Plan your trip to Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

The third-largest island of the British Virgin Islands (BVI), Virgin Gorda lies to the west of the largest and most populated island of the group, Tortola. The island’s impressive shape inspired Christopher Columbus to name it Virgin Gorda, or “Fat Virgin.” The heritage of African and indigenous peoples is prevalent throughout the island, in addition to historical Spanish ruins in Little Fort National Park and the British colonial influence in Spanish Town (despite the name).

In 1964, the opening of the luxurious Little Dix Bay Hotel on Virgin Gorda brought tourism to the forefront of the BVI economy. Today, several luxury resorts, such as Aquamare and Biras Creek Resort, offer ample opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the island. From the idyllic beachs of Savannah Bay, Pond Bay and Devil’s Bay to the most popular natural attraction in the BVI, The Baths (huge granite boulders that form grottos and saltwater pools), there’s plenty to be discovered. Trails traversing the island allow for exploring a vast array of unique indigenous flora, from Gorda Peak to the North Sound. Regardless of where you stay on this island paradise, you’ll be as impressed with its natural beauty as Columbus was.