VI rated No.1 for Caribbean destinations by US News & World Report
After analysing more than 250 destinations, using a methodology that combined expert analysis and traveller opinions, US News and World Report released its 2016-2017 best destinations rankings.
Securing a place for the Caribbean were the [British] Virgin Islands (VI) which took the number 21 spot on the world’s top 25 list and topped 16 regionally ranked destinations.
Accessibility to beaches, tourist sites and comfortable accommodations, as well as user votes and expert insights, factored into the regional rankings, which saw the VI edge out St Lucia and the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) in the top three Caribbean spots.
Here’s what US News had to say about their choice of leading regional destinations:
[British] Virgin Islands
Gold Badge #1 in Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean
Why go: “Posh” is the best word to describe the Virgin Islands. The shoreline at Cane Garden Bay is particularly picturesque and The Baths are mystifying. Infused with refined British culture, this archipelago is the epitome of Caribbean luxury.
St Lucia
Gold Badge #2 in Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean
Why go: This island’s got it all: sprawling chalk-coloured beaches, towering mountains and upscale resorts. Start your day with a hike through the Piton Mountains, soak up some midday sun along Reduit Beach and watch the sunset over the Caribbean Sea.
US Virgin Islands
Gold Badge #3 in Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean
Why go: Spring is the time to enjoy the US Virgin Islands, particularly in late April when the boisterous Carnival season in St Thomas gets underway. You can still enjoy the unspoiled beauty of a St John beach or historic trivia on a St Croix plantation tour at any time of year.
Cayman Islands
Gold Badge #4 in Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean
Why go: One of the most scenic spots in the Caribbean (and home to some of the world’s best beaches), the Cayman Islands offer premier diving sites. This archipelago features some great hotel deals, so you can enjoy the white beaches and clear waters while sticking to a budget.
Turks & Caicos
Gold Badge #5 in Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean
Why go: Turks & Caicos offers some of the most stunning white beaches in the Caribbean, including Grace Bay. These islands make a wonderful retreat for those who seek maximum comfort in a tropical setting, though, hotel prices can be higher than on other islands.
Topping US News’ world rankings is Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, one of seven natural wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Grand Canyon National Park was named the top US destination, while Vancouver earned the top Canadian spot.
Rome was the top spot in Europe while Cape Town, South Africa topped the Africa/Middle East list.
Bali was the top Asia spot.
For Central and South America, Galapagos Islands came out on top while Oaxaca was named the number one spot in Mexico.
17 Responses to “VI rated No.1 for Caribbean destinations by US News & World Report”
If the truth was to only be told. Lucky for tourist them only stay on the beach front cause the problems behind the beaches are embarrassing .
But "refined British culture"? Must be the concierge on VG. protect what we have.