we did this and it was our favorite day of the cruise:
Tortola Excursion Review - Fort Recovery Beachfront Villas Review (Non-Disney Excursion). We are a family of four with two girls ages 4 and 7 and my oldest daughter is on the autism spectrum and is high functioning (HF). Due to some of my daughter's challenges, my husband and I try and find excursions that are relatively private and focused so we can enjoy ourselves without worrying about how my daughter's potential outbursts or discomfort in being out of her element with negatively impact others' experience. We found that the cost of a one night stay at Ft. Recovery Beach was reasonable to pay because we were looking for a quiet beach and a room accessible for the young kids to use to get out of the sun or if my daughter needed a break for sensory overload issues. We have done day passes at other cruise stops and found their summer rate reasonable however I don’t think I would pay the winter rate for a day pass so I hope the resort explores a general day pass rate for future cruisers interested in having a similar experience. We also like the private room because we can shower up at the end of the day which allows us to stay on the beach just a tad longer so we don’t have to rush back to the ship in order to get ready in time for dinner.
I selected this hotel after considerable research for few reasons:
- Great trip advisor reviews
- Nice looking beach from the photos
- Close to Soper’s Hole Marina
- Same side of the island as the port (wasn’t interested in driving through the windy hills to the North side of the island)
- Staff was extremely accommodating – I called and asked for a room closest to the beach because of the kids needed a break and they gave us Villa 1 which was wonderful
While on the way to the hotel, the cab driver indicated to my husband, “Why are you going to Fort Recovery? There is no beach there, go to the North side and see all the development” So my husband got discouraged but I pressed on and we continued on our trip. While pulling into the hotel, it looked like a rustic jungle so I think my husband was still a bit leery. We checked in and the check in desk is also quite rustic, but we received our key and we were escorted to our Villa by the nice staff lady at the front desk. Well we saw the beach and we were totally happy! It was a perfect beach for us with a gorgeous view of St. John! And no crowds! It was quiet and perfect!
After enjoying a few quiet, relaxing hours on the beach in the morning, the staff at the hotel were kind enough to call a cab so we can go to Pusser’s at Soper’s Hole for lunch. What a wonderful establishment and beautiful marina!
If you are looking for a relaxing, but activity filled day in Tortola, consider a day at Ft. Recovery – it was truly a memorable experience and a highlight of our overall Eastern Cruise.
Prices = $250 for one night stay for summer rate +$80 RT cab fare for family of 4 from port (excludes cab fare and cost for Soper’s Hole). Call ahead and make sure they give you a room that is ready by 10am. Happy to answer any questions you may have