Dream Trips | 2008

Along this archipelago of 60 islands—most of them deserted—you can rent a yacht and drift away from civilization. Sleep under the stars; anchor off an empty islet and hunt for conch shells; stop at the far-flung island of Anegada, famed for its sweet lobster; or swim up to the Soggy Dollar Bar (284/495-9888), on Jost Van Dyke island.

Where to Stay

The Moorings (888/952-8420; moorings.com) and Sunsail (888/350-3568; sunsail.com) are the top yacht-rental companies. Expert sailors can skipper themselves with a bareboat charter (from $410 a day), while novices can hire a crew for an extra $160. Or combine land and sea at Biras Creek (Seven-day packages for two from $6,475, including meals ), an off-the-grid resort on Virgin Gorda. Its weeklong Sailaway trip includes five nights in a beachfront villa and two nights on a private yacht.

Where to Eat

Dock your boat at the waterfront Eclipse Restaurant (dinner for two $60), a candlelit open-air spot. Foxy Callwood has been serenading guests for 40 years at Foxy's Tamarind Bar (Jost Van Dyke; 284/495-9258; dinner for two $90).

What to Do

A popular pit stop is Trellis Bay, on Beef Island, thanks to its provisions store. Visit the shop at Aragorn's Studio (Beef Island; 284/495-1849; aragornsstudio.com), which carries local pottery and handmade herbal soaps. And don't miss the legendary full-moon parties at Bomba's Shack (Cappoons Bay; 284/495-4148), on Tortola.

Insider Tip

You don't have to be a guest to use the spa at Peter Island Resort (800/346-4451; peterisland.com), which welcomes day-trippers for the ultimate indulgence: 5½; hours of massages and body buffing in a private couples suite.—Laura Begley

From the article Dream Trips | 2008.