A Dreamer's Dream Getaway
By Patricia Keegan
One stay at Biras Creek Resort was enough to convince me that it would be better to be washing dishes in these surroundings than to be anywhere else on earth. Lovers of sights and sounds of the sea will rejoice in the discovery of Biras Creek, one of the most naturally spectacular and low key resorts in the Caribbean.
Nestled on a saddle of land between two hills on a 140-acre peninsula of Virgin Gorda, Biras Creek is a feast for the eyes. At the precise meeting point of the tranquil, blue Caribbean and the moody, wild Atlantic, high on a promontory, sits the picturesque restaurant fashioned from an old sugar mill. The deep, rich, constant sounds of the churning sea on the doorstep of your two-room villa lulls you to sleep at night. The black sky, filled with layer upon layer of stars, is an invitation to cuddle under a blanket on the open terrace and watch wispy clouds cross the Milky Way.
Each morning brings the sounds of bird song as early riser’s hop on their own bicycles and ride up to the hilltop stone restaurant for breakfast. This hub of activity also houses the reception area, a snooker room, intimate library and pavilion, all offering breathtaking views.
Biras Creek has an open, airy atmosphere -- it flourishes in a world of its own far from modern-day pressure, without TV, or newspapers. You could easily lose track of the world if it were not for a condensed version of the news faxed every morning from New York.
Thirty-two suites including 2 Grand Suites are scattered along the Atlantic shore, positioned to ensure total privacy. Suites are comfortable and colorful without being plush or elaborate. The ambience and decor is casual, relying on its theme from nature. Each suite has its own large, private terrace and comfortable furnishings -- just steps from the Atlantic. A real novelty is the outdoor shower in a small, walled garden off the bathroom with a view of the white caps on the Atlantic and either the sun or stars shining down.
The quality and presentation of the award winning, international cuisine is consistent with the resort’s membership in the prestigious Relais & Chateaux hotel group, bestowed only on the most outstanding inns, hotels and resorts worldwide. In particular, the dinner menu, with its choice selection of top quality meats or fresh fish served in light sauces, followed by outlandish desserts, is the perfect completion to each memorable day. Guests look forward on Mondays and Wednesdays to the traditional beach barbecue lunch abundant in fish, spare ribs, sausages, hamburgers and a variety of salads and desserts. This can be enjoyed in swimsuit and sandy feet.
The treatment facility houses two massage suites (each with its own changing room, bath and shower), a manicure and pedicure room, a waiting and relaxation area and an outdoor yoga platform.
A potpourri of Decléor therapeutic treatments is offered, such as body and facial treatments, wraps, massage, and one-to-one yoga, among others. It is only available for guests of the Resort.
Decléor is recognized in Europe and throughout the world as the premier expert in the scientific approach to aromatherapy applied to beauty and well-being. The originality and effectiveness of the Decléor essential oils and beauty products are unmatched anywhere else in the world.
The long, white, shaded beach offers plenty of space for sunbathing or taking to the sea in a sailboat, catamaran or windsurfer. A young British attendant is always around for a quick sailing lesson.
Biking is a major part of the novelty and fun of Biras Creek. You can ride everywhere getting plenty of exercise on gentle hills, inhaling the glorious scent of tropical flowers and wallowing in an exalted sense of freedom.
At the manager’s cocktail party, honeymooners and other happy, satisfied guests, shared stories about how they had discovered this little piece of paradise. Most of them found Biras Creek on the hotel’s website while searching for a special place to stay in the Caribbean.
Easy to reach, fly to San Juan or St.Thomas. Connect with a commuter flight to Tortola. The (prearranged) Biras Creek launch brings you right to the Biras dock on a fantastic half-hour boat ride.
For special packages and more information, call Ralph Locke Islands, Inc. at (800) 223-1108.
For more information visit the website at www.biras.com