British Virgin Islands
BVI
The British Virgin Islands, or BVI for short, are some of the most-exclusive and least-developed islands of the Caribbean.
-
The archipelago is renown as being one of the most beautiful collections of isles and cays anywhere in the world. Each of the more than 60 separate landfalls nestled among the surrounding deep blue Caribbean waters has its own distinct texture and character. Only about 16 of them are inhabited. And about 4 of them makeup the main destination: Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke.
Christopher Columbus was inspired to name the Virgin Islands after their pristine, untouched beauty. Hundreds of years later, the majority of the islands are still immaculate. The majority of the British Virgin Islands are uninhabited by people and are designated as National Park space.
The luxury resorts, villas and private islands in this paradise are known to emphasize spare luxury over sprawling expansion, and they attract travellers with love for sailing and seclusion. Most of the world renowned and sophisticated private island escapes are found in BVI.
The gentle currents and clear waters of the BVI make ideal dive sites. One of the most famous - the wreck of the Royal Mail ship, the RMS Rhone, caught in a storm in 1867.
The British Virgin Islands have been enticing sailors for hundreds of years. Once a playground for pirates, it’s now a haven for yachts and sailboats. With steady trade winds, calm currents, protected bays and short distances between islands are perfect for island-hopping. Every year islands host a major sailing event each year, the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival.
Virgin Gorda
Virgin Gorda is BVI’s third-largest island, and was so named by Christopher Columbus — he found its shape reminiscent of a reclining woman.
-
It’s one of the most sought-after jet-set luxury destinations in the entire Caribbean: Virgin Gorda, the jewel of the British Virgin Islands and home to stunning luxury resorts like Rosewood Little Dix Bay and also a crucial jumping off point for many of the private-island destinations in the area, like Richard Branson’s islands, among others.
The island is regarded as one of the BVI’s most beautiful, which is high praise given how utterly stunning the archipelago’s isles are in general. Visitors to Virgin Gorda will discover vegetation-lined walking trails, several nature sanctuaries, and a truly awe-inspiring view from Gorda Point. From there, you’ll enjoy a panoramic eyeful of the island’s pristine beaches and national park space.
Natural beauty isn’t the only sort that’s on offer, however. Virgin Gorda is also home to several historic sites, including the remnants of early African, Spanish and Indian settlements. The island’s largest city Spanish Town is a must-visit for exceptional cuisine, gifts, yacht clubs and local culture.
One of the most magnificent natural wonders, known as The Baths is located in Virgin Gorda. Lumps of volcanic lava flow, smoothed over thousands of years into ginormous boulders, litter the southernmost point of the islands. They have formed pools and boulder-walled ‘rooms’ to wade through. The tidal pools are a great place for spotting crabs.
Walking between the boulders to Devil’s Bay Beach is a highlight — splashing in the tidal pools and squeezing around the huge rocks, you will eventually emerge onto a white-sand cove.
