An extraordinarily beautiful yet surprisingly low-key spot of sand in the Caribbean Sea, the jewel-like island of Virgin Gorda is the perfect place to get away from it all. Far and away, most visitors spend their time enjoying the simple pleasures of this natural bounty, swimming in the clear waters, or relaxing under a palm tree along the sugary white shore. Anything you'd like to do in or around the water is available in Virgin Gorda. Sailing is a particular highlight of the British Virgin Islands, which boast ideal conditions and plenty of small islets to explore. You can also rent a motorboat to tour the string of tiny islands that dot the seas around Virgin Gorda, or sign up for a memorable schooner tour of the seas. Coastal and sport fishing are also popular activities in the Caribbean. In these plentiful seas, fisherman can pull up bonefish, marlin, and barracuda, among other prized fish.

In addition to swimming, the crystal clear water of the Caribbean make Virgin Gorda a wonderful destination for scuba diving and snorkeling tours; there are several nice dive sites for novices in the islands near Virgin Gorda's coast. If you can convince yourself to spend the day anywhere other than the beach, take a day hike to the top of Virgin Gorda Peak to enjoy the view of the Caribbean Sea all around you.

As many contented visitors will tell you, most of Virgin Gorda is relatively undeveloped, boasting many pristine and unpopulated beaches. When it comes to dining, there are a few lovely seaside restaurants dotting the popular beaches and coves. For a special night out, there are several fine restaurants in Little Dix and the North Sound, which specialize in upscale Caribbean food.

For first-time visitors to Virgin Gorda, here are some of the best spots on the island:

• Copper Mine National Park: Wander through the ruins of a 19th century copper mine, overlooking the clear blue sea.
• The Baths: Walk down a lush jungle path to the Baths, a unique coastal park, where small grottos and tranquil pools are enclosed within giant rock formations.
• Devil's Bay: This stunning white sand beach is made all the more beautiful by the huge granite boulders that dot the shore.
• Wreck of the Chikuzen: Deep in the water, 12 miles northwest of Virgin Gorda, divers can explore the fish-filled ruins of an enormous Japanese fishing boat.
• Savannah Bay Beach: Known for its beautiful sunset views, this beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling.
• Mahoe Bay Beach: This large and tranquil bay is a lovely place to relax and swim.

Start planning your trip to Virgin Gorda with a vacation rental near the sea. For a taste of true relaxation and luxury, find a spacious villa along Mahoe Bay or Trunk Bay. Also look for a beachfront condo or home near Spanish Town or Leverick Bay, both of which offer incredible beach access along palm-fringed shores.