- Transcendant location
- Excellent watersports
- Laid-back atmosphere
- Expansive grounds full of exotic flora and fauna
- limited menu options at restaurant
- villas located on narrow, non-swimmable beach
- slightly hilly terrain a challenge for some; on-resort transport by foot or bike only
- Address: P.O. Box 54, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
- Phone: 284-494-3555
- Rates: $615-$1,710, all-inclusive.
- Dining: Resort gourmet restaurant; Fat Virgin cafe (casual); beach BBQ.
- Other amenities: Water sports, spa, swimming pool, biking/hiking trails, tennis, billiards.
- Rooms: 31 suites with garden or ocean views.
- Website: http://www.birascreek.com
Those with itchy feet can explore the 140-acre property's hiking trails or set off on a dingy to visit the beach bars ringing spectacular North Sound, but the honeymooners I met spent most of their days lingering by the quiet and calm beach at Deep Bay.
Biras has just 31 suites, so you'll see familiar faces at meals, but the resort is so big that solitude is easy to find. Meals are served in the resort's lofty main dining room, a circular hilltop room with commanding views of North Sound. Dining was good, not great, with menu options a bit limited. But guests always have the option of a more casual meal at the Fat Virgin Cafe;, located at the Biras Creek Marina and serving superior ribs, roti, and ice-cold Carib beer.
It may be unfair to say that you shouldn't come to Biras if you don't love the water, but you'll miss out if you don't take advantage of the water sports included as part of the all-inclusive rates, from dinghys, Hobie cats and kayaks up to a pair of small yachts, plus guided snorkeling trips upon request, introductory Scuba lessons, and more. Biras' staff provides patient instruction and guided tours on request, and it was this level of service and liberal access to amenities that I found especially refreshing, and had me yearning for just a few more days' stay as our boat pulled away for the journey back to the airport.
