In its pre-pandemic World’s Best Awards survey which closed on March 2 this year, three of the BVI’s main islands Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and Tortola made the list that was topped by another British Overseas Territory, Anguilla.

Sitting at fourth with a score of 85.10 out of 100 is Virgin Gorda, which made the list for a tenth consecutive time.

The sister island was highlighted for its trails and wild tropical foliage. The beaches were described as pristine and having stunning rock formations, with special reference made to The Baths.

“Hikes are rewarded with panoramic views of neighbouring islands (head to Gorda Peak, the island’s highest, for the best vantage point),” the travel magazine said in a July 8 report.

Jost Van Dyke makes top 10

Also making it into the top ten of the list was Jost Van Dyke, which collected a score of 84.17 to place ninth.

“This tiny Virgin lures yachties to alluring sandy stretches such as White Bay and Great Harbour, and draws drinkers to the beach bars that preside there, including the infamous Soggy Dollar Bar and Foxy’s,” the magazine stated.

It added: “If sipping Painkillers as you stand in warm waist-deep water is your kind of thing, then this rugged and rustic three-square-mile island is your kind of place.”

Tortola ties for 23rd

In the meantime, the mainland of Tortola placed 23rd on the list to be tied with neighbouring island of St Martin with a score of 80.29.

Tortola was described as the home to the BVI’s capital and the perfect launchpad for exploration of the waters that have made it the sailing capital of the Caribbean.

“While diving and snorkelling are worthy underwater pursuits, lush mountains, scalloped harbours, and evocatively named beaches such as Apple Bay and Smuggler’s Cove tempt visitors on land,” the magazine stated.

Necker Island makes top 25 resort hotels list

Meanwhile, the BVI also appeared on Travel + Leisure magazine’s list of the Top 25 Resort Hotels in the Caribbean, Bermuda, & the Bahamas.

The list was topped by Secret Bay resort in Portsmouth, Dominica with a score of 98.60 while two Jamaican resorts to the second and third spots. However, those closely followed by Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island which tallied 96.62 to place fourth.

According to the magazine, the results reflect their readers’ experiences before the pandemic.