British Virgin Islands Holiday Guide

BY - Will Davis , 7 October 2024 - VIEW ALL ARTICLES

The British Virgin Islands are a mecca for sailors, with more than 50 exquisite islands dotted throughout the turquoise seas of the Caribbean combined with steady trade winds and gentle currents. There are hundreds of white-sand-fringed bays to explore from a luxury villa on the island and you can be sure of a warm welcome when you arrive.

It is even possible to hire Richard Branson’s private superyacht ‘Necker Belle’ which offers a fantastic way to explore the islands.

Understanding the British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands (BVIs) have had a colourful history. Settled thousands of years ago by the Amerindians, and then by the Dutch and the British since the 1600s, the different cultures are still in evidence today in the food, architecture, language and music.

The main island in the British Virgin Islands is Tortola which holds most of the population and commerce. Virgin Gorda is a real beauty, favoured by movie stars, millionaires and yachties. Jost Van Dyke is more relaxed and the remote island of Anegada is super-chilled, perfect for just flopping into a hammock and taking it easy when on a luxury villa holiday to the British Virgin Islands.

There are unlimited watersports in the BVIs – sailing, scuba diving and big game fishing are all world-class.

When to Visit the British Virgin Islands

The BVIs are tropical islands so there is always a possibility of light showers, but January through to March are the driest with balmy warm temperatures averaging 28°C. April and May experience only a few more showers in the afternoons than the driest months, so still a great time to travel. The most rain is found between September to November during hurricane season.

What We Love About the British Virgin Islands

We love the endless choice of pristine white sand beaches, the delicious grilled lobster, the punchy rum punches and of course that friendly laid-back island-style culture – pure heaven.

Getting to the British Virgin Islands

To reach Necker Island, fly to Virgin Gorda or to Beef Island (Tortola) from San Juan in Puerto Rico (35 minutes), St. Thomas in Antigua (1 hour 20 minutes) or from Barbados (4 hours 15 minutes with stopover).

The Best Places to Eat and Drink in the British Virgin Islands

Dining in the British Virgin Islands tends to be island-style – low-key and relaxed. Being surrounded by the ocean the islands have a wonderful variety of fresh seafood. When staying in an exclusive luxury villa in the British Virgin Islands expect to see mahi mahi, snapper, conch and, of course, grilled lobster on the menus.