The Best Boutique Hotels To Book In The British Virgin Islands

If you’re serious about mastering the art of unplugging, you’ll find few better backdrops than The British Virgin Islands (BVI) – a UK overseas territory in the Caribbean, just east of Puerto Rico. A mesmerizing mosaic of dozens of islands and cays fringed by sugary beaches, it beats to an unhurried rum- and Calypso-fueled rhythm. From dancing at full-moon parties to exploring Technicolored coral reefs, feasting on fresh lobster or doing nothing at all – the BVI practically defines tropical paradise. Yachties love it here but for those without a boat we’ve ferreted out some of the finest bed-to-beach hotels, all bookable with Culture Trip.

1. Scrub Island, for a private island retreat in Tortola

Chain Hotel, Luxury, Spa Hotel

A beachside pool at Scrub Island Resort, Spa and Marina, overlooking blue oceans and scattered islands

Once upon a time there were two uninhabited volcanic islands called Big Scrub and Little Scrub. Today, they harbor one of the best resorts in the BVI – a fairytale come true. Just a 10-minute boat ride from Tortola airport, this private retreat delivers swoon-worthy views of the shimmering Caribbean from, well, everywhere: its beaches, two pools (one on the beach), three restaurants and the clifftop spa. Rooms and villas, traditionally decked out in dark wood and island-inspired art, will ground you after a day spent in such remarkable surrounds.

2. Maria’s by the Sea, for wallet-friendly rooms in Tortola’s capital

Hotel

If you want to be in the thick of Tortola’s action, there are few better bases than this perky charmer in the bustling BVI capital of Road Town. Oozing with character and hospitality, it’s a mere mango toss from banks, stores and professional services. For vacationers, the simple but comfortably furnished rooms (some with balconies and sea views) make a budget-friendly launchpad for trips to such sightseeing highlights as beach bar-lined Cane Garden Bay, trail-laced Sage Mountain National Park or the neighboring islands of Virgin Gorda and Anegada.

3. The Heritage Inn, for sunsets from a lofty perch in Tortola

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A pool at The Heritage Inn, with nearby dining area covered by a red roof with the sea is in the distance

Views, views, views! This owner-operated inn practically comes with a romantic-sunset guarantee thanks to its enviable perch high above Carrot Bay on Tortola’s northwestern shore – yet close to beguiling beaches. You’ll feel right at home in newly slicked-up rooms sporting a kitchen, balcony and cheerful-yet-understated boutique hotel touches. Join locals for daily happy-hour sunset drinks on the poolside terrace of the attached Bananakeet Cafe. Its Caribbean fusion fare is magic on a plate.

5. Sea Crest Inn, for proximity to a legendary celeb haunt bar in Jost Van Dyke

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An outside area of the Sea Crest Inn, overlooking a sandy bay and green hills

Tiny Jost Van Dyke is popular with yachties, although boatless folk can easily get there by ferry from Tortola. You’ll plug right into the island’s easy-going spirit if staying at this family-run guesthouse in the south-coast enclave of Great Harbour. Its five units, each featuring a balcony and a kitchenette, put you steps away not only from the lovely beach but also from Foxy’s, one of the Caribbean’s most legendary bars once frequented by Jimmy Buffett, Keith Richards and other party-loving celebs.

6. Anegada Reef Hotel, for personalized service and sea views in Anegada

Boutique Hotel

The exterior of the Anegada Reef Hotel, with grassy surrounds and palm trees

Flat and desertlike but rimmed by silvery strands and ridiculously blue seas, teensy Anegada feels like the moon in paradise. Siblings Lorraine and Lawrence are the heart and soul of this darling beachfront inn near the ferry dock. With only 20 rooms, it’s quite literally the place where everybody knows your name in a day. Toss back its famous ‘smoothie’, toes firmly in sand, then sate your hunger pangs at the restaurant with a spiny lobster plucked straight from the water.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.