A Tortola Honeymoon Guide for Pure Island Bliss

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Considering a Tortola honeymoon? As the largest and most populated of the British Virgin Islands, this top honeymoon spot is packed with things to do, see, and experience–especially for newlyweds. Luxury travelers will find plush accommodation options, adventure travelers will discover endless outdoor activities, and beachgoers will swoon over the island's crystalline waters. A BVI honeymoon in Tortola embodies the classic, romantic beach vacation.

It's worth noting, though, for all Tortola offers, it is a little difficult getting there. For most travelers, the easiest option is to simply fly into the US Virgin Islands and then ferry into Tortola. Flights to the US Virgin Islands are more abundant and more affordable; plus, if you fly in and out of St. Thomas (another popular honeymoon destination), you can extend your honeymoon for an alternative island experience. So just keep that in mind.

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To get started on planning a honeymoon in Tortola, here's what you need to know about the destination.

Tortola Honeymoon Tips in this Article:

• Best Time to Honeymoon in Tortola
• Tortola Honeymoon Planning Tips
• Best Tortola Honeymoon Hotels and Resorts
• Tortola Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas
• What to Pack for a Tortola Honeymoon

Photo: Walter Bibikow | Getty

Best Time to Honeymoon in Tortola

Naturally, couples will want the best weather conditions for their time on the island. Prime time to visit Tortola (or the British Virgin Islands as a whole) for good weather is in the winter or spring. December arrives with bigger crowds, but visiting in either winter or spring helps avoid hurricane season, which falls between June through November. Additionally, diving and swimming conditions are best during peak months and you won't see the larger amounts of precipitation that you might find in the fall.

Best weather: December to April.
Festival highlights: The Emancipation Festival in late July to early August is a highlight, featuring parades, music, dancing and food; the BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival, held in March or April, offers thrilling races and festive beachside events.

Tortola, BVI Honeymoon Planning Tips

Couples will love having so much of this gorgeous island destination all to themselves while exploring the beach, hiking, diving and visiting cultural sites. You can find it all (without crowds) on a BVI honeymoon in Tortola. "The powdery white sandy beaches, stunning turquoise waters and lush mountains in Tortola are a perfect backdrop for a honeymoon," says Tamara Lidbom of Anytime Travel Agency.

As a whole, while the British Virgin Islands aren't super-touristy, there are occasions when crowds flock to the island. "Tortola is a popular cruise ship destination," says Lidbom. "So the beaches can get a little busy on port day, but there are plenty of hidden coves and beaches to explore." In other words, plan for visitors, but explore beyond the main beaches at that time.

Otherwise, the only real downside to a Tortola honeymoon is the cost. Some may find the British Virgin Islands are a little pricier than they might prefer. Additionally, there's the extra travel from the US Virgin Islands to take into consideration. However, some see the ferry ride as a true arrival moment and experience. If you want a direct flight to your honeymoon destination and a quick car ride to a resort, you might want to pick another Caribbean honeymoon destination.

Entry requirements: A valid US passport.
Language: English.
Location: Tortola is located in the Caribbean, as part of the British Virgin Islands, northeast of Puerto Rico and directly east of the US Virgin Islands.
Currency: USD.
Flight time to Destination: From major US cities like Miami, flight times to Tortola (via a connection through San Juan, Puerto Rico) are around 2.5 to 3 hours to San Juan, followed by a short hop of about 40 minutes to Tortola.
Getting around: Renting a car is a popular option for exploring Tortola at your own pace, though driving is on the left-hand side of the road. Taxis and small buses are also available, and walking is always an option.

Pro tip: Get in touch with a honeymoon planning expert for all of your questions regarding a BVI honeymoon. Browse travel agents near you on The Knot Marketplace for Tortola honeymoon expertise, reviews, testimonials and more.

Best Tortola Honeymoon Hotels and Resorts

When planning a British Virgin Islands honeymoon in Tortola, consider booking accommodations well in advance—especially if you're traveling during the peak winter months. Look for Caribbean resorts or villas that offer special honeymoon packages, like welcome amenities, romantic dinners and exclusive tours.

Photo: Brycia James | Getty

Sugar Mill Hotel

Situated on Tortola's Emerald Coast, Sugar Mill Hotel is a boutique property on the footprint of a 400-year-old sugar mill. The hotel's all-inclusive option makes it a nice choice for those couples who want the easiest possible stay, with the most amenities and activities, for the least amount of planning on their end.

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Long Bay Beach Resort

Long Bay Beach Resort is a gorgeous oceanfront resort in Tortola. The property has a mile of pristine white sand beach with easy access to the Caribbean sea, with a gourmet restaurant and beach bar. Each of the luxury hotel suites are equipped with its own outdoor patio, lounge area and sea view showers that are perfect for a romantic honeymoon stay in Tortola.

5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina

While Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina isn't technically on Tortola, it is just over a mile off the coast, on (as you could likely guess) Scrub Island. This luxurious property offers spacious accommodations with large balconies and ocean views, but you can upgrade to a villa for even more amenities. The resort is home to a handful of restaurants. From the marina, you can book fishing excursions. The resort operates a private ferry launch to get you to and from Tortola (though a heliport is also available).

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Pro tip: If you're looking for Tortola honeymoon accommodations that may provide you with more privacy or affordability, consider staying at a romantic Airbnb or VRBO.

Tortola Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas

From beach bumming to exploring local markets in Road Town, there are plenty of things to do on a Tortola honeymoon in the BVI. Here are our top recommendations.

Photo: Douglas Rissing | Getty

Go for a Swim After a Hike

Spectacular beaches and inclined walks speak to active couples. "The best beaches are said to be on the northern shore. Cane Garden Bay Beach is said to be one of the best beaches in the Caribbean," says Lidbom. "If you enjoy hiking, Mount Sage is perfect, with 12 trails to choose from … As much as there is to do on land, couples who visit here usually like to explore the world underneath, [too]. There are over 300 dive sites here, with spectacular marine life."

Explore Road Town

Road Town, Tortola, is the capital of the British Virgin Islands. Snaking its way around Road Harbour, the town is worth a thorough exploration. "The narrow, colorful Caribbean streets are lined with historical sites, local culture, cute little shops and local dining establishments to get your fill of Caribbean cuisine," says Lidbom.

Island Hop Across the British Virgin Islands

Broaden your Tortola honeymoon experience across the British Virgin Islands by island-hopping. "If you are staying in Tortola, take a day trip to see the Baths at Virgin Gorda. You can take the ferry from Tortola to Virgin Gorda and then take a cab to The Baths," says Lidbom. "If you can, no matter what island you are on, take a day trip to see another … It's hard to talk about just one of the British Virgin Islands, because they all seem to intertwine."

Pro tip: Add British Virgin Islands honeymoon experiences to your gift registry so your loved ones can give you a fun thing to do together while you're abroad.

What to Pack for a Tortola Honeymoon

Photo: Laurie Chamberlain | Getty

Pack all your typical honeymoon beach gear and beachwear in your honeymoon luggage, along with a range of outfits. You'll want more comfortable, adventure-ready clothing if you plan on hiking during your British Virgin Islands honeymoon in Tortola.

You'll also want to bring some dressier (but still comfortable) outfits for dining, shopping and exploring the cultural sites. We recommend planning for all weather situations by including layers on your packing checklist, as the evening hours can be on the cooler side.

Brittany Barber contributed to this article.