See more pictures - Here
British Virgin Islands map
|
| Alex Wright and James Henderson |
| Key Features
The BVI are sixty small but stunningly beautiful islands in the North-eastern Caribbean, grouped mostly around the Sir Francis Drake Channel; not that easily accessible, but once you are there, they are some of the finest sailing grounds in the world. Tortola, the main island, is quite developed, some are extremely dozy, others contain nothing but a luxurious hotel. The BVI has superb beaches, on the main islands and on offshore cays (many to sail to), and a beach bar in virtually every cove. There is a small number of first-rate hotels, good depth with a few inns and some excellent villas. | | |
BVI GUIDE, THE DEFINITIVE CARIBBEAN GUIDE FOR THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
The British Virgin Islands are some of the finest sailing grounds in the world. They are a score of islands just a few miles from one another, with good anchorages and reliable, year-round Tradewinds of ten to twenty knots. And they are exceptionally beautiful too, even by Caribbean standards. Columbus was impressed enough to name them after St Ursula and her eleven, some say 11,000 virgins. At any rate, they are stunning as you sail among them. Some are volcanic monsters that soar as you approach and subside as you silently cruise away. Others are almost cartoon desert islands, spits of sand with just a few palms that might disappear in a high tide.
There are many variations on the sailing theme. You can set your own sails and cook for yourself in a bareboat, or you can hire a crewed yacht and be looked after, in anything from a relatively simple sailing yacht to a gin palace with helicopter landing pad and a small legion of staff. Either way, you cruise from bay to bay, stopping to snorkel or for a leisurely lunch, before moving on to another anchorage by nightfall, and to yet another bar. There is a bar in almost every bay in the BVI, some lively and others classic, dozy Caribbean shacks.
Some say that if you don’t spend some time on the water you’re missing the point of the BVI, but there is plenty more on offer than simply sailing. The beaches are superb, the watersports (including snorkelling and scuba) are good and there are plenty of good restaurants and of course a host of classic Caribbean bars. There are a few extremely luxurious hotels, now with spas, some even on their own private islands. Surprisingly there is not that much depth of reliable accommodation, but at the lower end of the price scale you will find some comfortable and affordable self-catering units where you can have a nice break looking after yourself.
Having spent most of its history as a group of poor outcrops whose main export was a few crops and its people, the BVI is currently more prosperous than it has ever been. In addition to its successful tourism industry, it now has a considerable offshore finance sector. And as the business has come in, so the population has rocketed, doubling since 1980 to 22,000. A few of the newcomers are returning BV Islanders, but 80% of the population is made up of foreign residents and they come from all over the world, including many West Indians from ‘down island’.
The BVI is a relatively sophisticated place and it is by no means cheap. With all the infrastructure of a cleverly created industry, most of the islands have lost the innocence that you will still find elsewhere around the Caribbean. And there is relatively little island culture left, in Tortola at least, though they are diligently restoring the few windmills and nice old Caribbean buildings that remain. Tortola is a busy, developed and overwhelmingly modern Caribbean island. Virgin Gorda is much less developed and still has a dozy, West Indian air to it, but if you want to experience traditional, simple BVI life you need to go to Jost van Dyke and Anegada, which are still barely touched.
Of course the BVI is well set up for travellers to have fun and it does this well. The entertainment is good, in bars used by resident sailors and offshore finance wizards, and there are some good restaurants too. The entertainment itself can be top-knotch jazz, a home-grown band in a beach bar, Caribbean calypso, or even a variety show with a comedy interlude. But best of all in the BVI is of course to be out on the water, as you sail from a lively stopover, a bay full of bars with music and entertainment, to a tiny island or a remote cove, where you will find a sense of utter peace and seclusion. |
| ^ back to top |
Accommodation
For many visitors to the BVI, the logical place to stay would be in a yacht, but the BVI does have some good accommodation on land. The product is quite thin, but spread across the islands you will find places in every type and category, ranging from top luxury resorts through stylish, idiosyncratic inns and beach clubs to a few inexpensive guest houses and then self-catering apartments. There are also some excellent BVI villas. Service can also be a bit more haphazard in the BVI than in some other islands, but there are plenty of places where you will be received with a warm greeting and a friendly and thoughtful staff.
One of the unique things about the BVI, with its multitude of small islands, is the ability to stay on a private island resort. Some hotels (even some villas too) are set on their own island. Examples are Peter Island, Guana Island and Cooper Island, where rooms can be booked individually, but for a private island completely to yourself and friends or family you can try Necker Island or the delightful one-bedroom villa on Little Thatch.
If there is a shortage of general accommodation around the BVI, another alternative to bear in mind is the self-catering accommodation, of which there is a good variety in apartments and sometimes villa resorts. Most are obviously nearer the bottom end of the price scale, but there are also many villas on the islands. Generally the stock of villas in the BVI is good, particularly on Virgin Gorda, but again there is a certain lack of service, except in a few of the smarter free-standing houses, so you will end up catering for yourself more than you might in, say, Barbados or St Lucia. There are also many villas contained villa resorts and a few within hotels.
Finally there is the possibility of a stay-sail holiday, in which you combine some time afloat with a stay on land.
Hotels & Resorts
The British Virgin Islands has only a small number of hotels and resorts, but they tend to have excellent settings, often based on their own cove or a fantastic stretch of sand. Some are set on their own island or are extremely remote.
| Biras Creek
A delightful, trusty retreat. Elegant and full of character, set on its own bays in the North Sound on Virgin Gorda. Just a few very comfortable suites in cottages, excellent dining room on the hilltop, with a superb view. Best for adults except in summer school holidays. Stay sail holiday available on crewed yacht.
Key Features: A secluded and extremely low key Virgin Gorda hotel in the British Virgin Islands, 31 suites in cottages, Sailaway programme / BVI yacht charter, dive bvi, swimming pool, spa, yoga, watersports, hiking trails, Boston Whalers, tennis courts, Caloi bicycles, kayaks, wireless internet access available, TV and DVD room, fitness area, helicopter pad
From US$700/night in summer full board | | Bitter End Yacht Club
The only resort of its kind in the Caribbean. Set on a mile long shorefront on Virgin Gorda’s lively North Sound, Bitter End is devoted to sailors and watersports fans of all ages and experience. It has a comprehensive schedule of sailing and watersports programmes, including instruction at all levels, and an impressive fleet of 100 yachts, dinghies, cats and windsurfers. The atmosphere is upbeat and it is ideal for families looking for an active watersports based holiday.
Key Features: An activity packed Virgin Gorda hotel, quieter outside school breaks, 85 rooms, Freedom 30’ liveaboards, 3 restaurants, full service marina, 70 moorings, sailing, boating, cruising, kayaking, fishing, snorkelling, windsurfing, scuba diving.
From US$670/night in summer full board | | Guana Island
A 370-acre private island hideaway off Tortola in the BVI, where white cottages for 30 guests stand stark against a mantle of deep green flora (Guana is also a wildlife sanctuary). It is secluded and completely private, so it is excellent for honeymoons, corporate retreats, weddings and special occasions
Key Features: A stunning British Virgin Islands private island resort with seven beaches, secluded coves, hiking trails, tennis courts, good dining, homegrown produce, beach bar
From US$695/night in summer full board | | Little Dix Bay
Set behind a sweeping crescent of white sand in Virgin Gorda, Little Dix has 100 guest rooms, suites and cottages ranged across acres of colourful gardens, with a hilltop spa and a commendable children’s club. Its recently refurbished rooms and smart new villas have given a facelift to this long established and elegant BVI hotel.
Key Features: A pleasant and refined Virgin Gorda hotel with a strong emphasis on service and a good range of accommodation choices, a full service spa, 3 restaurants, 2 bars, swimming pool, tennis courts, fitness centre, water-skiing, dinghy sailing and kayaking
From US$425/night in summer | | Long Bay Beach Resort & Villas
Long Bay Resort Tortola is a 52 acre estate set on rising ground and fronting an excellent stretch of beach on Tortola’s north shore. It has beachfront cabanas, hillside rooms, and 1-4 bedroom self-catering villas, some with their own pools as private villa rentals.
Key Features: Recent management changes make this Tortola hotel a reliable option. It has a superb setting on its own bay, 2 restaurants, swimming pool, tennis courts, fitness room, small spa.
From US$205/night in summer | | Peter Island
An extremely luxurious, private island resort in the British Virgin Islands. Peter Island Resort has just 52 rooms and a handful of villas set around the 1800 acres of the island, including rooms on the spectacular Deadman’s Bay beach. A very elegant, sometimes glitzy island getaway with a full service spa. Stay sail option available.
Key Features: An excellent private Caribbean island resort, 56 rooms, suites and some supreme villas, 5 beaches, swimming pool, restaurant and wine room, beach bar and grill, lounge bar, full service spa and beauty salon, Jacuzzi, 4 tennis courts, watersports and PADI dive shop, fitness centre, hiking and cycling trails, WiFi access in main areas and villas, helicopter pad.
From US$590/night in summer full board | | | ^ back to top |
Small Hotels & Inns
The inns have a little more variety. A couple, Cooper Island and Marina Cay, are on their own island, others are equally remote, hidden away on a less populated island, such as the Anegada Reef Club or Sand Castles in dozy Jost van Dyke. On Tortola there is a gem in the Sugar Mill, but most of the small hotels on the island are attached to the marinas on the southern coastline.
| Anegada Reef Hotel
Truly relaxed hotel in an already dozy Caribbean island, Anegada. No keys, no phones, no tvs (but air-conditioning). One of the main gathering points on the island, in a sandy garden under the casuarinas pines on the southern shore. Escapist's idyll.
Key Features: Unassuming 24 room Anegada BVI hotel in a classic Caribbean waterfront setting on Anegada island, honour system beach bar, dining by the beach or at Garden restaurant. Kayaks, bone-fishing, snorkelling shuttles as extras.
From US$135 sgl/$160 dbl/night in summer | | Cooper Island Beach Club
A very informal often lively small hotel set on a pretty and virtually private island in the BVI, popular with sailors and divers. Cooper Island sees a passing stream of yachts that brings activity to the bar, but otherwise it is peaceful and you can read, write, snorkel, kayak, rent a RIB or just chill out at the bar. Good for secluded honeymoons and for solo travellers wanting to hide away. Good value too.
Key Features: Small BVI hotel set on its own island, very cool, low key atmosphere. Simple and airy accommodation, rooms with kitchenettes, beach bar and restaurant, often a lively yachting crowd, shop, snorkelling and kayaking gear, PADI Gold Palm scuba resort, perfect place from which to dive BVI.
From US$95 sgl/$125 dbl/night in summer | | Leverick Bay Resort & Marina
A well-priced small hotel set on the hillside above Leverick Bay in Virgin Gorda, with lovely views over a marina and the North Sound. Leverick Bay has brightly painted rooms, good beachfront facilities and watersports and a lively, yachting atmosphere.
Key Features: Run as a Virgin Gorda Hotel with hillside rooms and 1-2 bedroom self-catering condominum suites, all with air-conditioned bedrooms, cable TV, balcony and WiFi – suites have open-plan living/dining room with fully equipped kitchen, barbecue grill, dining terrace and CD player. Small beach with beach bar, swimming pool, restaurant, shops, dive shop (Dive BVI), tennis court, watersports shop for sailing, kayaks and boat rentals, small spa and marina
From US$119/night in summer | | Sebastians on the Beach
A well priced, small waterfront hotel on Tortola’s northern shore, set in a brightly painted, modern building. Sebastian’s has a nice courtyard restaurant and comfortable rooms and apartments on a good beach. The community of Apple Bay has an easy atmosphere and a couple of good restaurants and bars, including Bomba’s.
Key Features: Affordable small BVI hotel in a pretty waterfront setting, 26 rooms with a/c & mini fridge, 8 self-catering suites with cable TV & VCR, popular seafront restaurant, some entertainment, local shop and community.
From US$75 sgl/$85 dbl/night in summer | | Sugar Mill Hotel
An extremely friendly and comfortable small BVI hotel set in pretty gardens on the grounds of an old sugar estate on Tortola’s north shore. There are just 24 rooms in a variety of styles and, in the old walls of the sugar boiling house, a renowned dining room, regularly a prize-winner. Good for weddings; excellent 'adventure'package with daysails and scuba.
Key Features: Discreet and understated small Tortola Hotel in pretty British Virgin Islands setting, intimate atmosphere, swimming pool, small beach, best dining in Tortola BVI in famed main dining room, creative wedding ideas, Tortola scuba diving and daysails in Tortola as package features.
From US$240/night in summer | | | ^ back to top |
Villas
The BVI has a pretty good stock of villas, though by no means as extensive as say Barbados or Tobago. Generally speaking they are quite simple, but a few stand out by being grand or architecturally interesting. Some are single, stand-alone beach cottages, others are set in large multiple building compounds and even private island resorts. Many are set on hillsides with spectacular views, but they are never more than ten minutes drive from a beach.
The general lack of staff extends to the villas and so it is rare for villas to come with a cook or a maid that will do your laundry. There is a lack of good management too. On DefinitiveCaribbean we feature a number that do have cooks and most importantly all the properties we feature have professional and recommended management services, which is vital to the ultimate success of your holiday.
| | Sleeps 28 | Necker Island
A 74 acre private island with accommodation for 28 people off the northern end of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. Centred on a hilltop main house, Necker Island has a mix of Caribbean and Balinese styles and a peaceful air, serenely watched over by statues of the Buddha. It is close to the activity of the North Sound, but also completely private to guests. Mainly villa but occasionally hotel-style accommodation. Excellent facilities and superb for entertaining. Famous as Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson’s Caribbean home.
Key Features: A Virgin Islands private island run both as a villa and as a BVI hotel, with a superb range of facilities and toys. Service fully inclusive and as attentive or unobtrusive as you wish. Bedrooms in a main house and cottages; two main freshwater swimming pools, one infinity, one with a swim-up bar, Jacuzzi, further swimming pool and a plunge pool for the cottages. Wireless internet, books, video and music library, piano, fully stocked bar, two floodlit tennis courts (coach available), air-conditioned fitness centre, Bali Leha Spa (extra charge), snooker. Sailing, snorkelling, sea kayaking, wake boarding, kite and windsurfing, banana rides, aqua trampoline, speed boats, deep sea fishing (extra charge).
From US$25,400/per couple during Celebration Weeks | | | Sleeps 14 | Baraka Point
A striking BVI villa set in 2 acres of landscaped grounds on Virgin Gorda’s north shore, with lovely views across Sir Francis Drake Channel. Decorated in eclectic, Bohemian style, with earthy Caribbean colours offset by African and Oriental furnishings. Five bedrooms (2 with adjoining children’s rooms) in octagonal pavilions and a main house.
Key Features: Outstanding Virgin Gorda villa in the British Virgin Islands, 7 bedrooms in octagonal pavilions, 9500 sq ft of sea-facing living space, pool, gourmet kitchen, fabulous chef, fine food, cliff-top deck, swimming pool (30ft x 15ft), plunge pool; wide screen digital TV + CD players, hairdryers, mini-fridges in all bedrooms; DVD, CD system, CDs, DVDs, books, games, Playstation II, mountain bikes/helmets, sea kayaks, snorkelling gear, a/c fitness room, Wellness & Relaxation Pavilion with spa treatments (extra), yoga and pilates classes available, wood-burning pizza oven.
From US$12,500-21,500/week in summer | | Christa Villa
A large and very comfortable six-bedroom villa set Leverick Bay in Virgin Gorda. Christa Villa is a substantial modern house which is well positioned for the excellent views over the North Sound. Stylish interior. Ideal for family gatherings or a group of friends.
Key Features: Excellent choice for proximity of Leverick Bay Resort facilities. Swimming pool in tiled sun deck off spacious Great Room with fully equipped kitchen with breakfast bar, wet bar, dining and seating areas leading to veranda on 2 sides with covered/uncovered seating/dining areas – can seat total 24 diners. Gas barbecue grill. 50” plasma cable TV, DVD, VCR and CD player - flat screen cable TVs in all bedrooms. Selection of books and games. Complimentary daytime use of tennis court at Leverick Bay Resort.
From US$3,808-6,188/week in summer | | Coconut Grove
A very well appointed five-bedroom holiday home overlooking the North Sound in Virgin Gorda from the hillside in Little Leverick Bay. Coconut Grove has a spacious airy interior and good outside living space. An extremely comfortable villa, particularly suitable for large gatherings.
Key Features: Spacious, well presented Leverick Bay Resort Villa close to main activities. Freshwater swimming pool with split-level stone sun terrace. Covered wrap-around veranda (3 sides) with pool-facing dining patio (seats 10-12), pool table, hammock, exercise area, further sea view dining and sitting areas, leading off large open-plan living area with formal dining (seats 10-14). Fully equipped kitchen with breakfast bar and sitting/entertainment area with large cable TV, DVD, VCR and CD system – all bedrooms with cable TV. Selection of CDs, videos, DVDs, books, games, cards and puzzles. Wet bar and gas barbecue grill. Complimentary daytime use of tennis court at Leverick Bay Resort.
From US$3,570-6,664/week in summer | | Loblolly
A large modern holiday home with six bedrooms set above Mahoe Bay in Virgin Gorda. Loblolly is quite imposing and has good covered and indoor living space, with bedrooms in several different areas. Excellent sunset views from the living terrace and infinity pool. Good for a large family gathering, group of friends for reunions, anniversaries etc.
Key Features: Excellent choice for BVI holidays for large get-togethers. Swimming pool (14ft x 33ft) and tiled sun terrace with dining areas, wet bar and gas barbecue grill. Upstairs open-plan living/dining room with fully equipped and a covered living/dining terrace. TV, VCR and CD player. Library and games. Internet access available. Use of communal tennis court.
From US$4,403-7,021/week in summer | | | Sleeps 12 | Beachcomber
A comfortable and modern beachfront villa set right on the sand on Mahoe Bay in Virgin Gorda. Beachcomber has five bedrooms and good covered space around a pool, with a gazebo on the beach itself. A good family villa.
Key Features: Large BVI villa rental home on a stunning white sand beach. 50ft swimming pool with stone paved sun terrace. Gazebo. Gas barbecue grill and a charcoal grill. Open-plan living/dining room with fully equipped kitchen leading to covered terrace with dining/sitting areas. Satellite TV, VCR and DVD player, CD player, selection of movies, music, books, games and sand toys. Use of communal tennis court. Wheelchair access.
From US$10,234-10,829/week in summer | | | Sleeps 10 | Quantock House
A very smart four-bedroom house set high above the north coast of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. Quantock is well furnished in classic style with lots of polished wood and splashes of bright colour. It has a fantastic view over offshore islands down to Jost van Dyke and Sandy Cay.
Key Features: Smart Tortola vacation rental with stunning hillside views. Swimming pool (11ft x 14ft x 27.5”) with tiled terrace for alfresco dining. Hammock. Great Room with formal sitting & dining areas. Covered wood deck veranda. Fully equipped kitchen with courtyard barbecue area with gas grill. Laundry room. Office with fax, computer & internet access. Satellite TVs, VCR, DVD. CD player. Collection of books, games, music and movies. Snorkel gear. Exercise area. Welcome meal with wine and breakfast starter pack.
From US$3,400-6,300/week in summer | | Sade
A popular five-bedroom villa enclosed in pretty gardens within easy walking distance of the excellent Smuggler’s Cove beach on Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. Sade, decorated in a bold scheme of peach and olive, is a modern, very comfortable three- storey house that is ideal for a group of friends.
Key Features: Sizeable Caribbean holiday rental home within walking distance to excellent BVI beach. Swimming pool (20ft x 20ft) within large tiled sun terrace. Lounge with adjacent wet bar/office area with WiFi. Formal dining room and alfresco dining on covered balcony. Fully equipped kitchen. Gas barbecue. 6 cable TVs and VCRs. DVD. 2 CD players. Collection of games, books, music and DVDs. Separate guest cottage with sitting area and kitchen.
From US$6,800-7,800/week in summer | | Sol y Sombra
An exceptionally fine, four bedroom beachfront property built in a contemporary West Indian style using regional hardwoods and the indigenous stone of the Baths (it is set on an excellent beach). Easy living in very stylish indoor/outdoor space that centres on an impressive pool area, some oriental influences. Also excellent sea views.
Key Features: Stunning Virgin Gorda villa in the British Virgin Islands directly on the beach. Infinity edge swimming pool (25ft x 55ft) with spacious tiled sun terrace. Formal dining room for 12 and alfresco dining on covered terrace. Chef-style (Viking range), fully equipped kitchen. Great Room with Sony home theatre (projector, pull down screen) with surround sound system. DVD collection. Surround sound stereo system and CD library. Total of 6 TVs (3 cable and 3 satellite). Study with cable TV, computer, DSL internet access, fax/printer/scanner/copier. Private floodlit tennis court. Treadmill.
From US$12,600/week in summer | | Steele Point
A spectacular tropical hideaway set on the tapering western tip of Tortola in the BVI, with vertical views down to the translucent sea and a seascape of islands. Architecturally impressive, the living rooms and 5 bedrooms are set at varying levels, clinging to the cliffside, literally hanging in the air, giving a superb view from your bed. Own dock.
Key Features: Arguably the best BVI villa for waterfront living, with private swimming & boat jetty, swimming pool, numerous verandas & terraces, massage therapist on request, all bedrooms with cable TV & DVD. Games, books, CD player, CDs, VCR. A 33ft Formula boat with captain and a 19ft rigid inflatable available.
From US$12,500-15,500/week in summer | | Villa Tamar
A five bedroom, two-storey villa in a wonderful garden setting on a ridge above Leverick Bay on Virgin Gorda. Villa Tamar has a grand exterior and a modern interior with a strong African theme in the decoration and artwork. A good villa for entertaining.
Key Features: Well appointed BVI resort villa with privacy and splendid hilltop views across North Sound. Upper level swimming pool in tiled veranda with two furnished pavilions, area for sunbathing and covered dining area (can seat 14) off open-plan Great Room with sitting areas, dining tables for 10 and 4, fully equipped kitchen with long breakfast bar, entertainment corner with cable TV, VCR, DVD and CD system, WiFI access. Barbecue patio with charcoal grill. Precor equipped exercise room with table tennis, garden swing set, open-air billiards room and selection of board games. Complimentary use of daytime tennis court at Leverick Bay.
From US$5,474-8,211/week in summer | | | Sleeps 8 | Anniversary House
A very attractive and original four-bedroom villa set on the ridge-line high above Leverick Bay in Virgin Gorda. Anniversary House is cleverly laid out in several linked buildings with excellent views in several directions over the North Sound. Built around boulders, it has quirky touches and a very friendly feel to it.
Key Features: Colourful example of good quality BVI villas with top facilities and stunning views from all rooms. Swimming pool, sun terrace and area of lawn. Open-plan Great Room with sitting/dining areas, fully equipped ‘chef’s’ kitchen (Viking range) with breakfast bar, wine cooler and wet bar. Wrap-around furnished veranda with dining area and Viking gas barbecue grill. Cable TV, VCR, DVD, CD player and collection of music and movies. Complimentary use of daytime tennis court at Leverick Bay.
From US$3,927-4,879/week in summer | | Caribbean Wind
A very comfortable modern villa with four bedrooms set right on the sands of Mahoe Bay on Virgin Gorda. Brightly decorated, Caribbean Wind has good indoor/outdoor living space (air-conditioned inside) with a large sitting room that gives onto a pool in the pretty, enclosed gardens and then the beach.
Key Features: Excellent BVI beach villa with delightful views towards Tortola. Raised swimming pool in stone sun terrace with adjacent built-in gas barbecue grill with wet bar. Covered living/dining patio. Central pavilion with open-plan living and dining area, and a fully equipped kitchen with breakfast bar. Satellite TV, DVD and VCR. CD Player. Collection of games, books and movies. Use of communal tennis court.
From US$10,234/week in summer | | Gestalt
Romantic and stylish 4 bedroom BVI villa in Spanish ‘finca’ style, set on a clifftop with private jetty and stunning sea views across Soper’s Hole, Tortola. Perfect for weddings and honeymoons or just a restful retreat. Own dock.
Key Features: Superbly positioned Tortola villa in the BVI, swimming pool, private jetty, cable TV, VCR, CD player, collection of books, games, videos and CDs, fax, printer/scanner/copier, radio, gas barbecue, massage table with masseuse available on request.
From US$5,600/week in summer | | Island Magic
A modern villa set on the hillside above the excellent sands of Mahoe Bay on Virgin Gorda. Island Magic has four bedrooms set over two levels, and centres on a large pool terrace with fantastic views of Sir Francis Drake Channel.
Key Features: A well appointed BVI rental villa with stunning views and within short walking distance of the beach. Large tiled terrace with infinity edge swimming pool, furnished open-sided pavilion with wet bar and covered dining area. 4 equal bedrooms. Great Room with dining/sitting areas and a well equipped kitchen extending to outer terrace. Gas barbecue grill and a charcoal grill. TV, VCR, DVD and CD player, WiFi access, library plus collection of games and movies.
From US$5,950-6,902/week in summer | | Jacaranda
A very comfortable and friendly-feeling four-bedroom holiday home set high on the hillside at the West End of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. Jacaranda has classic Caribbean style with some light touches and a fantastic view over a seascape of islands. A lovely family villa.
Key Features: Good Caribbean family vacation spot on Frenchman’s Cay. Swimming pool (11ft x 21ft). Great room leading to tiled pool terrace and covered veranda with excellent views. Covered veranda for dining. Alfresco garden barbecue area with gas grill. Fully equipped kitchen. Cable TV, DVD & VCR. CD player. Selection of CDs, DVDs, books & games. Hammock. ADSL access for laptops. Washer/dryer. Welcome meal with wine.
From US$4,600-5,400/week in summer | | Limeberry Villa
A very comfortable, brightly decorated four bedroom villa set at the western end of Tortola in the BVI. Limeberry Villa is a linked series of cottages with great West Indian and Mexican style set high on the hillside above Smuggler’s Cove and Long Bay. It has a delightful atmosphere with excellent indoor and outdoor space. A stunning BVI villa.
Key Features: An eye-catching villa for Tortola vacation rentals with excellent views. Secluded freshwater swimming pool. Open-plan living area with well equipped kitchen leading to covered dining veranda with commanding views to Jost Van Dyke. Barbecue area with built-in gas grill and buffet counter, sundeck and dining area. DVD and CD player. 2 washing machines and 2 dryers.
From US$3,500-3,900/week in summer | | Sea Fans
A four bedroom holiday home set in very pretty gardens right on the sand of Mahoe Bay in Virgin Gorda. Sea Fans has a friendly atmosphere with good outdoor space as well as indoors (breezy but can be air-conditioned), making for easy tropical living on the beach.
Key Features: One of the best villas in the BVI for beach holidays with excellent swimming and a superb white sand beach. Freshwater swimming pool (20ft x 40ft) within stone sun terrace, with breakfast table and wet bar. Gas barbecue, garden hammock, covered patio for dining/sitting, open-plan Great Room with dining/sitting areas and fully equipped kitchen. Bedroom with kitchenette, satellite TV, DVD, VCR, CD player, selection of toys, games, books and videos, internet access. Use of communal tennis court.
From US$10,234/week in summer | | | Sleeps 6 | Limeberry House
A funky, very secluded BVI villa, painted in a jangle of bright colours and set on a hillside above one of Tortola’s least known but finest beaches. Extremely private, three pretty bedrooms with four posters and traditional muslin nets but stylish and fun design, private pool, ideal for barefoot living
Key Features: A delightfully colourful Tortola villa, swimming pool, Viking kitchen appliances, microwave, ice making fridge/freezer, dishwasher, blender, picnic coolers, washer, dryer, CD player + CDs, TV, VCR and video library, DVD and library, barbecue, beach chairs & umbrellas.
From US$2,700-3,300/week in summer | | Seven Peaks
A striking three-bedroom villa with lovely views over Cane Garden Bay in Tortola. Seven Peaks (named after its seven lilac peaked roofs) stretches along the hillside in a series of linked pavilions, which have plenty of traditional Caribbean style, using natural wood and some gingerbread trim. Inside it has elegant tropical furniture and interesting artwork.
Key Features: Attractive seafront setting on Cane Garden Bay with steps down to water’s edge. Swimming pool (11ft x 21ft x 4.5ft) within tiered sun terrace. Covered dining veranda. Split level living area with 37” satellite TV. DVD, CD player and Bose AV system. Collection of books, DVDs and music. Internet access for laptops and WiFi. Well equipped kitchen. Gas barbecue. Personal laundry service (extra charge). Within easy reach of nearby beach bars and restaurants for nightlife and beach activities.
From US$3,400-4,800/week in summer | | Three Pavilions of Arundel
One of the finest villas in the Caribbean, perched high above Cane Garden Bay and beach, with awesome views across mesmerising blue sea to islands receding into the distance as far as the eye can see. A place where style, elegance and superb service combine to provide sheer excellence.
Key Features: In the top league of Tortola villas in the British Virgin Islands, Cable TV + VCR, CD player, music & video collection, baby grand, computer, internet access, fax, books, games, BBQ, dishwasher, laundry service, snorkel gear, coolers, beach chairs, umbrellas, 2-person kayak.
From US$3,600-5,450/week in summer | | | Sleeps 5 | Ta-Pocketa
A small and friendly two-bedroom holiday home set in a community of villas in Leverick Bay in Virgin Gorda. Ta-Pocketa is modern, brightly decorated and comfortable and has nice views over the North Sound. Well appointed holiday home for small families or couples.
Key Features: A pleasant, compact villa with nice sea views close to the beach. Swimming pool in tiled sun deck. Great Room with fully equipped kitchen and breakfast bar, sitting and dining areas, sliding doors to glass-enclosed porch (sun room) with further dining/sitting areas. Stone paved garden dining patio off front entrance with charcoal barbecue grill. Study sleeps 5th person. Cable TV, CD player and selection of books. Complimentary daytime use of tennis court at Leverick Bay Resort.
From US$2,023-2,261week in summer | | | Sleeps 2 | Seagrape Cottage
The ultimate in Caribbean privacy for two. Seagrape Cottage is one of the very few self contained, one-bedroom Caribbean villas, but more than this it is unique as it is set on its own private island, Little Thatch in the British Virgin Islands. It is a pretty studio apartment set right on its own beach.
Key Features: BVI private island - a stunningly romantic beachfront idyll on a Caribbean private island in the British Virgin Islands, complimentary day and night boat rides to Tortola, daily ice delivery, snorkel gear, BBQ grill, telephone, fax, radio, TV, VCR, DVD & CD players, videos, CDs, books, postcards and Little Thatch stationery.
From US$5,775/week in summer | | | ^ back to top |
Villa Resorts
Although villas can be found in clusters such as at Mahoe Bay and Mango Bay on Virgin Gorda, the BVI has only two villa resorts with central facilities – Long Bay Resort, Tortola and Virgin Gorda Villa Rentals, Virgin Gorda. Both offer quite a wide choice of self-catering accommodation, especially Leverick Bay.
| Fort Recovery Beach Villas
A friendly cluster of seventeen one and two bedroom villa apartments (and a four bedroom beach house), set on a quiet beach near Tortola’s lively West End. A very low key getaway for those seeking a relaxed setting with a therapeutic ambiance. Good for single travellers, families and popular for weddings and honeymoons, as well as dive holidays.
Key Features: Charming Tortola villa resort/small Tortola hotel. Swimming pool, cable TV in all rooms, spa, hair and beauty services, exercise room, yoga & Pilates classes, in-house bar & restaurant, private dock, 32ft skippered motorboat, library with some children's books, children's beach toys, WiFi.
From US$210/night in summer | | Surfsong Villa Resort
A collection of six oceanside and ocean-view villas with wonderful views of Sir Francis Drake Channel from Well Bay on Beef Island off Tortola. Set among boulders and tropical gardens, with a beachside lounge and bar and a stilted wooden gazebo, they are furnished in Oriental style with natural stone and wood. Can be taken as private villas or one whole property for up to 24. Ideal for a small wedding or group celebration.
Key Features: Luxury Tortola resort villas, 6 very private beachfront and ocean-view villas (1 studio, a one-bedroom, 3 two-bedroom, 1 three-bedroom with pool plus a separate one-bedroom suite), with full kitchens (studio & suite has a kitchenette) and private Weber Grill (catering on request), CD, DVD and satellite TV, complimentary WiFi and high-speed internet access, boutique, party planning. Gazebo for private dinners. Pilates and yoga sessions. Owner managed with housekeepers. Chefs, bar and waiting staff extra on request.
From US$400/night in summer | | Virgin Gorda Villas
A collection of more than 40 privately owned individual villas in the north of Virgin Gorda, some set above Leverick Bay Resort and Marina, with views across the North Sound, others in the quieter Mahoe Bay a couple of miles away.
Key Features: 1-6 bedroom villas for rent British Virgin Islands, most with private pools or at the water’s edge, some beachfront at Mahoe Bay or with resort facilities at Leverick Bay including bar, restaurant, marina, beach, watersports, dive shop, Chef's Pantry, laundromat, gift shops, communal pool, tennis court. | | | ^ back to top |
Cottages, Apartments and Condominiums
Some of the best apartments and condos are to be found in the area around Cane Garden Bay. Tortola has some reasonably well-stocked grocery shops and a variety of restaurants. There are just a couple of collections of apartments on Virgin Gorda.
| Mongoose Apartments
Six one-bedroom apartments hidden away in a palm grove just a few minutes walk from Cane Garden Bay, Tortola’s liveliest beach. Mongoose Apartments are set in a modern building with balconies and colourful Caribbean trim surrounded by gardens of bougainvillea and banana. They offer comfortable Caribbean simplicity and a very friendly reception. All in all, very good value close to the thick of the action.
Key Features: Full kitchens, fridge, coffee maker, blender and toaster, barbecues, air-conditioning (at extra cost), library in reception
From US$125/night in summer | | | ^ back to top |
Guest Houses
Generally there is not that much inexpensive accommodation around the BVI. There are just a few guest houses on Tortola, a couple of cheap places in Road Town and the Beef Island Guest House on Trellis bay close to the airport, but there is none on the other islands. Another option to consider if you are looking for inexpensive accommodation are the self-catering apartments.
Sailing and Cruising
One of the best ways of experiencing all that the BVI has to offer is to mix your stay by spending some time some time aboard a yacht and some time in a hotel. Two hotels in the BVI, Biras Creek and Peter Island, offer a structured sailaway programme, in which you are able to swap nights ashore for nights on board one of their yachts. The advantage of this is that you can have a yacht for less than the standard charter time of seven days, but if you want to stay in a different hotel, it is of course very easy to make contact with one of the yacht charter companies and to arrange a charter back to back. The hotel and charter company will be happy to splice the arrangements with one another. One or two villas have their own docks if you would like to have a bareboat sail or motor yacht at your disposal during your holiday. Below, we list accommodation that particularly lends itself the concept of stay/sail as well as charter companies offering both BVI bareboat and crewed charters.
| Anegada Reef Hotel
Truly relaxed hotel in an already dozy Caribbean island, Anegada. No keys, no phones, no tvs (but air-conditioning). One of the main gathering points on the island, in a sandy garden under the casuarinas pines on the southern shore. Escapist's idyll.
Key Features: Unassuming 24 room Anegada BVI hotel in a classic Caribbean waterfront setting on Anegada island, honour system beach bar, dining by the beach or at Garden restaurant. Kayaks, bone-fishing, snorkelling shuttles as extras.
From US$135 sgl/$160 dbl/night in summer | | Biras Creek
A delightful, trusty retreat. Elegant and full of character, set on its own bays in the North Sound on Virgin Gorda. Just a few very comfortable suites in cottages, excellent dining room on the hilltop, with a superb view. Best for adults except in summer school holidays. Stay sail holiday available on crewed yacht.
Key Features: A secluded and extremely low key Virgin Gorda hotel in the British Virgin Islands, 31 suites in cottages, Sailaway programme / BVI yacht charter, dive bvi, swimming pool, spa, yoga, watersports, hiking trails, Boston Whalers, tennis courts, Caloi bicycles, kayaks, wireless internet access available, TV and DVD room, fitness area, helicopter pad
From US$700/night in summer full board | | Bitter End Yacht Club
The only resort of its kind in the Caribbean. Set on a mile long shorefront on Virgin Gorda’s lively North Sound, Bitter End is devoted to sailors and watersports fans of all ages and experience. It has a comprehensive schedule of sailing and watersports programmes, including instruction at all levels, and an impressive fleet of 100 yachts, dinghies, cats and windsurfers. The atmosphere is upbeat and it is ideal for families looking for an active watersports based holiday.
Key Features: An activity packed Virgin Gorda hotel, quieter outside school breaks, 85 rooms, Freedom 30’ liveaboards, 3 restaurants, full service marina, 70 moorings, sailing, boating, cruising, kayaking, fishing, snorkelling, windsurfing, scuba diving.
From US$670/night in summer full board | | Fort Recovery Beach Villas
A friendly cluster of seventeen one and two bedroom villa apartments (and a four bedroom beach house), set on a quiet beach near Tortola’s lively West End. A very low key getaway for those seeking a relaxed setting with a therapeutic ambiance. Good for single travellers, families and popular for weddings and honeymoons, as well as dive holidays.
Key Features: Charming Tortola villa resort/small Tortola hotel. Swimming pool, cable TV in all rooms, spa, hair and beauty services, exercise room, yoga & Pilates classes, in-house bar & restaurant, private dock, 32ft skippered motorboat, library with some children's books, children's beach toys, WiFi.
From US$210/night in summer | | Gestalt
Romantic and stylish 4 bedroom BVI villa in Spanish ‘finca’ style, set on a clifftop with private jetty and stunning sea views across Soper’s Hole, Tortola. Perfect for weddings and honeymoons or just a restful retreat. Own dock.
Key Features: Superbly positioned Tortola villa in the BVI, swimming pool, private jetty, cable TV, VCR, CD player, collection of books, games, videos and CDs, fax, printer/scanner/copier, radio, gas barbecue, massage table with masseuse available on request.
Sleeps: 8
From US$5,600/week in summer | | Horizon Yacht Charters
In the British Virgin Islands there is quite a choice of bareboat charter companies, but very few can be singled out to stand out from the crowd. Horizon Yacht Charters is one such company. Owner managed by two highly experienced, knowledgeable sailors and supported by an enthusiastic team, the company goes the extra distance to provide a welcoming and personal service throughout your charter. Their fleet presents a good selection of decently turned out yachts at a fair price. They are also authorised dealers for Bavaria Yachts and Fountaine Pajot catamarans.
Key Features: Top end, owner managed, small BVI bareboat charter company – currently running 30 monohull and multihull sailing vessels, well priced - excellent pride fleet of Bavaria yachts 31-46’ built 2004-08; other types include Beneteau, Jeanneau, Island Spirit (Cats), Lagoon & Bahia (Cats); watersports equipment and toys, rendezvous diving, sailing instruction, skippers, cooks available. Good BVI bareboat experience. | | Peter Island
An extremely luxurious, private island resort in the British Virgin Islands. Peter Island Resort has just 52 rooms and a handful of villas set around the 1800 acres of the island, including rooms on the spectacular Deadman’s Bay beach. A very elegant, sometimes glitzy island getaway with a full service spa. Stay sail option available.
Key Features: An excellent private Caribbean island resort, 56 rooms, suites and some supreme villas, 5 beaches, swimming pool, restaurant and wine room, beach bar and grill, lounge bar, full service spa and beauty salon, Jacuzzi, 4 tennis courts, watersports and PADI dive shop, fitness centre, hiking and cycling trails, WiFi access in main areas and villas, helicopter pad.
From US$590/night in summer full board | | Steele Point
A spectacular tropical hideaway set on the tapering western tip of Tortola in the BVI, with vertical views down to the translucent sea and a seascape of islands. Architecturally impressive, the living rooms and 5 bedrooms are set at varying levels, clinging to the cliffside, literally hanging in the air, giving a superb view from your bed. Own dock.
Key Features: Arguably the best BVI villa for waterfront living, with private swimming & boat jetty, swimming pool, numerous verandas & terraces, massage therapist on request, all bedrooms with cable TV & DVD. Games, books, CD player, CDs, VCR. A 33ft Formula boat with captain and a 19ft rigid inflatable available.
Sleeps: 10
From US$12,500-15,500/week in summer | | Sugar Mill Hotel
An extremely friendly and comfortable small BVI hotel set in pretty gardens on the grounds of an old sugar estate on Tortola’s north shore. There are just 24 rooms in a variety of styles and, in the old walls of the sugar boiling house, a renowned dining room, regularly a prize-winner. Good for weddings; excellent 'adventure'package with daysails and scuba.
Key Features: Discreet and understated small Tortola Hotel in pretty British Virgin Islands setting, intimate atmosphere, swimming pool, small beach, best dining in Tortola BVI in famed main dining room, creative wedding ideas, Tortola scuba diving and daysails in Tortola as package features.
From US$240/night in summer | | Virgin Traders
Virgin Traders is the only charter company dealing solely with motor yachts in the British Virgin Islands. Trading since 1997, this owner-managed and friendly team has a fleet of 20+ pristine, recent model motor yachts measuring 44ft and upwards, which they charter as bareboats or with skipper/mate/cook as required. Virgin Traders are the appointed sales agent in the Caribbean for Horizon Motor Yachts of Taiwan, Wright Cats and Oliver Marine of New Zealand.
Key Features: BVI bareboat charters, Tortola based, 20+ latest and recent model motor yachts, Power Cats, some older boats, immaculately presented. Charters with or without crew, excellent one-to-one service from a knowledgeable team. | |
|
| ^ back to top |
|