Destination: British Virgin Islands
Overview Text Size A A A
When Christopher Columbus stumbled upon the Virgin Islands in 1493, he only had one thing on his mind: women. He dubbed the archipelago Saint Ursula and the 11,000 Virgins, naming a particularly curvaceous island Virgin Gorda (Fat Virgin). Today, the islands continue to evoke amorous thoughts. Thanks to romantic green peaks, unspoiled beaches and the presence of some of the world’s best resorts, the area is a top choice for couples seeking an escape. Celebrities and tycoons such as Google’s Larry Page have celebrated their marriages here, and well-heeled travelers often head to the British Virgin Islands’ serene shores for a honeymoon or anniversary.
But trysts under a palm tree aren’t the only attraction. The four larger islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke plus fifty-something smaller cays claim some of the world’s best snorkeling and dive sites. Situated east of Puerto Rico, the territory enjoys balmy, tropical weather and soft trade winds that draw avid sailors, too. The BVIs also have the distinct advantage of being relatively close to home but feeling far away, unscarred by ugly developments that plague other Caribbean isles. Although reaching the resorts can be a lengthy process, their lack of accessibility is what keeps them uncrowded. There are talks of extending the Tortola airport to allow direct commercial flights from the US, though—a change that’s sure to alter the calm pace of island life. Claim your spot in the sand before that happens.
Search By Keyword
Popular Destinations
Asia/Pacific: India: Indian Tented Camps
Seven tented camps, including two new luxury/eco ones. Plus: what...
Indagare News Flash
- Win A Trip To the Beach: Enter our sweepstakes to win a trip to Barbados: The Ultimate Resort Destination. Brush up on the latest news with our destination report and learn chic restaurants and local secrets from beauty guru and island insider Jemma Kid.
- Editor’s Picks: An insider’s report on the best of Boston. A postcard on a memorable honeymoon in Africa. Plus: A profile of up-and-coming London designer Gwendolyn Carrié and an in-depth London Update. Join an art lover’s trip to TEFAF in Maastricht with private dinners, visits to collectors and hotel rooms already booked.
- Member Advice: FAQs and major trends to help you navigate the new travel landscape.
- Coming soon: Insider reports on Bangkok, Cabo, Anguilla and Phuket.
- What’s your travel IQ? Take the quiz USA Today called “a killer” and establish your Indagare quotient.
- Postcards: Family trip to South Africa, a philanthropic trip to Jamaica and a special discovery in Sicily. Submit a postcard.
- Indagare Insiders: Top picks in Delhi from Fiona Caulfield; Marie Brandolini on Venice; the design duo behind Kirna Zabete on shopping the world. Club 55’s Patrice de Colmont on St. Tropez, Eva Lorenzotti on Cairo and Loulou de la Falaise on Paris.
- Reviews: In-depth guides to Buenos Aires, Delhi and Deer Valley.
- Indagare Plus: Remember that hotels marked by an Indagare Plus symbol offer preferential rates and benefits to members.
- Sample Indagare: By signing up for bi-weekly email blasts on new hot spots and insider tips. Join our mailing list.
- News: Indagare named Best Travel Website by Vanity Fair. Read an interview with our founder on Vivre.
- New feature: Members share your profiles, comments, favorite articles and IQs. Just click on the Profile tab on the upper right of your screen and look for the Edit My Profile blue tab.
- Indagare means to discover, explore, seek, scout in Latin.