Whether you want a traditional resort getaway or a sailing adventure, the British Virgin Islands has always been one of the Caribbean’s ultimate destinations.
And that’s still true today.
The British Virgin Islands has made an inspiring comeback from last year’s storms, and the beauty and adventure that always made the destination such a draw for travelers can still be found in abundance — and so can the Painkillers.
Here are five places to visit right now in the BVI, from luxe retreats to hip boutique island getaways.
Cooper Island The boutique Cooper Island Beach Club has long been one of our favorite small hotels in the Caribbean — and one of our favorite places, period. That’s because despite its small size on the shores of Manchioneel Bay there’s just so much on offer – a great beach, one of the region’s most impressive rum bars, a terrific eatery and the sort of warm, energetic hospitality for which the British Virgin Islands is so famous.
The famous beach bar at the Anegada Reef.
Anegada Beaches, lobster, secret rum punch recipes… Anegada is the frontier of the BVI, and since last year’s storm, it’s become the crown jewel of the destination’s recovery. Even better? Head to the island in November and you can attend the Anegada Lobster Festival, because, in case you didn’t know, this is the Caribbean capital of lobster.
Long Bay.
Tortola Long Bay. Cane Garden Bay. The Pussers Road Town Pub. The Sugar Mill Restaurant. The must-visit stops are open, as are the green hills, and so are the places to stay, from Nanny Cay to Maria’s Bay the Sea to Fort Recovery to the Mariner Inn to a host of terrific villas.
White Bay.
Jost Van Dyke The Caribbean’s Beach Bar Mecca is back. The Caribbean’s bucket-list yachting destination has returned, meaning you can get your painkillers at Soggy, your endless nights (and Fire Water) at Foxy’s and the turquoise water and white sands of White Bay. And try some newer spots like Corsairs.
A suite at Guana.
Guana Island The BVI’s historic private-island getaway officially welcomed its first guests back this week, making this green island paradise the destination’s signature place to stay right now. And if you make the trip, you’ll be rewarded — from your own private beach bar to charming hillside cottages with some of the best views in the archipelago.