This Uncrowded Caribbean Island Has Pristine Beaches, Mystical Rock Formations and Jaw-Dropping Luxury Villas 

You know it the moment you begin to descend toward the water. You see them: the towering, imposing, giant boulders, scattered all over the landscape as if a giant were playing marbles. This is The Baths, and it’s a mystical, otherworldly, astonishingly beautiful corner of the Caribbean island of Virgin Gorda, a natural rock formation that’s quite unlike anything else in the region — or the world, for that matter.

It’s just one of the reasons why travelers instantly fall in love with the place: there’s something unique here, something mysterious, something wonderful. It’s uncrowded, it’s for travelers in the know, for those who are willing to venture a little further.

We’ve been traveling to Virgin Gorda for years, and it’s a destination that occupies a rarefied position in the minds of countless die-hard Caribbean aficionados. 

There’s the street food in Spanish Town; the endless good cheer at the Bitter End; the always-fun scene at Leverick Bay; the serenity at Little Dix. 

And Virgin Gorda is once again finding itself top of mind for sophisticated travelers, from the successful relaunch of Saba Rock to the continued rebirth at the BEYC, with more and more people discovering the one-of-a-kind vibes on this eight-square-mile island.

But our favorite way to stay in Virgin Gorda is always in a villa. There’s no better way to truly experience living in Virgin Gorda; heading to the Riteway, packing up a picnic and heading for Savannah Bay; finding yourself intoxicated with the majesty of the views; dining out at the spectacular CocoMaya. 

The island is home to some breathtaking vacation homes, particularly in the Virgin Gorda Villa Rentals portfolio. Most of them have magnificent views of the green hills of the BVI (we love Beach Dreams on Mahoe Bay, with rates at about $14,000 per week).

If you’re set on a hotel, there are some options beyond the well-known charms of the Rosewood (which has rooms for $2,555 per night); the tiny, adults-only Cornucopia is a great immersion into authentic Virgin Gorda experiences, with rooms at $850 per night in a villa-style setting. 

Leverick Bay has rooms for $679 right now, with Saba Rock’s rates at $922 per night. 

It’s also easier than ever to get to Virgin Gorda and its tiny airport. While you can take a boat transfer or ferry, the best option right now is flying to San Juan and hopping on luxury airline Tradewind Aviation, which is operating service on its Pilatus PC12 aircraft (we love the experience flying on them) and will take you directly to Virgin Gorda. Flight prices as low as $456 depending on the time of day.