This archipelago, an overseas territory of the United Kingdom since 1672, is made up of more than 50 islands and islets, of which approximately 16 are inhabited. There are four main islands: Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke.
These places are select destinations, with high-end accommodations, rich in tourist and cultural activities, and paradisiacal for their beaches, clear waters, and sailing and diving spots. Here, the main language is English, so let's go!
How and when to get to the BVI (British Virgin Islands)?
The islands are located in the Antilles, in the Caribbean, east of Puerto Rico. From Paris, they are reached by plane from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to the island of Saint Martin (in the French part), then a direct flight with Winair to Tortola, the main island. Internal travel is then mainly by sea.
The dry season, from December to April, is the best time to enjoy all the many attractions offered on the four major islands.
Back to History:
Discovered by the Spanish explorer Christopher Columbus in 1493, who named the archipelago "Santa Ursula y las Once Mil Vírgenes" in honor of Saint Ursula and her 11 virgin martyrs, the islands have retained Spanish imprints in their culture and in many place names.
Tortola (Turtledove in Spanish)
There you will find Road Town, the capital of the BVI, a starting point for numerous sea excursions such as yacht, catamaran and sailboat rentals; but also hiking (towards Sage Mountain National Park, the highest point on the island, at 521 m) and cultural activities such as museums, visits to rum distilleries or craft markets...
For water sports enthusiasts, Cane Garden Bay is a must-see. Surrounded by lush green hills, the bay, with its crescent-shaped beach, is an ideal spot for surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling.
On the island, history holds a strong place in memories, with the BVI Emancipation Festival taking place in August to commemorate the abolition of slavery in the British colonies and to celebrate the traditions and cultures of the BVI (2024 will be the 70th edition).
In terms of accommodation, the island has many luxurious rentals, such as private villas like Mango Manor, Anacapri Estate, Belmont House, Coconut Tree Villa, Azul Villa or all-inclusive resorts like Nanny Cay Resort & Marina, Quito's Luxury INN… These high-end establishments with colorful and stylish architecture are perfect havens for your stay.
Virgin Gorda (fat virgin)
The island was named by Christopher Columbus because of its shape, which reminded him of a corpulent woman lying on her back.
On the island, you can of course enjoy water activities, but there are some must-see spots like The Baths, one of the BVI's most famous landscapes, with its white sand beach and granite boulders that form a series of natural pools, caves, and tunnels along the beach. Also worth visiting: Savannah Bay and Spring Bay beaches – with their pristine sand – and still relatively uncrowded, and Spanish Town, the main town of Virgin Gorda.
In terms of accommodation, the island has luxurious villas and hotels, such as the Sugar Mill Plantation with a view of the port or the Leverick Bay Resorts & Marina located on the heights offering a panoramic view of the bay.
Anegada (sunken land)
This island is particularly popular for diving due to its reefs, wrecks, and abundant underwater wildlife within its large coral reef, Horseshoes Reef, which also plays a vital role in protecting the island and its ecosystem. The reef, home to numerous shipwrecks over the centuries, has become a very popular diving site with its historic wrecks.
The island also has two magnificent beaches: Cow Wreck Beach and Loblolly Bay.
The name "Cow Wreck" comes from a maritime accident where cow bones washed up on the beach. This spot is also known for its sublime sunsets, as well as its festive and relaxed bar. Meanwhile, Loblolly Bay is more focused on diving and snorkeling activities, with a slightly calmer and more natural atmosphere, ideal for enjoying freshly caught lobsters.
On this island, there are many colorful and picturesque villas for rent, such as the Anegada Beach Club, a camp made up of bungalows with palm leaf roofs facing the beach, or the Four Diamonds Park Villas, individual villas with diamond-shaped roofs...
Jost Van Dyke (name of a Dutch privateer)
The island takes its name from the Dutch pirate Joost van Dyk, one of the first European settlers to settle there in the 17th century. It is volcanic with steep hills and stretches approximately eight kilometers long, surrounded by numerous coral reefs.
The island's culture is dominated by music, particularly reggae and calypso, and enlivened by frequent community festivals and events.
Jost Van Dyke is also known for its fresh seafood and Creole cuisine found in its beachfront restaurants, the best Caribbean restaurants.
One of the island's highlights is the Bubbly Pool, a natural pool formed by an opening in the rocks. Seawater seeps into it to create bubbles and waves similar to those in a jacuzzi when the sea is rough.
On the island, there are luxury villas for rent, with private infinity pools, such as the Glass House, Evening Star Villa or White Bay Villas which also offer sublime panoramic views of the sea and high-end services for experiencing dream vacations, as a couple or with friends.
The British Virgin Islands are a premium destination offering luxury accommodations for trips that combine luxury and nature. These islands, with their colorful and unspoiled landscapes, are perfect for water sports, cultural visits to immerse yourself in Caribbean history, discovering the beauty of tropical natural parks and coral reefs; or simply relaxing on idyllic white-sand beaches, lulled by the sound of reggae or calypso, or swimming in turquoise waters discovering exotic and multicolored fish.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Administrative formalities:
A passport valid six months after the return date and a return ticket for French citizens.
Flights available to Tortola, the main island:
– Direct Air France flight from Paris CDG to Saint Martin (SMX) then take a direct flight via Winair to the island.
– Flight from Miami with American Airlines which has been connecting since June 1st.
– Flight with Air Caraïbes via Puerto Rico (San Juan) or St Martin (SMX).
Recommended vaccinations:
– no risk of malaria
– hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough (Tdap), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and flueg
Ema Lynnx
Find out more:
https://www.bvitourism.com/
