British Virgin Islands Travel Guide: The Ultimate Caribbean Break
Known for its crystal-clear waters and fine, white sandy beaches, the British Virgin Islands are a popular yachting, and water sports destination that attract more than its fair share of tourists. Sailing in the British Virgin Islands is also a must. So without further ado, let’s take a closer look at this tropical paradise, which might be what’s missing from your bucket list.
HOW TO GET AROUND
The only international airport is located on Beef Island. Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, also known as Beef Island Airport, is just minutes away from the various must-see destinations around the British Virgin Islands. From here, as well as the other local airports, the best way to get around is using the boats and ferries that go between the islands. There are also many closed and open-air buses you can use. Ask your resort about private/semi-private transportation options if you’re looking do some exploring.
WHERE TO STAY
The British Virgin Islands comprise around 60 tropical Caribbean islands, with the four main ones being Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke.
If you’re looking for a place that can serve as your headquarters as you make the most of your time here, check out Scrub Island Resort. It’s a mere 15-minute boat ride from Beef Island, which means that if you choose this place, getting from the airport tarmac to some of the finest beaches you’ll ever experience can take less than an hour. It also puts you within an hour’s distance of Scrub Island’s famous north beach. You can either rent a condo that faces the gorgeous marina or hop on a golf cart to one of the resort’s many private villas. It depends on your budget.
THINGS TO DO
If budget isn’t an issue then the ultimate destination has to be Necker Island. Owned by Virgin Group founder and billionaire Richard Branson, the 74-acre Necker Island offers luxury accommodation with crystal clear waters, beautiful white beaches, kitesurfing facilities, and yoga and tennis for those who’d rather stay on land.
The island can be rented for private use, although it will cost you over $40,000 a night. The island is so sought-after among luxury travelers that CNBC put it on its list of things to buy if you won last year’s $1.6 billion MegaMillions jackpot.
The island only costs a cool $60 million, which means you would’ve had enough change to buy 10 other similar islands.
Although, if you do ever get to experience the island and its facilities for yourself, you’ll see why billionaire Richard Branson loves it so much.
For something more budget-friendly, spice things up and maybe even take home a piece of the Caribbean, by checking out the 300+ locally made and designed products at the Sunny Caribbee Spice Shop & Art Gallery.
Spices, coffee, hot sauce, and all sorts of goods from the West Indies will awaken the taste buds of even the most jaded traveler. You can even ask the staff about how you can use their spices to recreate their favorite recipes.
Chill out at the Soggy Dollar Bar: Home of the – a concoction of premium dark rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, cream of coconut, and fresh Grenadian nutmeg. The Soggy Dollar Bar is a refreshing and unique space in a place where beach bars are a dime a dozen. Either kick back and relax at the beach or participate in the regular bar games held for visitors.
WHERE TO EAT
BananaKeet Café
Caribbean fusion cuisine is BananaKeet Café at The Heritage Inn’s specialty. Enjoy the cuisine with their array of local and imported wines at sundown to get a sense of why BananaKeet was recognized as the most romantic restaurant of 2017 by the British Virgin Islands’ Department of Trade, Investment Promotion, and Consumer Affairs.
Address: Windy Hill Carrot Bay, Tortola VG1130
CocoMaya Restaurant
A favorite amongst locals and visitors, CocoMaya offers waterfront dining at its finest. Located at Fort Point in Spanish Town, this Asian fushion restaurant does a mean fish taco or sushi rolls with a twist. Or, simply opt for one of their ten different margaritas in the open-air bar while watching the sun set over the ocean. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.
The Sugar Mill Restaurant
After being severly damaged during Hurricane Irma in September 2018, this restaurant is now back with great views in a 480 year old sugar mill. Find a spot in the pavillions lounge area overlooking the sea. Ranging from lobster to Carribean specialities, their fine dining menu also offers some vegan options with portions that won’t leave you hungry. We’re drooling over their eggs Benedict.
Address: Little Apple Bay, Tortola VG1130
These are just some of the unforgettable places and experiences that you and your loved ones can try at this Caribbean paradise. If you end up getting lost, don’t hesitate to ask the locals about where to go and what to do next. Exploring the unknown is much more fun when you’re in a tropical paradise.