By Jane Bakewell

The BVI is a tropical sensory experience — trade winds caress, warm waters envelop, sunsets soothe and beauty all around delights the traveller. Because so much of life in these sun-dappled islands and cays takes place outdoors, accommodations tend to be more of a gentle, protecting arm rather than a stone fortress. A menu of choices for overnight havens can be as simple as a beachside cottage appetizer to a five-course resort with all the amenities.

Dessert may include a luscious cliff-top villa with an infinity pool or the cosy cabin of a yacht skimming along the water. Environment is key, and many BVI accommodations now embrace an eco-friendly philosophy to sustain what nature has so generously gifted.

Tortola
Centrepiece in this necklace of island jewels, Tortola is the seat of government and the most populous of all the islands. The bustling, commercial hub of Road Town sports both marinas and hotels. Fort Burt Hotel overlooking Road Harbour is a delightful mix of history with stunning views. Some rooms even boast private outdoor dipping pools. Maria’s by the Sea has the advantage of being centrally located within walking distance of shops and restaurants with reasonably priced rooms. Village Cay Hotel and Marina features a popular restaurant with rooms above. Just on the outskirts of town, The Moorings offers custom yacht rentals or a choice to stay at the Mariner Inn’s garden- or ocean-view suites.

Tortola’s topography includes a mountainous ridge running the length of the island, which slopes down to a north shore dotted with white-sand beaches. Cane Garden Bay, a crescent beach lined with palms, is a picture-perfect postcard and the location of Myett’s Garden Inn. A cosy room here will make you feel like family amidst the locals. One bay over is Brewer’s Bay, a bit quieter and definitely a place to enjoy a villa with panoramic views. The Refuge mirrors its name with secluded luxury offering a spot for serenity, peace and solace. Relax in a contemporary designed, fully furnished villa with kitchen, private pool and upper and lower master bedrooms that boast balconies with killer views.

Further east on the north shore, Golden Pavilion is a luxury villa with a Balinese-inspired theme built on a dramatic cliff overlooking Guana Island. Ideal for larger groups, it has five bedrooms with en suite baths. Amenities include a media room, pool table and fully equipped gym; but you may never leave the mesmerizing infinity pool. Just over the bridge on Beef Island on a protected cay is Surfsong Villa Resort, overlooking tranquil Well Bay. Each of the unique villas tucked amongst the gardens is decorated with teak furnishings and offers both peace and privacy in an intimate setting.

A great way to have a more intimate experience with the BVI is to choose a property from one of the Jewels of the BVI, an association of locally owned and operated guest houses and villas that span all four major islands. Not only will you pick up a little local knowledge you might have missed, but also you can customise your choice based on price, location and amenities.

Virgin Gorda
Bougainvillea and cactus grow side by side with boulders and beach as a backdrop. Virgin Gorda is a former scrub brush island that has blossomed like a rose. The hospitality business is the main source of economy, so expect to be greeted on your arrival with a warm welcome. Little Dix Bay, the legendary Rockefeller resort now part of the prestigious Rosewood Hotels group, offers the ultimate in seclusion and world-class pampering. Rooms are large and tastefully furnished, and once you discover the hilltop spa with cascading pools, you may never leave. Biras Creek Resort lays partially hidden in a water cul-de-sac of the North Sound. Here, low-key luxury mixes boardwalk bikes and island iguanas with scenic beauty and classic service.

For mid-range travellers looking for a bargain with resort amenities, Nail Bay Resort is filled with options, including three beaches to choose from. Guest villas come in all sizes and are nestled in and around a 147-acre estate, some perched on hillsides and others close to the water. Leverick Bay Resort is a boater’s paradise, right on a marina with boats to rent and reasonably priced rooms, all with a view. Sol Y Sombra, a four-bedroom luxury villa right on the beach, is surrounded by an acre of tropical gardens. A main living room pavilion looks out on the infinity pool and ocean beyond. On the Rocks is architecturally distinctive with its round villa bedrooms nestled amongst the boulders overlooking Little Trunk Bay. Beautifully appointed with a state-of-the-art kitchen, this is a secluded hideaway you may not want to leave. Gordian House gives vacationers a panoramic view that only comes from being perched on a hilltop. Studio, one- and two-bedroom suites all come fully furnished with their own balcony overlooking the North Sound.

Jost Van Dyke
Approached solely by commercial ferry or under sail or motor power, Jost Van Dyke has always been a favourite of the sailing community. A popular option for the camping set is Ivan’s Campground on White Bay, which offers campsites and bare cabins to rent. The Sandcastle Hotel fashions itself as a “barefoot retreat in paradise” and has four charming bungalows close to the beach. For view seekers, White Bay Villas offers a great beach and sea view from a hilltop. Villas come fully equipped and boast energy-saving appliances.

Anegada
Anegada is the BVI’s only all-coral atoll. Flat as a pancake, it is the palms that stand out here; and the island boasts large salt ponds that are home to an amazing variety of bird life. Guest accommodations vary from air-conditioned rooms at Anegada Reef Hotel to the cabin-style Loblolly Beach Cottages, fully furnished and on a secluded stretch of beach. Other beach cottages can be found at Cow Wreck and Kiel Point beaches.

Luxe Retreat:  Sol y Sombra
Luxury usually doesn’t come quite as beautifully packaged as this, but Sol Y Sombra (sun and shade), located on Virgin Gorda, mixes a stunning garden setting with four-bedroom pavilions on a white-sand beach with an unparalleled view. The stone Sugar Mill Pavilion offers an upper bedroom view, whilst the Master Bedroom Pavilion and Pool Suite flank the 30-foot vanishing-edge pool. A fourth Tennis Pavilion offers garden privacy. The Great Room has a common dining room and home theatre with a drop-down screen. A fully furnished kitchen with all the modern essentials makes dining in a gourmet’s delight. Furnishings are Caribbean-inspired, Old World luxury mixing together an eclectic blend of woods, beautiful art pieces and colourful fabrics. Luscious landscaped gardens allow privacy between the pavilions, whilst nature paths wind down to an idyllic beach. Sol Y Sombra blends barefoot casualness with a luxurious private retreat.

Eco-Friendly Accommodations
Resorts and guest villas in the BVI are increasingly embracing the “go green” concept. Peter Island Resort has made the biggest statement in reducing their carbon footprint by installing two 100-foot wind turbines aesthetically placed on the south side of the island, out of the guests’ view. Along with a recently updated eco-friendly plumbing system, the upscale resort with flowering gardens and a stunning spa facility continues to pamper guests with a careful eye towards the environment.

Baraka Point Estate on Virgin Gorda incorporates the idea of sustainability in every aspect of their luxury villa operation. A line of biodegradable bath products allows them to recycle shower water for the gardens. No chemical sprays are used in their extensive gardens, composting kitchen waste provides a natural fertilizer, and they bottle their own still and sparkling water in reusable glass bottles to reduce plastic waste. Even the fruit from the trees is utilised in homemade body wraps and facials in their spa treatments.

Baraka Point Estate
Nail Bay, Virgin Gorda
Tel: 541-1102; 541-1103
U.S. toll-free: 800-969-9713
E-mail: info@barakapoint.com
Web: www.barakapoint.com
This unique beachfront estate offers extensive tropical gardens, panoramic views and luxurious accommodations for up to 16 guests in a fully private setting with a dedicated staff of nine, which includes chefs, spa therapist, butler and housekeeper. Five king-size ocean view suites with A/C, handmade silks and hardwood furniture, plus four twin-size bedrooms. Satellite TV, DVDs and iPod docks throughout. Indoor/outdoor Sonos stereo system and high-speed Wi-Fi, gym and personal training, secluded beach area and fire pit. Massage and Yoga Pavilion, and a Games Pavilion with pool table, wet bar and home movie theatre. Children’s activities, watersports, Hobie Cat, sea trampoline and beach buggy are included in rental rates. This exclusive retreat is only rented to one group at a time, making it ideal for group or family holidays, weddings and special celebrations.

Fort Burt Hotel & Marina
Fort Burt, Road Town, Tortola
Tel: 494-2587
Fax: 494-2002
Web: www.fortburt.com
This historic landmark offers views of Road Harbour from the deluxe rooms, suites and the elegant dining terrace. Breakfast, lunch and dinner served daily. Ideal for special events.

Golden Pavilion
East End, Tortola
Tel: 541-0185; 541-0201
E-mail: info@goldenpavilionvilla.com
Privately situated on four gated acres. Balinese-inspired villa with four bedrooms and 4.5 baths, features stunning 180-degree ocean views, heated infinity pool, hot tub, outdoor gas fire pit, second-floor gallery with wet bar and pool table, media room with large flat-screen TV and surround sound, office with fax/PC/wireless Internet, a fully equipped gym, air-conditioning in all primary rooms and a private chef.

Leverick Bay Resort & Marina
North Sound, Virgin Gorda
Tel: 495-7421
Fax: 495-7367
E-mail: Leverick@surfbvi.com
Web: www.leverickbay.com
With 14 hotel rooms and four suites, Leverick Bay sits on the southern shore of one of the most unique bays within the Caribbean Sea. Encircled by small islands and barrier reefs, the waters of North Sound offer a magnificent playground in every shade of aquamarine imaginable.

Maria’s by the Sea
Road Town, Tortola
Tel: 494-2595
Fax: 494-2420
E-mail: mariasbythesea@surfbvi.com
Web: www.mariasbythesea.com
This central waterfront location offers spacious air-conditioned, Internet-ready rooms with wet bars. Vacationers and business travellers will appreciate the on-site car rental agency. Cool off in the pool or dine at Maria’s Restaurant overlooking the Sir Francis Drake Channel.

Myett’s Garden Inn and Grille
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
Tel: 495-9649
Fax: 495-9579
E-mail: myettent@surfbvi.com
Web: www.myettent.com
Enjoy charming beachfront rooms nestled in tropical gardens, a spectacular white sandy beach, crystal-clear water and romantic sunsets. Spacious air-conditioned rooms with tropical décor, refrigerator and wet bar, coffeemaker, telephone and maid service. ATM and restaurant on property.

Nail Bay Resort
Nail Bay, Virgin Gorda
Tel: 494-8000
Fax: 495-5875
U.S. toll-free: 800-871-3551
E-mail: info@nailbay.com
Web: www.nailbay.com
Recommended by Frommer’s and The Best of the British Virgin Islands, Nail Bay offers apartments, rooms and distinctive villas with pools — all with magical sunset views. Nail Bay offers splendid isolation in a 147-acre historic waterfront sugar plantation below Gorda Peak overlooking the Sir Francis Drake Channel. Enjoy great snorkelling with easy access from the three beautiful beaches. Enjoy luxury at a great value.

The Refuge
Brewer’s Bay, Tortola
Tel: 494-5440
Fax: 494-3026
E-mail: info@therefugebvi.com
Web: www.therefugebvi.com
The Refuge is a secluded villa community, ultimately consisting of eight luxury villas on beautiful Brewer’s Bay. Villas are available for purchase and for vacation rentals. Rental accommodations include entire villas and one- or two-bedroom studios. Three-bedroom villas have private indoor/outdoor showers and private balconies, fully equipped kitchen, air-conditioning, cable/Internet, dip pool, terraces, snorkelling and much more.

Surfsong Villa Resort
Well Bay, Beef Island
Tel: 495-1864
Fax: 495-0089
E-mail: info@surfsong.net
Web: www.surfsong.net
A secluded beachfront resort offering distinctive villas, Surfsong boasts luxuriously appointed accommodations with plush king beds, air-conditioning, fully equipped kitchens, satellite TV, DVD/CD, room safes, Wi-Fi, a beach lounge, massage pavilion and tranquil courtyard. This exclusive retreat is perfect for weddings, honeymoons and private celebrations.

Villa Aquamare
Mahoe Bay, Virgin Gorda
Tel: 461-2638; 531-0232
E-mail: info@villaaquamare.com
Web: www.villaaquamare.com
Featured in the Hot List edition of 2008 Condé Nast Traveler, Villa Aquamare established a new trend in luxury villas in Virgin Gorda. Aquamare is a secluded enclave comprised of three 8,000-square-foot, five-bedroom beachfront villas, surrounded by lush landscaping for maximum privacy. Infinity pools, central A/C, gourmet kitchen and daily maid services. The private beach park is the ideal setting for family gatherings and romantic weddings.

Village Cay Marina, Hotel & Restaurant
Road Town, Tortola
Tel: 494-2771
Fax: 494-2773
E-mail: hotel@vcmarina.biz
Village Cay is the most centrally located full-service marina, hotel, restaurant and deli complex in the British Virgin Islands. Situated directly in the heart of Road Town, it’s a favourite of yachtsmen and land lovers alike!

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