Fort Recovery Beachfront Villa & Suites Hotel

Named for the 17th-century Dutch fort on its property, Fort Recovery is an ideal spot for people who want to relax. The property’s secluded location on Tortola’s west end means the atmosphere is quiet, save for the sound of waves crashing on the shoreline. The hotel’s lobby and check-in process are indicative of the hotel’s laid-back attitude. From the main road, a short driveway leads to the lobby, a stand-alone building with a front porch. Here guests are greeted by the hotel’s managers, given a quick property tour, and shown to their room. Afterwards, guests can be on the beach within minutes, as all rooms are literally steps from the sand.   

The clientele at Fort Recovery includes both couples and families. Couples come for its quiet seclusion, while families take advantage of its spacious apartments and full kitchens. The hotel’s affectionately named “Big House,” an eight-bedroom mansion, often houses family reunions or wedding parties.   

Fort Recovery is located on Tortola’s west end, about 30-minute drive from Road Town. There’s not much to see or do on the west end, and there’s nothing of interest within walking distance of the hotel. Fort Recovery is about a 45-minute drive from Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, and about a five-minute drive from the west end ferry terminal, where ferries depart for St. Thomas and Jost Van Dyke. Guests looking to really explore the island should probably rent a car, but taxis are also widely available. Tortola’s extremely hilly, winding roads aren’t the easiest to navigate, so we advise leaving the driving to the professionals (aka local taxi drivers).

Rooms at Fort Recovery are casual and comfortable, with a laid-back beachy vibe. Walls are painted in Caribbean shades of yellow, blue, and green, and beige tile floors hide the endless amount of sand that’s sure to be tracked through each room. Painted wicker furniture gives bedrooms a whimsical feel, while cushioned rattan couches add texture to living spaces. Kitchens have tile countertops and breakfast bars, and are fully equipped with full-size appliances, pots, pans, and tableware. Local artwork livens the walls, and shelves are filled with books and board games. Bathrooms are spacious, with plenty of counter and storage space, but lack tubs. All apartments have an outdoor patio or balcony, and all units are literally steps from the beach.     

Large groups, families, and even wedding parties often take advantage of Fort Recovery’s “Big House.” The affectionately named mansion has eight bedrooms, a massive, open concept living/dining/kitchen area, and lots of outdoor living space.  

Fort Recovery’s top feature is its beachfront. Though small, the sandy beach has stunning views of St. John and is the perfect spot for sunset. During the day, guests lounge on the provided beach chairs and snorkel a few feet from the shore. The water here is calmer than on the north shore, so it’s ideal for families with young children. Fort Recovery also has a small pool, but it doesn’t overlook the beach. The backyard-size pool is surrounded by an elevated deck and several plastic-strap lounge chairs. It’s not exactly the highlight of the property, but it’s convenient for anyone who doesn’t enjoy the ocean. 

Fort Recovery has its own private restaurant, which means it’s only open for hotel guests. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in its informal dining room or outside on its porch. Meals can also be delivered to guest rooms upon request. The dinner menu changes daily, and usually includes five or six entrees, which are served with freshly baked French bread and the soup du jour. All of the food is fairly good, but island specialities like curry chicken and vegetable roti are excellent.      

There are a small spa and fitness center, but neither impress. For what it is, the spa is a charming effort on the hotel’s part. There’s a small “hair studio,” and a tiny massage room with two beds. Fort Recovery is certainly not a spa destination, but for travelers really in need of a massage, appointments are always available. The claustrophobic fitness center is adjacent to the lobby. The two rooms are separated by glass-paneled doors, so anyone in the lobby can see everything going on in the fitness center — an uncomfortable feeling for anyone who doesn’t like the idea of being watched while they work out. The fitness center’s archaic equipment is another reason why it’s probably better to just skip the workout while at Fort Recovery.     

The hotel offers free, fast Wi-Fi, that’s easy to connect to and stay connected with — an absolute rarity in Tortola.