British Virgin Islands - An Escape to Paradise
After reopening in October 2021 following the devastation of Hurricane Irma in 2017, the new Saba Rock now taking reservations: Located in the North Sound of Virgin Gorda, Saba Rock is an iconic island paradise offering a laid-back, Caribbean-casual atmosphere. Made famous by diving pioneer Herbert “Bert” Kilbride, in the 1960’s, the bare-foot casual cay is an ideal spot for boaters, sailors and water sport enthusiasts in search of a private island escape. The boutique resort boasts nine rooms and suites, restaurant, lounge and bar, dive and retail shop. Alongside the crystal waters of the British Virgin Islands, guests can enjoy a variety of aquatic offerings from their official partners DiveBVI and CaribKiteboarding including snorkeling, diving, kitesurfing, boating and more.
Also following a four year closure, a complete rebuild and reimagination rooted in its sense of place and storied history, Bitter End Yacht Club, a 64-acre island outpost located on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands is now open. Bitter End 2.0 features the all-new new Bitter End Village, anchored by buildings that function in vastly improved capacities to past landmarks – the Clubhouse Restaurant, the Quarterdeck Marina building, the Watersports Center, and the Reeftique shop. Additionally, there is also a Kid’s Activity Center, a Provisions Market, an exciting new beach bar, watersports facility, and the first over-the-water bungalows in the BVI.
Expansion Plans at Oil Nut Bay’s New Marina Village - Spread across 400 acres on the eastern tip of Virgin Gorda, the Oil Nut Bay resort features luxurious villas to rent and purchase. Slated for early 2022, Oil Nut Bay will welcome several new villas and additional enhancements to the new Marina Village, a favorite stop for boaters visiting the islands, which already includes the lively Nova overwater restaurant and bar, suspended pool with hammocks and daybeds, games room, 93-slip marina, market and boutique. And it keeps getting even better… All set for early 2022, additional expansion plans in the works for the Marina Village include a day spa, watersports center and additional provisioning and take-away for boaters. The spa will have a manicure and pedicure station, hair styling station, outdoor showers and three treatment rooms for facials and massages. And a new white-sand beach will be built next to Nova for visitors and guests to enjoy.
The 49th annual Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival returns to the BVI in 2022 for the first time since 2019. From March 28 - April 3, 2022, the regatta features some of the best sailing in the Caribbean with a blend of competitive racing and comfort cruising. Longtime sponsor Nanny Cay Resort and Marina will again be the host of the 2022 event which will be 100% focused on world-class racing, delivering the top-notch experience to which sailors and regatta followers have become accustomed to over 49 editions of this beloved regatta.
Since island-hopping via a yacht charter is truly the best way to experience the islands, visitors should look into Dream Yacht Charters, MarineMax, or Voyage Yacht Charters, all viable options to enlist when visiting. Of course, there are quite a few spots only accessible by boat, too.
Soggy Dollar
Jost Van Dyke, one of BVI’s smallest islands, and birthplace of the legendary and popular “Painkiller” cocktail, is home to the Soggy Dollar, one of the most iconic bars in all of the Caribbean. It was even voted the #1 Best Beach Bar in the Caribbean by USA Today 10Best 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards. Situated on the pristine white bay, travelers are immediately overcome by luscious beaches, crystal clear waters, upon their arrival, and don’t forget, there’s plenty of rum. A painkiller consists of premium dark rum, cream of coconut, pineapple and orange juice (proportions are secret), topped with fresh grated Grenadian nutmeg.
Willy T’s
Deemed the most legendary floating bar in BVI, The Willy T, which was destroyed by the hurricanes of 2017, is an interactive underwater pirate ship playground. After renovations and a reopening, the new Willy T is back in business at its original location of Norman Island. Visitors can choose from a variety of seafood entrees and Caribbean-centric drinks, just make sure to arrive by water taxi, as there is no ferry service to Willy T’s.
RMS Rhone Shipwreck
The first and only Marine National Park in the British Virgin Islands, this celebrated dive site features vibrant reefs and sea grass beds just along the wreck of a Royal Mail Steamer.
