Could The British Virgin Islands Be Your Ideal Luxury Vacation Destination?
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From the high mountain peaks on Tortola and Virgin Gorda, down through the lush foliage to their powdery coral sanded beaches, the British Virgin Islands rise like shimmering green emeralds from a sapphire-blue sea. The BVI or "Nature's Little Secrets" abound in natures tropical beauty and could be just the right fit for your next luxury vacation. |
With miles of pristine white beaches, coral cays, and sheltered crystal clear waters cooled by the the consistently blowing Trade Winds, the British Virgin Islands are considered the "Yachting Capital of the Caribbean" and a watersports paradise. Ashore there's something for everyone from families seeking the ideal luxury vacation to lovers seeking a romantic vacation they'll cherish forever.
Find out more and decide if The British Virgin Islands are a fit for Your luxury vacation:
The British Virgin Islands Location
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are a British overseas territory, lying about 60 miles east of Puerto Rico in the British West Indies (BWI) sector of the NE Caribbean Sea. The British Virgin Islands encompass 16 inhabited islands with over 30 more uninhabited islands and islets. The BVI capital 'Road Town' is located on the main island - Tortola. The other large islands of the BVI are Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and the contrasting flat coral island of Anegada.
Select the BVI if you want a quiet retreat, or a more peaceful and refined luxury vacation. Similar in nature, yet different in character, the US Virgin Islands are located closely to the west, on the same 'Lesser Antilles' island chain.
Getting To The British Virgin Islands
Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) is located just outside Road Town, Tortola, over the road bridge on Beef Island. The airport is served by small turbo-props that move connecting passengers through San Juan or Puerto Rico. Passengers also fly into St Thomas (US Virgin Islands), and take a ferry to Tortola, Virgin Gorda, or Jost Van Dyke. Many large cruise ships also visit Road Town Harbour.
British Virgin Islands Climate & Weather
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The British Virgin Islands' sub-tropical weather is consistently warm and humid, averaging about 79-88°F in summer 72-82°F in winter, The balmy Trade Winds blow consistently from the east, keeping you comfortable all day long. Sunny blue skies are the norm in summer, with a line of puffy clouds being generated over the higher elevations. Rainfall is erratic, averaging about 40 inches per year. |
The British Virgin Islands Language
English is the official and spoken language on the British Virgin Islands.
The British Virgin Islands Currency
The British Virgin Islands official currency is the US Dollar (USD or $US). Most establishments on Tortola and Virgin Gorda accept credit cards and travellers cheques, but when visiting Anegada you shuold have cash. You'll find banks and exchange facilities in the BVI capital - Road Town, Tortola, and ATMs are available on both Tortola and Virgin Gorda.
The British Virgin Islands Food
It is said that the British Virgin Islands have a restaurant for every palate and budget, from 'haute cuisine' to West Indian cooking. You'll find an incredible array of restaurants, all with a breathtaking view of the Caribbean Sea, some on the beaches and even some on the spectacular mountain ridges. High-end places to eat include (in island order) Brandywine Bay Resturant (Italian) and Sky World (International), both on Tortola, Biras Creek Estate (International) on Virgin Gorda, Abe's by the Sea (Caribbean) on Jost Van Dyke, and Cow Wreck Beach Bar & Grill (Caribbean) on Anegada.
Inside Advice - Eating in The British Virgin Islands' fine restaurants is a fantastic experience for a luxury vacation. But you don't have to visit the most expensive places to find a good meal. You'll find many small beach bars and cafes that offer superb dining at a very reasonable price.
For great food and exceptional value on The British Virgin Islands; Capriccio di Mare (Italian in Road Town) and the Jolly Roger (Seafood in West End) on Tortola, Thelma's Hideout (Caribbean) on Virgin Gorda, and Foxy's Tamarind Bar (Caribbean) on Jost Van Dyke, all have a good reputation.
The British Virgin Islands Accommodation
The British Virgin Islands offer you many fine hotels, inns, guesthouses, cottages, vacation rental apartments, and resorts.
Inside Advice - As with any top Caribbean vacation destination, hotels and other accommodations tend to be relatively expensive on The British Virgin Islands. For those seeking a true luxury vacation, your maximum privacy and best value for money will be found by renting your own luxury villa - usually for a fraction of the cost of a hotel suite! If you're looking for more freedom and independence than a hotel can offer, then renting your own luxury villa will turn your vacation into a great escape. You'll get your own luxury vacation home with a pool and a spectacular view. Room to spread out, and the ability to make your own meals whenever you like.
Things To Do On The British Virgin Islands - Recreation & Entertainment
Take Your luxury vacation on The British Virgin Islands and experience "Nature's Little Secrets":
British Virgin Islands Beaches & Waters
The British Virgin Islands include about 60 islands and islets creating miles of tropical shoreline with pristine white coral beaches and offshore cays. Many are secluded and entirely uninhabited, others have beach bars, hotels, and spectacular villas. All are soaked by the warm sun and the warm blue Caribbean Sea.
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The British Virgin Islands' safe waters and breezy trade winds make it the "Yachting Capital of the Caribbean" and an overall watersports paradise. You can fish, swim, snorkel, paddleboat, kayak, sail, windsurf, waterski, or even parasail directly from the shore.
Experts and Novices alike can take a dive boat and safely Scuba-dive on tropical reefs and wrecks. |
Tortola offers a diverse fleet of sailing charter craft, from bareboat charters to day sails. You can go on snorkelling, diving, and deep sea fishing trips, or take a crewed charter to other far off Caribbean islands.
Ashore On The British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands are a paradise for nature lovers, with mountainsides covered in lush vegetation and fruit trees like banana and mango growing naturally. The BVI National Parks System includes 20 national parks and nature preserves, encompassing a spectacular array of terrestrial and marine areas including historic sites, tropical forests, bird sanctuaries, and the famous shipwreck of the Rhone (Salt Island).
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For the ultimate overview, adventure into the air by helicopter or fixed wing aircraft for a birds-eye view of the British Virgin Islands on your own private sightseeing tour.
Back on the ground, sports fans can watch basketball, cricket, cycling, horse racing, softball, and track and field events. |
The culturally inclined can learn more about the BVI's history and culture at a range of historic sites and landmarks including several forts and plantations. Tour the many art galleries and studios on the BVI's larger islands. Visit the Saba Rock Nautical Museum (Saba Rock) or the Virgin Island Folk Museum and North Shore Shell Museum on Tortola. There is also Old Government House (Tortola), and a number of interesting churches to discover, as well as the BVI's historic Tortola sloop 'Vigilant' which once sailed the Sir Francis Drake Channel.
Experience the luxury vacation of Your lifetime on The British Virgin Islands.
Transport On The British Virgin Islands
Car rentals on the British Virgin Islands are expensive, and you will need a BVI driving license, which can be obtained ($US10) by anyone aged 25 or older with a valid driver's license. To move between The individual British Virgin Islands, take a ferry, boat charter, or flight.
British Virgin Islands Electricity
Mains electricity on the British Virgin Islands is provided at 110V alternating at 60Hz, as found in the USA & Canada.
The British Virgin Islands Size
Overall, the British Virgin Islands provide about 59 sq miles of beautiful vacation land and beaches. Tortola is about 12 miles long by 3 miles wide, covering about 21 square miles, with 6.2 miles of beach length. Virgin Gorda is almost as long, but narrower, covering only about 8 sq miles, with 11.5 miles of beach length. Jost Van Dyke is about 4 miles long by 2.5 miles at its widest point, with 3.3 miles of beach. Further off, the flat coral island of Anegada is about 10 miles long by 2 miles wide, covering about 15 Sq miles, with 16 miles of beach length.
The British Virgin Islands Population & Demographics
The British Virgin Islands are populated by about 23,000 welcoming people. For British Virgin Islands population demographics click here
The British Virgin Islands Economy
The economy of the British Virgin Islands is one of the most stable and prosperous in the Caribbean, with tourism as their largest industry accounting for about 45% of their income. Offshore business registration on the BVI is also an important source of income.
