Virgin Gorda

Introducing Virgin Gorda

It’s certainly a testament to Virgin Gorda’s awesomeness that a billionaire such as Richard Branson – who could live anywhere in the world – chooses this little patch of earth. Of course, it should be noted he’s not actually on Virgin Gorda, but has his very own personal island right offshore. But you get the point. And you should get to Virgin Gorda, an ideal blend of extraordinary sights, easy access, good restaurants and villas and, somehow, no rampant commercialism.

The giant granite rock formations of the Baths are the BVIs’ biggest tourist attraction, and guess what? They live up to the hype, especially when combined with the hike up, over, around and through them to Devil’s Bay. Trekkers can also summit Virgin Gorda Peak, relishing the cool breeze, and meander around wind-pounded Copper Mine National Park. Sea dogs can take ferries over to Bitter End Yacht Club and Saba Rock to drink with the yachties.

This is Virgin Gorda (‘Fat Virgin’ in Spanish) who, until the 1960s, sat quietly day-dreaming. Her population was only about 600 souls until Laurence Rockefeller constructed the Little Dix Bay resort, which brought jobs, roads and utilities. A few years later, the Virgin emerged from her slumber an undeniable beauty.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009