We have rented a villa at Sandy Ground Estates every February for the past 10 years. Sandy Ground consists of 8 villas spread out among about 15 acres on the eastern tip of Jost Van Dyke. See its website at ----.

All the villas have gorgeous vistas overlooking Little Jost, Green Cay, Sandy Spit and Sandy Cay. Tortola, from Long Bay to Cane Garden Bay to Brewers Bay, is in the background, and beyond there is Guana and Great Camanoe, with Virgin Gorda's peak looming in the distance. In other words, the vista includes "islands that go on forever." And, in among the islands, there is a delightful all-day ballet of sailboats and motor yachts.

The villas are comfortable but simple, with full kitchens and covered terraces. We throw open the windows and doors, and the hummingbirds and bananaquits fly through.

The main beach is idyllic. Great for walking and picking up sea glass and old pottery shards. The reef that surrounds the beach is great for snorkeling. It also makes for privacy, because even dinghies cannot get through the reef (though some try, to their regret). And there is a second, smaller beach by the boat dock facing Diamond Cay, where there is also good snorkeling. At night, dozens, maybe hundreds, of large tarpon hang out under the dock light. During the day most of them go out to deeper water, though we often see one or two while snorkeling (they are big but harmless). Other sealife includes turtles, squid, barracuda, rays and a full range of reef fish.

Sandy Ground is not a "resort," and you're basically on your own. It's perfect for self-sufficient folks who want to swim, snorkel, read on the beach or terrace, walk, nap, bird, and/or star gaze. Kayaks, sunfish, dinghies and the like can be rented, either at Sandy Ground or in Little or Great Harbors. The resident managers, Nadine and Leroy Isaac, are very helpful. For example, if there is enough interest among the guests, Nadine can arrange for a snorkel boat to come over and take guests on trips to places like Monkey Point, the Baths, Cooper Island, The Rhone, Peter Island, the Caves, the Indians, etc.

While the main road does not presently go all the way down into Sandy Ground, there is talk of extending it. However, it is only a short (but rocky) walk up a goat path to the main road. From there it is about a 20 minute walk to Foxy's Taboo restaurant at Diamond Cay, and about a 30 minute walk in the other direction (up and down an impressive hill), to Little Harbor and Sidney's, Harris' and Abe's restaurants. Or you can easily get a taxi to take you to Great Harbor or White Bay or anywhere else on the island. Most guests will walk to Taboo for lunch or dinner several times a week, and to the bubbly pool when the seas are up. Many guests also walk to Little Harbor, and some even to Great Harbor and White Bay

Most guests cook most of their meals in their villas, and so must stop on Tortola or St. Thomas to buy provisions (there are half dozen small groceries on Jost, but most folks will want a greater selection).

One of our favorite things about Sandy Ground is that it faces east. We get glorious multicolored sunrises and the fresh morning sun. Then, at midday, the sun passes over our terrace roof and we have cooling shade for the rest of the day. Our sunsets are "reverse sunsets," where the sun glints brightly on the west facing beaches and cliffs of the other islands. Once night falls, the only lights in view, as we eat on the terrace, are Tortola's subdued streetlights, which are strung like Italian lights along the northern shore and mountaintop roads. The sky is especially dark, which makes for great star gazing or serious astronomy. Watching the moon rise over Tortola is especially memorable.

Obviously Sandy Ground is not for everyone. But for those who want to really get away, and do so in comfort, Sandy Ground is a wonderful choice. Obviously we love it, so are admittedly biased. Nonetheless, we think we have painted a reasonably accurate picture. We have no financial or other interest in Sandy Ground.