
British Virgin Islands


The British Virgin Islands (BVI) consist of the main islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke, along with over 50 other smaller islands and cays. The capital, Road Town, is on Tortola, the largest island, which is about 12 miles long and 3 miles wide.
Tourism Website: https://www.bvitourism.com/travel-trade
Family Resorts:
- Long Bay Beach Club (upper moderate): An incredible location is about all the aging, three-and-a-half pearl, 50-room Long Bay Beach Club has going for it. The stunning Long Bay Beach boasts incredible views of neighboring Jost Van Dyke and is the perfect spot for sunsets and snorkeling. But, the hotel’s rooms are worn and dated, the pool is small, and a surly waitstaff and mediocre food will hardly make you want to dine at either of the on-site restaurants. This property was impacted by Hurricane Irma in September 2017 and is currently closed.
- Cooper Island Beach Club (upper moderate) is a popular overnight stop for yachters exploring the BVI. Thanks to its 30 mooring spots, fantastic on-site restaurant, and lively rum bar, the upper-middle-range hotel is a welcome respite for the seafaring crowds that flock to its shores. But Cooper Island is more than just a pit stop. Its 10 eco-luxe guest rooms and laid-back atmosphere attract honeymooning couples and families with young children. Even locals like to head to Cooper for secluded staycations. While there’s no pool, spa, or fitness center, guests give Cooper high marks for its beautiful beach and the diverse marine life that can be spotted just off its shores.
- Rosewood Little Dix Bay (luxury) is a luxury property located just north of Spanish Town. The jungle-meets-ocean setting makes it one of the most romantic spots on this sparsely populated island, and the thick tropical grounds allow for utmost tranquility and relaxation. The hotel is directly on a beautiful sandy beach, and most units are just a couple dozen yards from the water. Rooms have island-inspired decor with elegant wood furnishings, exposed stone walls, and wooden beams, but some may find the level of luxury to be underwhelming for the price. Beach Houses and Villas are a notch or two more luxurious, with wonderful extras that include private pools, full kitchens, and free use of golf carts to move around the property. The acclaimed spa with gorgeous views, the dozens of activities available, and the long list of exceptional freebies make this hotel a great high-end pick. But food is pretty mediocre and outrageously expensive, and service is subpar for the brand.
- Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina (Luxury) is the perfect spot for BVI travelers who want it all at their fingertips — and who don’t mind shelling out the cash to have it that way. The stunning 61-room luxury property is located on its own private island, but offers nearly every amenity available. Guests have access to a 55-slip deep water marina, three beautiful pools, two gorgeous beaches, a clifftop spa and marina-view workout facility, and three restaurants and bars. To top it all off, rooms are huge and tastefully decorated with dark woods and island-inspired accents. Many have full kitchens, separate living and dining rooms, and laundry facilities. The only downside to Scrub is its massive sprawl and hilly terrain, which can make getting around pretty difficult.
- Sugar Mill Hotel (Luxury): an upscale property that occupies the site of a 400-year-old sugar plantation. The property is near the top of Tortola’s boutique offerings, with charming, elegant, and understated design throughout, blending colonial, rustic, and modern tropical details. Every common area -- from the beach to the chic sundeck to the gourmet Terrace and Sugar Mill Restaurant -- has an intimate, exclusive vibe. All-inclusive rates are available, and while the poolside bar can be lively at night, things here are decidedly quiet. The 24 breezy rooms feature modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and sea-view balconies.
- Oil Nut Bay-Virgin Gorda
- Guana Island Resort
Restaurants/Bars
- Soggy Dollar (try the Painkiller) on Jost Van Dyke
- Willy T’s Floating Bar (Norman Island)
Sailing the BVIs
- The Moorings