Sebastian’s On The Beach, Tortola – Hotel Review

Sebastian’s on the Beach Hotel is situated on the stunning Little Apple Bay beach, on the north side of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. With its prime seafront location, you can go from bed to beach in just a few steps! Away from the hustle and bustle of Road Town, this charming hotel offers a lively onsite restaurant and serves as the perfect base for exploring Tortola.

Location and How To Get There 

Getting to Tortola is a breeze with several options available. The easiest way is to fly directly into Beef Island Airport (EIS). American Airlines now offers direct flights from Miami, simplifying the journey. Alternatively, you can fly through San Juan, Puerto Rico, and catch a quick 40-minute connecting flight with Cape Air or Silver Airways. Once you arrive, the hotel is a 30-45 minute drive from the airport. While taxis are available at arrivals, renting a car might be a good idea to explore the island at your own pace.

If you’re travelling from the US Virgin Islands, there are multiple daily ferries from St. Thomas and St. John. Just remember to bring your passport! The ferry port is conveniently located just a 5-minute drive from the hotel.

Check in process

We received a warm welcome at reception when we arrived at Sebastian’s and were personally invited to the BBQ night at the hotel’s onsite restaurant—a lovely touch. After a quick hiccup with the key, which was promptly sorted, we were shown to our room. It was clean, modern, and recently renovated, with clear attention to design details. We settled in quickly and then took advantage of their offer to head over for dinner and enjoy the live music.

Rooms 

Sebastian’s boasts just 35 rooms, ensuring personalised service and an intimate atmosphere. With a variety of room types to suit different budgets, I highly recommend booking one of the beachfront or ocean-view rooms for the ultimate experience. Imagine waking up to breathtaking views and falling asleep to the soothing sound of the waves.

Due to a last-minute date change, I wasn’t able to book one of these rooms. Instead, I stayed in a mountain-view room, which was exactly what we needed. It was newly renovated, clean, and functional. The room featured a reliable air conditioning unit (a must-have in most Caribbean destinations), a large flat-screen TV with streaming apps, and a coffee bar with tea and coffee-making supplies. Additionally, there was a mini refrigerator and microwave, which was a nice touch.

The room had a spacious wardrobe with plenty of hanging space and an iron (though no ironing board, but a towel on the table worked just fine). The bathroom was compact but functional and stocked with toiletries. Despite not being beachfront, we were still just a few steps from the sand!

Food and Drink 

Sebastian’s has its own onsite restaurant, offering a diverse menu that includes local favourites as well as familiar dishes you’d find at a typical beach bar. I highly recommend visiting on Fridays for BBQ night, complete with live music. I opted for the jerk chicken with rice and peas and plantains, and it was cooked to perfection! I’m always on the lookout for great jerk chicken in the Caribbean, and this one did not disappoint. Give me some jerk chicken and a rum punch, and I feel right at home!

My friend, who is vegan, was delighted when they went out of their way to make her something off the breakfast menu for dinner. The live music was phenomenal and really set the tone for the night. With the restaurant overlooking the beach and the sound of waves in the background, the atmosphere was unbeatable. We tried a couple of different drinks, and they were all fantastic.

The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and they also offer a brunch menu. Be sure to sit on the waterfront for breakfast—you won’t regret it!

Facilities 

With the beach right at your doorstep, you’ve got most of what you need for a perfect vacation. But Sebastian’s goes the extra mile with a full-service restaurant and bar, plenty of loungers and umbrellas out front, and a mini convenience store and gift shop in reception—open late too! You’ll find everything from toiletries and snacks to alcohol and bottled water. The gift shop also has some cool t-shirts and designer bikinis if you’re looking for souvenirs or something special to take home. For purchases under $15, you’ll need cash, but having this little store on-site was a lifesaver, especially since I wasn’t sure where the nearest store was. It was so convenient to quickly grab something I’d forgotten from my room!

Activities

Sebastian’s is in a fantastic spot to make the most of everything Tortola has to offer! If you’re into surfing, Little Apple Bay is a prime spot for catching waves. The reception staff are incredibly helpful, ready to assist with planning activities, and they have plenty of maps and guidebooks available. From snorkelling and fishing trips to hiking trails and sailing excursions, everything you need is right at your doorstep!

Service 

During my stay at Sebastian’s, we were greeted with nothing but smiles. The staff were incredibly friendly and always eager to help. A special shout-out to the restaurant team, who went above and beyond to whip up a vegan meal for my friend that wasn’t even on the dinner menu!

Closing Remarks 

You really can’t beat the location of Sebastian’s—it’s the perfect spot to base your activities on Tortola, and its proximity to the ferry port for trips to other islands is super convenient too. The staff were all wonderful, and even if you don’t stay here, make sure to check out the BBQ night on Fridays! I wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again, and I’ll definitely aim for an ocean-view room next time!

You can find out more about my stay on my “Tortola” Highlights on Instagram @chase.the.rainbows.

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