BLOC MAGAZINE WINTER 18-19

8 // WWW.BLOCHOTELS.COM Step away from the sand just long enough to discover Tortola's history with a vis- it to the 1780 Lower Estate Sugar Works Museum, Fort Burt, Mount Healthy Wind- mill, Callwood's Rum Dis- tillery, J.R. O'Neal Botanic Gardens, Old Government House Museum and VI Folk Museum. ANEGADA The only coral island in the Virgin Islands’ volcanic chain, Anegada is character- ized by its nearly flat eleva- tion, the striking coral reefs that surround it, secluded sandy beaches and clear springs bubbling from coral beds. A variety of wildlife special to the Virgin Islands area thrive on Anegada, includ- ing loblolly, frangipani, tur- pentine trees, feathery sea lavender and wild orchids. On the nature trail at Bones Bight, catch a glimpse of the rare rock iguanas native to the island, or discover the exotic birds at Nutmeg Point. Snorkelers and scuba divers will delight in the reef’s maz- es, tunnels and drops, which are rich in needle fish, bone- fish, stingrays, parrot fish and other marine life, while those with sea legs will enjoy water sports, sport fishing and bone fishing. Beachgo- ers will find no lack of calm and quiet shores, including Cow Wreck Beach, Flash of Beauty, Bones Bight and Windlass Bight. Discover Anegada’s histo- ry through a maze of stone walls that surround the Main Town’s Settlement or the Arawak’s ancient conch mounds in the East End. Or, explore the wreckages of numerous Spanish galleons, American privateers and British Galleons. VIRGIN GORDA The dramatic shape of the BVI’s third largest island, Virgin Gorda, reminded Christopher Columbus of a reclining woman, or “Fat Virgin,” inspiring its name. Measuring 8 ½ square miles, Virgin Gorda entic- es travelers with its yacht clubs, quiet coves, safe an- chorages and luxury resorts and villas. Natural beauty is in abun- dance and accessible via in- digenous plant-lined trails, nature sanctuaries and natural wonders of our pro- tected national parks. Hike to the island’s high point, Gorda Peak, for a splendid panoramic view of the sur- rounding islands. For a quintessential Carib- bean vacation, stroll or swim at the unspoiled beaches at Savannah Bay, Pond Bay, Devil's Bay, Mahoe Bay or Spring Bay. Evidence of the rich herit- age of African, Indian and Spanish history is plentiful, from the Spanish ruins at Little Fort National Park to the Cornish Copper Mines, where the ruins are set against the azure sea at the island’s southwestern tip. This eclectic influence ex- tends to Virgin Gorda’s local cuisine, shops, arts, fashion and gifts. JOST VAN DYKE Named for an early Dutch settler and former pirate, Jost Van Dyke runs deep with rugged scenery and colorful folklore. Explore vegetation-covered sugar mill ruins, old trails that crisscross the island and the East End’s natural sea- formed Jacuzzi, or observe whales and dolphins. Measuring just four miles by three and with fewer than 300 inhabitants, the BVI’s smallest island has been home to Arawak Indians, Caribs, Dutch, Africans and the British. Notable inhabit- ants have included William Thornton, architect of the U.S. Capitol Building, and