The British Virgin Islands has frequently been described as a ‘billionaires playground’, and with good reason. We do appear to have more than our fair share of luxury resorts, high-end villas and exclusive private island hideaways – given our relatively small size. Visitors enjoy the understated elegance of our resorts and the unpretentious style. The Territory is known for an exceptionally luxe tourist experience making it a bucket-list Caribbean destination for many.
“The British Virgin Islands is a destination known for its range of offerings that strike the delicate balance between simplicity and elegant luxury. From accommodations with outstanding architectural features found in unique locations throughout our archipelago, to luxury crewed sail and motor yachts that ply our waters, the British Virgin Islands has many options for high-net-worth visitors to experience. Luxe lifestyle is at the core of our marketing strategy as our guests are encouraged to explore as many islands and indulge in as many experiences as their itineraries would allow. These are also the guests that have remained loyal and have continued to visit the BVI in defiance of the current world situation.”
— Clive McCoy, BVI Director of Tourism
The jewel in this crown, at least in this writer’s humble opinion, is Virgin Gorda, home to some of the British Virgin Islands’ most established resorts and upmarket rental villas. The unparalleled natural beauty of the Baths and Virgin Gorda’s boulder landscape is another unique draw. And, while you certainly don’t need a billionaire’s bank account to enjoy a vacation here, Virgin Gorda can cater to even the most discerning visitors, at almost any price point! Whether you dream of arriving by helicopter to a private island escape or speeding across azure waters for a bite to eat and a glass of rosé at an exclusive resort, Virgin Gorda provides some of the most impressive luxury options in the Caribbean. There is something for everyone with lavish accommodations, spa and wellness opportunities, sporting activities, and fine dining. The last few years have seen huge developments in Virgin Gorda with the rebuild of Nail Bay Sports Club, as well as the opening of Oil Nut Bay’s brand-new Marina Village and Nova Restaurant. The re-opening of Rosewood Little Dix Bay after closure for renovations and yet more excitement as further North Sound openings are slated for later this year and early next year.
And, if you wanted to sample some of Virgin Gorda’s most luxurious accommodations, restaurants, and activities for yourself – here’s just a taste of what you could experience!
Luxury Living at Baraka Point Estate
Set on the point between Nail Bay and Mountain Trunk beaches and with six ocean-view suites spread across this private two-acre property, Baraka Point Estate is ideally suited for large families, intimate events, and groups of friends. The sumptuous decor is an eclectic mix of Moroccan, Indonesian and Indian influences with rich fabrics, patterned tiles and carved hardwood furniture giving it a luxury bohemian feel and a distinctive style.
Each spacious king-sized suite is air-conditioned and beautifully appointed with decadent features including canopy beds or soaking tubs and their own private deck or terrace space with sweeping sea views. Lush tropical gardens surround the suites and there is a large infinity pool, roof terrace and sea deck with panoramic views of the nearby islands.
But what sets Baraka Point apart from many of the other luxury villas on Virgin Gorda is their dedicated team. General manager Corey, concierge Arianne, private chef Tommy and their housekeeping and grounds staff work together to provide an outstanding guest experience.
With an arsenal of activities available, varied dining options, wellness and spa treatments and their concierge service, the team is on hand to truly curate the ideal luxury vacation. Imagine sunrise yoga sessions led by Arianne, direct access to three beautiful beaches, pizza parties, beach bonfires, tapas platters or a gourmet tasting menu designed especially for you by chef Tommy. Fine food is a particular highlight at Baraka Point. Let them pack you a picnic for the beach or lay out a spread on the roof terrace with sun-downer cocktails.
Baraka Point staff pay attention to every little detail and offer uniquely personalised service and hospitality that brings guests back time and again.
Private tennis lessons and workout at Nail Bay Sports Club with lunch at Sugarcane Restaurant
Nail Bay Sports Club reopened in May 2019 with the recently redeveloped Sugarcane Restaurant on site. Rebuilt from the ground up with a sleek new look, they freshly redesigned all of the facilities. Now featuring a private tennis court, the only air-conditioned squash courts in the Territory, table tennis, a swimming pool and a gym – this members-only sports club offers the perfect venue to while away an afternoon.
Make use of all the amenities! Start with your workout, work on your serve and then relax and cool off by the pool after lunch with a well-deserved cocktail or two. Everything that you need is wrapped up in one location. Nail Bay Sports Club even offers a world-class tennis and squash coach, Joe Faragher-Kneipp. So, you can book yourself a lesson and get racquet tips from a professional.
Be sure to leave enough time to enjoy Sugarcane Restaurant and its mouth-watering Asian-inspired menu. Stake your claim on a sun lounger and relax poolside, or enjoy one of the swinging seats and sensational sunset views, surrounded by the pristinely maintained gardens. Grab a cocktail from the bar; they offer a selection of mules and margaritas. Sugarcane Restaurant epitomises laidback luxury with its open-air, beach-chic design and sandy floor, perfect for stretching out your bare feet as you unwind with your cocktail. Above you, the thatched roof and warm lighting enchantingly reflect off the water after the sun has set.
Personalised Spa Treatment at Spa and Sparkle, Nail Bay
No luxury weekend getaway would be complete without an all-out pampering experience, which is exactly what you get at Spa and Sparkle. Situated in Nail Bay, just up the hill from Sugarcane Restaurant, therapist Leesa Jones offers treatments in her spa sanctuary – or she will come to your villa and treat you there. Have her set up on your deck and enjoy the cool Caribbean breeze as she treats you to a mani-pedi or massage.
Choose a 90-minute massage and facial with a balancing sound bath and aromatherapy oils – a real treat for all the senses. Hot lava shells work wonders on your tired muscles, penetrating heat into areas of stress, melting away tension as Leesa massages away your aches and pains. Using premium spa products and aromatherapy oils to help nourish or invigorate, revive, or empower – you sample the oils and choose the blend based on your mood individual needs. For some of us, taking the time to relax and focus on ourselves is the real luxury.
Fine Dining at Rosewood Little Dix Bay
Whether you’re hosting a glamorous event or planning a romantic meal for two, the team at Rosewood Little Dix Bay creates magic with their fine dining options.
Executive Chef Francisco Sanabria is known for his work at Michelin-starred establishments and leads the team in providing one of the most elegant and unforgettable culinary offerings in the Territory.
With four unique restaurant and bar areas, you are spoilt for choice. The resort’s signature restaurant, Reef House, provides an authentic ‘farm to fork’ experience showcasing the freshest ingredients the British Virgin Islands have to offer. The menu rotates daily and features locally sourced provisions as well as fruits, vegetables and herbs which are grown on-site in the resort’s garden.
You can watch master chefs prepare culinary feats beneath the cathedral ceilings at the Pavilion restaurant before sipping one of the 107 international rums available in the adjoining Rum Room. Sample the premium spirits or enjoy a speciality craft cocktail from their bartenders.
For something more laid back, follow the path down to the open-air stone mill directly on the beachfront and dine at their Sugar Mill restaurant. Enjoy creative Caribbean tapas plates and a raw bar with seafood specials showcasing the day’s catch, before kicking off your shoes for a digestif on the beach.
Rosewood’s reopening in January 2020 saw the return of the BVI legacy that is Little Dix Bay resort, a truly distinguished luxury property.
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