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Villas and vacation homes cling to hillsides and grace sandy shores at Oil Nut Bay, embodying the island's laid-back yet supremely luxurious vibe.
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There is no better way to experience this world-renowned yachting haven than by spending a day—or an entire vacation—on the water.
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Bathe in cool blue grottos tucked along white-sand beaches at The Baths, evidence of the island's volcanic foundations.
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Park the dinghy at Saba Rock for dinner and drinks and experience one of the most iconic watering holes in the Caribbean, a staple since the 1960s.
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Hemmed in by billionaire-owned private islands, the North Sound of Virgin Gorda features some of the most exclusive places in the Caribbean.
With lush tropical shores that melt away into white sands and tranquil waves, Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands is beautiful enough for billionaires, and that's no exaggeration. "People who have enough money to live anywhere on the planet are choosing to live right here," says Alexander Dobbs, real estate sales manager at Oil Nut Bay, as he gestures around the island's North Sound and toward Sir Richard Branson's Necker Island .
A paradise for yacht enthusiasts in a corner of the Caribbean where private island resorts are the norm, not the exception, Virgin Gorda is easily among the most exclusive islands in the region. Low-density by design, "Virgin Gorda has an intimate, less commercialized feel compared to other destinations in the Caribbean, [and is] an ideal destination for those who seek tranquility," says Andreas Pade, managing director of Rosewood Little Dix Bay. It feels like a secret worth passing down through the generations, and often is, with families returning year after year to the spots that make this island so special.
Best Hotels & Resorts
Oil Nut Bay
After spending a decade scouring the Caribbean for the perfect location, Oil Nut Bay visionary David V. Johnson founded a spot so spectacular it made Travel + Leisure 's list of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean . This 400-acre property in the exclusive North Sound features villas and vacation homes, offering visitors supreme seclusion in a low-density, community-style setting. And with water sports, a kids' club, exquisite dining options, and the intimate overwater Sundara Spa + Studio, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the property.
Rosewood Little Dix Bay
In 1958, billionaire conservationist Laurance Rockefeller purchased a crescent of creamy white sand and the surrounding 500 acres of lush hillside, and what would later become Rosewood Little Dix Bay was born. Amenities here are sumptuous, and the resort's staunch commitment to next-level service and unwavering attention to every luxurious detail has made it a pillar of island hospitality for many years.
The Bitter End Yacht Club
What started in the 1960s as a simple outpost for sailors is now one of the most recognizable institutions in the British Virgin Islands. The Bitter End Yacht Club is home to multiple dining venues, small boutiques, and luxe, nautical-inspired accommodations that make it worth a stay, not just a quick visit. The property is also home to the only overwater bungalows in the British Virgin Islands.
When planning your trip to Virgin Gorda, consider flying into nearby Tortola's Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) for easier access, as nonstop international flights are available from Miami. From there, you can take a ferry or water taxi to reach your destination on Virgin Gorda, which is particularly convenient for resorts only accessible by water.
Best Things to Do
Visit The Baths.
Swim and soak up the sun amid granite boulders the size of buildings at The Bath National Park , one of the most popular and recognizable destinations in the British Virgin Islands. Paddle through towering rock formations, the remnants of Virgin Gorda's volcanic past, to discover hidden caverns where waves and sand meet.
Set sail.
Life in the British Virgin Islands has always revolved around sailing, so spending at least one day on the water is a must. "With over 60 islands to visit, you can easily hop from one island or bay to another depending on whether you are in the mood for a lively beach bar atmosphere or a quiet cove," says Loïc Bonnet, president of Dream Yacht Worldwide . Book an experience with the company's impressive fleet for everything from bareboat charters for experienced sailors to fully crewed cabin cruises for a hassle-free experience.
Go snorkeling and diving.
The turquoise waters surrounding Virgin Gorda are rich in reefs and wrecks to explore, making them ideal for both snorkelers and divers. "A cluster of little islands called 'The Dogs' just off the west coast of Virgin Gorda is one of my favorite spots," says Bonnet. Divers should also consider exploring the wreck of the RMS Rhone, considered to be one of the most interesting and accessible wreck dives in the Caribbean. It was also the filming location of the 1977 classic film "The Deep."
Hike Gorda Peak.
Towering high above the island is Gorda Peak, tempting hikers with breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and islands from its summit. The trek is moderately strenuous, so plan on rewarding yourself with a drink at Hog Heaven after the experience. Or, choose from any of the island's easier trails, like the one connecting The Baths to Devil's Bay.
Explore Copper Mine National Park.
The ruins of a 19th-century copper mine crown a rocky outcropping at Copper Mine National Park , which overlooks the churning Atlantic Ocean. The historic site is the perfect place to take in this windswept side of the island, much less frequently visited than the beachy Caribbean coastline—but no less beautiful.
Best Restaurants
Saba Rock
Nestled on a tiny outcropping in the North Sound, there are few more iconic watering holes in the Caribbean than Saba Rock . Come for the daily tarpon feeding at 5 p.m. and stick around as the space swells with sailors for a legendary happy hour that has made the spot a fixture since the 1960s. The property also has a handful of hotel rooms if you happen to have one too many rum-infused painkiller cocktails during your visit.
Reef House
Elevated above the sand and in earshot of the waves, Reef House at Rosewood Little Dix Bay offers a fresh farm-to-table dining experience that is singular in Virgin Gorda. Ingredients used in seasonal menus come directly from the property's on-site gardens and from trusted local farmers and fishermen, highlighting contemporary Caribbean cooking in a gorgeous oceanfront setting.
CocoMaya
An inventive Asian-Caribbean fusion menu elevates the laid-back beach bar atmosphere at CocoMaya in Spanish Town, drawing in locals and visitors alike. Drop by after swimming at The Baths for a toes-in-the-sand seafood lunch, or return for DJ sets and cocktails in the evening.
Sugarcane Restaurant & Sports Club
Poolside dining and sweeping ocean views have made the casual cliffside Sugarcane Restaurant & Sports Club a favorite on Virgin Gorda. The menu offers a mix of Caribbean flavors and international cuisine that will keep everyone happy. It's a perfect spot for a laid-back lunch or dinner, and in the evening, the space comes alive with diners who have heard of its legendary sunsets.
Nova
Seafood and sushi await at Nova , the open-air, overwater dining destination at Oil Nut Bay's Marina Village. Tie up the boat and spend the day perusing the surrounding shops, swimming off the dock and from a small, sandy beachfront, and lounging in beach chairs; then, order from the happy hour menu just before sunset.
Areas to Visit
Spanish Town
Blink and you'll miss it on a drive through Spanish Town, the main city on Virgin Gorda. Here, you'll find just a handful of eateries, shops, and grocery stores that might entice those sticking around for a longer stay, though most visitors simply pass through it on their way from the airport to the resort.
North Sound
Island roads don't reach the untouched northeastern side of Virgin Gorda, providing an exclusive, private island feel to the villas and resorts that dot the North Sound. The tranquil, turquoise waters of this part of Virgin Gorda are ideal for yachts and sailboats, which stake out a spot here for a night or two. Saba Rock and the Bitter End Yacht Club face each other across the sound; they have each been feeding off the vibrant atmosphere of the other for decades, creating a lively yet low-key feel that makes the area a happy hour haven.
Caribbean Coast
The Caribbean-facing northern and western coastlines of the island are dotted with the tranquil bays and sandy shores that have long made Virgin Gorda such a sought-after destination with winter-weary travelers. Sail from The Baths up the Caribbean coastline to the North Sound for the island's most pristine beaches, like Little Dix Bay, Savannah Bay, and Pond Bay, all highly recommended by Pade.
Atlantic Coast
The lesser-visited southern and eastern coastlines of Virgin Gorda face the untamed Atlantic Ocean, giving them a wild, wave-soaked feel. While mostly unsuitable for swimming, this more dramatic side of the island is worth appreciating, especially from scenic viewpoints in Gorda Peak National Park and the hiking trails that crisscross the island's most easterly points.
Best Time to Visit
"Virgin Gorda has a unique extended season due to cooling trade winds that keep average temperatures in the mid-80s Fahrenheit almost year-round," says Emily Oakes, vice president of business at Oil Nut Bay. However, like much of the Caribbean, Virgin Gorda experiences its travel high season from December through April, as most visitors escape colder climates back home. Though resorts and yacht charters are pricier at this time of year, it's when the island enjoys its nicest weather, sunniest skies, and calmest seas, making it the best time to visit.
May and June are a nice shoulder season, as prices drop and the weather remains ideal. Travel slows down significantly from mid-August through mid-October, when rainier skies are much more frequent—and hurricanes are common—with many resorts and restaurants closing their doors.
Though the seas are generally the calmest between December and April or May, the island is great for sailing almost year-round. "The British Virgin Islands offer some of the best conditions for sailing in the Caribbean, with consistent trade winds, calm waters, and numerous sheltered anchorages," says Bonnet. The BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival takes place in early spring every year, and is a must for boaters or anyone looking to enjoy a little extra excitement.
How to Get There
By Plane
It has always been a bit of a journey to reach Virgin Gorda. The island has its own tiny regional airport (VIJ), which receives regularly scheduled flights from Puerto Rico, plus charters from other Caribbean islands.
It's also possible to hop a flight from Miami to Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS). Located on neighboring Beef Island and connected to Tortola by a bridge, it's the best-served international airport in the British Virgin Islands. Visitors typically find it easier to fly into EIS, then take a ferry or water taxi to Virgin Gorda. This is especially true for those heading to resorts in the island's North Sound, many of which are only accessible via water.
Of course, the most hassle-free way to travel to Virgin Gorda is via private charter. Tradewind Aviation offers seats on seasonal, semi-private flights from San Juan, Puerto Rico, at surprisingly affordable rates, as well as private charters from a variety of other destinations.
By Ferry & Water Taxi
Virgin Gorda is linked to nearby islands via ferry services such as Speedy's , which offers daily connections to and from Beef Island. You can also catch a ferry to the island from St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands every Saturday. Whether shared or private, water taxis are even more convenient and readily available from nearby islands.
How to Get Around
Visitors sticking close to Spanish Town or transiting from the airport will find that taxis are the easiest way to get around the island. That said, transportation in the British Virgin Islands has always been centered on the water, and with large swaths of this unspoiled island inaccessible by road, getting around by boat is a necessity, not a luxury.
Water taxis and private boat charters depart frequently from Spanish Town and the Gun Creek Ferry terminal on the island's north side to a variety of destinations around the island. Most larger resorts have private boats that run on a fixed schedule to take passengers to and from destinations such as Spanish Town or Tortola, making this one of the easiest ways to get around the island.
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