Review Author

Joey Skladany

Contributing Writer

Come for the beach, stay for the views at British Virgin Islands’ iconic Oil Nut Bay. Comprising stunning ocean and cliffside villas of varying sizes and vantage points, it’s an ideal Caribbean respite for couples, families, and even small groups seeking postcard-worthy paradise. 

The property, situated on the region’s famed island of Virgin Gorda, touts unobstructed panoramas of the archipelago’s unique topography: turquoise cays, jagged mountains, and seemingly endless ocean. Most accommodations (which range from one to seven bedrooms) are fitted with full kitchens, private pools, and outdoor showers, complete with modern, cool-toned furniture and finishes that capture the utmost in tropical luxury. 

And though some homes are literally carved into the green-hued peaks, each building is equipped with at least one personal golf cart to conveniently transport guests to bustling Marina Village or the main amenity center which provides access to a private beach (with watersports), restaurant, pool, bar, gym, and kids’ club. 

There is no shortage of other on-site amenities for guests to enjoy during their stay. Sundara Spa + Studio, which hovers over the clear water beneath it, is currently under construction but will feature treatments that range from massages and facials to hand and foot rituals. Guests can also pet animals at the Rescue Barn and learn a bit about local wildlife at the Nature Center, which has attracted a flock of local flamingos.

But perhaps Oil Nut Bay’s best perk of all is its winding walking trails, perfect for a.m. sunrise hikes or pre-dinner strolls to search for whales among the gold-tinged sea. The term “it’s enough to take your breath away” may be cliché, but any traveler fortunate enough to visit the destination and this beloved resort will require moments of pause to take in a natural beauty that is unlike anything in the region or even on planet Earth. 

Fast Facts

Location: Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands 

Address: Addresses vary by suites and villa, as they are privately owned 

Rating: Five-star

The Vibe: Not many places in the Caribbean rival the BVI’s natural splendor, and Oil Nut Bay puts its scenery at the forefront with calm, relaxed vibes that allow the environment to do all of the talking. Guests are free to enjoy their accommodations or saunter around the grounds where life is peaceful, laid-back, and not bustling with the activity found at large resorts in ultra-touristy locales. 

Food + Drink: Oil Nut Bay offers two unique restaurant experiences. The first is Nova Restaurant, serving Asian-inspired fare along with thoughtfully curated beverages. This is located at Marina Village (the resort’s entrance with a cafe and shops) and overlooks the docks as boats whiz by. The second is The Beach Club, which whips up a wide array of dishes, from wood-fired pizzas and salads to fresh-caught seafood and burgers. It is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to close. 

Amenities: Watersports; beach volleyball; pickleball and tennis courts; fitness center; kids’ club; spa; hiking trails; nature center; rescue barn; airport boat transfer; nanny services; off-property excursions

Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: Oil Nut Bay is special because it feels more like an upscale neighborhood than a cookie-cutter hotel chain. Each villa is unique and meant to cater to families and groups of different sizes. There is also the comfort and privacy of feeling like you’re in a remote home as opposed to rows of rooms with literal next-door neighbors. And while the amenities are robust, you genuinely don’t have to leave your villa at any point during the stay. 

5 Nearby Attractions: The Baths; Devil’s Bay National Park; Savannah Bay Beach; Turtle tagging boat excursion; Anegada Island

Any Personal Neighborhood Recs? Take a quick boat trip to Igikai at Biras Marina and Resort for one of the best omakase experiences (and cocktail menus!) in the Caribbean. 

Pricing: Rates start at $900 per night.

Closest Airport: Lettsome International Airport in Tortola (LES)