This Caribbean paradise is perfect for island hopping with a private resort back in action

Oil Nut Bay in Toronto Sun: This Caribbean paradise is perfect for island hopping with a private resort back in action

The sheer beauty of the place is undeniable. Christopher Columbus thought this 21-square-kilometre island looked like a reclining “fat virgin” in the 1490s. Since then, there have been tales of pirates, buried treasure and shipwrecks. In September 2017, there were two devastating hurricanes — Irma and Maria. But the British Overseas Territory has slowly and sustainably rebuilt itself, recovered and is welcoming visitors back.

Aerial view of a long, narrow island surrounded by the clear blue ocean waters of Pajaros Point. The island features rocky coastlines, lush green terrain, and white sandy beaches. The sky is clear with a few scattered clouds. Smaller islands are visible on the horizon. — Aerial photo of Pajaros Point and resort at Oil Nut Bay on Virgin Gorda

I’m at Oil Nut Bay Resort and it is blissfully quiet with just the sound of waves gently lapping onto the long, pristine, sandy beach. There are a handful of others lounging nearby and some cooling off in the pools, and this exclusive 160-hectare enclave, which is only accessible by boat or helicopter, is a sliver of natural paradise.

Virgin Gorda has a population of about 3,900 and is the third-largest island in the BVI, after Tortola and Anegada. Overall, the BVI is home to about 31,000 people. More than a third of the islands are uninhabited. The trade winds, protected waters and beautiful green, hilly scenery combine to make it a wonderful area.