View Larger Map
Often promoted as ‘nature’s little secret’, there’s a real sense of adventure and discovery about the Virgin Islands. Still largely undeveloped, here you can literally find yourself alone on a stunning stretch of beach, or can explore an uninhabited island and hidden coves. In fact, ‘island-hopping’ is one of the great pleasures of any holiday in these magical islands.

Famous for its fabulous sailing, which is amongst the best in the world, the Islands are renowned for their watersports, including superb scuba diving amongst beautiful, protected reefs. But this is also where you come just to relax, unwind and let the luxurious resorts take care of your every need.

Out and About
Being on the water in one way or another is very much a part of a holiday in the Virgin Islands. Here are some suggested activities:

• Take a lazy cruise on a day’s yacht charter, or a longer cruise under sail with a professional crew.

• Snorkelling and scuba diving are outstanding as the marine environment is well protected and the water is crystal clear.

• Visit ‘The Baths’, a dramatic rock formation and copper mine (originally mined by Cornish miners between 1838 and 1867) on Virgin Gorda (but avoid busy cruise ship days).

• Swim with dolphins at Dolphin Discovery at Prospect Reef in Tortola.

• Make use of the ferries from Tortola and Virgin Gorda; they’re an excellent way of getting around the islands.

Food and Drink
As you might expect, the fresh seafood is absolutely wonderful here, including the Anegada lobster which is a particular delicacy. West Indian food is available at a wide choice of restaurants. Try the delicious roti filled with curried chicken. Yams, breadfruit and sweet potatoes are all grown locally and feature on menus. And, of course, there’s the famous BVI Pusser’s Rum and its potent ‘Painkiller’ cocktail!

For a collection of small islands, there are a surprising number of restaurants, many of them excellent. Dinner at The Sugar Mill is `exceptional, especially in the romantic setting of a 370 year old sugar mill. Foxy’s Bar on Jost Van Dyke has become something of a legend, whilst the resorts offer excellent dining, from cordon bleu cuisine to beach barbecues.

Getting There
The most convenient route is via Antigua with a connecting flight to Beef Island Airport, Tortola with LIAT, or on a shared or private charter. Flying time to Antigua is 8 hours 30 minutes. The connecting flight time to Tortola is approximately 60 minutes. Please see page 65 for details of transatlantic services to Antigua.

Note: All our inclusive holiday prices are based on British Airways World Traveller or Virgin Atlantic Economy flights to Antigua with onward LIAT scheduled flight connections.