Review
Oh, to be back at Surfsong..., February 2012
As I write this review, it is snowing in Philadelphia...
My husband and I spent our honeymoon at Surfsong, and we arrived on Thanksgiving Day (truly the most gratifying way to spend Thanksgiving!).
Simply put, we had an amazing time. Cate and Martina were warm, wonderful, and just a pleasure to spend time with. We appreciated how much thought they put into helping us plan our stay, and definitely recommend that you take their advice! For example, the sailing/snorkel trip that we took with Steve and Aristocat Charters was tons of fun -- definitely a day that I'd like to repeat at least once in the future. Chef Suzanne is a gem, and her food and personality are equally delightful. (Suzanne, I'm still thinking about your chicken satay/peanut sauce/noodle salad!)
The setting at Surfsong is ideal, and clearly a great deal of time and energy has been put into making it a very special place. Our villa was right on the water, and the view was amazing. Every day, we took the one-minute walk to the beach at Wells Bay at least once, and we were usually the only people there. The water is calm and clear -- excellent swimming.
The only possible downside is that I now think about how much I want to go back to Surfsong AT LEAST once a day, but this is a small price to pay, and it speaks volumes about the quality of our experience.
A few of our recommendations for future visitors:
1. Rent a car for at least a few days of your trip -- it's worth it to be able to go to the grocery store and drive to all the different parts of Tortola.
2. If the weather is good, it's only a 20-minute walk into Trellis Bay, where there is a little market, shops, etc.
3. Also in Trellis Bay is the ferry to Virgin Gorda -- our favorite day was the day we spent at the Baths at Virgin Gorda. Even though it's a big tourist attraction, you absolutely must go. Martina will help you find a day when the cruise ship numbers are low. Take the first ferry of the day!
4. Treat yourself to at least two or three of Suzanne's meals.
5. Be prepared for some quality hammock time, and several hammocks to choose from.
6. Pack light! Surfsong has movies, books, and games you can borrow if the weather happens to be temporarily rainy (the sun always prevailed), and it was very reasonable to have our laundry done on-site.
7. Not only was the day-sail on the Aristocat tons of fun, but Steve makes excellent rum punch to boot.
8. On one of our drives 'round the island, we stopped at a restaurant/beach bar on the side of the road, called Cruzin', and this was where we had the best local food of the entire trip...everything is made from scratch while you sit at the bar, so it takes a little while but gives you plenty of time to enjoy a drink or two...and really, where do you have to get to in such a hurry anyway?
9. Hit the beach at Josiah's Bay to surf, or just watch the surfers like we did. Naomi's is a great spot for a drink and a snack.
10. Go back. We haven't followed this particular tip yet, but we intend to. ASAP.
