| A British Virgin Islands Caribbean holiday is | | | | plan a visit is in the late afternoon when |
| like no other Caribbean holiday, from the | | | | you can watch the sun set over a host of tiny |
| laid back islands of Tortola and Virgin | | | | islands. The scenery below the sea is equally |
| Gorda, to the exclusive luxury of Necker | | | | appealing and diving and snorkelling |
| Island. | | | | enthusiasts flock to the Virgin Islands to |
| | | | view spectacular coral reefs, breathtaking |
| Christopher Columbus was the first European | | | | marine life and numerous shipwrecks. |
| visitor to the British Virgin Islands. He | | | | |
| named them 'Las Mil Virgines', or 'the 11,000 | | | | Necker Island is the pinnacle of private |
| Virgins', to reflect the number of islands | | | | luxury. Owned by Richard Branson, it is one |
| that he could see in every direction! Today, | | | | of his favourite holiday spots. When he is |
| these unspoilt islands are an escapist's | | | | not using it himself, it is available for up |
| paradise and perfect for those in search of | | | | to 28 guests. It is an utterly private and |
| world-class beaches, crystal clear waters, | | | | extravagantly stylish hideaway, where even |
| secluded coves and a safe anchorage. | | | | the rich and famous feel completely at ease. |
| | | | The island itself is a mass of delightful |
| Tortola is the largest island and home to the | | | | scenic contrasts - rocky headlands are |
| capital, Road Town from where regular ferry | | | | interspersed with beautiful sandy beaches and |
| services link to neighbouring islands and the | | | | beneath the translucent blue waters are |
| nearby U.S. Virgin Islands. The pace on the | | | | spectacular reefs of coral and colourful |
| islands is slow and laid-back, and the local | | | | shoals of fish. |
| population are welcoming and friendly. Many | | | | |
| visitors seek nothing more than unwinding on | | | | With small bays and hidden coves and islands |
| a white sand beach, fringed with palms and | | | | always in sight, the sheltered waters afford |
| sea grapes. | | | | some of the finest sailing opportunities in |
| | | | the Caribbean and make the British Virgin |
| One of the best known and most photographed | | | | Islands the ideal spot to hone your skills in |
| beaches is to be found on the island of | | | | the art of sailing. In fact, the 'yachtie' |
| Virgin Gorda, where The Baths - an intriguing | | | | atmosphere is intoxicating as small towns and |
| canopy of giant granite boulders framing | | | | bays bustle with the comings and goings of |
| seawater grottos - creates a unique setting | | | | yachts mooring up at marinas and anchorages. |
| in which to swim or explore. Best time to | | | | |