It’s a dream that has a way of sneaking into our psyches particularly on frigid days in February: a trip somewhere far off the grid to a castaway-style retreat, just you and your flip flops and an appropriate beverage. 

On a tucked-away little island in the British Virgin Islands, it’s not a fantasy. 

This is the Cooper Island Beach Club, a tiny private-island resort that’s one of the best-kept secrets in the BVI, an admirably sustainable (and almost completely solar-powered), family-owned hotel that marries a pristine setting in the southern BVI with all of the essentials of a great Caribbean beach retreat. 

This is one of our favorite places in the Caribbean, and it’s a worthy inclusion as Small Caribbean Hotel of the Week. 

Where is it? The Cooper Island is southeast of Tortola, set between Salt Island and Ginger Island. 

The hotel offers complimentary shuttles for guests from Port Purcell in Road Town every day at 11 AM. It also includes return service at 8:30 AM each day back to Road Town. 

What to Know? There are just eight “eco luxe” rooms at this beachfront retreat, all with magnificent views of the famous green hills of the BVI, all with teak furniture and ceiling fans. 

What’s remarkable here is what’s on offer for such a tiny resort. You can find a terrific restaurant open for lunch and dinner; a lovely cafe called the Coffee Box; one of the best rum bars in the Caribbean; and even an on-site microbrewery: the Cooper Island Brewing Company, serving up a range of craft beers from lagers to pilsners, depending on the season. 

Which room to choose? The rooms are all pretty uniform; all of them come with Wi-Fi, free daily breakfast, either one king or two single beds; mini-fridges and coffee and tea-making facilities. They also come with stand-up paddleboard, snorkel and kayaking equipment include. Having said that, there is a “premium,” room category that includes rooms higher on the hillside, with a bit more seclusion and better views of Manchioneel Bay. 

What do we like best? The vibe. Forget everything you know about private islands. This is a fun-loving, attitude-free, warm place to be, and the daily influx of yachters makes for a special sort of community, morning to night. It’s one of the best places to stay in the BVI, a lovable little hotel that immediately tugs at your heart strings. Come here once and you’ll undoubtedly be back again. 

For more, visit the Cooper Island Beach Club.