British Virgin Islands / Special Interests / Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi other

The scenery in the British Virgin Islands is exceptional and makes an ideal backdrop for the pursuit of holistic activities. The islands themselves, offer only limited opportunities, however. A few of the hotels and spas offer yoga and Pilates sessions and some allow outsiders to join. There also individual practitioners who will come to your villa or your yacht for a private one-to-one session that include other activities aswell.

There are no retreat centres as such, although if you get a large enough group together, you might find Fort Recovery Villas on Tortola would provide a good environment for a yoga or Reiki retreat. If there are no financial constraints you could take over a private island such as Guana or Necker Island. For a more intimate group a villa such as Baraka Point would make a fabulous place for a retreat.

Tortola

Sanctuary Holistic Therapy Centre, Mount Health - ,A day spa where you can enjoy a one to one service on your own or with a partner. Yoga, pilates, Thai yoga massage and Reiki are on offer as well as full salon treatments (facials, manicure, pedicures, sugaring) using non-toxic products, and a gourmet homemade lunch from locally grown produce.

Fort Recovery, West End - They offer complimentary yoga and pilates sessions both to their guests and to outsiders. These take place on their dock each day at sunset.

Virgin Gorda

The Spa at Leverick Bay - Dr Mitesh Banthia is a naturopathic doctor with a naturopathic hospital in India. Specialities include Indian and holistic treatments including traditional Indian hatha yoga. They can arrange private yoga sessions if you wish at your hotel, villa or yacht.

Biras Creek, North Sound - Biras Creek has its own spa and offers a wonderful setting for one to one or group Yoga sessions. This is limited to hotel guests.

Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Virgin Gorda - The resort is following the trend for total wellness with a series of yoga and fitness retreats led by top instructors. The four-day retreats have been crafted to offer a total body experience through a carefully planned agenda of yoga or fitness classes, revitalizing cuisine by executive chef, Hemant Dadlani, and massage in their Sense, A Rosewood Spa®.

Contributors: Jane Anderson (update)