Get the Lowdown

Mention the British Virgin Islands, and people immediately think of the “yachting capital of the world.” However, with Anegada lobster, local conch, fresh papaya, mangos, and passion fruit galore, the British Virgin Islands are home to much more than brilliant sun and tranquil waters. In fact, the islands are brimming with the best local ingredients, hidden gems, seaside watering holes, and hometown heroes in all of the Caribbean.

At Islandlowdown.com we take you on a tour of the region and share with you a laidback way of life. We visit the Sage Mountain Rain Forest on Tortola, where you’ll find fruit in every direction and encounter the sweet-and-sour tang of local mango chutneys—the perfect complement to a roti, an East Indian crepe-like wrap filled with meat or vegetables. We also discover the best places to get callaloo, a Caribbean version of gumbo.

The site, which is created by all of you, is intended to provide an insider’s recommendations for people and place that are not to be missed while visiting BVI. From the most romantic dining destinations to hidden beach side pubs, we give you the local lowdown. Thirsty for more of BVI? Then check out The British Virgin Islands: The Hometown Lowdown Guide to Travel and Taste for an introduction to the finest seaside restaurants and recipes, and a peek inside island traditions, kitchens, and more. Author Paul Spicer provides a colorful evocation of life in the British Virgin Islands.

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What Others Are Saying:

"One of the best ways to learn about a culture is to explore their food and local dishes. Paul Spicer provides a valuable insight into the BVI culture within the pages of The British Virgin Islands: The Hometown Lowdown Guide to Travel and Taste – with prized recipes, folklore, and valuable bits of travel information.” -- Chef and Director, Hawks Nest Management Ltd, Tortola, British Virgin Islands

“Never has a island cookbook included so much useful information, from where to find lobster or how to beat your conch. British Virgin Islands: The Hometown Lowdown Guide to Travel and Taste has authentic island recipes along with a good dose of entertaining history and island info. Learn to cook the island way and enjoy a potpourri of exotic flavors and tastes. You will be hard pressed to set this page turner down, once you start reading. The Hometown Lowdown Guide to Travel and Taste is sure to become a treasured book for everyone who has ever set foot on our sandy shores. If you haven't visited the British Virgin Islands, this book will convince you that life ain't worth living until you've been to the BVI and tasted island flavor.” -- Dear Miss Mermaid, Weather Correspondent for Tortola, British Virgin Islands DearMissMermaid.com

"Paul Spicer has created a travel guide/cookbook -- The British Virgin Islands: The Hometown Lowdown Guide to Travel & Taste -- that takes readers to attractions and eateries that are anything but tourist traps...You'll find everything from islander recipes that feature chutney alongside a list of restaurants with the best chutney to a guide to the islands' best fish frys, roadside joints with good eats." -- Richmond Magazine

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Send A Budding Local Chef to School!

A portion of the sales from British Virgin Islands: The Hometown Lowdown Guide to Travel & Taste will be used to pay for your favorite local BVI chef to attend culinary class. Send your nomination; including the name of the kitchen whiz, why you feel this person represents local BVI cooking, and contact information.