A Sailor's Paradise - The British Virgin Islands

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Advisor - Janine Cleveland
Curated By

Janine Cleveland

  • British Virgin Islands

  • Adventure Travel

  • Beaches

  • Family Travel

  • Barefoot Luxury

  • Island

  • Outdoors

Group of people in a resort in front of a pool.
Curator’s statement

As the owner of HawksNest, a catamaran based in Tortola, I have the opportunity to spend many weeks a year in the British Virgin Islands. With four main islands and around 60 small islands, these aquamarine waters and white sand beaches of the BVI are a respite from the crowded all-inclusive resorts found in most of the Caribbean. Not only are the sailing conditions exceptional, the BVI has diverse array of anchorages, both lively or remote. With restaurants, beach bars, diving locations and resorts taking center stage. Think small island experiences with barefoot luxury.

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Where to stay in British Virgin Islands

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Things to do in British Virgin Islands

Water body with big rocks.

Snorkeling the Indians: Located just off Norman Island, the Indians are compromised of three rock formations jetting out of the water. Get there early to grab a mooring ball and jump directly into the 10 foot water with incredible seascape below. With tons of fish and soft coral, you may even see a moray eel hanging out.

Beach day on Jost Van Dyke: White Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches and almost always buzzing with activity. Most arrive by boat direct into White Bay or moor at Great Harbor and dinghy over. Grab a beach lounger and a famous painkiller from Soggy Dollar. Or enjoy volleyball, wooden block Jenga or corn hole at Hendo's Hideout.

Explore Anegada: Rent a Moke to tour this coral atoll. First up is a stop at the Flamingo Viewing Point, where you can view the birds in the distance from the platform telescope. Next stop is Loblolly Bay, a famous stretch of beach that you will have all to yourselves. Onto Cow Wreck Beach, where you have the choice of Tipsy's by Ann or Cow Wreck Beach Bar. Close out the day with sunset and happy hour at The Lobster Trap.

The Baths National Park on Virgin Gorda: Dock at Spanish Town and taxi to the Baths or moor and swim into shore (not for the faint of heart). The Baths are a collection of massive granite boulders, white sand beaches and secret rock pools. Hike and climb in between the boulders into caves that divide Devils Bay beach from the The Baths beach area. This fun experience is a one of a kind in the BVI.

Watersports in North Sound, Virgin Gorda: Play in North Sound at this premier destination for sailing, kiteboarding, e-foiling, wind and wing surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking and snuba diving trips. Leverick Bay is one of two locations in the BVI that allows jet skis. Or just sit on the stern of your boat with a refreshment and watch the show.

Cane Garden Bay: This sheltered bay on the north side of Tortola offers a relaxed, chilled atmosphere with upbeat bars. With a laid back vibe offering live music, delicious food and a beautiful beach. It's not a bad way to spend the afternoon. Walk over to the Callwood Rum Distillery, a family owned and operated rum factory to view the old equipment that has been used for over 200 years making sugar cane rum.

Marina Cay and Scrub Island: A stones throw from Trellis Bay and Tortola. Scrub Island is an island property, where you can dock for the night and enjoy the resort amenities. Their Ixora spa sits high on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Marina Cay restaurant just re-opened after hurricane Irma. Serving lunch, dinner and happy hour.

Boutiques: HIHO at Moorings Marina, SeaGrape at Cooper Island Beach Club, Reeftique at Bitter End, Pussers at both Tortola & Leverick Bay, Boaters Republic at Scrub Island and The Shop at Saba Rock & Arawak in various locations.

Places to eat & drink in British Virgin Islands

Cooked lobsters in black bowls.

My Favorites Include:

Lobster, lobster, lobster: Anegada lobster is served throughout the BVI. Recommendations: Three cheese lobster sandwich at Hendo's, Spiny Caribbean Lobster at Cooper Island Beach Club, the lobster pizza at the Buoy Room at Bitter End Yacht Club & Lobster Pasta at Sugar Cane Restaurant.

Anegada:

Anegada Beach Club, (ABC) - Our favorite locale for dinner. Dine with your toes in the sand. Lobster is grilled over an open fire, in true Anegada style. My favorites are the Lobster Thermador and the Sticky Toffee Pudding for dessert. P.S. Make sure to walk towards the beach and check out the glamping tents.

The Lobster Trap-The Settlement - A beautiful location set on waters edge. You'll have a front seat for people watching as dinghy's come and go from yachts moored in the bay. Dine during sunset or by moonlight. The blackened lobster is unique and scrumptious.

Virgin Gorda:

Sugar Cane Restaurant- Moor at Leverick Bay or dock at Spanish Town and take a safari to Sugar Cane. Getting there is part of the experience. We love to bring our swimsuits and enjoy the pool after a scrumptious lunch. Expansive views for sunset are gorgeous. "Berried in the Ruins at Sugar Cane" is my favorite cocktail!

Coco Mayo: In the heart of Spanish Town, this Asian & Latin fusion, chic restaurant has a Balinese feel with exotic timbers and a thatched roof. With swings at the bar and a DJ playing tunes, Coco Mayo is a favorite for sushi. Book a private dinner on the beach with tiki torches or the ocean deck that overlooks Sir Francis Drake Channel.

Saba Rock:

Saba Rock: Originally founded as a diving base and a pirates pub with breath taking scenery. Saba Rock was rebuilt after hurricane Irma into a hip-upscale destination. Enjoy al fresco dining with Caribbean inspired dishes and a cool North Sound breezes. A favorite of ours to spend New Years, where you might just bump into Jeff Bezos. Catch of the day, prepared in a bouillabaisse broth is my favorite. End the evening at the upstairs bar!

Cooper Island:

Cooper Island Beach Club: A great place to stop the first night after departing Tortola. This off the grid, eco resort features a rum bar serving over 280 different rums. Their coffee shop is a favorite with homemade pastries and a gelato. (their pistachio gelato is my favorite!) The resort also includes a microbrewery & west facing restaurant and bar with a perfect view for watching sunset. Arrive early here as the mooring balls are limited.

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Advisor - Janine Cleveland

Travel Advisor

Janine Cleveland

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to British Virgin Islands.