One of the most memorable and spectacular events on Beef Island is the full moon party when Aragorn (a well known artist) sets alight his giant metal fire balls which punctuate the night sky. Brightly costumed Moko Jumbies – the local stilt dancers – perform, as do the awe inspiring fire dancers who wow onlookers with their poi shows. Calypso music plays well into the night, Caribbean fare is served and local artisans wares are on sale, making this party a one-stop shop for good times.

The Trellis Bay Market supplies visiting yachtsmen and women with everything they need for their sailing charter and serves cold beer and island food.

Sitting on the dock of the bay with a Melon Colada purchased from de Loose Mongoose beach bar/restaurant is one of my favourite pastimes. The perfect spot to while away a couple of hours… just doing nothing.

Travelling from the UK to the British Virgin Islands

The most direct way is from Gatwick to Antigua with British Airways and onwards to Tortola with inter-Caribbean Airways, which is also a non-stop flight. Virgin Atlantic fly from Heathrow to Antigua and the onward flight is with inter-Caribbean Airways to Tortola. Alternatively, BVI Holidays can charter a private aircraft just for you and your party. You will be met when you disembark your transatlantic flight in Antigua, and fast-tracked through immigration and customs and taken to your waiting aircraft.

Travelling from Scotland

Flights from Edinburgh and Glasgow can also be arranged to connect with the Gatwick and Heathrow flights on certain days. Flights from regional airports can be arranged through Paris or Amsterdam to St Maarten and onwards to the BVI.

Travelling from New York, Boston or Miami

If you would like to have a few nights in New York, Boston or Miami before heading to BVI, this can also be arranged. You can either fly onwards via Puerto Rico which is a 35 minute hop over to the British Virgin Islands or again, a private charter can be arranged. There is a direct flight from Miami to Beef Island, Tortola.

Travelling from the USA

Depending on where you are in the USA, you can fly to Miami or San Juan, Puerto Rico and onwards to the BVI, or another option is to fly to St Thomas and take the ferry to Tortola. BVI Holidays can also arrange a private charter from St Thomas into Anegada, Tortola or Virgin Gorda.

Larger aircraft cannot land in the BVI which is why the islands remain unspoilt, uncrowded and uncommercialised.