Perched above one of the most picturesque beaches on Tortola, Long Bay Beach Resort (284/495-4252 or 954/481-8787, U.S./Canada toll-free 800/858-4618, U.K./Europe 0870/160-9645, fax 954/481-1661, U.K./Europe fax 0870/160-9651, www.longbay.com, $250–400 winter, $175–300 summer) is the island’s largest hotel. Open since 1963, it is one of Tortola’s oldest resorts, too, although you wouldn’t guess it from the modern facilities. Its 153 rooms range from small one-bedroom beachside cabanas to spacious two-bedroom villas on the hillside above. The resort also manages a half dozen privately owned estate homes, which boast the best views of the mile-long beach below. All rooms have air-conditioning, TV, phone, and refrigerator, and many have full kitchens. Resort amenities include a pool, three restaurants, a nine-hole pitch-and-putt golf course, tennis courts, spa, gym, dive shop, car rental agencies, and water sports equipment rental.

Its spectacular view of western Tortola and the U.S. Virgin Islands is the Heritage Inn’s most outstanding attraction. The inn (284/494-5842, fax 284/495-4100, www.heritageinnbvi.com, $290 winter, $180 summer) is atop Windy Hill overlooking Carrot Bay and points farther west. Its nine modern rooms are equipped with phones, TVs, full kitchens, private balconies, and air-conditioning in the bedrooms. Amenities include a pool and a restaurant. Beaches are about 10 minutes away in either direction by car. Both one- and two-bedroom rooms are available.