Why Visit the British Virgin Islands Now: Luxe Resorts, World-Class Sailing & Epic Adventures
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are thriving with compelling reasons to visit, including luxurious new accommodations and an expanded legendary sailing scene—perfect for beginners. Enhanced air service from San Juan to Tortola makes access easier than ever.
Whether you're a dedicated seafarer embracing the #saltlife or a confirmed landlubber, the diverse surf-and-turf experiences across these 60 islands, cays, and islets beckon. Discover why and start planning your trip today.
Land Lovers Rejoice: A Hotel Renaissance
Even returning visitors will find fresh appeal in the BVI's iconic resorts. On Anegada, the only coral island with permanent residents, Anegada Beach Club introduces innovative glamping palapas—elevated, thatched-roof bungalows amid the dunes. Opt for one with sweeping sea views, ideally savored from your private hammock. Enjoy lobster and local specialties at the on-site restaurant, or take the complimentary shuttle to the legendary toes-in-the-sand Lobster Trap.
Prefer a private island escape? Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina unveils 10 opulent villas featuring walk-in rain showers, soaking tubs, plunge or infinity pools, and gourmet kitchens with Wolf ranges and Sub-Zero fridges (private chef available). Refreshed guest rooms, suites, and the signature Donovan’s Reef Marina Bar & Grill highlight local flavors like coconut shrimp or yellowfin tuna with jerk butter sauce.
At Oil Nut Bay on Virgin Gorda's eastern shore, new Bay Suites offer luxurious soaking tubs, outdoor showers, and endless Caribbean vistas beside a freshwater pond.
Eco-conscious travelers should visit Guana Island, an 850-acre private retreat with seven white-sand beaches. Tour the expanded organic greenhouses to see the source of your farm-fresh tropical feasts.
No BVI discussion is complete without Necker Island, Sir Richard Branson's iconic estate. The rebuilt Bali Hai complex features an extended pool and outdoor lounge, plus private plunge pools at each house. The Great House adds two new rooms. Typically available for full buyouts, select Celebration Weeks allow seven-night individual bookings amid 74 acres of wildlife, lemurs, flamingos, and hiking trails.
Beyond your resort, thrill-seekers can zipline over Road Town Harbor at the Original Virgin Canopy Tour, horseback ride Anegada's beaches with Francis Family Farms, or sample local produce like passion fruit and rare red bananas at Tortola's Good Moon Farm.
Dive into the Water Wonders
Every BVI itinerary includes The Baths National Park on Virgin Gorda, where massive granite boulders form dreamlike grottoes. Navigate boardwalks and ropes to hidden pools, capturing iconic shots at the sunlit Cathedral chamber.
Alternatively, join Sealingo Watersports' glass-bottom kayak tours along two miles of coastline to The Baths for unparalleled views above and below the water.
Certified divers must explore the RMS Rhone wreck off Salt Island—a 1867 hurricane casualty in 90 feet of water, encrusted with corals in the BVI's first Marine National Park. At Norman Island, Santa Monica Rock teems with turtles, reef sharks, and eagle rays. The innovative BVI Art Reef off Virgin Gorda features a Kraken sculpture on the WWII Kodiak Queen artificial reef.
Snorkelers love the Indians off Norman Island, alive with damsel fish, wrasse, and bar jacks, or the Caves, shimmering with iridescent minnows.
Set Sail on World-Class Waters
The BVI's proximity fosters easy line-of-sight sailing, ideal for all levels. No bareboat experience? Opt for crewed charters.
Dream Yacht Charters at Scrub Island offers affordable seven-night crewed trips from $1,300 per person. The Moorings' fleet includes sailboats, power catamarans, and all-inclusive crewed yachts. For day sails, Aristocat Charters provides shared or private cruises with snorkeling, paddleboarding, and signature cocktails—safely captained back to port.
