Mango Bay Resort: A BVI Staycation

With this summer’s travel plans curtailed globally, we – like many people – have been looking to vacation (or staycation) closer to home. Luckily we live in just the right spot!

This past weekend was a three-day weekend and the perfect time for us to ‘get-away’. Even if it was literally just down the road!

In over 5 years of living on Virgin Gorda, I had never once been to Mango Bay Resort. And, having been newly renovated last year, it seemed like the ideal time to visit and stay in one of their gorgeous beachfront one-bed villas.

Naturally, I thought I’d tell you all about it!

Mango Bay Resort

 

The Villa

I have to admit, I was blown away when I arrived. The villas are beautifully finished and every little detail has been thought out. From the outdoor shower to rinse off after the beach and the little bbq grills at each unit. To the well appointed kitchen and appliances. Even simple little touches like pre-filling the ice trays in the freezer and providing locally made bathroom amenities by EC Soap Co.

Mango Bay Resort is the perfect home away from home. 

Right now they have special staycation offers available to local residents (for June, July and August). And, even better, they have switched their check-in/check-out times.

Now, instead of checking in at 3:00 pm and out at 11:00 am, you check-in at 11:00 am and out at 3:00 pm. Totally maximizing your staycation experience.

Staff and management are taking COVID-19 restrictions seriously and everything is sanitized regularly, including items which are labeled and dedicated to your villa (floats/loungers etc). The unit was spotless!

Masks and hand sanitizer are provided and all local regulations adhered to.

(For those that messaged and asked on social media – we stayed in Villa #15)

Mango Bay Resort is set on a gorgeous stretch of white sandy beach and the beachfront villas drop beautifully onto the sand, with a private area right off the deck for your loungers.

The outdoor patio and lounge space (with ceiling fan and market lights) played a key part in our stay and was perfect for picnic lunch, sunset views, evening drinks and general shade/chill out area during the day.

I couldn’t wait to get changed and head straight out onto the beach. Lounging in the shallows on my float with a drink in hand for a couple of hours. Totally relaxed and just relishing that holiday feeling.

Catering

The whole resort is self-catered so as soon as we booked our stay I knew that I wanted to provision with some basics. A picnic seemed like the best way to go! You could easily cook up a feast in their kitchen. But I just wanted to keep things simple for our little staycation. (Plus less washing up = winning!)

I headed to DeliFrance on Tortola to pick up some meats, cheeses, olives and pâté along with a nice crusty baguette so that we had bits and pieces to nibble on during our stay. We then stocked up on some of our favourite wine, packed the coffee and some milk and we were all set!

If you don’t fancy cooking anything during your stay you’ve got Sugarcane Restaurant just up the road and CocoMaya not too far away either. Some really great options for dining in or taking out conveniently nearby.

On our first night we headed up to Sugarcane for some sunset cocktails and a few shared starters. It was such a perfect way to celebrate our little holiday. Later we headed back to the villa for wine and snacks under the string of lights on our patio. Enjoying the view of the stars and the twinkling lights of Tortola in the distance.

After a wonderful nights sleep in our lovely air-conditioned room. (We found the bed to be extreeeeemely comfortable). I woke up before the rest of the family and enjoyed a few minutes of quiet with my thoughts in what is officially my new favourite spot. Alone with a book and my coffee, watching the clouds and that unbeatable sea view.

I even timed how long it took me to get from the bedroom to the beach… (20 seconds, in case you were wondering!)

The Resort

On our second day I decided to take a little walk around the grounds and explore. Mango Bay Resort has some surprisingly lush and green gardens (given how little rain we‘ve had recently) and they have red hibiscus flowers and bougainvillea blooming everywhere.

I met a few of the permanent residents at the resort – the turtles and the tortoises, along with a very friendly tabby kitten. I also found the water sports equipment.

One thing I admittedly did not make the most of was the water sports. I was really enjoying my lazy days. Next time I would definitely make more of an effort to snorkel and get out on the kayaks and paddle boards. The bay is also great for turtle spotting so I’ll be bringing my waterproof camera too!

Water sports equipment is provided at no additional cost.

Mango Bay Resort has 16 studio units – Garden view, Ocean view and Beachfront. As well as their one, two or three bedroom villas, ideal for families or larger groups.

If you can bring yourself to leave the resort – Mango Bay is really centrally located in Virgin Gorda. Making it a great base from which to explore the island. Nail Bay is just up the road, Leverick Bay a short drive over the hill and it isn’t far from Spanish Town and the Baths/Devils Bay.

The team at Mango Bay were wonderful. We met Anita the resort caretaker and mother/daughter management duo Paola and Caia during our stay. Always available to help guests out. 

After two blissful nights and nearly three full days, it was sadly time to pack up and leave! Returning home refreshed after our little staycation. But we’ll definitely be back!

Current staycation room rates at Mango Bay Resort (for June, July and August) start at just $125.00 (+taxes) for a Garden Studio.

Contact info@mangobayresort.com or check their website www.mangobayresort.com to find out more and book your staycation deal!

If you’d like to discuss your options in more detail – call Caia on +1 (284) 340 8804. She’s really helpful and will ensure everything is taken care of for you!

I know that a few of you are already thinking of booking – so be sure to tell me about your experience in the comments below!