This is the hub of the British Virgin Islands: Tortola, the green-hilled beauty that is both the heart and the launching point for all of the BVI archipelago, whether you’re taking a sailing charter, or hopping to an island Virgin Gorda. But Tortola is a beachy paradise in its own right, with long stretches of perfect white sand, a vibrant community and some great places to stay. Here are 13 photos that will have you thinking of Tortola as your next destination in the Caribbean.

Tortola’s West End is the gateway to the island, particularly if you’re coming from the nearby U.S. Virgin Islands on a ferry.

Long Bay is the jewel of Tortola, the perfect stretch of sand that’s among the greatest beaches in the Caribbean.

If there is a Mecca in Tortola, it is this: Bomba Shack, the world-famous beach shack (famous for its full-moon parties) that is among the island’s most energetic places.

Stoutt’s Lookout, owned by Prince Stoutt, above, enjoys the best views on the island.

It’s a great place to enjoy local spirits like Arundel rum.

Road Town is the capital of the BVI and a lovely little town that recently unveiled a major new cruise port.

Tortola is the charter sailing capital of the Caribbean, home to hub of The Moorings, the world-famous charter company.

Pusser’s is a hallowed name in the BVI, and the company’s Road Town Pub is a must-stop.

Yes, it’s a full-fledged British-style pub.

Cane Garden Bay is Tortola’s beach bar capital, and Myett’s, above, is a great place to stay.

Paradise Club is perhaps the stretch’s best beach bar.

But it all begins and ends with Long Bay. At dusk the place takes on an almost mystical quality.

 

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The Hilton Aruba is readying for a major relaunch.

The hotel on Aruba’s Palm Beach is set to unveil a $25 million redesign project in mid-December.

The project includes the addition of specialty cabanas, a professional beach tennis court, redesigned guest rooms and suites, an overhauled lobby, “reconceptualized” menus and decor at the property’s restaurants and new landscaping.

Set in the heart of Aruba’s Palm Beach Strip, the resort has 355 guest rooms.

Hilton took over the former Radisson Aruba property in the summer of 2015.

— Caribbean Journal Staff

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Hotel giant Riu has debuted its first-ever adults-only all-inclusive in the Mexican Caribbean.

The company has reopened the Riu Palace Las Americas as an adults-only property following a renovation project.

The changes to the resort include a new cappuccino bar, a new open-air bar, a new 24-hour lounge and completely renovated common areas.

All-inclusive amenities on hand include free Wi-fi throughout the hotel and premium liquor, including in-room dispensers.

Riu operates all-inclusive properties around the wider Caribbean-Mexico region, including hotels in Cancun, the Riviera Maya, Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, the Bahamas, Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios, Aruba and St. Martin.

— Caribbean Journal Staff

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European carrier Norwegian has resumed its nonstop service from the Eastern Seaboard of the United States to the French Caribbean.

The carrier has resumed flights from cities including New York, Boston and Baltimore-Washington to both Martinique and Guadeloupe for the tourist season.

Norwegian is operating flights to Martinique twice weekly from Baltimore; thrice weekly from New York City and twice-weekly from Boston.

The carrier is also operating flights to Guadeloupe twice weekly from Baltimore; thrice weekly from New York City and twice-weekly from Boston.

Norwegian is also set to launch new nonstop flights from Fort Lauderdale to Guadeloupe beginning Dec. 4.

— Caribbean Journal Staff

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There aren’t many places like the tiny archipelago called Bimini in the Bahamas, a mystical corner of the Bahamas that has long been a draw for fishermen, sailors, divers and all those charmed by perfect turquoise waters (not to mention legends like Ernest Hemingway and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) This little slice of the Bahamas, just about 50 miles from the coast of Miami, is quiet and untouched, its chief export still tranquility. Here are some moments that will make you want to visit. Soon.

Yes, it begins with water like this, and 50 shades of blue.

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