Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
Saba Rock Resort
Sailors' island clubhouse
Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
Renovated
2021
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Social ResortOutside the door
Sailors' island clubhouse
The one-acre cay runs as an open maritime stop, where overnight guests and visiting sailors gather for dockside tarpon feedings.
“The new look is luxury chic, with an open-air restaurant, two levels of bars, and just nine ocean-view guest rooms accented with surfboards and sea-inspired colors.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Floor-to-ceiling glass and driftwood tones frame views across the sound with surfboard accents.
Listed
Waterfront moorings, guided kiteboarding, and dive excursions departing right from the dock.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
The concrete skeleton, built to withstand storms and seismic shocks, has a sparse, attractive aesthetic warmed by wooden elements.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Virgin Gorda's North Sound surrounds the cay, with Bitter End Yacht Club a five-minute boat ride across the water.
The rooms
Every room looks out over the water through sliding glass doors, finished with seafaring photo galleries and rope-spool tables.
The spa
The Spa & Sparkle studio hosts singing bowl sound baths and reiki therapy behind bamboo screens.
The Main Restaurant
The open-air dining pavilion looks out over North Sound, serving local catch and conch fritters beside moored yachts.
At the table
The open-air Main Bar pours regional rums and Painkillers directly over the water beneath peaked timber roofs.
How it began
Diver Bert Kilbride settled the cay in the 1960s, establishing a shipwreck-salvage base alongside his legendary Pirates' Pub.
Virgin Gorda
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.