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British Virgin Islands

Flight time

8hours 45 to Antigua, and an hour’s onward flight to Tortola

Time difference

-4 hours

Speak to someone that's been

Helen Dooley

Here’s a tip:

If you’re brave, try the local cocktail “The Painkiller” so yummy it’s hard to stop drinking them until you read the famous sign at the Soggy Dollar which warns “Zero to Naked in 3.2 Painkillers”.

Although getting there can feel like planes, trains and automobiles – or more planes, boats and golf buggies – what’s waiting at the end of the journey is 100% worth the effort involved to get there!

The British Virgin Islands is made up of over 60 islands and cays, pristine little pockets of paradise where locals use their boats as we use cars to manoeuvre around the islands. Bars infamous with the sailing fraternity will send their boats to collect you, and in the evenings after work the waterways are filled with commuters!

The BVI’s are about low slung, casual elegance. Think yachting fraternity and tax haven decadence as opposed to shiny luxury! Necker is perhaps the most famous of the island resorts – available for private hire sleeping approximately 34 guests – or at certain times of the year you can rub shoulders with the celeb set and individual rooms can be booked.  Peter Island is a great choice for eager sailors.   The recently refurbished Rosewood Little Dix Bay sits on the most glorious bay and includes some very private beachfront accommodation. Being on the slightly larger Virgin Gorda Island there is some local life, including bars and restaurants that you can enjoy from Little Dix.

When to go: The BVI’s enjoy a typically temperate year-round temperature of mid 20’s to low 30’s – being most consistent November through to April. The summer months from May – October are typical of the Caribbean with higher temperatures and humidity, with the chance of rain. Storm systems are unlikely to affect your stay but can pass through. Prices reflect this over the summer months.