British Virgin Islands

Coves of white sand beaches rolling down to crystal blue and green Caribbean water… sound like the image of paradise? Take away the giant resort buildings and add tons of local flavor and only moderate tourism, and the result is one of the best destinations on the planet: the British Virgin Islands.

This collection of islands has everything from the largest and relatively bustling island of Tortola (population under 24,000) to tiny, virtually uninhabited islands with no electricity. There are great houses to rent, small locally owned hotels and resorts to stay in, and great restaurants. There is the natural wonder Virgin Gorda, where giant rocks from the island’s volcanic past sit at the shoreline, and make up a maze-like path you can take from one side of The Baths to the other – either by swimming and snorkeling or by foot path.

The British Virgin Islands have managed to keep large, beachfront condos and resorts from developing, even on Tortola, so although tourism is a large part of the economy, it feels more like a local secret than other Caribbean destinations (the Bahamas come to mind).

Wholesale Flights offers tickets to the airport in Virgin Gorda. A ferry is available to travel between Virgin Gorda and Tortola, as well as a few of the other larger islands. The off-season this far south is actually our summer season, which is great for families looking for a summer vacation spot, and to avoid the higher cost of in-season rates.

Once you arrive in Tortola, if that is your main BVI destination, you will benefit greatly by renting a car. But be forewarned – driving in Tortola is not for the faint of heart. If you know how, a standard transmission handles the very steep, winding roads better than an automatic. Honk your horn around hairpin turns, and drive safely!

Highlights:

Virgin Gorda:

• The Baths

Tortola:

• Road Town (the capital) for shopping
• Cane Garden Bay for beach bars and water recreation
• Smuggler’s Cove –  for the best snorkeling and a good view of history

Places to go:

For the party animals – Bomba’s Shack, where mushroom tea is the drink of choice. The full moon parties are things of legend in the area.

For the music lovers – Quito’s Gazebo, a beach bar on Cane Garden Bay, where local musician Quito Rhymer plays fantastic music either solo or with his band, The Edge.

For the outdoor lovers – Sage Mountain, where beautiful, lush vegetation overgrows the hiking paths. For 360 degree views, sometimes ranging as far as Puerto Rico, check out the Skyworld restaurant.

And one last tip – Don’t forget to take your Painkillers! (A secret BVI concoction: Pusser’s Rum, cream of coconut, orange and pineapple juices – once you try one, you’ll never stop attempting to duplicate it yourself!)