What to See, Eat, & Do on Island Time: A Relaxing 7-Day British Virgin Islands Itinerary
I went to the British Virgin Islands in January 2025, and it was one of the best beach vacations I have been on (and I have been on A LOT). That’s saying something because I’ve also worked in luxury travel for years and have been lucky enough to see some really beautiful places. And I have to say, my British Virgin Islands itinerary from my trip is pretty fantastic!
The British Virgin Islands (BVIs) are the epitome of living life on island time. From day one, it felt like the kind of destination that reminds you why people fall in love with travel in the first place.
The pace is slower (in the best way), the water is an unreal turquoise blue, and everything revolves around being on a boat, in the ocean, or relaxing toes in the sand on a beach. No alarms, no rushing to reservations, no over planning, just true island time!
Also, hi there! My name is Sydney and welcome to my blog, The Après Society! I cover a variety of travel and skiing related topics, as these are my passions in life, and I am so excited and fulfilled to be writing about them. I hope this blog makes your life just a little bit better either with travel hacks, outfit inspiration, or just pure entertainment.
After spending a week in the BVIs, I decided I can’t keep this perfect British Virgin Islands itinerary to myself. Feel free to take bits and pieces or copy the entire itinerary! So without further ado, my 7 day BVI itinerary with what to see, eat, & do on your beach vacation!
Day 1: Arrive in Tortola & Ease Into Island Time
Touch down in Tortola (Airport code EIS), pick up your rental car or meet your transfer, and let the vacation officially begin! Terrance B. Lettsome Airport (EIS) typically requires a connecting flight, and flying from Denver, we had one stop in Miami, and then flew directly from Miami to Tortola.
There are a few flights that fly to EIS daily, and if you are connecting through Miami, I recommend American Airlines, as they are the most reliable in and out of this airport.
Check In to Scrub Island Resort
I stayed in a stand alone oceanside home at Scrub Island Resort, and OMG, the views and the service could not have been better! Expect a tropical drink upon arrival by the friendly island team to welcome you to the BVIs. This was the perfect way to start off an amazing trip!
Staying at Scrub Island Resort feels like your own slice of paradise. The resort has a luxurious waterfront hotel, or you can rent a private villa with sweeping Atlantic views. The vibe of this island resort is elevated yet effortlessly relaxed.
The island is only home to the resort, so it has a very private feel to it. The Scrub Island team will pick you up at Trellis Bay on Tortola which is about a 2 minute drive from the airport. From there, you will take their ferry to the resort which is about a 10 minute boat ride across the bay. Scrub Island offers a complimentary ferry daily to and from Trellis Bay, Tortola.
The island has a couple of restaurants and bars, a market if you want to make your own meals (although as you can expect, the prices here are quite $$$), a full service spa, multiple beaches, water sports, marina, pools, and yes, a waterslide.
Rental cars are not needed as the island is golf cart only and you can walk around the entire island in about 20 minutes. The island staff is happy to give complimentary golf cart rides around the island when needed.
Scrub Island Resources:
- Website: Scrub Island Resort & Marina
- Live Camera: Scrub Island Live Camera
- Scrub Island Calendar of Events
Daily Weather Updates:
About Scrub Island :
- Scrub Island is a British Territory.
- Driving is on the left side (excluding Scrub Island, golf carts only).
- You will clear international customs on arrival and departure – please write “Scrub Island” for your accommodations.
- Greeting others are part of the culture – “Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening” and asking how people are.
- Passports are required. Please ensure your expiration date is at least 6 months beyond your travel date.
- Reef-safe sunscreen ONLY: Free of Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Avobenzone, Octocrylene, and Homosalate. Examples of reef-safe products include Coola, Stream2Sea, Sun Bum, Super Goop, and Bare Republic.
Currency:
- BVI uses USD$
- AMEX is not accepted everywhere, please have a VISA or Mastercard
- Cash can be withdrawn from the front desk. $200 per day, plus 4% charge.
About the Villas:
- Standard US outlets (120 V)
- Faucet water is drinkable
Scrub Island Beaches:
Scrub Island has two different beautiful beaches!
- Donovan’s Reef Beach: Great Snorkeling, complimentary kayaks and paddleboards and a water trampoline.
- North Beach: Another great place for snorkeling. Stop for lunch at One Shoe Restaurant/Bar (accepts Credit Cards or charge to your Villa). Volleyball net is up and ready, and cornhole next to the small pool. Best enjoyed with a pair of water shoes!
End Day 1 in the BVI’s with a Casual Dinner at Donovan’s Reef
After a very long travel day (and maybe overnight), end your day with a causal dinner at the resort restaurant, Donovan’s Reef. They serve salads, burgers, and of course, some classic Caribbean cuisine.
Day 2: Explore Scrub Island & Relax Day
Spend the day relaxing at one of Scrub Island’s two beaches. I prefer the North Beach as it is quieter and there are spots to snorkel. Water shoes are a must! If you are looking out at the ocean, venture off to the right and hop in the water for some amazing snorkeling!
Pro Tip: Pack your own snorkel and fins from home for easy snorkel access so you don’t miss the wildlife! I have this snorkel set from Amazon and it’s been great for multiple beach trips.
If Day 2 is a Wednesday, attend the North Beach Festival on the Island! Get acquainted with Scrub Island’s wild side. Escape to Scrub Island’s private North Beach for a casual evening filled with delectable drinks, dinner, and entertainment with a Reggae music vibe. Every Wednesday at 7:00 PM. Reservations required.
Drinks at cost, Manager’s Cocktail Reception with drinks included 6-6:45 PM on the grand patio, main marina village. 2025 prices:
- Adults: $69
- Kids (5-12): $40
- Plus 20% service charge.
View the brochure for the North Beach Festival HERE.
Day 3: Private Boat Charter + Beach Bars
I really hate to say this, because I am queen of bougie on a budget, but in order to properly do the British Virgin Islands, I highly, highly recommend a private charter for at least one day of your British Virgin Islands itinerary. Many of these islands are only accessible by private boat (and that’s what makes the BVIs so fun!), but you will miss much of the area if you do not have a charter to show you around.
We rented a 37 ft Cross Cabin Axopar from Island Time Rentals for the day, and they were great! Our captain was highly knowledgeable of the best spots to go and provided bottled waters for us on the boat.
Stop 1: The Famous Soggy Dollar Bar
It wouldn’t be a trip to the BVIs without stopping at the Soggy Dollar Bar! This bar invented the Painkiller cocktail, and oh boy, were they good! The fresh shaved nutmeg is the perfect extra touch to this tropical drink. This bar is located in White Bay on the island of Jost Van Dyke, and White Bay has some of the bluest water I have ever seen!
It’s known as the Soggy Dollar Bar because there’s no dock, so the only way to get there is to hop in the water on your way to shore, aka your dollars get soggy 🙂
You could spend all day here if you wanted with the delicious Painkillers and bright blue water!
Stop 2: Norman Island
Stop for lunch at Pirates Bight, then head over to the infamous Willy T’s bar. This bar, I’ll be honest, is a bit raunchy, so maybe not the most family friendly place (lol). It’s a floating barge just off Norman Island, so everyone docks their boats together and you hop on the bar. Oh, and try hopping off (jumping) the second story of the bar into the water! That was an adrenaline rush for sure.
Stop 3: Snorkel “The Indians”
Stop by “The Indians”, a rock formation near Norman Island after lunch and snorkel the amazing reef. The snorkeling here was absolutely incredible and we saw so many different types of fish!
Day 4: Beach & Spa Day
Alright, almost the “star” of this trip was the phenomenal couple’s massage at Ixora Spa on Scrub Island. I have had a fair amount of massages in my life, and this one was up there as one of the best massages I’ve ever had! They also give you a private suite for you and your partner to relax before and after the treatment. Bonus, they braided my hair!
Finish off your day relaxing at the beach or head out to Scrub Island’s sister island via their ferry.
Day 5: Scuba Diving in the Caribbean
If you are scuba certified, scuba diving in the British Virgin Islands is a must! While I am not certified, half of my group is, and they said it was amazing. The highlight for them was seeing a giant eagle ray! They booked their excursion via Dive BVI which picked them up right in the Scrub Island marina.
Later that night, we had dinner at the nicer restaurant on the resort, Cardamom & Co., which was a nice way to end the day. I had the filet, which was delicious. The mushroom toast was also a group favorite. Even if you aren’t staying on Scrub Island, I would recommend this place for a nicer, steakhouse type dinner.
Day 6: Discover Virgin Gorda
Virgin Gorda was an unexpected favorite of the group for this British Virgin Islands itinerary, and I would definitely recommend checking out this island!
We took the public ferry for $32 round trip from Trellis Bay, Tortola to Spanish Town Virgin Gorda. You can purchase tickets day of at the dock. This was an enclosed ferry, so if you get sea sick easily, I’d recommend some anti-nausea meds or sea bands.
Once we docked in Virgin Gorda, there were a plethora of taxis available and they range typically from $5-10/person one way.
Pro tip: check the schedules of the cruise ships and try to plan your trip to Virgin Gorda and The Baths on a day there are little to no cruise passengers.
Our first stop on Virgin Gorda was to visit The Baths. The Baths are one of the most iconic natural attractions in the Caribbean. They are giant boulders that no one knows the origin from that form various “baths” along a pathway. The most famous one is “The Cathedral” (see below)!
After exploring The Baths, we headed to our dinner reservation at CocoMaya. This was our BEST meal of the week! The atmosphere, the food, the drinks: all incredible!! We timed our reservation right with sunset and got some incredible pictures for our last full night of our British Virgin Islands itinerary. Stay for the dancing after dark if you are looking for a fun place to keep the vibes going!
Day 7: Depart the British Virgin Islands
On your final morning of your British Virgin Islands itinerary, squeeze in one last swim or beach walk before heading back home. The BVIs have a way of making departures feel bittersweet in the best way! As you pack up salty hair and sun-kissed memories, you’ll already be planning your return. Seven days is just enough to fall in love with the British Virgin Islands… and just short enough to leave you wanting more 🙂
Final Thoughts: British Virgin Islands Itinerary
The British Virgin Islands are the kind of destination that quietly stays with you long after you’ve unpacked your suitcase. It’s not just the turquoise water or the postcard-perfect beaches (though those definitely help), it’s the feeling of being completely unhurried, untethered from schedules, and fully present.
The BVI’s do luxury in a way that feels natural and unforced: barefoot dinners, boat days that turn into sunset swims, and mornings that start whenever you’re ready. Whether you’re snorkeling vibrant reefs, hopping between islands, or doing absolutely nothing at all, every moment feels intentional.
If you’re craving a trip that blends adventure, relaxation, and true island time, with just the right touch of polish, the British Virgin Islands deliver every single time. This is the kind of place you don’t just visit… you daydream about returning to. I know I am!
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BONUS: Dining & Activities Recommendations to add to your British Virgin Islands Itinerary
Dining
Trellis Bay Market: Offering a great variety of local cuisine from their kitchen; small market connected for your convenience. No transportation needed. Open Monday – Thursday 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Friday & Saturday 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Sunday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM. First come, first served.
De Loose Mongoose: A visually trendy restaurant, serving classic American cuisine, seafood, and some local Caribbean options. No transportation needed. Monday – Friday 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Saturday & Sunday 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM. Reservations encouraged.
Jeremy’s Kitchen: Beachside dining that serves a variety of local Caribbean and American cuisine. No transportation needed. Weekends only 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM. First come, first served.
Marche at Trellis: Bar food with a sushi kick. Come casually dressed as you are while sitting in comfort as you enjoy the moment in a stress free environment. Enjoy great food and music while you relax the night away into dancing with a Caribbean flavor. No transportation needed. Daily 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM. (Closed on Monday) First come, first served.
Road Town restaurants, requires you to schedule a ride in advance:
Brandywine Estate: Lunch and dinner menus regularly updated and complimented by daily specials with the ability to accommodate specific dietary requirements when possible. Located 20 minutes from Trellis Bay by private driver. Dinner: Tuesday – Sunday, 12:00 – 11:00 PM. (Closed Monday). Lunch & Dinner, Friday – Sunday. Reservations required.
Seven at the Pier: Enjoy a handpicked menu of fish, chicken, pasta, and more. Fine dining and great service on the patio overlooking the water or indoors. Located 30 minutes from Trellis Bay by private driver. Daily for dinner 5:00 – 10:00PM. Breakfast and lunch Monday – Friday 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Saturday 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Reservations required.
The Dove: Venture into Road Town, Tortola, to experience a selection of fine dining at Dove Restaurant. Take a private 25 minute ride into Road Town to indulge in a land and sea menu full of tasteful selections. Wednesday – Saturday, 5:00 – 10:00 PM. Reservations required.
Capriccio di Mare: Authentic Italian cuisine in Road Town, Tortola. Located 25 minutes from Trellis Bay. Monday – Saturday, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Reservations required.
Public Ferry Required, from Trellis Bay to Spanish Town:
Explore Off Island: Tortola Recommendations
If you are looking for more adventure outside of Scrub Island Resort, check out the list of things to do on Tortola:
- Buck Island – Redemption Ranch: 16+ for horseback riding, and a Zebra Experience for all ages.
- Watersports at Marina Cay; click the link to check out pricing for rentals for each activity. Reservations recommended.
- L&S Guided Tour Boats, 13’ Boston Whalers; a customizable guided tour that departs Trellis Bay. 1-2 people per boat, and you choose where you go; rock jumping, snorkeling, lunch on a secluded beach, learn more about the area, drive around in one of the secluded bays, etc.
- Long Bay Beach – Beef Island: Located 5 minutes from Trellis Bay on Tortola by taxi. Enjoy a large sandy beach with easy entry into the water and three bars to relax with a drink.
- Josiah’s Bay Beach; enjoy a secluded beach located 15-minutes from Scrub Island, perfect for a long beach day. Surf lessons and surfboard lessons are available on this beach for those who want to try it out or sit back and watch. Requires private driver to get here.
- Pier Park hosts the luxury shops and great dining options for lunch or dinner. Located just 30 minutes from Trellis Bay in Road Town. Enjoy Seven at the Pier restaurant before or after shopping the area. Local vendors can be found nearby in Craft Village, based on cruise ship schedules. Pusser’s, The Dove and Capriccio’s are also all located in this general area in Road Town.
- Cane Garden Bay, Tortola; all located about 35 minutes from Trellis Bay.
- Callwood Rum Distillery; explore centuries old sugar plantation and rum distillery in Cane Garden Bay.
- Stoutt’s Lookout Bar; enjoy amazing views of Cane Garden Bay while grabbing a quick drink at this quaint dive bar.
- Sugar Mill; a hotel with a fine dining restaurant that’s both beautiful and fun next to the water. Also check out 1748, Coal Pot, or Bananakeet.
- Island Time Adventure, Jeep Tours; a guided tour of Tortola whilst driving your own open air Jeep Wrangler. Visit locations such as Smuggler’s Cove Beach, Nigel’s Beach Bar, fishing villages of Carrot & Apple Bay onward to highest points of Tortola with 360 degree views. Daily tours at 10:30 & 1:30 PM from Nanny Cay, 35 minutes from Trellis Bay.
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