Traditional all-inclusive brands may not have a presence in the British Virgin Islands, but this idyllic island chain does offer a range of accommodations bookable on an all-inclusive basis—from dreamy private-island hideaways to an old-school boutique resort on the main island of Tortola.
All-inclusive here is more about laid-back vacation ease than a major swim-up pool bar scene, but the options, though limited, offer something for both travelers who can splurge and those on a more limited budget.
Guana Island
Both a private-island enclave and a destination dedicated to the conservation of local flora and fauna, 850-acre Guana Island allows guests to luxuriate in the seclusion of 14 cottage-style Sea View Rooms and four expansive one- to three-room Villas as they encounter endemic species, both on land (iguanas, tortoises and 60+ other species) and in the pristine Caribbean seawater that washes its beach-fringed shores (125+ species of fish).
The accommodations’ delightful décor—white-washed walls and accented with cheerful printed pillows and linens—induce tranquility as do the private pools in many units and the sublime white-sand beaches. Guests can also work up a sweat on 12 miles of hiking trails (including to the top of 860-foot Sugarloaf Mountain) or on a pair of tennis courts before cooling off with a relaxing massage and winding down with sunset cocktails and an alfresco dinner crafted of fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Necker Island
A devastating fire and a pair of unforgiving hurricanes can’t keep British music and hospitality mogul Richard Branson down. His exclusive Necker Island private-island resort—which is his home as well as a luxury enclave rentable on a takeover basis by anyone with the money to make it happen (and on a room-by-room basis during several “Celebration Weeks” each year)—has bounced back from both.
Characterized as barefoot luxury the island accommodates up to 30 people (40 after full restoration in April 2020) in the Great House’s 11 bedrooms (each with an en suite bathroom and balcony) and a bunkhouse for up to six kids; Leha Ho (a stand-alone room with 180-degree views); and the two-tiered Bali Lo house in the middle of the island along with the one-room Bali Buah and Bali Kukila.
Equally impressive is the Dining Pavilion, where a massive table can seat up to 40 guests, and the 74-acre island’s pristine white-sand beaches. Add in wildlife that includes flamingos, tortoises and even lemurs and this is one indulgent all-inclusive paradise.
Moskito Island
Richard Branson’s second private hideaway, Moskito Island is open for guests seeking all-inclusive luxury villas—Branson prefers estates—with the three-villa Branson Estate (sleeping 22 people) available starting in April 2020 and additional estates opening later in the year and into 2021.
Ideal for a family reunion, getaway with friends or other group travel experience, the nightly rental rate for the estate includes all meals and beverages, transportation from Beef Island (where the nearest airport is located), Wi-Fi, watersports and laundry service.
There are two main beaches plus a few intimate coves with sheltered beaches as well as tennis courts, hiking trails and in-villa spa treatments.
Sugar Mill Hotel
Back in business for the 2020 season after a post-Hurricane Irma renovation, the Sugar Mill Hotel on Tortola is a boutique resort set amid tropical gardens on the grounds of a 17th-century sugar mill.
The property offers old-school ambience in 24 inn-style rooms (Deluxe, Prestige, Signature and Poolside Mini Suites) that have been updated with modern amenities (flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and USB charging ports) while the Honeymoon Cottage is a stand-alone option that, as its name suggests, is ideal for romance.
The property also offers all-inclusive rates for weekly bookings, but guests can add a daily all-inclusive fee to the room-and-breakfast rate for shorter stays. There’s also a completely rebuilt Islands Beach Bar, Tramonti restaurant and swimming pool (with an adjacent spa). The post-Irma renovation also added extra space to the terrace of the Sugar Mill restaurant, which features a revised fine-dining menu. Another cool inclusion: transfers to and from the airport are in a stately green Bentley sedan.
