Virgin Gorda hotels and resorts.

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is one of the most beautiful island chains in the world, and Virgin Gorda is arguably the loveliest in the chain. Sailors and yachtsmen favor it for the crystal clear waters. And Virgin Gorda hotels make the island just as attractive to those whose feet are firmly planted on the ground.

It doesn’t take long to explore Virgin Gorda -- it’s pretty small.  But there are several things worth seeing.  Walkers will find the 30-minute hike up Virgin Gorda Peak worth the effort for the great views.  The 19th-century ruins of an old copper mine are fun to explore.  And the one must-see in Virgin Gorda is the Baths, a group of huge boulders that form pools, grottoes, and seaside caverns.  It’s a great place to take pictures. 

Many of the Virgin Gorda luxury resorts have private launches to bring you from the airport.  So getting to your hotel is half the fun.

If you love water sports, you’ll love the Bitter End Yacht Club (BEYC). The marina next door rents kayaks, windsurfers, and sailboats -- and they’re included in the daily rate, so you can get out on the water every day. The resort can also arrange fishing, SCUBA diving, and snorkeling trips for you. There’s plenty to do on dry land too with three restaurants, a pub, a bakery, and a couple of bars where visiting sailors gather. You can opt for everything from a beach-front suite or villa to a private house. To reach the BEYC, you take a ferry from the Beef Island Airport. The location is a little isolated. But with everything that’s here -- why leave?

The only member of the Relais & Chateaux group in the British Virgin Islands, The Biras Creek Resort is a great choice for those who like to arrive, unpack, and never leave. The food is exceptional and included in the room rate. Located on a 140-acre peninsula, Biras Creek is surrounded by water. There’s a turquoise lagoon that’s great for swimming and snorkeling, and a white-sand beach where you can go for a stroll or relax in a chaise. With private patios, ocean-view verandahs, and garden showers, the 31 suites here are some of the best in the British Virgin Islands. The resort had complimentary bikes and Boston Whalers. And there’s a fitness center and open-air bar. This is one of the most romantic hotels in Virgin Gorda.

Rosewood Little Dix Bay has been one of the top Virgin Gorda luxury resorts since it opened in 1964. It was created by Laurance Rockefeller, who found the location on a half-mile crescent of perfect beach. Today, many families have been coming here for generations. The location is more convenient than some -- you can walk to the restaurants and shops of Spanish Town. The resort also has a water taxi that will take you to nearby beaches. Rooms, suites, and villas have views of the gardens or the ocean. And there are also several tree house cottages with upstairs decks and downstairs patios. There are lots of available activities including tennis clinics, sailing lessons, kayaks, and nightly movies. And Sugar Mill Restaurant is just about as romantic as a place can get.

If you prefer all the comforts of home, Mango Bay Resort is a good choice.  They have eight villas with one- and two-bedroom suite and villas with kitchens, outdoor showers, and verandahs.  Some even have private pools.  The property is on a nice beach, and there’s a good Italian restaurants within walking distance.  Mango Bay is the most affordable Virgin Gorda vacation rental in the neighborhood.  Package deals that include extras like Jeep rental, spa treatments, and dinners are an even better value. 

Katitche Point is a five-bedroom villas with everything anyone could want -- infinity pool, private ocean-view terraces for every bedroom, a beautiful beach a few steps away -- and a staff to take care of your every wish.  The villa rents for $13,700 to $22,300, depending on the season.  But you can split the cost with four other couples.