A captivating collection of idyllic islands: our British Virgin Islands travel guide
12 December 2022
Caribbean
‣
British Virgin Islands
BVI villas for rent
The perfect stay
in the British Virgin Islands
A chain of 60 islands strung across the Caribbean Sea like a sparkling diamond necklace, the British Virgin Islands are a delightful hideaway for tropical escapes to the sun. Pristine sandy beaches and mesmerising sunsets give you the ultimate Caribbean experience that captures your soul. Explore the wonders of the islands and then return to your BVI villa rental at the end of a busy day to watch the sun paint the sky in pinks, purples and golds.
The four main islands of the BVIs are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke. More than 50 other tiny islets and islands surround the main BVIs, and as all of the islands are accessible by boat, that’s a lot of beautiful beaches, inlets and dive sites to explore in glorious serenity. At the end of a busy day’s adventure, our luxury BVI villas and vacation rentals are there to welcome you home with elegant interiors that draw on both contemporary themes and traditional island motifs for that idyllic beachfront escape.
The four main islands of the BVIs are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke. More than 50 other tiny islets and islands surround the main BVIs, and as all of the islands are accessible by boat, that’s a lot of beautiful beaches, inlets and dive sites to explore in glorious serenity. At the end of a busy day’s adventure, our luxury BVI villas and vacation rentals are there to welcome you home with elegant interiors that draw on both contemporary themes and traditional island motifs for that idyllic beachfront escape.
From the heights of Sage Mountain on Tortola to the ‘Drowned Island’ of Anegada, the BVIs are a mix of volcanic wonders and low-lying coral islands where the only sound you’ll hear is the whisper of the breeze in the palm trees. The main islands of Tortola and Virgin Gorda offer gourmet restaurants, boutique shopping, and relaxed, easy-going nightlife where the rum punches flow and the laughter carries on until the small hours.
Things
you can’t miss in the British Virgin Islands
- Set off on a snorkel trip to Cooper and Norman Islands and swim among a variety of stunning sea creatures in every colour imaginable.
- Visit The Baths on Virgin Gorda, caused by volcanic activity, these spectacular rock formations have created enchanting grottos and magical pools within the sparkling turquoise bay.
- Set off on a hike in a national park. The British Virgin Islands is home to a wealth of natural parks to explore, each boasting endless natural beauty and incredible views.
Our insider tips for the British Virgin Islands
Popular destinations in the British Virgin Islands
Virgin Gorda, a tranquil escape
Picture the peace and tranquillity of a tropical island escape, where a sense of wonder fills you from the moment you wake up. You’ve just imagined Virgin Gorda – a lush paradise that’s a million miles from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. onefinestay BVI vacation rentals on this gorgeous island are designed to refresh the mind, body and soul, surrounding you with unspoilt natural beauty. Go island hopping and discover undisturbed secret coves. Snorkel in clear blue waters and watch a turtle swim by. Or simply snooze the afternoon away in a hammock underneath a shady palm tree.
Mahoe Bay, white sand, blue skies
The sheer perfection of Mahoe Bay will take your breath away. This sheltered sandy horseshoe beach surrounded by coconut palms and a verdant hilly backdrop is everything you could wish for. At one end you’ll find a few exquisite villa rentals with an unrivalled ocean view, while at the other you’ll discover beachfront restaurants where the morning catch of crayfish and lobsters are served drizzled in lemon juice and accompanied by a rum cocktail or two. After dinner, take a stroll along the beach and feel the warm sand between your toes as you watch the sunset paint the sky.
British Virgin Islands villas you will love
Our BVI villas for rent
Baraka Point
16 PEOPLE -
6 Bedrooms -
7 Bathrooms
Reef House Estate Villa
6 PEOPLE -
3 Bedrooms -
4 Bathrooms
Cheemaun Beach Villa
8 PEOPLE -
3 Bedrooms -
4 Bathrooms
Necker Island
48 PEOPLE -
24 Bedrooms -
24 Bathrooms
The Cliffs Penthouse Suite
2 PEOPLE -
1 Bedrooms -
2 Bathrooms
St. Bernards Hill House
10 PEOPLE -
5 Bedrooms -
7 Bathrooms
“The British Virgin Islands have a special charm that you can only truly experience for yourself. Brimming with pristine beaches, hidden coves and characterful towns, it is no surprise that these islands keep calling me back year after year.”
Sophie Stileman
Why stay with us?
Curated and inspected homes, villas & chalets
Luxury linen and toiletries
Round the clock support
Complimentary weekly clean
Dedicated concierge
Earn & redeem Accor ALL loyalty Reward points
Personal Meet & Greet
Complimentary medical support in partnership with AXA
Enhance your British Virgin Islands stay
Your luxury onefinestay rental villa in British Virgin Islands comes with a host of additional services, including wellness activities, sports and equipment hire, dinner reservations, a personal chef, childcare, car hire, entertainment, and celebratory decorations. Just ask your dedicated concierge for more details.
Essential information
When to visit
JAN
78F
FEB
78F
MAR
78F
APR
80F
MAY
80F
JUN
82F
JUL
82F
AUG
84F
SEP
84F
OCT
84F
NOV
82F
DEC
80F
Please note: these are the average temperatures reported but can vary greatly due to weather conditions, such as heat waves etc. We kindly invite you to contact us for more information, including confirmation that your chosen villa has air conditioning, to ensure a comfortable stay.
Best time to go
During spring: the big event in the British Virgin Islands in the spring is the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival. Ideal conditions bring competitors from across the globe to race in warm waters under perfect blue skies. With temperatures in the high-20s°C (low 80s°F), the spectacle of some of the world’s greatest maritime racing yachts streaming through the Sir Francis Drake Channel and around the outer islands is spectacular.
During summer: the temperatures range from 28 – 32°C (82 – 89°F). From the Summer Sizzle BVI fashion show in July to the Emancipation Festival in August, there are plenty of celebrations to join in with on the various islands. If you just want to lie back, relax, and soak up the sun you’ll find the beaches are quiet and the water is gloriously warm, just right for snorkelling, diving and swimming.
During autumn: there is very little variation in the temperatures during the various seasons in the BVI, so you’ll find the autumn months merge seamlessly from summer through to winter with the thermometer hovering at around 28°C (80°F). The winds are a little brisker and lower the humidity even further, so this is a great time for exploring the islands. Expect the occasional rain shower, but these are usually very brief and quickly followed by blue skies and sunshine once again.
During winter: from December through to April is the high season in the British Virgin Islands. Rental villas are in high demand as travellers come to these sunny islands to soak up the atmosphere, the stunning surroundings, and the culture. This is the driest time of the year, but temperatures are still in the high 20s°C (80 - 86°F), and the sea is at its warmest for swimming. Keep a lookout for loggerhead turtles and migratory whales passing by the shore.
How to get there
Make the journey as memorable as the arrival. Your dedicated concierge can arrange transportation from the closest airport to your British Virgin Islands villa.
By plane
Tortola’s Beef Island Airport is limited to smaller aircraft only, so commercial flights usually land in Antigua, Saint Martin or Puerto Rico, depending on the departure point. The onward journey is usually by ferry, giving you a first glimpse of the islands as you approach them. It is also possible to connect to Tortola via a smaller plane.
By boat
The most common way to arrive is by boat, with ferries regularly sailing between Tortola and St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. The trip is around 50 minutes, and the view as you sail into Tortola is guaranteed to take your breath away.
By car
If you are staying in a British Virgin Islands villa on one of the main islands, a car can be arranged by your concierge for the duration of your stay. However, if you are staying on one of the smaller islands, you may find that a hire yacht is a more practical way of getting around, and also allows you to island hop at your leisure. Again, your dedicated villa rental concierge will be able to arrange this for you.
Local tips
- Vacationing in the British Virgin Islands guarantees a quiet beach getaway as the islands receive one-third of the visitors of the nearby U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Tipping is customary in the British Virgin Islands; typically, 10-15% of the bill will be added on.
- The official language of the British Virgin Islands is English and, despite its name, the official currency is the US Dollar.
Join the onefinestay community
Be the first to hear about our latest destinations, discover our newest homes and win in our exclusive competitions.
Our awards