The best resorts in the British Virgin Islands

Spread across 850 acres, Guana Island hosts beaches, mountains, orchards and a flock of resident flamingos, to be a cut above other British Virgin Islands all-inclusive resorts, at the meeting point of the Caribbean and Atlantic oceans. All 18 whitewashed cottages lie high in the cliffs with terraces overlooking the ocean and framed by frangipani. To access this private island, travellers must be guests at the Guana Island resort, which luckily is one of the territory’s finest, having hosted A-listers and dignitaries from all over the world since 1934.

With only 35 guests at any one time, you can rest assured your every need will be prioritised, whether you want elevated Caribbean dinners (all-inclusive and coconut heavy), secluded beachside massages or hassle-free day trips out to other islands. Otherwise, wander the entire island on 19 kilometres of trails over Sugarloaf Mountain and beyond, keeping an eye out for the endemic birds, lizards and plants that now thrive across the land.

Established in 1964 by Laurance Rockefeller as a five-star alignment of sustainability and hospitality, Rosewood Little Dix Bay retains its eco premise following a complete renovation that started in 2020. The resort’s ‘digital free’ treehouse suites are a unique selling point but guests also have a choice of pool- and ocean-view suites, all upon 500 acres that span seven private beaches, two pools, tennis courts and a full-service spa incorporating African ancestral healing traditions. Yoga and meditation sessions are also offered at the fitness centre. As for meals, the on-site tapas restaurant Sugarmill (based upon an open-air mill) offers ‘farm-to-fork’ dining at its best as well as the freshest local seafood.

Have your personal butler deliver whatever you need right to your beachside palapa or get active with snorkelling, hiking and boating in the wild surroundings of Virgin Gorda, diving to see the offshore barrier reef as a trip highlight.

Although based on Virgin Gorda, the remote cove known as Oil Nut Bay is less accessible than some private islands. This is good for us however as we seek both solitude and luxury amongst pristine natural surroundings. The 400-acre luxury resort of Oil Nut Bay does not disappoint, build on a cliff overlooking Eustatia Sound and integrating green energy measures across the site. While firmly down-to-earth – housing rescue animals in a barn beside the community garden and vegetable patch – the resort also offers upscale interiors and elevated dining for all its guests across ten sea-view bungalow villas, each fitted with its own private pool.

As of 2022, Oil Nut Bay has opened a number of new facilities including manicure and pedicure lounges attached to its brand-new spa, a beach club with three pools and an open-air bar and jacuzzi pavilion. The adjacent Marina Village is also expanding, making way for 93 yachts slips, overwater hammock hangouts and a series of fancy restaurants and bars.

The Saba Rock Resort dates back to the 1960s as a diver’s paradise created by renowned diver Herbert Kilbride. After a full reconstruction, Saba Rock Resort retains all of its original charms adding chic modern design throughout nine new guest rooms, an open-air restaurant and multi-level bars. Each room comes with a view of the ocean and neighbouring islands, with warm interiors adorned with surfer and diver accents, ensuring no one forgets that the water is centre stage. The resort has its own dive shop and boutique, selling gear and classes for kiteboarding, yachting, surfing and diving, and there is also a lounge bar and all-day restaurant (with happy hour from 4pm-6pm) and shipwreck artefacts to peruse, alongside countless other North Sound sights, such as the rock formations on Virgin Gorda (7.5 kilometres away via water taxi).

If you like the palapa so much, how about getting a villa that resembles one, thatched roof and sandy front entrance included? The nine beachfront ‘glamping-style’ villas at Anegada Beach Club can provide exactly that, in addition to standard luxury rooms, perfect for those looking for something alternative to all-inclusive resorts in the British Virgin Islands. Besides charming accommodations, Anegada Beach Club will keep guests active at kitesurfing school or on snorkelling excursions, with access to kayaks and paddleboards the rest of the time.

Beach volleyball is also a good way to mingle with other guests, alongside other beach games such as Jenga, horseshoes and cornhole. To get out and explore the island and its neighbours, rent a bicycle (or electric scooter) switching to a BVI catamaran charter for a special occasion. Staff at Anegada Beach Club can arrange day trips and boat tours for guests, or otherwise serve you cocktails and grilled lobster lunches beside the pool.

With limited time in the British Virgin Islands, we regretfully finish off at Bitter End Yacht Club, a luxury resort rather sunnier than its name suggests. Re-opening in 2022 after being destroyed by the hurricanes of 2017, the yacht club continues to cater to the British Virgin Islands sailing community with its shiny new marina where a number of new Mariner Lofts are available to book. These are some of the only overwater bungalows on the islands, made from wood in the style of vintage sail lofts. The bungalows each have floor-to-ceiling doors that open onto a furnished patio area, with kayak access should it be needed! Beyond the lofts, Bitter End Yacht Club has its own restaurant, several shops and one of the island’s oldest bars, with water sports and boating adventures led by expert staff.