Despite only gaining fame as a tourist destination in the 1960s, Virgin Gorda, the third-largest of the British Virgin Islands, has a backstory that stretches back centuries. Legend has it that Christopher Columbus visited the island in 1493, claiming the island’s dramatic shape reminded him of a reclining woman—thus Virgin Gorda, or “fat virgin,” was born.
The now British Overseas Territory’s birth as a tourist destination came when sustainability-minded hotelier Laurance Rockefeller opened Little Dix Bay, the island’s most famous resort, in 1964.
Today, it’s a hidden gem that’s home to some of the Caribbean’s most unspoiled natural wonders. Read on for our full guide to the gem of the BVIs.
How to Get to Virgin Gorda
There are no commercial flights from the U.S. to Virgin Gorda, which is why a Tradewind Aviation flight from San Juan (SJU) is such an easy choice. After your commercial flight lands in San Juan, the Tradewind private lounge is the ideal spot to relax. A 30-minute hop on a Pilatus PC-12 is all that stands between you and the white beaches of Virgin Gorda. Tradewind operates seasonal scheduled flights to the Virgin Gorda Airport (TUPW/VIJ), as well as year-round private charters to Virgin Gorda and the larger British Virgin Islands of Tortola (TUPJ/EIS) and Anegada (TUPA/NGD).
Where to Stay
Rockefeller’s Little Dix Bay is still operating more than 50 years later as Rosewood Little Dix Bay, and it’s the island’s finest property. Its beachfront location provides guests with access to white sand for lounging. It also offers calm waters for exploring the barrier reef just off the coast. An eco-friendly ethos and secluded luxury make Little Dix Bay worth returning to over and over.
The BVIs draw sailing enthusiasts from around the world, and Bitter End Yacht Club has served as their playground since 1969. The famed yacht club was destroyed by Hurricane Irma in 2017. However, it will reopen this winter, much to the delight of its legions of fans. New overwater bungalows are sure to be among the club’s most popular accommodations when it reopens.
For those who don’t mind journeying off the mainland, Saba Rock offers low-key luxury, and Richard Branson’s Necker Island offers full-island buyouts for large groups and events. Both are just a short boat ride from Virgin Gorda, along with Moskito Island, a favorite among scuba divers.
Where to Eat
Virgin Gorda’s hotels also house some of its finest dining options. Saba Rock operates a small hotel, but its restaurant is open to all visitors and sailors. The island’s boat ferries guests from Gun Creek and Leverick Bay, and its restaurant is the ideal setting for relaxing in the Caribbean sun and enjoying handmade cocktails, small plates, and fresh sushi. Come in the afternoon for a drink, then relax and enjoy the property before watching the sunset from your dinner table. Guests and non-guests of Rosewood Little Dix Bay flock to its restaurants for everything from tapas, seafood-heavy Caribbean fare, and an extensive selection of rare and aged rums.
CocoMaya offers Asian fusion cuisine and an energetic atmosphere, and Nova in the Oil Nut Bay development has the island’s best Sunday brunch.
What to Do
It’s tempting to just stay at your hotel and spend your days lounging on the sand. However, it would be a crime not to take advantage of Virgin Gorda’s natural wonders. The Baths are one of the most famed attractions in the BVIs, and for good reason. The seven acres of massive boulders form sandy pathways, secret pools, and protected grottoes. You can easily spend an entire day exploring. When you’re finished, Top of the Baths is the perfect place for sipping a painkiller or rum punch.
On a clear day, pack a picnic lunch and head to Gorda Peak to hike to the island’s highest point. Start at the trailhead, and about an hour later you’ll be treated to 360-degree views of the island, endless blue waters, and even neighboring islands. Should you wish to venture beyond the shores of Virgin Gorda, the BVIs are a sailor’s paradise. A full- or half-day charter booked through one of the island’s many operators will give you access to a captain who knows the best snorkeling spots and secret beaches in the BVIs.
A visit to Virgin Gorda will quickly convince you why this hidden gem is one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets. And the ease of a Tradewind charter to the island will make returning a matter of when, not if.
To learn more about Tradewind’s flights to Virgin Gorda and booking your vacation, please visit our website. For questions regarding scheduled flights, contact our scheduled service team at scheduledservice@flytradewind.com or 1-800-376-7922 option 1. To receive a private charter quote, please complete our request form or contact our specialists at sales@flytradewind.com or 1-800-376-7922 option 2.