Where to Stay in BVI: Island Reviews & Accommodation Recommendations

When we first started planning our travels to the British Virgin Islands (BVI), we quickly realised where you stay shapes everything about your trip – the pace, the views, the vibe, everything from beaches you can easily get to, to eating the best food. Because the BVI isn’t just one big resort island, it’s a collection of 50(!) beautiful, distinct islands and cays. And each of the main islands and neighbouring private islands have their own character, accommodation style and price point. Figuring out the best places to stay in the British Virgin Islands means choosing not just the right accommodation, but the right island!

By the time we’re updating this blog (October 2025), we’ve spent, in total, around 1 year in the British Virgin Islands. Our travels around this country have inspired us to write this guide to where to stay in the BVI as we know it can be a minefield when you first start planning. We’ve made note of what would be perfect for couples, first timers and maybe the slightly budget-conscious. Here’s our best tips for BVI accommodations and islands, so you can pick the perfect base for your island holiday.

Getting your bearings: Understanding the BVI islands

Before booking anything, it helps to understand how the British Virgin Islands are laid out, because choosing where to stay in the BVI isn’t just about hotels, it’s about which island feels right for you.

During our trips to the BVI, we’ve learned that your experience can change completely depending on your base. Here’s how we’d describe each island from a traveller’s perspective:

• Tortola – The gateway island and home to the main airport (EIS). It’s busy by BVI standards, with a mix of mid-range hotels, guesthouses and beachfront resorts. It’s a good base to island hop from, as plenty of ferries and boat charter excursions leave Tortola daily and head around the BVI. You’ll also find the most variety here when it comes to restaurants and shops.
• Virgin Gorda – Our personal favourite. It has a quieter, more upscale feel. Fewer large chain resorts, more luxury villas and hotels that are perched on stunning beaches or hillside with views.
• Jost Van Dyke – This tiny island is all about barefoot beach living. You’ll find a few boutique places to stay and beach cottages, but other than the lively Soggy Dollar Bar and White Bay, there isn’t tons to do in Jost Van Dyke. Great for short stays, like 1-2 nights while exploring the BVI.
• Anegada – Completely different to the others. It’s totally flat and surrounded by coral reefs. There are small beachfront hotels here, but it’s very quiet, so it’s best island to stay only if you’re craving peace and solitude and empty beaches.

When people ask us which is the best island to stay in the BVI, our honest answer is – it depends on what you want. Tortola has a little bit of everything, but it’s a busy island, Virgin Gorda gives you scenery and sophistication, but it’s upscale so prices are higher, and the smaller islands give you that “lost in paradise” feeling.

Map of the hotels and accommodations we recommend in this blog

Use the interactive map below to explore hotels, villas, and vacation rentals across the British Virgin Islands. We’ve pinned all of our recommendations on each island and you can filter by price, location or travel dates to find what fits your trip.

The 4 main islands and what we like about them

1. Tortola – for variety and easy exploring

Tortola is the best island in the British Virgin Islands to visit for first timers. It is the main island in the BVI and the most connected. It has the only international airport, the main ferry dock for boats coming from the USVI and where most boat charter excursions pick up from.

Once you’re on Tortola, it’s the perfect base for exploring the rest of the islands, as you can easily jump on ferries that run almost daily. 

Tortola is busier than the other islands, but that comes with its advantages. There’s a wider range of accommodation choices to suit different budgets and much more choice of restaurants on Tortola compared with the other islands too. 

We’d recommend staying on the north west side of Tortola for the best beaches and restaurants and easy access to Road Town. Cane Garden Bay, West End, Long Bay and Brewers Bay are all really good shouts.

Where to stay in Tortola BVI:

• Luxury: Long Bay Beach Resort – beautiful beachfront resort with views over to other islands.
• Mid-range: Quito’s Luxury Inn – 21 suites on Cane Garden Bay with pool spa and beachfront restaurant.​
• Budget: Cane Garden Bay Cottage #1 – 1 bedroom cottage with kitchen, steps from the beach with maid services.

❤️ What we like most about Tortola: it’s the best base in the BVI if you want to explore multiple islands. We have a full guide to the best beaches in Tortola if you need some inspiration, as well 21 epic things to do – we can promise you won’t get bored here!

⛵️ On this full day charter, head out from Tortola on a 48 ft yacht to island hop to Jost Van Dyke, Norman Island, Willy T’s floating bar and more.

⛵️ If you’d prefer to customise your itinerary, this 5 star private boat day can take you anywhere you want to go out on the water, including The Baths at Virgin Gorda, the BVI’s top rated snorkelling destinations on Norman Island and more.

2. Virgin Gorda – for postcard beaches and luxury

Virgin Gorda is the second-largest and second-most visited island in the BVI. If you’re trying to find the best luxury places to stay in the British Virgin Islands, we recommend Virgin Gorda, as it has some of the most impressive resorts, hotels and villas outside of the private islands. It would be the perfect island in the BVI to stay for honeymooners and couples.

There’s a small supermarket, ATM and a few delicious restaurants on the island that we wish we could’ve eaten at more than once!

Even though it’s only 1 hour ferry from Tortola, this island feels totally different. The landscape is scattered in huge boulders and the beaches are wild and completely empty. Savannah Bay and Little Trunk Bay are two of the best beaches we’ve ever been to, and both times we visited, we had them entirely to ourselves!

VG is also a great base for visiting Saba Rock and Bitter End Yacht Club, and it’s closer to Anegada than Tortola. There are so many things to do on Virgin Gorda, so highly recommend renting a car to get the full experience.

Where to stay in Virgin Gorda BVI:

• Luxury hotel: Rosewood Little Dix Bay – Ticks all the boxes for a 5 star luxury resort in the British Virgin Islands. Fun fact: this is where Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip vacationed once!
• Luxury villas:
  • Bellamare – Luxurious private 4 bed 4 bath villa on Mahoe Bay.
  • Water’s Edge Villa – Secluded villa near The Baths with two pools and ocean views.
• Mid-range/budget: Bayview Vacation Apartments – Centrally located modern apartments with kitchen and lush gardens.

❤️ What we like the most about Virgin Gorda: Nothing feels overdeveloped. You can have a beautiful villa or be eating lunch at a 5 star resort, but still drive 5 minutes and find a wild beach with no one on it. The roads wind through green hills, then suddenly open to views that take your breath away. Not to mention, The Baths is one of the most incredible, natural spectacles in the Caribbean.

⛵️ Visit The Baths on this (customisable) 5 star private boat day, which take you anywhere you want to go out on the water, including Virgin Gorda, the BVI’s top rated snorkelling destinations on Norman Island, Tortola and more.

3. Jost Van Dyke – for lively beach-bar life

This tiny island is pure joy and famous for Soggy Dollar Bar and Foxy’s. There isn’t a ton of sightseeing or activities on the island (the population is only 250!), but the best things to do in Jost Van Dyke are still pretty special. We couldn’t believe it when we first arrived on the island on a ferry from Tortola and the roads were literally sand! We’re not exaggerating when we say everyone is on island time here, and there’s always music somewhere in the distance.

You can also visit Jost Van Dyke on a day charter if you’re short on time. It’s an incredible boat trip from Tortola or Virgin Gorda and a great way to get a taste of the island.

If you’re searching for where to stay in BVI as someone who likes to get out exploring and doing things every day, then Jost Van Dyke probably isn’t for you. We would probably get bored if we spent any longer than 2-3 nights here. However, if you want to switch off, lie on the beach, do a hike or two and forget about life, then Jost is a great base.

Where to stay in Jost Van Dyke BVI:

• Luxury: Almost Heaven Villa – Best location (incredible views) between White Bay and Great Harbour.
• Mid-range: Great House Villa – Villa on the beach with outdoor pool.
• Budget: Ocean View Villas – 1 and 2 bedroom villas that comes with a Jeep to explore!

❤️ What we like the most about Jost Van Dyke: It’s flip-flops and rum punch every day!

4. Anegada – best for snorkelling and seclusion

It’s hard to describe the feeling of stepping foot on Anegada. The ferry from Tortola takes up to 2 hours depending on the weather and by the time you arrive, it genuinely feels like you’ve landed on a deserted movie set. The island is tiny, super quiet and mostly sand – many of the roads aren’t even paved.

Unlike the other mountainous islands in the BVI, Anegada is completely flat. Its highest point sits just 28 feet (8.5 m) above sea level! It’s surrounded by coral reefs (which means incredibly blue water and amazing snorkelling) and beautiful white sand beaches.

Most of the population live in the only village, The Settlement. There is a choice of beach bars and restaurants and still plenty of things to do on Anegada, like Conch Shell Island and spotting flamingoes (yes, you read that right).

We wouldn’t describe the accommodations in Anegada as luxury, but you don’t need the high-end luxury when you can open the door and step into pristine white sand with no one else around. 

So, if you’re searching for where to stay in BVI to switch off and not worry about anything else in the world, Anegada is the place to be. However, we would only recommend Anegada for a short stay, perhaps 1 or 2 nights.

Where to stay in Anegada BVI:

• Luxury: Anegada Beach Club – upscale but casual with opportunity to stay in beach tents and eat lobster dinners under the stars.
• Mid/Budget: Sea Grape Villas – 6 villas only 5 minutes from the beach.

❤️ What we liked most about Anegada: it feels remote in the best possible way. Just you, the sea, and time slowing to a crawl.

4 Private Islands to consider for where to stay in BVI

1. Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina

Just off Tortola’s east end, Scrub Island is the easiest private island to reach from Tortola. It’s a short ferry ride from the airport and you’re there. It’s home to the Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, which is a 5 star luxury hotel tucked into the hillside with infinity pools, sea views and a marina that draws in yachties from all over the Caribbean.

❤️ What we like about Scrub Island: It feels exclusive but not isolated. The hotel has a free water taxi so you can easily hop back to Tortola for the day if you want a change of scenery.

2. Saba Rock Resort

Tucked between Virgin Gorda and Prickly Pear, Saba Rock has one of the most beautiful settings in the BVI in our opinion. I still think about sitting in the restaurant and looking out a view of island after island, catarmarans and gorgeous blue water. Saba Rock is tiny, more of a speck than an island, and it’s very exclusive as there are only 13 rooms here! There’s a lively restaurant and bar too, a white sand beach behind the restaurant and out-of-this-world views.

Even if you don’t stay overnight, it’s worth coming over for lunch or a drink. It only took 5 minutes to get here from Virgin Gorda.

❤️ What we like about Saba Rock: You feel very special walking around! It’s incredibly fancy and really well located to catch short ferry rides to other islands, marinas and yacht clubs.

3. Guana Island

We haven’t actually been to Guana Island as it’s only accessible by private water taxi (and we haven’t had the privilege YET). But we have seen this island from Lambert Beach in Tortola and from research, it is super luxurious and private. The entire island is home to one small resort with just a few dozen guests at a time, surrounded by hiking trails, empty beaches and clear water.

❤️ What we like about Guana Island: There’s no public bar, marina or any commercialised facilities on the island, so no crowds and no cruise ships – heaven!

4. The Aerial All-Inclusive

Just off Tortola’s north coast, The Aerial BVI on Buck Island is where to stay in BVI for an all inclusive, private wellness retreat. It’s small, beautifully designed and it’s focus is on slowing down and wellness. There’s ocean view villas, yoga decks and farm-to-table meals. It’s not a typical resort as it’s a quiet, intentional space for recharging, but it’s surrounded by some of the bluest water in the BVI.

❤️ What we like about The Aerial: They have rescued zebras and horses, which live at the island’s ranch!

Staying on the water – sailing through the British Virgin Islands

If you really want to see the British Virgin Islands properly, stay on the water. The BVI is most well known for sailing. Spending a few nights aboard a catamaran or sailboat gives you a completely different perspective of the islands.

You wake up somewhere new each day. Maybe off Jost Van Dyke one morning, snorkelling at The Indians by lunch, and anchored off Virgin Gorda’s North Sound by sunset. It’s freedom in the purest form.

You don’t need to be an experienced sailor either. You can book crewed charters, where a captain and chef handle everything, or bareboat charters if you’re comfortable taking the helm yourself. Companies like The Moorings and Dream Yacht Charter all operate out of Tortola’s marinas.

It’s not the cheapest option, but when you add up accommodation, meals, and ferry transfers between islands, it starts to make sense, especially for groups.

⛵️ If you’re staying on land but want to get out sailing, this full day sail charter is rated 5 stars and offers to take you sailing to various different spots and islands in the BVI. You get to experience stunning nature, clear blue water, excellent snorkelling, beaches and famous beach bars in just one day.

What we look for in BVI accommodation – our criteria for choosing best stay in BVI

After island-hopping around the BVI, we learned that the difference between a relaxing stay and a frustrating one often comes down to small, practical details. These are the things that really matter when choosing where to stay:

1. Parking and access – If you’re renting a car in the British Virgin Islands (which you almost certainly will on Tortola or Virgin Gorda), check that your accommodation has parking. Some villas have tight hill access or dirt-track access, which is not fun after it rains!
2. Easy access to groceries and restaurants – It’s easy to get caught up in beach photos, but travel in the British Virgin Islands can involve ferries, taxis, and steep roads. Being ten minutes from dinner or the nearest grocery store makes your life easier if you’re travelling around and self catering.
3. Snorkelling or kayaking – Some properties and hotels include gear or have reefs right off the beach. It saves money having to rent so definitely check this.
4. Shade and wind – Sounds small, but Caribbean heat is no joke. We always look for places with breezy verandas or covered patios because that’s the difference between staying outside all afternoon or hiding in A/C.
5. Airport or ferry transfers included – Some hotels include them, others don’t mention them at all. In the BVI, arranging your own transfer can be confusing, especially if you need to catch a boat after flying in, so always confirm.

FAQs about where to stay in BVI

What is the best island to stay on in the British Virgin Islands?

For first-time visitors, Tortola is the best island to stay on in the BVI. It’s connected to the other main islands by ferry, meaning you can easily island hop to experience places like Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, Anegada, Norman Island, Saba Rock and many more. 

When should I get to the British Virgin Islands?

December – June is the best time to visit the British Virgin Islands. Hurricane season runs from late June to November, with the most active months being the middle of August to the end of October. The busiest months tend to be December to April, so if you’re looking for something more secluded, try May or June instead.

Are British Virgin Islands nicer than US Virgin Islands?

We think so, yes. The British Virgin Islands is more quintessential Caribbean, whereas the USVI is more Americanised and commercial. Having said that, you can still find beautiful beaches, local fishing villages and nature-based activities in the USVI, so it really depends on what you’re looking for.

Which British Virgin Island has the best beaches?

Virgin Gorda has the best beaches in the British Virgin Islands if you’re looking for unspoiled stretches of pristine white sand, while Tortola and Jost Van Dyke have the country’s top beaches if bars and restaurants, and a bustling atmosphere is more your vibe.