Here's your guide to these beautiful isles—choose the one that suits you to a T.
By: Jill Fergus
Anegada
The northernmost point of the BVI chain is this little-known 11-mile-long island with a population of just 200. Unlike Tortola or Virgin Gorda, which are volcanic in origin, Anegada is a flat coral-and-limestone atoll. Its name means "drowned" island, and due to its remoteness, it attracts those travelers looking to truly escape.
In addition to the main beach, Loblolly Bay, Anegada has plenty of serene stretches, including Flash of Beauty and Cow Wreck, where you can spread out a towel and be blissfully alone all day. Of course, nautical activities are endless—fishing for blue marlin, snorkeling at Horseshoe reef, diving amid sunken ships and sailing around the clear waters. Many people also come here for sightings of the indigenous Anegada rock iguana, which can grow to six feet in length. And there's also a flock of roseate flamingos, which can be found wading in the island's salt ponds.
A favored lunch spot on Loblolly Bay is Big Bamboo, which sells Anegada's sweet local lobster, grilled and served with rice and veggies. Or join the yachting crowd at Cow Wreck Beach Bar & Grill, a fun and funky beach bar with super-strong Wreck Punches, a sweet mix of cane rum and fruit juices; feast on locally caught lobster and conch and take advantage of the hammocks to watch the fiery sunsets.
WHERE TO STAY: Among Anegada's handful of basic hotels, a longstanding one is Neptune's Treasure. The family-owned hotel has well-equipped rooms and a restaurant offering jerk short ribs, shrimp curry, conch fritters and mango shortcake (room rates start at $128 a night; neptunestreasure.com).
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