We cooked lots of meals here, taking full advantage of the grill and the various outdoor seating areas with a view. The house comes with beach towels and chairs, as well as snorkels and fins. And can't forget that blissful little pool - a perfect touch! Windy Hill is situated in between Spanish Town and The Baths, a very easy location to get to and from each day.

And when you leave, there's no need to worry about closing the doors, nevermind locking them. Virgin Gorda is so safe, in fact, that our host told us not to worry about locking the car we rented from her, and to leave the keys in the ignition. How's that for carefree, easy living?