Honeymoon Heaven: Biras Creek
Written: Oct 03 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: beautiful, sound of ocean in your room, great food
Cons: very remote if you need action; not geared for disabled; not meant for kids
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| crankybeer's Full Review: Virgin Gorda |
Review Topic: Overview
We went to Biras Creek on the island of Virgin Gorda for our Honeymoon December 8-16th 1999. We found it by doing a search for Relais & Chateau properties (we wanted our trip to be 5-star!) and were very taken by the pictures on the internet (to see the property on the Relais & Chateaux site, go to: http://www.relaischateaux.com/html_en/menu/framenu.htm Or, search from all their properties on their home page of www.relaischateaux.com )
You should also check out the resort at www.biras.com--click on all the links to see all the pretty pictures and get a full idea of what they have.
Our favorite part was the room--you can either have a garden view where it is apparently more "quiet" or take the pricier ocean view (which we did) The "noise" on this side is the sound of the ocean waves which you can hear from your room b'c you are *right* on the ocean--and I mean, the bungalow is on the beach--not just "overlooking" the ocean. (Any closer and you'd be *in* the ocean!). The room is not terribly fancy, but it's fine, and that sound--delicious. The room has an outdoor shower--which is fabulous--you see the ocean, hear the ocean, and feel the hot shower...mmmmmm. While the room is attached to another bungalow, you really feel you have privacy. We even signed up for a private massage on the deck of our bungalow (imagine a wonderful massage *and* the sound of the ocean--and it isn't a tape recording!!) The cost of a massage was no different than I would have expected in NY.
Each room comes with 2 bicycles for you to tool around the island, which we loved. You are really isolated there so if you are looking for sight seeing "action", Biras Creek is not the place. This resort is really remote--perfect for honeymooners. (To get to this island, we took a plane to San Juan, a puddle jumper plane to Beef Island, Tortola, and then a Biras Creek motor boat takes you to the island of Virgin Gorda. And our boat was at night, in the dark, on bumpy water--already an adventure--but these guys can navigate the water with their eyes closed)
We also loved taking out a little whaler boat (kind of a row boat w/ a motor)and going snorkeling near the reefs --we saw gorgeous fish. We are not exactly athletic and did need our new British friends to help us back into the boat after snorkeling--we laughed a lot). you sign up in advance for a block of time for the whalers, but there is no charge. To see what activities they offer at no extra charge, go to: http://www.biras.com/recreation.htm
They offer excursions for an extra charge to all different places--and you should definitely sign up for a few--there is a general tour of Jos Van Dyke (sp?), the Baths, Anegada*, etc. [*WARNING: Trip destinations vary by the day, and there needs to be a minimum number of people signed up for any given day/half day trip--which we unfortunately found out when we signed up for Anegada --the trip our friends *raved* about as the best day trip--beautiful beach, etc., so we didn't get to that one, and were so disappointed. I would recommend that if there is somewhere you want to go, and you have met other couples, try to get them to sign up too. The resort "advertises" the different daily trips using a tiny, discreet sign near the eating area, so people can easily be miss it.] To see what trips they offer, go to: http://www.biras.com/adventures.htm
The food was terrific--major gourmet chef there and we thought it was terrific--so did our hips. My favorite part was the cheese bar which I devoured every night followed by fabulous Port (complimentary). If you like Stilton cheese, our new British friends said it was great--I don't like anything in the blue cheese type family--but there were plenty of other kinds to sample. And we had a nice time hanging out with new friends at the open air bar and friendly bartender.
There are all different packages at this resort, so if you are on a honeymoon make sure to get a package--ours was the "week of enchantment" which came w/ a beautiful sunset sail, where we met friends that we hung out with throughout the week, & a bottle of complementary wine in the room. Plus all meals. To see what kind of packages they offer, go to: http://www.biras.com/rates.htm [WARNING: the prices aren't for the faint of heart--it is not cheap]
FYI--this is not geared for a disabled person--most of the resort goers were honeymooners like us, but there was one older couple and not so easily mobile, and the steps can be tough for someone like that. The did offer a little golf cart service for them around the island but it isn't ideal --if you really have a disability-- to go to Biras Creek. (But other than that, don't worry--you don't need to be in shape--we are total couch potatoes)
Also--while one family did surface--there really are no kids there. It's geared for couples--not kids. Give the honeymooners and yourself a break. Leave the kids home.
All in all--a fabulous vacation. Wish we were there now!
PS. don't forget sun block and sunglasses! (Though the boutique has these items if you forget)
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
crankybeer
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Member: Debby
Location: New Jersey
Reviews written: 32
Trusted by: 36 members
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