Ah, the Caribbean. Who can resist shady palm-fringed beaches, world-class snorkeling and luxury hotels? I have been fortunate enough to explore them for many years, but my heart lies in the British Virgin Islands.
Why? Well, their volcanic green beauty is a feast for the eyes—and while Hurricane Irma wreaked havoc in 2017, I witnessed rapid renovations on many of the 60 islands.
You can only land on one of the larger islands such as Jost Van Dyke, Tortola or Virgin Gorda, but then you miss out on the delights of the rest of the chain. My advice? Consider a week-long sailing trip or plan day charters.
Sailing here in steady trade winds, with guaranteed safe anchorages, is as close to heaven as you can get. Expensive, yes, but there are affordable options. For example, Dream Yacht Charter offers fully staffed ‘at the cabin’ catamaran vacations – and well, you’re traveling with strangers, but strong friendships were easily forged during my trip.
Louise Roddon, who took a catamaran cruise around the British Virgin Islands, advises travelers to combine their visit to the islands with a sailing trip rather than simply hitting the beaches of larger islands such as Jost Van Dyke (pictured) .
If that’s not your thing, companies like Virgin Charter Yachts offer day trips from Virgin Gorda or Tortola; or Aristo Charters offer private crossings.
You must have seen it? Tortola, the largest in the chain, is a bit overdeveloped, so head north or northeast for a more authentic island experience.
The Wyndham Tortola offers peaceful accommodation on a picturesque stretch of beach, next to tropical gardens, breezy bedrooms and the British Virgin Islands’ largest freshwater pool.
Powdery stretches of beach are best found along Tortola’s north coast. Try bustling Cane Garden Bay with its fantastic bars, or Brewers Bay where the rock-protected barrier reef offers great snorkelling.
When in Tortola, stop by the busy Cane Garden Bay (above) and you’ll discover fantastic bars
Head to Virgin Gorda at Rosewood Little Dix Bay, a Balinese-style boutique hotel with dreamy rooms
Visit Pusser’s Pub in Road Town for a shot of authentic wood-fired rum, or if you’re feeling energetic, opt for a mountain bike ride along the Tortola Reef and then up to the British Virgin Islands’ highest peak, 1,716-foot Sage Mountain.
Spend a few days on Virgin Gorda, undoubtedly the most beautiful island, offering excellent hiking trails, fantastic restaurants and outstanding hotels.
Step into Rosewood Little Dix Bay, a Balinese-style boutique hotel with dreamy bedrooms (many with private pools).
Enjoy scenic views of Virgin Gorda, ‘definitely the most beautiful island’, from Rosewood Little Dix Bay.
Many of the rooms at Rosewood Little Dix Bay have their own pool. The hotel bar is on the top floor
Pictured is The Baths – Virgin Gorda’s maze of giant granite boulders where you can zoom through natural whirlpools and acoustic caves. The beach is “unmissable”, says Louise
For a cheaper stay, try Mango Bay Resort, whose beachfront villas sleep up to four guests.
Don’t miss The Baths – Virgin Gorda’s maze of giant granite boulders where you can zoom through natural whirlpools and acoustic caves.
Elsewhere? Divers will love the Rhone National Marine Park in Tortola, where you can swim through the wreck of the 19th-century mail ship RMS Rhone.
There is also excellent diving and snorkelling at Treasure Point See Caves near the uninhabited Channel Islands. Said to be the inspiration for Treasure Island, it’s easy to imagine loot hidden among the slightly spooky caves.
Paradise: A snorkeler observing the underwater world at The Baths
Above are the haunted caves of the uninhabited Normandy Island believed to be the inspiration for Treasure Island
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James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
