Oh the Caribbean. Who can resist the palm-shaded seashores, top-notch snorkelling and pampering motels? I’ve been fortunate sufficient to discover it over a few years, however my coronary heart is devoted to the British Virgin Islands.
Why? Effectively, their volcanic verdant magnificence is pure eye-candy – and though Hurricane Irma wreaked devastation in 2017, I’ve witnessed speedy renovations all through lots of its 60-odd islands.
You could possibly merely beach-flop on one of many bigger islands comparable to Jost Van Dyke, Tortola or Virgin Gorda, however then you definately’d miss the delights of the remainder of the chain. My tip? Both contemplate a week-long crusing journey or plan day charters.
Crusing right here beneath regular trade-winds, with secure anchorages assured, is as near heaven as you will get. Costly, sure, however there are inexpensive choices. Dream Yacht Constitution, for instance, presents absolutely crewed, ‘by-the-cabin’ catamaran holidays – and okay, you’re travelling with strangers, however on my journey, sturdy friendships had been simply cast.
Louise Roddon, who took a catamaran cruise across the British Virgin Islands, recommends that travellers inject their go to to the islands with a crusing journey, relatively than merely hitting the seashores of bigger isles comparable to Jost Van Dyke (pictured)
If that’s not your factor, corporations like Virgin Constitution Yachts have day journeys from Virgin Gorda or Tortola; or Aristo Charters present personal sailings.
The must-sees? Tortola, the chain’s largest, is considerably over-developed, so head for the north or north east for a extra genuine island expertise.
Wyndham Tortola presents serene lodging fronting an ideal stretch of seashore, alongside tropical gardens, breezy bedrooms, and the most important freshwater pool within the BVIs.
Powder-soft strips of seashore are finest discovered alongside Tortola’s north coast. Strive buzzy Cane Backyard Bay for fab bars or Brewers Bay, whose boulder-protected barrier reef presents nice snorkelling.
Whereas on Tortola, cease by buzzy Cane Backyard Bay (above) and you will uncover fab bars
On Virgin Gorda, verify into Rosewood Little Dix Bay, a Balinese-styled boutique lodge with dreamy bedrooms
Pop in to Pusser’s Pub in Street City for a tot of genuine wood-distilled rum, or in the event you’re feeling energetic, go for mountain-biking alongside Tortola’s mountainous backbone, then as much as the loftiest peak within the BVIs: the 1,716ft Sage Mountain.
Put aside a couple of days on Virgin Gorda, which arguably is the prettiest island, and presents glorious mountaineering, fabulous eating places and top-quality motels.
Step ahead Rosewood Little Dix Bay, a Balinese-styled boutique lodge with dreamy bedrooms (many with personal swimming pools).
Take pleasure in views of the panorama of Virgin Gorda, which ‘arguably is the prettiest island’, from Rosewood Little Dix Bay
Lots of the rooms at Rosewood Little Dix Bay boast personal swimming pools. Above is the lodge’s bar
Pictured are The Baths – Virgin Gorda’s maze of big granite boulders, the place you may swish by means of pure whirlpools and acoustic caves. The seashore is ‘to not be missed’, says Louise
For a much less expensive keep, attempt Mango Bay Resort, whose beachside villas can accommodate as much as 4 friends.
To not be missed are The Baths – Virgin Gorda’s maze of big granite boulders, the place you may swish by means of pure whirlpools and acoustic caves.
Elsewhere? Divers will love the Rhone Nationwide Marine Park off Tortola, the place you may swim by means of the wreck of the nineteenth Century mail ship RMS Rhone.
There’s additionally glorious diving and snorkelling at Treasure Level Sea Caves, close to uninhabited Norman Island. This was supposedly the inspiration for Treasure Island, and it’s straightforward to think about booty hidden amongst its considerably spooky caves.
Paradise: A snorkeller trying out the marine life at The Baths
Above are the spooky caves of the uninhabited Norman Island, which was supposedly the inspiration for Treasure Island
