Here's your guide to these beautiful isles—choose the one that suits you to a T.
By: Jill FergusVirgin Gorda
The island of Virgin Gorda, or Fat Virgin, is said to have gotten its name from Christopher Columbus, who thought it resembled a reclining woman. Though more low-key than Tortola, it still has some of the British Virgin Islands’ swankiest resorts, appealing to those who like some luxury served along with sublime natural beauty.
Virgin Gorda’s most famous attraction is the Baths on the island’s southwestern tip. Here, massive boulders at the water’s edge form an eerie labyrinth of caves, caverns and tidal pools, where you can wade and swim—keep an eye out for Sally lightfoot crabs. On the island’s west side are several postcard-perfect beaches, including Mahoe and Savannah, where snorkelers might spot sea turtles among the coral reefs. Don’t miss a chance to get a bird’s-eye view of Virgin Gorda: Climb to the top of 1,359-foot-high Gorda Peak in the middle of the island for dazzling 360-degree vistas. Later, kick back at Chez Bamboo, a festive restaurant with garden seating, serving Caribbean and Cajun dishes like conch gumbo and red snapper en papillote (a wrapped, baked filet). At night, the eatery’s outdoor bar turns into an after-dinner hotspot with reggae music and dancing.
WHERE TO STAY: After a walk along the crescent-shaped beach, take a nap in the hammock in your treehouse cottage at Rosewood Little Dix Bay, created by Laurence Rockefeller in 1964. In the evening, as gentle tradewinds blow, enjoy a romantic dinner of grilled lobster and mahi mahi in a coconut sauce at the alfresco Pavilion (room rates start at $450 a night; littledixbay.com). Biras Creek Resort, with just 31 suites, is accessible only by boat or helicopter, making it a seductive getaway (room rates start at $495 a night and include some activities; biras.com).
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