Christmas in the Virgin Islands

December doesn’t have to be dark and dreary.

If you’re looking for a tropical escape, there’s a slice of heaven waiting for you where the sun shines for 7-8 hours every day and average temperatures range between 72°F and 82°F.

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) offer an ideal location for a Christmas vacation where you can embrace or escape the holiday spirit.

At St Bernard’s Hill House we offer curated experiences perfectly tailored to your group.

Here are some of our ideas on how you could spend the holiday season, but it’s entirely up to you. What will you choose?

Whether you regularly chase the winter sun, or your first time, a Caribbean Christmas gives you the opportunity to create new traditions and make special memories together.

A long-standing tradition for many islanders is to pay a visit to the main roundabout in Road Town (the BVI’s capital). The Rotary Club decorates it with a different theme every year.

Listen out for the sound of Christmas songs by steel pan bands floating gently on the breeze.

At St Bernard’s Hill House we even have Christmas Palm trees. They line pathways throughout the year, but during the advent season they bear the vibrant red fruit which inspired their name.

And we’ve taken a unique twist on the traditional afternoon tea.

St Bernard’s Hill House Festive Afternoon Tea is a ritual inspired by St Bernard’s Hill House owner Dr Juleen Christopher’s childhood and infused with Caribbean Christmas flavors.

Expect traditional bush tea grown from our garden, savory local treats, guavaberry rum, black cake, our signature Christmas cake and a delicious, handcrafted cocktail or glass of champagne.

Forget icy sidewalks, freezing snow and hours in traffic jams, there’s nothing like spending Christmas Eve sailing around the territory.

It’s one of the best times to sail in the BVI. The “Christmas winds” (15-30 knots) and calm seas make for excellent sailing conditions.

Spend the day in your swimsuit snorkeling and exploring coves and sheltered anchorages. Stop off for lunch at an exclusive beach restaurant like CocoMaya, just minutes away from Virgin Gorda’s famous Baths.

Then when the sun sets, watch twinkling Christmas lights from the water – a truly magical experience.  Every so often you might see decorated boats and sailors wearing Santa hats…

Indeed, in the BVI, Santa doesn’t arrive by Sleigh. He comes by boat.

Bitter End Yacht Club in Virgin Gorda has an annual Christmas Eve Boat Parade. Santa and his elves make their way through North Sound and anyone is welcome to decorate their vessel and join the parade.

After a day on the sea, St Bernard’s Hill House is the place for an extra special Christmas Day.

Start Christmas morning with mimosas or coconut cream coffee and a gourmet buffet breakfast on your expansive terrace.

Exchange and unwrap presents next to the exquisitely decorated Christmas tree in the Main Villa’s Living Room.

(Whether it’s a maximalist dream of bold, vibrant colors or a monochromatic palette of pale blues with pops of gold and rose gold, you choose your preference for style and decorations.)

Then enjoy Christmas Day lunch prepared by your private chef. Again, it’s your perfect Christmas Day lunch, whether that means traditional turkey with all the trimmings, or a thermidor made with some of the world’s best lobster or anything in between. (Find out more about the Anegada Lobster Festival).

Many friends and families go down to one of the beautiful beaches in the afternoon, but you may simply wish to relax by the infinity pool or take an easy walk through St Bernard’s vibrant and glorious gardens.

In the evening, enjoy time together, play games and eat, drink and be merry.

St Bernard’s Hill House is an exclusive-use villa set on one of the highest points on Tortola, the largest island in the BVI.

If you want to escape the holiday season or the stress of “real life”, let St Bernard’s Hill House be your sanctuary.

We can curate bespoke itineraries and menus catered to your group’s preferences.

Work out in the private gym, follow your bliss with a yoga session on the Sunset Deck, or indulge in an oh-so-relaxing massage in the dedicated Massage Room – we’ll arrange private trainers, teachers and therapists.

St Bernard’s Hill House sleeps up to 10 people and blends the luxury of a boutique hotel with authentic Caribbean charm.

With its lush landscapes and panoramic ocean views, St Bernard’s Hill House is the ideal place to rest, recharge and rejuvenate ready for the New Year.

Paradise is waiting for you.