Luxury holidays in US Virgin Islands

More than 50 US Virgin Islands dot this tropical archipelago with St Thomas, St John, and St Croix, its leading lights. Laidback beach towns with soft ivory sands and calypso charisma are the main draw here. You’ll find everything from rum tastings and hiking through lush forests to snorkelling, watersports and exploring shipwrecks beneath the waves. Carnivals and music festivals reflect the islands’ varied heritage, soundtracked by reggae, blues and of course, classic American rock ‘n’ roll.

When to go

Peak season with balmy sunshine runs December through March. April and May are still sunny and dry and bring carnival season. Warm year round, the archipelago gets most of its rain between September and November.

Getting there

  • Planes

    Most international flights head into St Thomas Island, from there it’s best to take a taxi to Red Hoock Ferry Dock where you can reach your VI of choice.

  • Automobiles

    You’re unlikely to need your own set of wheels unless you’re on one of the bigger islands — and if you plan to fly and flop, possibly not even then. But if you are hiring a car, bear in mind that the islands’ volcanic interiors are often rugged, with all the bends, narrow lanes and switchbacks that come with this terrain.