In its early years, the British Virgin Islands fairly swarmed with pirates, who hid in its coves and kept guard from hill-top lookouts. Today, the fine sailing and magnificent anchorages are just as prized by yachtsmen, both experienced and novice alike.

Most of the population of Tortola, the major island, live in or near Road Town, the capital. The other principal islands are Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost van Dyke, all accessible by small planes and inter-island ferries.

Everywhere in the BVI, beaches are splendid and beach bars exceptional. Scuba diving is popular around reefs and wrecks, most notably the RMS Rhone, reckoned to be the best wreck dive in the Western hemisphere. Gourmet cuisine can be found, along with steel pan and guitar music, in the evening.

The British Virgin Islands' hotels are all small, mostly privately owned, with lots of character and charm; some of them are outstanding. These include Little Dix Bay, Biras Creek Resort, and the Bitter End Yacht Club, on Virgin Gorda; and Long Bay Resort and Villas, The Sugar Mill, and the Moorings Mariner Inn and Yacht Charters, on Tortola; and Peter Island Resort on Peter Island.

Not To Be Missed - BVI's Regatta Sailing Festival and Spring runs from March 31 to April 6, 2008