St Bernard’s Hill House’s Resident Concierge team explain why an out-of-season Virgin Islands vacation makes an unforgettable experience.
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are beautiful throughout the year, but we think there’s something special about a vacation in the Virgin Islands outside of the peak tourist season.
(Our “low season” is 1 May to 19 November.)
Here are five reasons why…
The BVI is less crowded during the low season, but you can still enjoy the islands’ bars, restaurants, and activities – everything is still open.
The ocean is also really warm at this time of year. It’s perfect for bathing or a leisurely swim if you’re planning a relaxing day at the beach or, if you’re feeling more active, ideal for water sports.
As there are fewer people around, it can often feel like you’re on your own private desert island beach. Brewer’s Bay and Josiah’s Bay are some of our favorites.
A Virgin Islands vacation during the quieter months also makes a great time to go snorkeling. You don’t have to “queue” or compete so much for anchorage space at the key snorkeling sites.
There is some incredible marine life to see from May to November.
Look out for reef fish like the iridescent queen angelfish, the vibrant green and blue parrotfish, and schools of blue tang. You can also see a variety of groupers and grunts.
Four species of sea turtle can be found in the British Virgin Islands: Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Green and Leatherback (known locally as Trunk Turtles).
During May and June, Trunk Turtles come ashore to lay their eggs at Trunk Bay, on Tortola’s North Shore.
They are some of the largest reptiles in the world and the eggs hatch after 60-70 days. They are a protected species so you should avoid direct contact with them.
The Caribbean Reef Shark is the most common shark in the BVI, and you may spot them cruising around The Indians or Norman Island. (They are generally harmless unless provoked.)
We often see Southern Stingrays glide over the sandy flats, and Spotted Eagle Rays in deeper waters too.
The low season (May to November) is counted as the rainy season, but the glorious Caribbean sun still shines for hours on end.
Showers and thunderstorms, while heavy, are usually short (10 – 15 minutes) and scattered. It’s not unusual for a shower in one part of the island, only for it to be dry less than a mile away.
When it’s rainy outside, it’s a good excuse to get some R&R inside St Bernard’s Hill House. Each villa has air conditioning, and the decor is designed for ultimate relaxation.
Come together in the Main Villa’s living room for a game of cards or dominoes and enjoy your favorite beverage or a delicious, handcrafted cocktail. Or retreat to your private villa to pick up the book you’ve been longing to read. The villas also have Wi-Fi and TVs with Apple TV for your entertainment too.
The BVI’s location in the Eastern Caribbean means it’s vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms. However, hurricanes do not directly hit the islands every year and St Bernard’s Hill House is not available for bookings during the peak hurricane season between 10 August and 11 October.
Christmas in July is one of our favorite modern traditions in the British Virgin Islands. It dates back to the early 90’s at Pusser’s and celebrates the strong relationship between Puerto Rico and the BVI. (Pusser’s is a BVI institution, famous for its rum, and creator of the Painkiller cocktail.)
Now boaters from Puerto Rico come to the BVI for a week in July. They are affectionately known as the “Puerto Rican Navy” as Christmas in July attracts up to 2,000 people and 500 boats.
From St Bernard’s Hill House mountaintop (one of the highest points on Tortola), you can see them arriving down the channel in their masses. Virtually all of them come in by way of large power boats or sport fishing boats. It is a sight to behold!
We personally love the atmosphere the Puerto Ricans bring to the territory. They are fun loving, family-oriented people and they bring laughter, music, and a really nice vibe to the BVI.
The celebrations are focused on a huge festival/beach party at Savannah Bay on Virgin Gorda on 25 July. There’s live music, DJs, free flowing alcohol (especially rum), and good energy! Everyone is welcome.
If this sounds like your idea of fun, we suggest renting a power boat and heading over to experience the party. (We can help you with your booking).
Imagine spectacular scenery and gorgeous sunsets. Being together with the people you love most. A gourmet cake prepared by your private chef. Personalized cocktails or your favorite tipple. Days spent lounging by the infinity pool or exploring the sister islands.
We may be biased, but we can’t think of a better way to celebrate a special birthday or anniversary than with a British Virgin Islands vacation.
And when you choose St Bernard’s Hill House, you can do as much or as little as you desire.
The exclusive-use villa sleeps up to 10 people and enjoys eight-acres, panoramic ocean and island views, and a heated saltwater infinity pool.
We’re here to create a bespoke itinerary tailored to your vision of a perfect Virgin Islands vacation.
