- Launch of VIP service makes it even easier to visit these beautiful Caribbean islands -

 Getting to The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is now even easier thanks to a new VIP air service, which has taken to the skies today (31st October), connecting Antigua and Beef Island. The twice a week flights are operated by VI Airlink on Fridays and Saturdays and connect with the arrival/departure of scheduled British Airways and Virgin Atlantic flights between London Gatwick and Antigua.

Flights start from £249 round trip, including taxes and include a personalised meet and greet concierge service meaning guests will be met after clearing immigration and be escorted through the baggage hall, customs and security, ensuring a stress-free connection.

With the timing of these new flights allowing visitors to enjoy more time in The BVI, here's a top ten of things to do during your visit:

1.      The Baths National Park – for those in awe of the wonder of nature

A geological wonder and undoubtedly one of the The BVI's most famous attractions, these exotic pools and grottos, formed by ancient volcanic boulders, are the centrepiece of Virgin Gorda's north shore. Visitors can enjoy swimming or snorkelling through this beautiful maze of rock formations or just spend time relaxing in the cool and tranquil pools.

2.      Anegada Lobster – for the food lover

Reputed to be the best in the Caribbean, the famous Anegada lobster can be enjoyed grilled, jerked, curried, ceviche, broiled or stewed. In addition to fantastic lobster, visitors can also experience the spectacular scenery of the island, formed from coral which has created stunning white beaches that go on for miles.

3.      Sunset at the Loop – for the romantics

Peter Island Resort offers guests a truly spectacular sunset experience at the most beautiful point on Peter Island. With a fruit and cheese platter and favourite beverage in hand, guests are left to enjoy watching the sunset over the stunning backdrop of The BVI. The perfect setting perhaps for the perfect proposal!

4.      Dive the Wreck of the Rhone – for the diving enthusiast

If you only get one chance to go on a dive trip, the Wreck of the Rhone is the most celebrated dive site in The BVI. The well preserved wreck is that of a Royal Mail Steamer, which sunk during a hurricane in 1867, and offers an unforgettable dive with much of it still intact including decking, parts of the rigging, the team engine and propeller.

5.      Sandy Spit – for the desert island newlyweds

Although you can get married anywhere on The BVI, Sandy Spit, a minute paradise located South East of Jost Van Dyke is a truly unique place to say your vows. Only accessible by boat, this uninhabited island epitomises the classic 'desert island' utopia. With just half an acre of white sandy beach surrounded by beautiful green foliage, Sandy Spit is a truly secluded spot to get married or renew vows.

6.      Full Moon Party at Trellis Bay – for the party animal

The Full Moon Party as Trellis bay is a monthly celebration, alive with fire, located on the beach of Trellis Bay, Tortola. Popular with both locals and Island visitors, the party is home to local artist Aragorn who brings the party to life by crafting striking fire sculptures in the sand. It is a celebration suitable for the entire family who can enjoy a moonlit beach barbeque, watch the stilt-walking 'Mocko Jumbies' and listen to upbeat rhythms of local reggae bands.

7.      Monkey point – for the underwater lover

Monkey point is a stunning location for snorkelers. Teeming with colourful fish, you may also find yourself with the unique opportunity to swim with several sea turtles that make the day anchorage home. Gently swimming behind one of these creatures as they glide peacefully through the water is a truly indescribable experience.

8.      Gorda Peak – for those at home with nature

A walk up to Gorda Peak, the highest point on Virgin Gorda, will reward you with spectacular views of some of the surrounding islands. The area, which contains a variety of indigenous and exotic plants, has been extensively reforested with mahogany trees – perfect for the flora and fauna lover.

9.      Painkillers at The Soggy Dollar Bar – for the cocktail connoisseur (or anyone who enjoys a tipple)! 

Home to The BVI's most famous cocktail, the Painkiller, The Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost van Dyke is guaranteed to have a fantastic atmosphere at every visit. The bar offers a wide range of different Caribbean beverages, but you can't leave The BVI without tasting the famous Painkiller cocktail – a delicious concoction of premium Dark Rum, Cream of Coconut, Pineapple and Orange Juice, topped with fresh grated Grenadian Nutmeg.

10.    Biras Creek – for those looking for a piece of paradise

One way to enjoy the stunning views that The BVI has to offer is to sit on top of Biras creek with a cool rum punch watching the sunset over 140 Acres of Virgin Gorda. You will enjoy stunning views of the warm turquoise Caribbean ocean, the calm and tranquil lagoon of the North Sound, and if you turn look over to the opposite Atlantic side you might catch a glimpse of pelicans diving into the sea.

For further information on everything the British Virgin Islands has to offer, visit www.bvitourism.co.uk.

Holiday deals to the BVI:

Peter Island Resort & Spa, British Virgin Islands

Tropic Breeze (01752 880 880: www.tropicbreeze.co.uk) offers 7 nights from £3,100 per person – saving £1,200, based on two people sharing a Beach Front Junior Suite on a half board basis, including flights and transfers. Price includes FREE VI Airlink flights between Antigua and Beef Island and one free night. Book by 30 November 2014 for stays between 1 November 2014 – 31 March 2015 (blackout dates apply). 

 Nail Bay Resort, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Coast to Coast Worldwide Travel (0843 289 3589: www.ctcwwt.co.uk) offers 7 nights from £1,600 per person, based on two people sharing on a room only basis, including return scheduled flights with British Airways and connecting flights with VI Airlink, based on Friday departures from Gatwick from 1 November – 5 December 2014.

Biras Creek, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Turquoise Holidays (01494 678400: www.turquoiseholidays.co.uk) offers 7 nights from £1,849 per person – saving of over £550 per person. Price is based on two people sharing a Garden Suite on a half board basis, economy flights from London Gatwick with British Airways and VI Airlink. Based on stays up to and including 19 December 2014.

Rosewood Little Dix Bay,Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Elegant Resorts (01244 897538: www.elegantresorts.co.uk) offers 7 nights for the price of 5 from £2,275 per person – saving of £1,420 per couple. Price is based on two people sharing a Premium Ocean View Room and receive a complimentary upgrade to an Ocean Cottage on a room only basis, economy flights from London Gatwick with Virgin Atlantic and VI Airlink, including transfers. Based on 15 November 2014 departure. Offer is valid until 18 December 2014. 

Biras Creek, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Caribtours (020 7751 0660: www.caribtours.co.uk) offers 7 nights from £2,025 per person. Price is based on two people sharing a Garden Suite on a bed and breakfast basis, economy flights from London Gatwick with British Airways and VI Airlink. Based on 30 January 2015 departure – book by 21 December 2014.  

ENDS

About the British Virgin Islands:

The British Virgin Islands is an archipelago of 60 islands situated just east of Puerto Rico. Other nearby neighbours include the United States Virgin Islands, located to the immediate south-west of the BVI. Fifteen of the islands are inhabited with the main islands consisting of Tortola (with the capital Road Town), Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke.

The British Virgin Islands can be reached via connecting flights through other Caribbean airports including Antigua, St Thomas, Puerto Rico, St Kitts or St Maarten. From the UK a number of airlines, including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, offer scheduled flights to Antigua with connecting flights to Tortola available with LIAT and VI Airlink or by private charter flight. Island hopping is made easy with frequent, speedy and efficient ferry services from Tortola to Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, Anegada and Peter Island.

About VI Airlink
VI Airlink is owned and operated in the BVI and provides exclusive private air charter and scheduled airline services offering connections throughout the Caribbean. For further information visit www.viairlink.com

For further media information, please contact Leah Rosewell or Eloise Evans at ADPR +44 (0) 1460 241641 or email leah@adpr.co.uk or eloise@adpr.co.uk  

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