British Virgin Islands - Biras Creek Resort

A Heavenly Hideaway on Virgin Gorda

As the Biras Creek cabin cruiser leaves Tortola and speeds across the Caribbean, heading towards Biras Creek Resort in Virgin Gorda, it carves a path through turquoise waters leaving churning white foam in its wake. The first thing I notice is the air. After months of Washington chill, I had forgotten that air could be so fresh, exhilarating and relaxing. Between the endless breeze blowing in my face and the sight of my favorite Caribbean getaway sitting high on a hill, I was already feeling a sense of joyful rejuvenation.

Returning to Biras Creek on our fifth visit is even more exciting than seeing it for the first time, because we know what to expect! This is not a fantasy island; it is the real stuff that dreams are made of. It is a place you hold on to in memories -- where the merging of soothing colors and three different bodies of water, along with the moon, stars, sun, sand and sea -- become a tactile part of the whole experience. A stay at Biras Creek is the enactment of full participation in earths’ natural wonders.

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 breaking waves on the doorstep of our two-room villa lulls us to sleep at night. The dark 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.

My husband and I discovered a few changes at Biras Creek which add to its attraction.The villas have been redone to look brighter with new furnishings including king sized beds, cushioned sofas and armchairs. Thirty-two suites, including two Grand Suites, are scattered along the Atlantic shore, positioned to ensure total privacy. Suites are comfortable and colorful, maintaining the relaxed ambiance of the island. The casual décor relies on nature for its theme.

Each suite has its own large, private terrace with comfortable furnishings -- just steps from the Atlantic. A real novelty is the outdoor shower in a small, walled garden just off the bathroom, with either sun or stars shining down. Another novelty I always enjoy is the two bikes parked outside the villa that can take you all over the resort and down the hill to check out a Boston Whaler that speeds you across blue waters to visit other islands and do some snorkeling. Wallowing in an exalted sense of freedom is what makes every moment at Biras memorable.

A special weekly event for new guests is Manager Rik Blyth’s cocktail party hosted by Rik and Marketing Director Kristin Harrison. On a terrace with the setting sun as a backdrop, honeymooners and other happy guests sip cocktails while sharing stories about how they discovered this little piece of paradise.

The biggest change since my last visit is new ownership of Biras Creek. The resort was purchased by Victor International in October 2006, and over $3 million was spent to restore the Caribbean gem to pristine condition. Chad De Vries, who represents Victor International, took us on a jeep ride up the hills surrounding Biras and showed us one of the most unspoiled, spectacular spots this world could offer. Here they are building private chateaus, some on the water’s edge, some high on the hill. At first I was concerned they would impose on the natural habitat of the Resort but they are actually hidden from view by the hill and cannot be seen from Biras Creek.

Victor International Corporation is owned by David V. Johnson who wants his company to stand alone and apart from other developers. “Our mission is to create and facilitate a unique environment in ecological harmony with the land.” After seeing the area, I have to say that, so far, the mission has been accomplished. All that makes Biras Creek so heavenly remains intact.

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 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.

The Spa 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 Decleor therapeutic treatments is offered, such as body and facial treatment, wraps, massage, and one-to-one yoga, among others. Decleor is recognized in Europe and throughout the world as the premier expert in the scientific approach to aromatherapy applied to beauty and well-being.

In the evening, sitting by the pool, I meditate on the Atlantic’s continuous, singularly symmetrical waves, each wave poised for a moment telling its own story before disappearing onto the rocks below. The sky overhead is filled with bundles of robust white clouds smudging into streaks as the sun begins to set against an azure blue ceiling. I follow the long line of the serene horizon in the distance… Time stands still. This is as majestic and mysterious as the mind of God -- who would want to question such continuous rhapsody.

Biras is easy to reach. Fly to San Juan or St. Thomas and 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 more information, special packages and rates visit the resort's website at www.biras.com