THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) consist of about 50 islands, islets, and cays. Most are remarkably hilly, and all but Anageda are volcanic having exploded from the depths of the sea some 25 million years ago. The BVI are serene, seductive, spectacularly beautiful, and still remain remarkably laid-back. At some points they lie only a mile or so form the U.S. Virgin Islands, but they remain unique and have maintained their quiet, friendly, casual character.

The pleasures here are understated: sailing around the multitude of tiny nearby islands; diving to the wreck of the RMS Rhone, sunk off Salt Island in 1867; snorkeling in one the hundreds of wonderful spots; walking empty beaches; taking in the spectacular views from the island peaks; and settling in on a breeze-swept terrace to admire the sunset.

Several factors have enabled the BVI to retain the qualities of yesteryear’s Caribbean: no building can rise higher than the surrounding palms, and there are no direct flights from the mainland United States, so the tourism tide is held back. Many visitors travel here by water, aboard their own ketches and yawls or on one of the ferries that cross the waters between St. Thomas and Tortola. Such a passage is a fine prelude to a stay in these unhurried havens.

Source: Fodor’s 16th Edition Guide to The U.S. & British Virgin Islands