No golf. No glitter. Not much shopping. The British Virgin Islands (B.V.I.) may be only a few miles away from the U.S. Virgin Islands, but don't expect the tourist bustle of St. Thomas. In addition to the spectacular sailing waters and coral reefs that surround them, the British Virgins have calm and tidy towns, luxurious accommodations and gourmet dining. For many, it's the perfect island getaway.

But, as with most things perfect and luxurious, B.V.I. doesn't come cheap. The islands' emphasis on small, upscale resorts and their desire to appeal to well-heeled travelers results in a relatively pricey paradise with an exclusive atmosphere.

Although some cruise ships visit the islands, you're more likely to see yachts. Sailors enjoy steady trade winds, short distances between islands, beautiful views and many sheltered coves where they can drop anchor. These are considered some of the finest sailing waters in the world. Scuba divers and snorkelers also relish the reefs, wrecks and clear waters off the islands.

By whatever means you visit B.V.I, expect a slow and restorative pace with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery. The panorama includes white crescent beaches nestled at the bottom of steep, green mountains and stunning views of neighboring islands from lofty lookouts.

Snapshot

Among the main attractions of the British Virgin Islands are yachting, scuba diving, deep-sea and bonefishing, snorkeling, hiking, sailing, swimming, windsurfing, horseback riding, bird-watching and luxuriating.

These islands will appeal to those who want to enjoy crystal-clear water against a backdrop of beautiful, hilly tropical isles. Go if you have the financial means and want to relax. If you need a lot of action, restaurants, nightlife and shopping, you'd be better off elsewhere in the Caribbean.

Geography

Geographically, the British Virgin Islands are made up of approximately 60 isles. Some are hardly bigger than a good-sized rock, while others are large enough to contain a 1,780-ft-/539-m-high mountain. Almost all of the islands have protected coves and are dotted with thin crescents of blinding white sand and swaying palm trees. They lie on both sides of Sir Francis Drake Channel, about 60 mi/100 km east of Puerto Rico and immediately east of the U.S. Virgin Islands. All of the islands are volcanic in origin with the exception of Anegada and tiny Sandy Cay, which are limestone and coral atolls. Most are surrounded by coral reefs.