Abroad in Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Typically on my trips abroad I have rough idea of what I want to do. I have a few things booked and let the locals guide me the rest of the way. This trip was different. I think I have shared in a previous blog post, ( you should definitely check them out) I am not a good swimmer and I get nervous in open water. The BVI is a divers paradise, so that brings up the question of why would I come here?

Over the last three years I have flown over 300k miles domestically and abroad. When I am traveling for work, I have a fierce agenda. When I am traveling as The Black Girl Abroad, I keep a pretty tight agenda. I am always on the go trying to take in as much as possible in the days I am there. As you can image, that can be a bit tiring to say the least.

This is what has brought me to Tortola. It would force me to slow down and to relax. The scenery is beautiful, the blues of the water are amazing and the crashing waves take me to my happy place. This trip reminded me that I need to do a bit more self care. Sleep in late, sip tea on the balcony, meditate, and get an overdue massage.

I was here for 4 days so let me share how I truly enjoyed myself and feel recharged.

Tortola is not a difficult place to get to which is always a plus. You can fly into San Juan PR or into Saint Thomas, USVI. I flew into San Juan. What I didn’t know, is I would be flying over in a litte 10 seater (including the pilot) Cessna over to Tortola. It was a BREATHTAKINGLY beautiful flight. Unlike the Cessna flight over Ambregris Caye in Belize, we had to turn our phones completely off for the short 35 minute flight. I had a little camera in my luggage. Although I missed my chance flying in, I won’t make that mistake flying out.

When we arrive in Tortola, I find out since my flight was full (and the last of the day) my bag was still in Puerto Rico. No big deal, I would arrive the next morning.

A short ferry ride over to Scrub Island and Operation Realz was in full effect. After a small hiccup on the assigned room ( marina and ocean view are not the same thing) I was off for a quick bite, a glass of wine and a good night’s sleep.

The next day, I was privy to a delivered breakfast to my door based on status. Scrub Island is home to an amazing Marriott property.

The day began on the patio- just relaxing. Listening to the waves come crashing in. Anywhere on the globe I can hear that- I am a HAPPY girl. The day continued as I strolled down to North Beach, Grabbed a chair and an umbrella and read a book. I must have been so relaxed I fell asleep. I was only awaken by the staff asking if I needed anything. The answer was yes and that would be food and a rum punch. I mean, what else do you really need?

After a little while I headed back to my room to freshen up and get ready for the Wednesday Managers reception that would be followed by dinner on the beach with all the fixings. Roasted pig (I passed, new Pescatarian here) and some of the best curry shrimp! We had a nice bonfire going and was entertained by two stilt walkers. The night ended with more rum punches and decadent dessert and I was off to another peaceful night’s sleep. This time with the patio doors open so I can let the sound of the crashing waves lull me off to sleep.

The next day entailed a wonderful massage after spending a few more hours on the patio. I was able to do a little yoga at sunrise, a little mimosas with breakfast and a lot of meditation on where to next. Not just on my journey to explore the world, just my journey of life. After I have a good game plan for the next few months, I am off to explore. I was able to book a tour where we just went around and saw the islands in the BVI. It was a bit sad to see some of the devastation to the islands and the homes build on them. We rode around for a few hours and then captain took us to a great spot to watch the sunset. It was amazing. As we waited for the sun to go down, we had a few rain showers and was able to see a beautiful rainbow. As the sun dropped we headed back to Scrub Island, it was definitely time for dinner. I didn’t venture far, just to the hotel restaurant. I had delicious scallops and rice and my favorite, a glass (or 2)  of Syrah. It was still pretty early and I was well rested, so I decided to head to the pool and relax a bit with a few other adult travelers. The night ended with meeting cool people who were real “yachties” who had been coming to the BVI since they were kids. I decided that night, I needed to get serious and take some swimming lessons to conquer my fear. I was once very afraid of heights and I conquered that fear by climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Auckland Bridge, Walking on the top of Skypoint AND Zip Lining in New Zealand. I can definitely overcome this as well.

The next day I was up early as I wanted to walk around Road Town and shop a little bit. I didn’t find much but so the only hospital on the island which as a nurse is always pretty cool. I also headed to Pusser’s to grab a bite for lunch and order the mandatory Painkiller. The food was just alright but the drink was amazing. I had to order a second to make sure it was not a fluke..lol. A quick call to my driver and I was heading back to Trellis Bay to catch the ferry back to Scrub Island.

I would be leaving the next day, but I am excited to come back. There are so many things to see and do, especially diving. I want to be able to enjoy this when I return so I am excited to conquer my fear and become a better swimmer. When I return to the BVI, I will be ready. But until then, I have enjoyed my time, relaxing, unplugging, meditating and enjoying a few days of complete self care.