There are few places that better capture the fantasy of an island vacation than the BVI. It’s always about the water here, about exploring, about discovery, whether you have a boat or not. You are simply drawn to hop the islands, and there is a pervading friendliness around the whole archipelago, whether you’re exploring the Baths or having a drink in Road Town. The archipelago’s hotels reflect the destination’s diversity, with everything from private island resorts to hip, funky small hotels. In short, there’s something for everyone, but always with personality. These are the 10 best hotels in the British Virgin Islands.
Peter Island Resort and Spa This private island resort is the premier place to stay in the British Virgin Islands. It’s a destination as much as an island. And because the density of the island is so low, it never feels crowded. There are so many things to do — a great pool deck, a number of white-sand beaches, one of the Caribbean’s best spas, the trails… you’ll never feel like you’re stuck on an island. Simply put, if you’re looking for a place to stay in the BVI, this should be your first choice.
Bitter End Yacht Club This place is an adventure wrapped in a hotel. It’s got the largest fleet of free-to-use boats in the whole Caribbean, and for good reason: the North Sound of Virgin Gorda is one of the world’s best destinations for watersports, particularly sailing. The rustic-chic rooms are spectacular too, with sweeping views of the North Sound and surrounding islands.
Cooper Island Beach Club We’ve made no secret of the fact that this is the coolest hotel in the BVI. While it has just 10 rooms, it offers an experience far larger than that, with a terrific rum bar, a great beach, an excellent restaurant and energetic, always-attentive service. But the best part is the island itself — it’s a private island without any of the private island pretentiousness you’d expect. Only accessible by boat, this is also a very eco-friendly property (you can’t miss the rooftop solar panels.)
Long Bay Beach Club The best resort in Tortola is clearly Long Bay, situated on the impossibly beautiful sands of Long Bay and home to one of the island’s signature restaurants, the historic, beachfront 1748. The best thing about this place is the location of the rooms, most of which are perched in bungalows right above the sand.
Guana Island This is a mysterious and beautiful island, with a totally unique vibe. It’s like the island itself is alive, filled with rare species, untouched beaches and magnificent vistas. The cottages are simple and quiet, and the main house feels like a private club. This is hideaway, plain and simple.
Frenchmans Cay Resort This boutique hotel has nine villas all overlooking the beautiful waters of the BVI. The best small hotel in Tortola, this is a getaway as much as a hotel. It’s a refined, luxurious place with standout interior design and an artful spirit.
Scrub Island Resort One of the newest British Virgin Islands hotels, Scrub Island is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. The private island resort has a great marina, a nice restaurant and a wonderful waterslide popular with every guest. The rooms are the stars, though, extremely spacious and well-appointed with every amenity you’d want.
Sugar Mill This is a Tortola institution, built around a restaurant which is a must-visit for travelers to the island. It’s owned by two artists and that’s immediately apparent, with walls covered in beautiful paintings. This is like staying in an old family guest house. And it’s right across the street from a beautiful beach.
Myett’s Gardens Cane Garden Bay is one of the great beaches in the Caribbean, both for the sand and the water and for its collection of beach bars. Myett’s is all about the beach, with a casual, fun vibe and a very lush, tropical environment. The restaurant and bar is great too, meaning you don’t have to venture out on the bay if you don’t want to. There’s even a small spa.
Fort Recovery Beachfront Villa and Suites This is where to stay on the West End of Tortola, right on the channel in plain view of St John. That makes for great vistas and cool breezes. Built around the remains of an old Dutch fort, the hotel has suites and villas, all of which are homey and colorful.
And that’s why they’re the greatest British Virgin Islands hotels.
