A Private Paradise in the British Virgin Islands
Because the Caribbean is a popular spot for vacations and getaways, when you picture the Caribbean, you might think of bustling cruise ship ports and crowded beaches. If I said the Virgin Islands, you might have an idea in your head as well. For while most travelers from the United States have heard of or been to the US Virgin Islands via cruise ships to St. Thomas, St. Croix or St. John islands, many people do not know much about its cousin, the British Virgin Islands, or BVI. The BVI are a chain of over 50 islands scattered across a beautiful sapphire sea.
The islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, Cooper Island, Norman Island, Peter Island, Necker Island and Anegada are hidden gems each with its own charm and local flavor. I experienced white sandy beaches with turquoise waters, exploring rock formations called The Baths, listening to Caribbean drum music by Foxy himself at Foxy’s Bar, rode a catamaran and snorkeled by ourselves and discovered smaller cays such as Marina Cay. I rarely encountered crowds of people and most of the time, days were spent exploring the islands, sunning on the beach or enjoying the water via boat!
With fewer tourists than many other Caribbean destinations, the BVIs invite you to swap the noise for the sound of waves and the warmth of local smiles.
Imagine spending your days sailing from one secluded cove to another, dropping anchor at beaches where your footprints might be the only ones in the sand. Wander through small fishing villages, sip a Painkiller cocktail at a local beach bar, or snorkel among colorful reefs teeming with marine life. Popular spots like Virgin Gorda’s The Baths—a maze of giant granite boulders and hidden pools—are must-sees, but the real magic is found in the quieter corners: a hammock strung between two palms, a starlit dinner on the deck of your private yacht, or an impromptu chat with a fisherman who’s happy to share his island’s history.
The BVIs aren’t just a destination; they’re an invitation to slow down, soak in the beauty, and live on island time. Whether you choose to explore by sailboat, catamaran, or simply wander the charming streets of Tortola, every moment here feels like it belongs only to you. Step away from the noise you are used to and unplug. Instead, listen to the sound of the waves all around, and let yourself be welcomed by the warmth of the local smiles all around. The BVI is away from the crowds and mass tourism, I believe, and is kept at a minimum on purpose!