US News and World Report has regarded Cane Garden Bay as one of the best beaches in the [British] Virgin Islands. Photo: Christian Wheatley/Getty Images

On Jost Van Dyke, southwestern White Bay is one of the best beaches to relax with a drink in hand, according to US News and World report. Photo: Christian Wheatley/Getty Images

The RMS Rhone is one of the premier shipwrecks to explore in the Virgin Islands, according to US News and World Report. Photo: KELNKELP/Getty Images

US News and World Report, an American media company that publishes news, opinion, consumer advice, rankings, and analysis, had compiled a list of the best Caribbean getaways based on user votes and expert insights, plus factors like accessibility to beaches, tourist attractions and comfortable accommodations.

"Posh" is the best word to describe the [British] Virgin Islands, US News and World Report wrote on its website.

“The shoreline at Cane Garden Bay is particularly picturesque, the white sand beaches on Anegada island are stunning and The Baths National Park is mystifying. One of the best ways to see these scenic islands is by yacht or on a boat tour from the nearby US Virgin Islands, especially since some resorts are still recovering after sustaining damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017.”

Why Go To [British] Virgin Islands?

According to US News and World Report, the [British] Virgin Islands, or BVI for short, are some of the most exclusive and least developed islands of the Caribbean, but this only adds to their appeal.

“The resorts, villas, restaurants and other tourist attractions in this paradise are known to emphasise spare luxury over sprawling expansion, and they attract travelers with deep pockets and a love for sailing and seclusion.”

Lamenting that the group of islands was hit hard by Hurricane Irma in September 2017, US News said travelers will still be able to find evidence of the hurricane's handiwork, though the VI has done “a valiant job” of rebuilding.

“On Tortola, you'll find mountainous cliffs and chalk white beaches, characterized by changing tides and calm easterly winds. A brief sail away, sleepy Jost Van Dyke offers delicious Caribbean food and drink, one of the region's best New Year's Eve parties, as well as a few outdoor excursions like diving and fishing. On Virgin Gorda, you'll find The Baths, perhaps the most picturesque shore in the British Virgin Islands, and with good reason: It offers unique grottoes amidst gigantic granite boulders (just be mindful of the daytripping crowds). For supreme seclusion, try Anegada; its slow pace, flat terrain and sparkling sand lies almost overlooked in Caribbean Sea.”

US News and World Report listed 17 “best places” to visit in the Caribbean with St Lucia coming in second and the US Virgin Islands third. Turks and Caicos Islands and St Vincent and The Grenadines rounded out the top 5.

Making the top 10 were Cayman Islands, Antigua, Anguilla, St Kitts and Nevis and Barbados.