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The sea beckons. Adventure calls. Bitter End is back.

For over half a century, Bitter End Yacht Club has been world-renowned for its sense of adventure, love of the water, appreciation for nature, and dedication to friends and family.

Our island outpost was destroyed by Hurricane Irma in 2017, but no storm could extinguish the Bitter End spirit. Supported by a tight-knit community spread across the globe, we salvaged everything we could to build back Bitter End better than ever. We are excited to share our newly imagined nautical village with you.

We’ve got several exceptional drinking and dining venues that still harness the same spirit expected of the North Sound’s oldest watering hole. Enjoy hyper-local Caribbean flavors in the heart of our village while overlooking the best views in the BVI.

All of our wares are custom-made by us (and a selection of top-notch pals) to be enjoyed by anyone who carries a love for the sea in their veins. We hope you reach for our provisions whenever you’re ashore or at sea anywhere in the world.

Bitter End would not be Bitter End without watersports. At Bitter End, you can master diving, sailing, windsurfing, or kiteboarding with help from the Bitter End Crew. Or just take a Whaler out for snorkeling and beach combing.

SLEEP OVER THE WATER

You can’t get closer to the sea than when sleeping in our new Marina Lofts. Inspired by vintage sail lofts, you can step off your swim ladder right into the Caribbean Sea. Experience the BVI’s only over-the-water bungalows—a magical maritime escape.

BOOK YOUR LOFT

"The place to stay" in "the most beautiful place on earth."

Travel + Leisure

OUR ALL-NEW MARINA

Built by sailors for sailors, our state-of-the-art marina and mooring field is second to none in the Caribbean. Plus, the Quarterdeck Club refit has resulted in a one-of-a-kind, open-air locale perfect for rum punches, sunset views and celebrations of all stripes.

Fair Winds and Following Feeds

The easiest way to get your fill of salty people messin’ around on boats in the most beautiful place on Earth.

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The central Bitter End village along Marina Beach features a mix of new materials and those salvaged from the destruction inflicted by Hurricane Irma in September 2017. (PHOTO COURTESY OF BEYC)

Celebrating Fifty Years in 2023: The Bitter End Yacht Club Is Back!

By Michelle Slade

We approached the Bitter End Yacht Club by water and the scene that opened up before us hummed with early morning activity — boats tying up at the docks, the open-air reception area a dynamic pass-through for guests coming and going, and playful kids leaping off a floating pontoon into the warm turquoise water just off the beach. Those first impressions captured the essence of something that was different to what had been before, yet in many ways, was just the same as it always had been.

The world-renowned and beloved resort, which has existed in some iteration since the ‘60s, is open again for business after a devastating loss in the wake of Hurricane Irma in September 2017. The resort lost some one hundred structures; just one original cottage was spared. When disaster strikes, there is nothing more to do than to gather the pieces and start the next chapter, which is precisely what the folks at the Bitter End Yacht Club have been doing these past six years. Rebuilding the resort in the British Virgin Islands’ North Sound has been as much of a spiritual endeavor as a physical task of reconstruction; it needed to be purposeful, as Kerri Jaffe, President, BEYC International, noted.

“We looked to our history because it was so important to us that people felt that legacy and sense of place when they arrived at the new BEYC,” she said. “We had to find ways to reinvent that so it existed in every element of what we did.”$0

Over 50 years, based on the needs of the clientele and the owner’s vision, the original BEYC had become a rambling nautical village, and the tactical design goal was to preserve that feeling. Recreating the original BEYC perfectly would have been inauthentic, so while inspiration has been lifted from the past, it is noticeable that each structure has a different look and feel through the use of contrasting wood species, color, and mixed materials — old and new — which have succeeded in recapturing that quintessential village feeling and the resort’s salty past.

The new build is hurricane-proof to modern standards and flood-friendly, and the overall layout is compact, which draws people together around cocktails and a multi-dimensional dining experience: grab coffee and pastries (all handcrafted onsite) to go at the Bitter End Barista or enjoy casual dining inside at The Buoy Room. The Reef Sampler brings together boats, beaches, and bars … right on the beach. A boat-turned-bar constructed from a salvaged hull raised from the North Sound following Irma, The Reef Sampler is just one of many recycled details incorporated into the reconstruction.

Likewise, décor in The Clubhouse Restaurant, which offers open-air dining and incredible views of the North Sound, has been recovered from hurricane debris adding to its rustic-with-a-touch-of-nautical elegance in keeping with its origins; The Clubhouse was possibly the earliest bar in the North Sound, built by Bitter End’s first proprietor as a spot for yachties to stop by for cocktails and a meal.

“Everything hanging on the gallery wall in The Clubhouse survived the storm,” Jaffe said. “As a steward of the seas and the community that surrounds the resort through the Bitter End Foundation, it was mission critical to the owners that we kept the environmental footprint as small as possible. We really foraged, we upcycled and recycled every scrap of material we could including timber, large-scale beams, we crushed all of the concrete for reuse. Among the debris, we found pieces of BEYC history — room signage, directional signage, photography, portholes, which was so special and we knew these elements would connect the old with the new.”

Presently, the resort has just two stunning Marina Lofts — the first over-the-water bungalows in the BVI — available for overnight stays on the island. The rebuild plan intended first to establish dining and recreation amenities to host the boating community, many of whom stay aboard private vessels. The long-term plan, says Jaffe, is a 22-room boutique hotel, six Marina Lofts, hillside cottages, duplex cottages for large groups, and, for the first time, six beach “shacks,” which will be located to the north of the watersports center.

Boating guests are enjoying the new marina with its wider slips and dockage layout customized to accommodate boats of all sizes and shapes, including multihulls, and the anchorage option via any one of 72 mooring balls. The BVI has long been recognized as the watersport playground of the Caribbean and nowhere better than from the Bitter End is it possible to sail, kiteboard, wingfoil, windsurf, SUP, or fish. The BEYC’s watersports center offers rental gear, and instructors are at hand. Bonus: boaters are welcome to use the club showers; charge is $3 for those who aren’t club guests. Anyone taking a lesson at the watersports center can shower for free.

Many of the staff at BEYC have been part of the fabric of BEYC history for years through their parents and their grandparents, notes marketing manager Ellinor Walters Donlan, who resides part-time at BEYC. She attributes much of the success of the rejuvenation of the BEYC to its team.

“These are the people that brought the spirit back to the property for us, not how the buildings looked but how the resort felt. We want people to feel that spirit and feel like part of our family because that’s part of the magic that brings people back. We have an absolutely gorgeous location and one of the best places to play on the water in the world but the way BEYC makes people feel is unique.”

Finding the Balance- the Cruising Balancing Act

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Bitter End Yacht Club 2.0 – Back and Better Than Ever!

The Bitter End Yacht Club has made a triumphant return after being devastated by Hurricane Irma in 2017. With the reopening of this iconic sailing center in the British Virgin Islands, sailors visiting Virgin Gorda’s North Sound can once again experience the charm and excitement that the Bitter End is known for.

Under new ownership, Bitter End 2.0 offers all the beloved attractions of the original, including bars, restaurants, and a watercraft center, along with some exciting new additions.

From the new marina to the Village Plaza , where you can enjoy alfresco dining and various water sports activities, the Bitter End is back and better than ever.

Whether you’re sailing down North Sound or relaxing in the Marina Loft apartments, the Bitter End promises to deliver unforgettable memories and adventures for sailors from all over the world.

The Bitter End is Back

For almost half a century the Bitter End Yacht Club has been the best-known and best-loved sailing center in the BVI and now the Bitter End Yacht Club is again welcoming bareboat and crewed yacht charters visiting Virgin Gorda’s North Sound.

If you’re not familiar with the Bitter End, you have a treat in store. Bitter End 2.0, as owner Lauren Hokin describes it, has all the attractions of the original plus quite a few more.

Bitter End 2.0 Attractions

The reopening of the Bitter End Yacht Club brought with it a host of new attractions and amenities. Bitter End 2.0, as it is affectionately known, aims to retain the charm and relaxed vibe of the original club while offering enhanced experiences for its guests.

Bars and Restaurants

One of the highlights of the Bitter End Yacht Club has always been its bars and restaurants, and Bitter End 2.0 is no exception. The club now features new and improved dining options , offering a variety of cuisines to cater to every palate.

Whether you’re in the mood for a casual snack or a high-end culinary experience, you’ll find a dining venue that suits your preferences.

Watercraft Center

For those who enjoy water sports and activities, the watercraft center at the Bitter End Yacht Club is a must-visit.

With a fleet of kayaks, paddleboards, kiteboards, and dinghies, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from for your aquatic adventures . Whether you’re a seasoned water sports enthusiast or a beginner looking to try something new, the watercraft center has something for everyone.

New Guises and Same Relaxed Vibe

While the Bitter End Yacht Club has undergone significant renovations and improvements, it has managed to retain its relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. The familiar charm of the club can still be felt, but now in a refreshed and revitalized setting.

Bitter End 2.0 offers a unique blend of old and new, giving guests the best of both worlds.

New Facilities and Amenities

The reopening of the Bitter End Yacht Club has brought forth a range of new facilities and amenities to enhance the guest experience. From a new marina and moorings to beachfront bungalows and a watersports center, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

New Marina and Moorings

Boaters and sailors will be pleased to know that the Bitter End Yacht Club now boasts a new marina and moorings. The marina offers docking and mooring options for boats of various sizes.

There are also 70 moorings available , with up to 15 of them reservable in advance. The remaining moorings are on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing sailors to have the flexibility they need while exploring the beautiful waters of the British Virgin Islands.

Quarterdeck Building

Upon arrival at the Bitter End Yacht Club, guests will check in at the new Quarterdeck building. This serves as the central hub for various activities and amenities offered by the club.

From there, guests can easily access the different areas of the club and begin their adventure.

Village Plaza and Clubhouse Restaurant

The Village Plaza is a new addition to the Bitter End Yacht Club, offering a charming space for guests to enjoy alfresco dining.

The Clubhouse restaurant, located within the Village Plaza, serves delicious meals that cater to a variety of tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual lunch or a romantic dinner, the Clubhouse restaurant has you covered.

Reeftique Boutique

If you’re in need of beach clothing, swimwear, or unique souvenirs, look no further than the Reeftique Boutique.

This charming boutique offers a curated selection of items that are perfect for your beach getaway. From trendy swimsuits to stylish accessories, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye.

The Market Provisioning Shop

The Market provisioning shop is a one-stop destination for all your grocery and provisioning needs. Stocked with a wide range of products, including fresh produce, fine wines, and spirits, the Market has everything you need to prepare for your sailing adventure.

Additionally, you’ll find the renowned fresh bread and pastries from Winston’s Bakery, a favorite among Bitter End regulars.

Winning-And-or-Dining Venues

Bitter End 2.0 boasts five wining-and-or-dining venues, each offering a unique culinary experience. From casual snacks to high-end cuisine, there is something for every palate.

Guests can choose from a variety of dining options, ensuring that their taste buds are satisfied throughout their stay at the Bitter End Yacht Club.

Marina Loft Apartments

For those looking for a unique and luxurious accommodation experience, the Marina Loft apartments are the perfect choice. These over-water accommodations offer breathtaking views and direct access to the water.

Imagine stepping out of your apartment and onto a paddleboard or kayak, ready to explore the crystal-clear waters of the British Virgin Islands. The Marina Loft apartments are the first of their kind in the BVI, providing a truly unparalleled experience.

Beachfront Bungalows

If you prefer to be closer to the beach, the beachfront bungalows at the Bitter End Yacht Club are an excellent option.

These spacious and beautifully designed bungalows offer direct beach access and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun or take a leisurely stroll along the shore, the beachfront bungalows provide the perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.

North Sound as a Sailing Destination

The North Sound has always been a sought-after destination for sailors, and with the reopening of the Bitter End Yacht Club, it has become even more attractive. The North Sound serves as a perfect jumping-off point for charter sailors and offers excellent sailing opportunities, including a route to the beautiful island of Anegada.

The North Sound , with its calm waters and well-protected anchorages, is an ideal jumping-off point for charter sailors.

It provides a safe and reliable starting point for exploring the surrounding islands and offers easy access to popular sailing destinations in the British Virgin Islands. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a beginner, the North Sound is a great place to embark on your sailing adventure.

Sailing to Anegada

One of the highlights of sailing in the British Virgin Islands is the opportunity to visit the stunning island of Anegada. Known for its pristine white sand beaches and abundant marine life, Anegada is a paradise for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts.

With the reopening of the Bitter End Yacht Club, sailors now have an even better reason to explore this beautiful island. The North Sound provides an excellent starting point for a sailing trip to Anegada, offering favorable sailing conditions and breathtaking views along the way.

The reopening of the Bitter End Yacht Club has made the North Sound an even more attractive destination for sailors. With its range of facilities and amenities, the club provides a convenient base for sailors to rest, recharge, and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area.

Whether you’re looking to dine at one of the club’s restaurants, rent watercraft from the watersports center, or simply relax on the beach, the Bitter End Yacht Club offers something for everyone.

To embark on your next sailing adventure, Virgin Island Sailing offers no-cost services to help you plan and book your dream vacation. From selecting your departure date to choosing the number of passengers, you can customize every aspect of your trip to suit your preferences.

Our Charter Experts can help you get started planning your British Virgin Islands dream vacation… contact us today ! We offer luxury yachts for both bareboat and crewed yacht charters.

Check out reviews from some of our charter clients .

Request confirmation, terms and conditions, charter experts, llc terms & conditions.

PLEASE READ THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS (“ Terms ”) CAREFULLY AS THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS, REMEDIES AND OBLIGATIONS AS WELL AS A SECTION GOVERNING THE JURISDICTION AND VENUE OF DISPUTES. THESE TERMS ALSO CONTAIN A LEGALLY BINDING RELEASE, WAIVER OF LIABILITY, AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK. By creating a username, a login, clicking submit, using the services of Charter Experts, LLC d/b/a Virgin Island Sailing® (“ Broker ) or by accessing Broker’s website, you agree that you have read, and acknowledge your acceptance of these Terms. The Terms are subject to change at any time without notice at Broker’s sole discretion. Additionally, any transaction for which you have made payment shall be governed by the form of Terms in effect at the time of such payment notwithstanding any subsequent changes hereto.

If you are obtaining a quote, information, booking travel for and/or securing or procuring a Charter (as that term is defined in Section 1 below) for more than just yourself, all references below to “Charterer” or “you” (and derivations thereof) shall be read to mean you on behalf of yourself and each individual within your group for whom you are obtaining a quote, information, booking travel for and/or securing or procuring Charter.

These Terms shall be read together and construed, to the fullest extent possible, to be in concert with any other agreement by or among Broker and Charterer. To the extent they cannot be so construed, then in the event of any direct conflict between these Terms and any other agreement by or among Broker and Charterer (including but not limited to the agreement executed by Charterer for a Charter Reservation (as that term is defined in Section 1 below), these Terms shall prevail.

Prepaid Charter Reservations . Typically, Broker negotiates charter rates in advance with the yacht owner or charter company (“ Charter Provider ”) to obtain cost-effective rates, and facilitate reservations and availability for yacht charters, excursions and travel (the “ Charter ”). Broker also provides services to you by facilitating the booking of reservations for consideration and receives a commission from the Charter Provider (the “ Broker Fee ”). The Broker Fee is included in the pre-negotiated Charter rate provided to you, plus taxes and other fees where applicable. You agree that your payment is for the total amount set forth in the applicable Charter agreement (which Charter Provider may refer to as a Charter Contract, Charter Agreement, Booking Terms & Conditions, Instructions and Terms for Accommodations, as well as other derivations) provided to you by Broker (“ Charter Agreement ”). Upon execution of the Charter Agreement and receipt of the applicable deposit, you will have made a reservation for the Charter that authorizes Broker to facilitate the Charter on your behalf (“Charter Reservation”), including making payment arrangements with the Charter Provider. You further agree that Broker is a third-party beneficiary to the Charter Agreement and shall have the right to enforce such agreement to the extent it deems such enforcement necessary or advisable to protect its rights hereunder or under the Charter Agreement.

Broker retains the Broker Fee as compensation in arranging your Charter Reservation. The Broker Fee varies based on the amount and type of Charter and/or services provided by Broker. By making a Charter Reservation, you accept and agree to the relevant cancellation and no-show policy of the Charter Provider set forth in the Charter Agreement. Cancellation and no-show policies vary for each Charter. Carefully read the Charter Agreement and additional information provided to you by Broker. It is expressly agreed by Charterer that the Broker Fee is earned at the time the Charter Reservation is made. Late payment, wrong credit card or debit card details, invalid credit or debit cards, or insufficient funds are for your own risk and account, and you will not be entitled to any refund of any prepaid amount unless the Charter Provider expressly agrees otherwise under the Charter Agreement or in some other signed writing.

Charter Rules and Restrictions . Additional terms and agreements will apply to your Charter Reservation and any purchase or rental of equipment or other items, supplies, provisions and travel you may select. Please read those additional terms carefully. In particular, if you have purchased airfare, please ensure that you read the full terms and conditions of carriage issued by the supplier. You agree to abide by the terms of purchase imposed by any supplier with whom you elect to deal, including but not limited to payment of all amounts when due and compliance with the supplier’s rules and restrictions regarding availability, charges, fares, and use of products and services.
Payment . All payments must be made by personal check, bank/wire transfer, ACH payment and/or with a major credit card unless otherwise expressly stated. The total price for the Charter Reservation will be billed in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise stated. Some banks and credit card companies impose fees for international transactions. If you are making a reservation from outside of the United States on a US credit card, your bank may convert the payment amount to your local currency and charge you a conversion fee. This means the amount listed on your credit or bank card statement may be in your local currency and therefore a different figure than the amount provided by Broker for the Charter Reservation. In addition, a foreign transaction fee may be assessed if the financial institution that issued your credit card is located outside of the United States. Booking international travel may be considered to be an international transaction by the financial institution or card company. The currency exchange rate and foreign transaction fee is determined solely by your financial institution on the day that it processes the transaction. If you have any questions about these fees or the exchange rate applied to your booking, please contact your financial institution. Broker shall not be liable to you for any such service, conversion, or exchange fee.

Broker expressly reserves the right to cancel your Charter Reservation if full payment is not timely received as set forth in the Charter Agreement.

Cancellation and Rescheduling . You may cancel or change your Charter Reservation as set forth in the Charter Agreement by and among you, the Charter Provider and/or Broker. Please note that some Charter Providers do not permit changes to or cancellation of reservations after they are made, or after a certain date, as indicated in the Charter Agreement. You agree to abide by the terms of the Charter Agreement with respect to your Charter Reservation. Broker will not be responsible for reimbursing Charterer for any previously tendered deposits or payments by Charterer and disclaims all liability for the failure of a Charter Provider to refund or return any such funds.
Credit Card Transactions and Chargebacks . If for any reason, any Charter Provider is unable to provide the Charter, or any part thereof, for which you have contracted, your remedy lies against the Charter Provider, and not against Broker. However, Broker will use reasonable efforts to assist you and Charter Provider in reaching a resolution to a dispute between you and the Charter Provider. In the event that your payment has already been transferred from Broker to Charter Provider or to an escrow account, you agree that you will not seek a chargeback against Broker for such amounts transferred. You further agree to indemnify and hold Broker harmless from and against any liability, loss, damage or expense (including without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees) that Broker may incur in connection with chargebacks against Broker or under the Charter Agreement and your performance thereunder. If Broker incurs any costs, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, to recover any payments charged back by your credit card company or other financial institution, you agree that you will be liable for these costs. If your payment is declined for any reason, you agree to settle any amounts owed to Broker via money order, cashier’s check, personal check or bank/ACH transfer immediately.
Broker Responsibility . Broker makes arrangements with the Charter Provider. Broker additionally makes additional arrangements with other suppliers for the various components and other services that comprise your Charter (“Charter Suppliers”). Broker is not an agent of these Charter Providers or the Charter Suppliers (and the Charter Providers and Charter Suppliers are not agents of Broker). Broker expressly disclaims any liability for the actions or omissions of the Charter Provider and the Charter Suppliers. The Charter Providers and the Charter Suppliers reserve the right to refuse service to you at their sole discretion. Broker assumes no liability for the acts of the Charter Provider or the Charter Suppliers in refusing service. Broker is not responsible for schedule changes and does not offer compensation for those changes. Broker is not responsible under any circumstances for any injury or damages you may suffer, in connection with sea, air or ground transportation, hotel accommodations, or other travel or excursion services arranged by Broker.

You understand Broker is not the source or supplier of the Charter or other travel services you requested and acts solely as a broker for the Charter Provider and the Charter Suppliers. You agree that the Charter Provider and Charter Suppliers whose names appear in the information supplied to you are those who are solely responsible for providing the Charter you purchase. You consent to and request the use of the Charter Provider and the Charter Suppliers and agree to not hold Broker responsible should any of them: (i) fail to provide the Charter or travel services you purchased, whether or not such services are listed in the Charter Agreement or otherwise, (ii) fail to comply with any applicable law, or (iii) engage in any negligent act or omission that causes you any sort of injury, damage, delay or inconvenience.

By using Broker’s services, you waive and release any claim against Broker, its affiliated and subsidiary companies, and their respective officers, directors, employees, contractors, and agents, arising out of or in connection with any loss of or damage to property or injury to any person caused by reason of (i) any defect, negligence, or other wrongful act or omission, or any failure of performance of any kind, by any Charter Provider, Charter Suppliers, or any other provider of sea, airline, hotel, ground transportation or any other travel provider connected to or otherwise associated with the Charter, (ii) any claim for inconvenience, loss of enjoyment, mental distress or other similar claim, (iii) any delayed departure, missed connection, substitute accommodation, termination of service or change in fares or rates, and (iv) overbooking, flight or other travel cancellation, lost or misconnected personal property, or any claim arising out of the air transportation portion of your travel, and (v) or any other claim arising out of or otherwise related to the Charter Agreement or services provided by the Charter Provider and the Charter Suppliers.

Excepting only liability that directly arises from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Broker, you will not hold Broker responsible for any injury, damage or loss you may suffer while on a Charter, whether incurred on the Charter or in connection with any other rental, purchase, excursion or activity, regardless of the relationship of any of the foregoing with the Charter Provider or the Charter Suppliers.

Your Responsibility . By booking a Charter with Broker, you agree to defend and indemnify and hold harmless Broker, Charter Provider, Charter Suppliers, and each of their respective officers, directors, employees and agents, from and against any and all claims, causes of action, demands, recoveries, losses, damages, fines, penalties or other costs or expenses of any kind or nature, including but not limited to reasonable legal fees, arising out of or in connection with: (i) your breach of these Terms or the documents referenced herein; (ii) your violation of any law or rights of a third party; or (iii) your use of the Broker website.

You will review your Charter Agreement and travel documents for accuracy upon receipt. You understand that it is your responsibility to review the accuracy of all details in the Charter Reservation provided to you, and that you may contact Broker if you have any questions.

You assume full and complete responsibility for checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements of your destination(s), and all conditions regarding health, safety, security, political stability, and labor or civil unrest at such destination(s).

You understand that Broker recommends purchasing travel insurance to cover certain risks inherent in travel such as supplier bankruptcy and the inability to travel due to a medical or personal emergency.

No Warranties . All Charters, products, services, advice and information is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied to the fullest extent permitted under the law, including but not limited to, warranties of title or implied warranties of merchantability, satisfactory quality or fitness for a particular purpose. Without limiting the above, no warranty or guarantee is made (i) regarding the acceptance of any reservation request or Charter Reservation; (ii) regarding the availability of Charters, or any other product and/or services through Broker; (iii) that the use of Broker’s website will be error-free; or (iv) regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability or quality of any information, content, data, service, advice or merchandise provided by Broker or through Broker’s website.

Broker has no special knowledge regarding the Charter Provider’s or Charter Supplier’s financial condition, unsafe conditions, health hazards, weather hazards, or climate extremes at locations to which you may travel during or otherwise in connection with your Charter.

Limitation on Liability . In no event shall Broker, Charter Provider, Charter Suppliers, and/or their respective affiliates, or any employees, agents, officers, directors, members or managers of any of the foregoing (“Broker and Charter Releasees”), be liable for any direct, indirect, punitive, incidental, special or consequential damages arising out of, or in any way connected with, your access to, display of or use the Broker’s website, the Charter or services provided to you in connection with the Charter (including, but not limited to, your reliance upon opinions of the Broker), whether based on a theory of negligence, contract, tort, strict liability, consumer protection statutes, or otherwise, and even if Broker and/or any other of the Broker and Charter Releasees have been advised of the possibility of such damages.

If, despite the limitation above, Broker or the Broker and Charter Releasees are found liable for any loss or damage which arises out of or in any way connected with any of the occurrences described above, then Broker, Charter Provider, Charter Supplier and the Broker and Charter Releasees will in no event exceed, in the aggregate, the greater of (a) the Broker Fee, and (b) One-Hundred Dollars (US $100.00).

The foregoing limitation of liability reflects the allocation of risk between the parties. The limitations specified in this section will survive and apply even if any limited remedy specified in these Terms is found to have failed of its essential purpose. The limitations of liability provided in these Terms inure to the benefit of Broker and/or its providers.

The foregoing does not affect any liability which cannot be excluded or limited under applicable law.

Limitation on Time to File Claims . ANY CAUSE OF ACTION OR CLAIM YOU MAY HAVE ARISING OUT OF RELATING TO BROKER’S SERVICES OR THE WEBSITE MUST BE COMMENCED WITHIN ONE (1) YEAR AFTER THE CAUSE OF ACTION ACCRUES, OTHERWISE, SUCH CAUSE OF ACTION OR CLAIM IS PERMANENTLY BARRED.
Waiver . No waiver by Broker of any term or condition set forth in these Terms shall be deemed a further or continuing waiver of such term or condition or a waiver of any other term or condition, and any failure of the Broker to assert a right or provision under these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.
Severability . If any provision of these Terms is held by a court or other tribunal of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason, such provision shall be eliminated or limited to the minimum extent such that the remaining provisions of the Terms will continue in full force and effect.
Governing Law and Mandatory Venue . The laws of the State of Florida govern the rights and obligations of the parties to this Agreement and the interpretation, construction and enforceability thereof. You agree that any action or proceeding initiated by Charterer against Broker shall be brought solely in the federal and state courts of Hillsborough County, Florida, and you submit to the jurisdiction of those courts and waive any objections to the exercise of personal jurisdiction over you by those courts. In the event any action or proceeding is initiated by Charterer in a court outside of Hillsborough County, Florida, Charterer agrees to pay Broker’s costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees associated with defending such action or proceeding and waives any and all defenses to the transfer of said action or proceeding, whether jurisdictional or otherwise, to a federal or state court in Hillsborough County, Florida.

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The Legendary Bitter End Resort Will Reopen With the First Overwater Suites in the British Virgin Islands

The "floating" bungalows will be a key feature of the newly revamped resort, which was completely destroyed by hurricane irma in 2017., rachel cormack.

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Bitter End Yacht Club is ready for a sweet new beginning.

After being completely obliterated by Hurricane Irma back in 2017, the waterfront resort in the British Virgin Islands is set to reopen this winter with a very exciting new feature: the first and only overwater bungalows in the territory.

Located on Virgin Gorda, Bitter End is the final island outpost before the Caribbean Sea meets the open Atlantic Ocean. This secluded spot is known as the “end of the line”, hence the moniker. Set across 64 acres, the privately-owned retreat was opened by the Hokin family in 1973 and quickly became a popular destination for seafarers. After Irma hit, the property closed for four years, during which time the Hokins treated it to a full makeover.

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Rebuilding Paradise: The Bitter End Yacht Club’s Inspiring Comeback

By: Shannon Sinnard Destinations

Nestled at the northeastern tip of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, the Bitter End Yacht Club has long been a premier maritime destination for sailors. For years, this iconic resort has drawn seafarers from around the globe, offering a serene escape amidst the sparkling waters of the Caribbean.

While the term “bitter end” often refers to the final part of a rope or chain, the phrase can also signify reaching the farthest point or the end destination of a long or difficult journey. The founders of the Bitter End Yacht Club chose this name to reflect both its geographical location and the spirit of adventure and perseverance inherent to sailors. For those who navigate to this end-of-the-line point, the BEYC stands as a haven where their journey culminates in beauty and tranquility. And, for many, it has long stood as a cherished traditional stop when exploring the waters of the BVI.

A Legendary Past, a Devastating Blow

In more recent years, the Bitter End’s name has embodied not only a physical destination but also a symbolic one. The iconic BEYC experienced a devastating blow in September 2017 when Hurricane Irma, one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes in history, wreaked havoc on the Caribbean, leaving the Bitter End Yacht Club in ruins. The devastation was profound, with buildings flattened, boats destroyed, and the once-thriving resort reduced to rubble.

While many Bitter End enthusiasts were devastated to hear of the destruction Hurricane Irma left in her wake, the iconic Bitter End Yacht Club kept its loyal fans updated via its website , detailing both the damage and community efforts to rebuild this beloved BVI institution.

Rising from the Ashes

Having now been rebuilt and risen from the devastation of Hurricane Irma, the Bitter End’s name resonates even more with the idea of enduring and overcoming challenges – much like the sailors who venture to the farthest reaches to get there.

After the storm, the Bitter End Yacht Club faced a long and arduous journey to recovery. But the spirit of resilience and determination among its community never wavered. Fast forward to today, and the Bitter End Yacht Club has not only been rebuilt but has been reimagined, standing as a testament to the power of recovery and the adventurous spirit that made it famous.

A New Era for the Bitter End Yacht Club

The reopening of the Bitter End Yacht Club marks a new chapter in its storied history. The rebuilt resort seamlessly blends the charm and character of its past with modern amenities and environmentally friendly practices. Here’s a glimpse of what visitors can now expect:

State-of-the-Art Marina

The heart of the Bitter End experience, the marina, has been meticulously restored and upgraded, offering deep-water slips that can accommodate yachts up to 200 feet, along with enhanced dockside services. Sailors can enjoy top-notch amenities including electrical hook-ups, fuel, ice, showers, rubbish disposal, and laundry facilities. Additionally, guests have access to the resort’s swimming pool. The BEYC also boasts one of the best deep-water anchorages in the Caribbean, providing many of the same amenities as the docking facilities.

Culinary Delights

Dining at the Bitter End is an experience in itself. The resort’s restaurants feature locally sourced ingredients, celebrating Caribbean flavors with a gourmet twist. Whether it’s a casual beachside meal or an elegant dinner under the stars, the culinary offerings are sure to delight every palate.

Adventure and Exploration

For those with a thirst for adventure, the resort offers a wide range of water sports, including sailing, kiteboarding, windsurfing, and snorkeling. Guests can explore the vibrant coral reefs, embark on a deep-sea fishing expedition, or simply enjoy a leisurely paddle around the bay.

Environmental Stewardship

The Bitter End Yacht Club has embraced sustainability as a core principle in its rebuilding efforts. The resort utilizes renewable energy sources, practices water conservation, and is committed to preserving the natural beauty of the BVI. Initiatives such as coral reef restoration and marine conservation programs are integral to its operations, ensuring that the Bitter End remains a pristine paradise for future generations.

A Bright Future

From its storied past to its recent resurgence, the Bitter End Yacht Club is more than just a return to business; it’s a celebration of resilience, community, and the indomitable spirit of the BVI. As it welcomes back old friends and new, the Bitter End promises to once again be the ultimate retreat for those who seek the thrill of the open sea and the tranquility of an island paradise in one of the most breathtaking locations on earth.

BRINGING BACK THE BITTER END

AN INSIDE SAILING EDITION WEBINAR • HOSTED BY PETER ISLER

Join Richard and Lauren Hokin as they reminisce about the Bitter End Yacht Club’s past and discuss its exciting reopening as “Bitter End 2.0” after Hurricane Irma.

THE VIRGIN ISLANDS A CRUISING GUIDE

The Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands is filled with detailed charts of the various anchorages, supported with colorful aerial photography in addition to piloting, anchoring and shoreside information. The Island Connections sections provide valuable telephone, email and website information to make finding island businesses, services and restaurants effortless. Additionally, the guide includes a free, fold-out color 27” x 17” planning chart covering the British and U.S. Virgin Islands.

THE VIRGIN ISLANDS WATERPROOF CHART

Printed on two sides this new chart includes the U.S. & B.V.I. from St. Thomas to Anegada, including anchorage and mooring locations as well as GPS coordinates, sailing routes and distances between waypoints. Excellent for the cockpit and attractive enough to hang on the wall when you get home.

This planning chart is a duplicate of the one you receive in the guide with the exception of being waterproof.

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Iconic Bitter End Yacht Club Rebuilds and Re-opens

By Jen Brett
June 6, 2022

If you’ve sailed in the British Virgin Islands , then you know the Bitter End Yacht Club . Its marina, bars, restaurants and watersports facilities have been a mainstay in Virgin Gorda’s North Sound since the ’70s.

Sailors around the world were crushed when the property was destroyed in 2017’s Hurricane Irma. Now, after massive rebuilding efforts throughout the BVI, the Bitter End is back—and on course to be better than ever.

Just before the winter 2021 holidays, the club raised the burgee and welcomed guests to a quiet opening of onshore amenities. While there is still much more to come, Kerri Quinn Jaffe, the Bitter End’s chief marketing officer, says that the Quarterdeck Marina, Reef Sampler Beach Bar, Buoy Room restaurant, gourmet market, and watersports center are open.

Marina and Mooring Field

The new marina has wider slips, improved decking surfaces, enhanced skirting and upgraded power. There are also 72 moorings. The marina can take more than 25 yachts, including those up to 240 feet length overall, sail or power. Most slips are in 10 or more feet of water, and there are catamaran slips for wide beams. New dinghy docks, along with a complimentary launch service, and shoreside showers and facilities are all up and running.

This is the place for a drink after a great day on the water. It’s set up with a pool table, darts and foosball. The location provides sweeping views of the North Sound and Marina Beach.

Reef Sampler Beach Bar

Constructed from the salvaged hull of the Reef Sampler , which was raised from the North Sound seabed following Hurricane Irma, this hangout is as Bitter End as you can get. The boat has been central to club life since the Bitter End’s founding. Cornhole, volleyball and the daily hermit crab race are all here.

The Market

Bitter End’s new provisioning market has a selection of locally caught fish, garden-grown produce, fine spirits, frozen items and prepared dishes to stock your boat.

Bitter End Watersports

There is nothing like hopping aboard a Hobie Wave for some fun on North Sound. Also available: other sailboats, kayaks, paddleboards, windsurfers, skiffs and various types of boards. Wing-surfing gear is stocked too, if you want to try the newest trending sport. Sunchaser Scuba offers scheduled dive trips and PADI certifications.

This is just the beginning of the Bitter End’s next chapter. Two overwater Marina Lofts bungalows are complete, with plans to add more. Still to come are the Clubhouse Restaurant; the Reeftique boutique; and the Quarterdeck Lounge, which will be a gathering spot with food and drinks on the upper deck of the Quarterdeck Marina building. Stay tuned!

More: bitter end yacht club , BVI , Charter , charter news , Destinations
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Point Your Compass Due South, Bitter End Yacht Club Reopens October 23rd.

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How Virgin Gorda Is Making a Comeback After 2 Devastating Hurricanes — and What's New on the Island

Virgin Gorda has a history of attracting free spirits — and after two catastrophic hurricanes, this visionary thinking is exactly what helped three iconic resorts bounce back.

This is a story that begins with a pioneering charter skipper, a modern-day pirate, and a conservation-minded New York financier. It was the early 1960s, and the British Virgin Islands — a lush strand of 50-odd Caribbean islands, islets, and cays 130 miles east of Puerto Rico — had begun to emerge as a plum destination for sailing and diving. Those pursuits were what drew these men to Virgin Gorda, an eight-square-mile dot of land, where they laid the groundwork for some of the region’s most legendary resorts.

By 1978, a few dozen hotels had popped up throughout the BVI, along with a smattering of bars and restaurants that catered to the hardy sailors renting crew-free vessels in what were the nascent days of the bareboat charter industry. Today, travelers to the BVI can take their pick of accommodations. But three resorts — the Bitter End Yacht Club, Saba Rock, and Rosewood Little Dix Bay — introduced a blueprint for hospitality in the region, ushering the British overseas territory into the era of modern tourism.

Amanda Villarosa

Early last March I traveled to the BVI — a place I adore — for a weeklong stay on Virgin Gorda. My last trip had been in the spring of 2018, just seven months after back-to-back Hurricanes Irma and Maria had pummeled the archipelago, leaving hillsides covered in nothing but gray-brown trunks and branches. But nature fought back, as it tends to do, and through the window of the twin-engine Piper on this latest visit, I could see that the islands below had once again erupted into leafy abundance.

Three resorts — the Bitter End Yacht Club, Saba Rock, and Rosewood Little Dix Bay — introduced a blueprint for hospitality in the region, ushering the British overseas territory into the era of modern tourism.

As the little plane cruised northward, away from St. Thomas, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, I watched the coastline undulate in sweeping curves, forming the secret bights and sheltered anchorages that sailors have cherished since pirates and privateers roamed these waters in the 17th and 18th centuries. On previous trips, I had experienced the magic of these sailing grounds primarily on charter boats, hopping from island to island, sipping Painkiller cocktails, and snorkeling around reefs that spread across the ocean floor in Rorschach-like swaths. For days after disembarking, I would feel the motion of the sea when lying in bed at night, a sensation both nostalgic and unnerving.

But this time, I’d be based on terra firma, spending a couple of days at each of those bellwether resorts. All three had been decimated by the hurricanes, and each had recently reopened following a full-scale rebuild. I’d come to hear their stories and see how their legacies had been carried into the future.

The Bitter End Yacht Club

In the late '60s, Basil Symonette, a renegade yacht captain from St. Thomas, settled with his partner on 30 secluded acres of Virgin Gorda’s North Shore. He built a handful of spartan cottages and a pub that became a hangout for his yachting contemporaries and dubbed it the Bitter End, which, in nautical speak, refers to the end of a boat line that’s tied to the ship. Fittingly, the rustic camp was also the last outpost before the Caribbean met the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

I first visited the resort in 2002 on a sailing trip with my husband and a group of friends. By then, the resort’s current owners, the Hokin family, had spent decades transforming Symonette’s ramshackle settlement into the Bitter End Yacht Club, a seaside hamlet with 47 breezy bungalows, a world-renowned sailing school, and a fleet of boats for guests to rent.

On our 2018 charter, my family and I motored a dinghy up to the North Sound from nearby Leverick Bay, a cove that, at that time, had the only intact mooring balls in northern Virgin Gorda. Though the entire territory had suffered the hurricanes’ wrath, the North Sound arguably took the worst beating. The sapphire waters, normally full of boats and thrumming with revelry, were deserted. The Bitter End’s waterfront village lay in splintered heaps. The remaining bungalows sagged on the hillside, looking more like Dorothy’s twister-ravaged Kansas farmhouse than the cherished cottages they’d once been.

I spent the bulk of my time doing what one is supposed to do at the Bitter End — messing around in boats.

“It was just totally devastating,” Lauren Hokin recently told me over the phone. She runs the property with her father, Richard, who took the helm in the late '90s. “But my dad and I just said, ‘Okay, this is what it is right now. We can either walk away or we can move forward.’ We’d owned the property for fifty years at that point and it needed some updating, so we thought, well, here’s our opportunity.”

Now, almost five years and a pandemic later, it was clear that the revelry had returned. From Virgin Gorda’s tiny airport, I took a taxi to the snug settlement of Gun Creek, where one of the Bitter End’s rigid inflatable boats waited to dash me across the bay. As we zipped along, I listened to strains of reggae float across the sound on the balmy afternoon breeze. Dozens of sailboats bobbed on shiny new moorings, dinghies zipped to and fro, and kiteboards and Hobie Cats skimmed over the sea, their sails billowing with the islands’ famous trades.

Related: the 25 Best Resorts in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas

The Hokins tailored the first phase of the Bitter End’s resurrection to serve the nautical community that put the property on the map, reviving the village, marina, and mooring field so that boaters could once again enjoy the splendor of the North Shore. Visitors like me, who arrive sans yacht, have the option of bunking in one of two waterside bungalows. This airy pair, modeled after traditional sailmakers’ lofts, sits on the edge of the marina; each has a double-decker terrace that juts out over the Caribbean and swim ladders that drop down into the sea.

I arrived in time to catch Richard and his wife, Wendy, at the tail end of a three-week visit. Richard has mastered the art of the sailor’s yarn, and over a dinner of crispy conch fritters and fragrant chicken roti in the resort’s chic new Clubhouse restaurant, he vividly recounted the Bitter End’s history.

Around the time Symonette set up shop, Richard explained, his parents, Myron and Bernice, began taking regular sailing trips up to the North Sound from their winter base in St. Thomas. The couple befriended the eccentric skipper, and one evening over cocktails Bernice asked if he might sell them a piece of land where they could build a cottage of their own. Symonette upped the ante and offered them the whole place. Three years of rather unorthodox negotiations followed — at one point, Richard said, Symonette wanted to be paid in gold bullion — and in 1973 the Hokins took ownership.

“What we didn’t realize was that the bareboat industry had started up on Tortola,” Richard said of those intervening years. Amateur sailors soon caught wind of the North Shore’s magic and began arriving in droves. But those early rental boats lacked the creature comforts of today’s elegant charter yachts. “The wannabes weren’t accustomed to life aboard a small, crowded yacht,” Richard continued. “They started asking if they could rent a cottage so they could have a shower, sleep in a real bed, and indulge in intimate activities that were uncomfortable in two-foot-wide bunks with shipmates in the same space.” He smiled and said, “I suspect the latter is the principal reason the Bitter End became a resort.”

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In its previous incarnation, the Bitter End offered a robust menu of diversions, including sailing classes, weekly regattas, day trips around the archipelago, and sunset cruises. As the Hokins have rolled out Bitter End 2.0, they’ve curated a collection of Caribbean experiences inspired by those same adventures. I spent the bulk of my time doing what one is supposed to do at the Bitter End — messing around in boats. I ventured out on a paddleboard to snorkel in a mangrove cove and kayaked to Prickly Pear Island, where I lolled on a Gilligan-style beach among hundreds of pink conch shells. One afternoon I took my first-ever sailing lesson with Joe Lund, a watersports instructor, and for an hour we coasted through the sound on a 14-foot Hobie Wave with the sea spraying our faces.

Another morning, I met up with Nick Putman, the Bitter End’s assistant marina and watersports manager, for a snorkeling tour. “There’s just been this overwhelming feeling that, man, it’s so good to be back,” he said as we cruised to the Baths National Park. “It’s taken a long time to get to where we are, and it’s been a struggle, but here we are, doing what we love to do.” He smiled and gestured as the ocean went by in a blur.

We picked up a mooring at Devil’s Bay, a scimitar of alabaster sand. Later Putman and I would investigate the Jurassic warren of saltwater pools and sunlit grottoes that define this geological wonder, but first I wanted to explore the granite metropolis the boulders formed beneath the sea. Hovering on the surface, I watched a school of sergeant majors glide among sea plumes while two parrotfish, polychromatic scales glinting, crunched mouthfuls of coral. In the shallows, three iridescent reef squid with comically large eyes observed my progress before disappearing into the aperture between two rocks.

Going forward, the Hokins plan to develop the Bitter End in a way that has the lightest possible impact on the environment — bottling their own water, installing solar power, and capitalizing on natural ventilation. Three more waterside bungalows will be built in the coming months, along with a collection of timber-frame structures reminiscent of their predecessors. “We really tried to preserve the spirit of the place,” Richard said. “It may look a bit different, but the heart and soul are the same.”

Just 300 feet across the sound from the Bitter End yet a world away in vibe, Saba Rock sits like an oasis in the middle of the sea . The one-acre island curls into itself like a nautilus shell, palm trees fringing its perimeter, ultramarine water in every direction.

My seat on Saba’s little red ferry, which I picked up from the Bitter End, provided an excellent view of the new resort. The two-story structure wraps around the island in a sleek semicircle of storm-proof concrete and honey-colored wood. A dock traces its curve and dinghies bump against it, two deep in spots. I could hear the high-energy thump of Soca music coming from the restaurant where a lively lunch crowd filled the tables ringing the water’s edge. It seemed I’d arrived just in time for the party.

More Trip Ideas: Why a Sailboat Journey Is the Best Way to Explore the British Virgin Islands

That spirit of bacchanalia has been part of Saba’s DNA for decades, originally nurtured by a free-spirited New England expat named Bert Kilbride. He bought Moskito Island, an uninhabited bump of land off the northern coast of Virgin Gorda, built a 12-room dive resort he named Drake’s Anchorage, and spent his days scouring the treacherous reef surrounding Anegada for sunken ships. In 1967, Queen Elizabeth II appointed him Her Majesty’s Receiver of Wreck, tasking him with salvaging maritime debris and cementing his reputation as the “Last Pirate of the Caribbean.”

In 1970, Kilbride moved across North Sound to Saba Rock, which in those days was little more than a windswept volcanic spit covered in dry scrub and organ pipe cactus. He cobbled together a house from stone and driftwood that doubled as headquarters for his new diving venture, Kilbride’s Underwater Tours. For decades afterward curious travelers came calling, intrigued by tales of the treasure hunter who called the rock home.

Hurricane Hugo struck in 1989, putting a temporary kibosh on Kilbride’s diving business. To make ends meet, he and his wife, Gayla, converted the space into Pirate’s Pub, hawking burgers and Bushwackers to passing boaters. In true buccaneer spirit, Kilbride greeted guests — who ran the gamut from itinerant old salts to Walter Cronkite — with a blue and yellow parrot on his shoulder and chains adorned with gold coins around his leathery neck. The pub flourished until 1997, when Kilbride sold Saba to a restaurateur from Hawaii who rebuilt the place from the ground up, adding a hotel — and a smidge of refinement — to the island’s brand of debauchery. After Irma, billionaire investor Petr Kellner stepped in, working with Czech architect Petr Kolář to redesign the place.

In each of Saba’s nine guest rooms, sliding doors open to a balcony overlooking the waterscape outside. After unpacking, I walked around the island’s perimeter and then, because that took all of 10 minutes, I did it again. This time I slowed down, spiraling up from the pretty beach to the Sunset Bar and back down again, charmed by the beguiling spaces and nautical design details I encountered along the way. The diminutive island is immensely photogenic, with swings hanging by the upstairs bar, hammocks swaying beneath coconut palms along the water’s edge, and British phone booths that add crimson pops to the endless turquoise panorama.

Whenever I began to feel moored on the island, which in theory I suppose I was, I made my way down a sandy path and dove into the sea.

Had I been on a sailing charter, my visit would likely have been short-lived — a few minutes in the afternoon watching tarpon being fed from the dock, a rum punch or two at sunset, dinner at the waterfront restaurant, then back to the boat to sleep. In the morning we would have dropped our mooring and started the long sail up to Anegada, the traditional stop after an overnight in the North Sound. Instead, my two days at Saba Rock stretched into a miniature retreat. I rolled out my yoga mat on the oceanside pavilion. I had a treatment at the spa that blended massage, essential oils, and a sound bath into an experience so restorative it felt like a hug. One afternoon I lounged in a hammock and counted the sea turtles popping up from the reef for breath. And whenever I began to feel moored on the island, which in theory I suppose I was, I made my way down a sandy path and dove into the sea.

Rosewood Little Dix Bay

From the water, the conical wooden roofs of Rosewood Little Dix Bay appear to rise from the lush, jasmine-scented foliage like something out of Robinson Crusoe . I presumed the resort was just as Laurance Rockefeller had envisioned it when he sailed into the idyllic half-moon bay in 1958 on board his yacht, the Evening Star . By then, the philanthropist had been on the ecotourism trail for a while, having built resorts like Dorado Beach, in Puerto Rico, that, in his words, aimed to “go to the frontiers of natural beauty and keep them in harmony with the locale.”

On the pier I met my butlers, Altamash Khateeb and Hubert Hall, who whisked me away for a tour. Walther Prokosch, the resort’s original architect, wrote that his goal was to evoke “coconut palms in a strong breeze…storm-tossed, irregular, tropical.” When Irma left the property literally storm-tossed in 2017, Little Dix had been on the cusp of unveiling an 18-month refresh . Although the resort’s open-air Pavilion restaurant, with Prokosch’s zigzag of soaring roofs, had been spared, the damage to the rest of the property was catastrophic.

From left: Amanda Villarosa; Brian DiDio

“All of the rooms were rebuilt on the original foundations,” Khateeb told me as we looped past the Farm, the resort’s new organic kitchen garden. The reimagined property exudes a sleek, vintage aesthetic that harks back to Rockefeller’s philosophy of keeping the environment intact and the resort itself simple and informal. My suite, a midcentury-style haven with vaulted ceilings and a huge wall fashioned from local stone, sat amid an Eden of frangipani and bougainvillea. Just off the patio, a sandy path snaked beneath a bower of sea grapes to the beach, and as I strolled the tawny crescent I spotted a juvenile black-tipped reef shark cruising the translucent water near my feet.

I rose early each morning, wanting to spend every moment possible absorbing my surroundings. Hall made sure I had milk for my tea, which I brewed in a porcelain pot and sipped on the patio while listening to waves lap the sand. Later, I wandered to the Pavilion for breakfast, where I devoured plates of ambrosial mango and papaya and far too many chocolate croissants. One day, Khateeb arranged for Captain Avery Baptiste to drop me at Little Trunk Bay, a secluded beach not far from the Baths, where I swam and sunbathed for hours, living out a castaway fantasy that included the unlikely additions of a gourmet picnic and a chilled bottle of Moët.

My bed at Little Dix was huge and plush — a far cry from the modest bunks of my boating trips. Still, I did miss the mobility that sailing affords. To remedy that, I booked a day on Midnight Moon, a sleek power boat. As we set off, a brief morning cloudburst left a huge rainbow in its wake. In the distance, the Dogs, three jagged islets known for some of the territory’s best snorkeling, rose from the sea. But the current that morning was a bit too rough. Instead, we headed to a tranquil spot called Diamond Reef, where I spotted a surly barracuda lurking near a jetty carpeted in coral. We spent the rest of the day hitting the BVI highlight reel: Sandy Spit, a miniature cay that was almost washed away by the hurricanes; dreamy White Bay, on Jost Van Dyke, home to the famed Soggy Dollar Bar and a chic new hotel, the Hideout; and Norman Island, where I snorkeled near a triptych of caves said be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island .

I snorkeled near a triptych of caves said be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island .

Later that afternoon, as we approached the southern tip of Virgin Gorda on our way back to Little Dix, I could see the towering boulders of the Baths. I remembered something I’d heard from Elwin Anderson Flax, an 81-year-old lifelong resident who’d given me a history tour earlier in the week. As we wound along the North Sound Road in his pickup truck turned open-air jitney, he shared countless tales of life on the island. The ones that stood out most were his memories of the hurricanes. “That morning after Irma, the whole island was gray,” he said. “And I told myself that for the first time, I was seeing Virgin Gorda as it really is. Naked. And with all that nakedness, the beauty of the rocks."

Now those rocks peeked above the velvety emerald foliage enveloping the hillside. Snorkelers and sailboats filled Devil’s Bay. On the beach, Poor Man’s Bar buzzed with the energy of a happy hour that had started before lunch. Virgin Gorda had risen once again.

A version of this story first appeared in the December 2022/January 2023 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline "Starting Fresh. "

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Bitter End is Back

By By Kate Lardy
Updated: December 15, 2020

When Hurricane Irma unleashed the fury of her Category 5 winds on the BVI’s Bitter End Yacht Club in 2017, reducing nearly every building to rubble, the destruction was so complete that you would be forgiven for thinking it was the end of the Bitter End — but you’d be wrong.

Thirty hours after the storm the owners, Richard Hokin and his daughter Lauren Hokin, were on a plane to the islands. “We made up our minds on the way down that we would make this an opportunity, not a catastrophe,” Richard says. The rebuild began with a massive cleanup that left the area as virgin as Richard and his parents first found it in the mid-1960s. They fell in love with the perfect anchorage tucked within Virgin Gorda’s well-protected North Sound, framed by verdant hills and blessed by the reliable tradewinds. When they purchased Bitter End less than a decade later, it was a quaint gem with just a couple docks, a restaurant and some very basic guest cabins.

Over the ensuing decades Bitter End grew in amenities and scope parallel to the BVI’s blossoming charter business, and in the ’90s it doubled in size to 64 acres when the Hokins acquired an adjacent property. When Irma hit, it was essentially two resorts put together back to back, as Richard describes it. “Use of the shoreline and land was very inefficient and didn’t take advantage of the natural features of the place.”

Then Irma gave them a reset button. “Mother Nature scolded us with Irma for having created all this sprawl on her masterpiece, so we’re taking her at her word,” he says. “We are putting it back together in a way where we are better stewards of the land.”

“We’re trying to be very sensitive to our environmental footprint, returning as much of the shoreline as possible to its natural state,” Lauren adds. “The beach is coming back in a really beautiful way, wildlife are returning and we’re planning a mangrove restoration project.”

An unexpected gift from Irma is a much larger beach than before. From here, the transition to the nautical village on shore is gentle and organic. Guests can expect timber construction and very little glazing, with plenty of open-air ventilation and AC only where needed. It’s rustic yet beautiful, with soft surfaces underfoot that lend themselves to bare feet and seamless integration of the indoors and out.

The new development will be a fresh and exciting departure from the pre-Irma resort but at the same time it will be sweetly familiar. Over the last three years, the resort has kept in constant communication with what they call their extended family across the globe and they got the message when 2,000 nostaglic guests answered a survey with the overwhelming sentiment of “keep it the same.” While replicating the old development would not have been practical, the new resort preserves a sense of history and place by incorporating memorabilia and artifacts that were discovered amid the storm debris. Signage, vintage lanterns and bits of nautical hardware will remind returning guests of the old days.

Perhaps more importantly, though, Bitter End 2.0 will honor the resort’s unique character and communal spirit. Originally built by a charter captain, it was a quirky spot attracting an odd cast of salty sailors before the Hokin family entered the picture, and when they did they weren’t looking to get into the resort business. First and foremost, they wanted a family retreat where they could do what they loved: sailing, fishing, diving, beachcombing. The commercial operation was merely a justification for the purchase, and this relaxed ethos has prevailed over the years. It’s a place where fast friendships are formed, where America’s Cup yachtsmen can mess around on boats alongside a family who is just learning to sail.

“We don’t take ourselves too seriously. We are about having an awesome time on the water, letting your inner kid free. That’s the spirit of the place,” Lauren says.

Hence informal beer can regattas will be central to the sailing program when Bitter End reopens in 2021. Phase one, to be completed in the first half of the year, focuses on the marina. It will offer a similar capacity as before with 26 slips and 72 moorings, but amenities will be much improved, like wifi that reaches throughout the mooring field and upgraded bathing facilities. The new two-story marina building will feature a panoramic members’ lounge, and the clubhouse will encompass a multi-concept restaurant, including the all-important pub. Adjacent to this will be a gourmet grocers offering expanded wares. The nautical village’s retail shop will showcase a new addition to its select nautical goods and gear: Bitter End’s own apparel and accessories line called Bitter End Provisions , which was launched online during the rebuild to stay connected to the yacht club’s loyal fan base.

Of course, the famed fleet will be restored, providing favorites from paddleboards and Hobie Cats to one-design keelboats, as well as new additions with foils — something Richard’s “inner kid” is personally looking forward to.

“In the early days, we did some kind of wacky stuff,” he says, recalling “the Good Ship Bert and Ernie” — two Lasers strung together with plywood and duct tape for one big party. “I want to get that going again: keep the fun meter all the way over at full bore.”

A reopening date will be announced after the New Year. beyc.com ; bitterendprovisions.com

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Step into the sea from private dock in BVI’s only overwater bungalows

overwater bungalow at bitter end yacht club

After being destroyed by Hurricane Irma in 2017, the Bitter End Yacht Club in Virgin Gorda rebuilt and added the only overwater bungalows in the British Virgin Islands.

The Marina Lofts are two stories with private terraces and views of the North Sound. Lounge on a private dock and take the ladder into the Caribbean Sea. The first floor has a daybed and the second has a king, both with water views. There are two Marina Lofts built with plans to add 10 more.

The family-owned resort on a 64-acre island opened in 1969 and is only accessible by boat.

– Staff report, The Travel 100

No crowds, private escort to plane – new levels of luxury available at two major airports

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The Newest Resort in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Is Now Taking Bookings

The Caribbean’s Legendary Bitter End Yacht Club Is Rising Again

Before the storm, it was a Caribbean Mecca.

And then Hurricane Irma came to the British Virgin Islands, and Virgin Gorda’s legendary Bitter End Yacht Club was no more.

But now, after four years of hard work, the Bitter End is rising again, heading toward a planned December reopening.

The BEYC has announced its highly-anticipated reopening, part of a multi-phased relaunch that will kick off with a new centerpiece destination for yachters and sailors.

The Hokin Family, which owns the property, is calling it Bitter End 2.0, and that’s precisely what it will be.

The hotel will be anchored by a new nautical village, all nodding back to the original resort; that includes the Clubhouse Restaurant, the Quarterdeck Marina, the Watersports Center and the Reeftique Boutique.

“We have taken everything that we’ve learned over five decades and incorporated it into the redesign to purposefully pay homage to our history. At the same time, we are elevating Bitter End’s amenities and hospitality offerings to create a world-class experience that will delight travelers for generations to come,” said Richard Hokin, patriarch of the family.

The initial phase will cater primarily to the private and charter yacht industries, the family says.

That means over 70 moorings balls, 25 marina slips and a new two-story, Quarterdeck Marina, open-air venue with an upstairs lounge and a wraparound terrace — with enhanced amenities like marina-wide Wi-Fi, among others.

There will also be several dining concepts: a new take on the iconic Clubhouse; an open-kitchen pizza and wine bar; and a sunken ship turned into what the Hokins call “the coolest beach bar in the Caribbean.”

All of the eateries will source produce from Bitter End Farms, an on-property producer of fruits, vegetables and more.

The new Bitter End Market will stock all manner of provisions, too.

“Thoughtful provisioning is key to a happy crew and successful voyage,” says Lauren Hokin. “We’re excited to introduce garden-grown produce, fresh-caught seafood, and an array of prepared dishes, topped off by Chef Winston’s world-famous key lime pie and fresh baked goods, made daily in Bitter End’s kitchens.”

And yes, the watersports fleet that was the signature of the resort is making a comeback, too.

So what about the resort itself?

Initially, the resort will offer a pair of overwater-bungalows called the Marina Lofts; initially, the resort will have just a pair of lofts.

“We are excited to welcome back our legacy guests and global watersports community to the reimagined Bitter End Yacht Club,” said Richard. “Over the last four years, the Bitter End Crew, alongside a team of architects and designers, engineers, highly-skilled craftspeople, and a set of salty spirits have collaborated to honor Bitter End’s legacy while launching an exciting new chapter in Bitter End’s story.”

For more, visit the Bitter End Yacht Club .

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Published on February 6th, 2018 | by Editor

Plans underway to restore Bitter End

Published on February 6th, 2018 by Editor -->

The Bitter End Yacht Club in Virgin Gorda was devastated by Hurricane Irma in September 2017, leaving over 64 acres, one mile of shoreline and over 50 structures destroyed in its path. The task at hand for restoration of the iconic destination is extraordinary, but the Bitter End community is steadfast in its mission to restore Bitter End’s legacy.

To accomplish this, Bitter End’s ownership family confirmed a temporary closure of the property with plans to announce a reopening date in the coming months.

“Although Bitter End will be closed temporarily, there is no storm of any category that could extinguish our spirit,” shared Richard Hokin, Operating Owner. “That spirit is a part of every one of us, past and present, who have experienced this special place. My family and I are committed to ensuring that Bitter End’s legacy continues on.”

BEYC’s ownership and team have been passionately involved in relief efforts to support their employees and the recovery of the territory. Their immediate focus has been on fundraising to support the recovery, with $800,000 raised to date. This effort has been overwhelmingly supported by individual donations from Bitter End’s impassioned guests and a community of kindred spirits across the maritime and travel sectors.

The fund also received two major gifts; one gift most generously donated from an anonymous long-standing Bitter End guest in addition to a gift from the David Hokin Foundation. 100% of the funds are being directed to the Virgin Gorda community focused on healthcare and education in addition to direct aid to Bitter End’s 178 employees who were employed at the time of the storm.

“We are able to do this because of the remarkable bond, sense of community and love of place that exists between Bitter End’s team and its guests and friends who have demonstrated their commitment to the future,” said Hokin. “Our efforts to raise funds for the team and for the community will continue as an integral part of planning for Bitter End’s revival.”

BEYC now undertakes the task of restoring Bitter End to the iconic Caribbean destination it has been for the past fifty years and is excited to announce it has engaged world-renowned architectural firm Simplemente Madera, led by Matthew Falkiner, to assist in developing the resort’s next chapter.

Simplemente Madera brings world class design to create beautiful spaces that enhance guest’s interaction with the natural environment, combining both simplicity and sophistication. Recent notable Simplemente Madera projects include Morgan’s Rock Hacienda, Jicaro Island Eco-Lodge, and Calala Island, all in Nicaragua. Simplemente Madera’s mission is a natural complement to Bitter End’s ecological philosophy with respect for the environment at the forefront of their work.

“Bitter End’s new design will honor its legacy, allowing the natural beauty of the environment and bespoke experiences to capture center stage, enhanced by simplicity and responsibility in design and style,” said Hokin. “It is important to us that North Sound continues to be the visually inviting destination it has been for generations, both for travelers and visiting mariners.”

Bitter End is focused on having shorefront operations in full swing as soon as feasible followed by continuous development across the 64-acre property. Hokin added, “The Bitter End community’s spirit and support never has been stronger. That, especially, has strengthened our resolve to turn our challenge into the exciting opportunity of bending on new sails and continuing with the remarkable voyage that has been and will continue to be Bitter End.”

Source: John A. Glynn

Tags: Bitter End Yacht Club , Caribbean

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A Look Back on the Season

Dear Friends of Bitter End,

It’s hard to believe that almost six years ago, Hurricane Irma ripped through the BVI; her eye passing directly over Bitter End. Bitter End Rising confirms there is truth to the adage that after every storm, there is a rainbow, and that is exactly how this season felt in our corner of North Sound.

Being at Bitter End this season felt sort of like an epic family reunion — bursting with warm handshakes, hugs, high-fives, and tears as kindred spirits from across the globe came back to a place we all love. As one of our guests wrote… "I have never spent time in a place and walked away with so many friends and a feeling of home." This sentiment encapsulates our mission at Bitter End.

We hosted club cruises, traded burgees, held regattas, weddings, and family reunions. Marina Beach, our new stretch of beach dotted with thatched bohios and hammocks, provided relaxation and a place to take in the action of Hobie Cat races, foiling, winging, paddling, kitesurfing, and as we like to say, "messing about in boats."

Alongside our world-class marina and watersports amenities, Bitter End offers five distinct drinking and dining experiences, a gourmet market perfect for provisioning, a carefully curated fashion boutique, beautiful beaches, and sunsets that remain with you forever.

While Bitter End is closed for our seasonal respite, our crew is busy getting ready stateside to hit the road with the Bitter End Rambler — our "land yacht" — appearing at boat shows along the Eastern Seaboard. We look forward to connecting with our extended family in Newport and Annapolis!

During the past five years, with your support, we have invested a lot in helping our local community get back on its feet and become stronger and more resilient. We've provided grants for job skills training, youth enrichment and education, environmental stewardship, and other programs critical to the long-term success and vitality of the BVI. A sincere thanks to all who have supported us and the Bitter End Foundation, a US 501(c)(3). If you would like to learn more about what we do or make a tax-deductible donation, visit us here.

So, what’s on the horizon for Bitter End? During our closure, we are beginning construction on additional guest rooms to complement our two Marina Lofts, as well as new Beachfront Bungalows that will offer a private oasis and stunning views of Anguilla Cut. We are thrilled to bring these new accommodations online soon and can't wait to welcome you and your entire crew ashore.

We’re approaching Bitter End 2.0 in much the same way Myron & Bernice Hokin developed the property 50 years ago. Built by boaters for boaters, our family remains committed to ensuring that Bitter End is your favorite island outpost to play in, on, and around the water.

Whether you’re a resort guest, boat visitor, or Provisions purchaser, thanks for being our mainstay during this journey — we could not have made this epic comeback without you!

Fair Winds,

The BEYC Crew

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Bitter End Yacht Club

North Sound, Virgin Gorda

Full Review
On several gorgeous, white-sand beaches with plenty of water sports
All rooms have balconies where guests can enjoy the breezes and stunning views
Spa, fitness center, and pool
Restaurants are reasonably priced with solid (if not gourmet) meals
Outdoor movie theater plays two movies every night (the first always has a G rating)
Small kids' club
Free snacks and drinks in the rooms
Strong Wi-Fi connection at the clubhouse and the bar
Some rooms are in need of renovations
Pool is small
Can be a steep walk to some rooms
Not all rooms have air-conditioning (although with the excellent breezes, few guests use it)

Bottom Line

This property was tragically impacted by Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria in September 2017 and is currently closed for repairs. Bitter End hopes to reopen in late 2018. The Bitter End Yacht Club, snuggled into a steep hill on the scenic North Sound, is a relaxed, family-friendly resort. The tech-free rooms (no TVs or Wi-Fi here) feature stunning views from the balconies, and the sliding doors allows breezes to sweep through; some rooms do not have air-conditioning but most guests find they don't miss it. While some rooms feel up-to-date (with bright comforters, sleek bathrooms, and comfy lounge chairs), others have dated furniture and are in need of renovations. The white-sand beaches at the hotel are narrow, but they are still the highlight here, offering plenty of water sports and relatively calm waters. The pool, however, is a disappointment: It is small and thus relatively unused. Families will likely enjoy the calm waters, the small kids' club, and the outdoor movie theater, while couples can enjoy the gorgeous views and the solid restaurant options.

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Beachfront Cottage

North Sound King

North Sound Suite

North Sound Two Queens

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On a small white-sand beach on virgin gorda.

The Bitter End Yacht Club is tucked into the North Sound of Virgin Gorda, the British Virgin Islands' second largest island. Although Virgin Gorda does have a small airport (mostly used by chartered planes), the hotel is only accessible by boat.

Most guests fly into Beef Island Airport (adjacent to Tortola) and take the North Sound Express ferry straight to BEYC, which takes about 45 minutes. Those who fly into the Virgin Gorda Airport can take a short taxi ride (about $30 including tip) from Spanish Town (a tiny town with a grocery store and a restaurant) to Gun Creek jetty, from which the boat ride only takes about 15 minutes.

From the Bitter End, guests can nearly see mogul Richard Branson's private island, Necker Island, which is about a 15-minute boat ride away. The beaches at the hotel are small, but offer beautiful views of the surrounding archipelago, and the waters are host to the third largest Caribbean mega-yacht party, which takes place during the holidays every year.

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Air Conditioner

Airport transportation, babysitting services, balcony / terrace / patio, business center, kids allowed, meeting / conference rooms, poolside drink service, rental car service desk onsite, room service, separate bedroom / living room space, supervised kids activities, swim-up bar.

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.

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Bitter End Yacht Club Construction Ongoing – Marina and Restaurant to Open in Late 2019!

April 7th, 2019

Bitter End Yacht Club Construction News North Sound Virgin Gorda

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For those who know and love the Bitter End Yacht Club information about what is happening with the rebuild and when the resort be operational has been limited. Here are six things we know or have heard to date:

1 – Goal of the Rebuild: According to the resort’s blog, the owners call the reconstruction “BEYC 2.0.” They’re working with Simplemente Madera, an architecture firm based in Nicaragua. The goal is to restore the Bitter End Yacht Club’s environmentally complementary design and ethos. In the blog it stated, “We are working with our architect, Matthew Falkiner of Simplemente Madera, to make sure “BEYC 2.0” will reflect its 50-year legacy of laid back fun and that it will personify the welcoming and friendly energy, vibe, spirit and respect for the natural environment that always has been Bitter End’s lifeblood.” In addition, Richard Hokin, co-owner of the resort stated, “It is important to us that North Sound continues to be the visually inviting destination it has been for generations.”

2 – Projected Opening Date: In July 2018 BEYC reported, “We’re focused on having our mooring field, marina and harbor-front operations, including food , beverage and retail, in full swing by spring, 2019. By then, we will be on our way to building out the rest of Bitter End’s Village center as well as planning and mobilizing for follow-up phases across our 64 acres and along our mile of shoreline.” A December 2018 article in Scuttlebutt Sailing News pushed back the opening date to Summer 2019 as they stated, “The short answer is the marina, restaurant, bar, and waterfront operations will be ready by Spring/Summer 2019, with overnight rooms coming online the following year.”

3 – Revised Opening Date: From all accounts it looks like the opening of the marina and restaurant have been further delayed until late 2019. According to a February 2019 article in the BVI News, Premier Dr. D. Orlando Smith, while reporting on resorts that are scheduled to reopen in the BVI, stated that the the Virgin Gorda-based Bitter End Resort is currently rebuilding and while the villas will take time to be restored, the marina, restaurant and docks will be opened later this year [2019].

4 – The Cleanup: According to the resort’s blog, Phase 2 of the cleanup project included more than 60 workers to salvage reusable material, dismantle structure, and clearremaining debris. The owners said that there was more than 3,000 tons of debris spread across their 64 acres, as well as a mile of waterfront. Barges were brought in to carry it all away.

5 – Preparing for Ground Breaking: Signs of significant progress in the clearing of BEYC were confirmed recently as evidenced by the photos above taken in late March, 2019. In addition, in a March 29, 2019 post on their Facebook page BEYC reported, “These days, we’re not spending much time “messing about in boats.” Instead, we’re messing about in heavy equipment…grading things out and getting ready for ground breaking.”

6 – The Good News: In case you forgot what BEYC looked like immediately after Irma, we found the photo below on their Facebook page. The resort has certainly come along way since then.

BVI Traveller will continue to keep you updated as more news becomes available, but for now this is all great news for the many fans of the Bitter End Yacht Club and the North Sound!

Bitter End Yacht Club Destruction After Irma North Sound Virgin Gorda

Top Photos: Courtesy of John Fischetti Bottom Photo: Courtesy BEYC via Facebook

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To that end, we met our goals. In the past 7 years there have been over 1.2 million visits to the website and over 3 million pages have been viewed. There are over 1,000 pages on the site featuring news posts and detailed listings on all hotels, villas, restaurants and sailing charters located in the BVI. The BVI Government and many business, hotels, villas and sailing charters have all agreed that the site “moved the needle on tourism” after Irma.

The site, however, has run its course. It has served its purpose by bringing visitors and local businesses together to rebuild the tourist industry and it is now time to shut down operations for good.

I want to thank everyone for your help and support.

Chuck Metter

IMAGES

Post Hurricane Irma Update #1
Walt Disney World to close early Saturday due to Irma
Bitter End Yacht Club Hurricane at Katlyn Hubbell blog
bitter end yacht club hurricane pictures
Bitter End Yacht Club Hurricane at Katlyn Hubbell blog
Bitter End Yacht Club Hurricane at Katlyn Hubbell blog

COMMENTS

New Home
Bitter End is back. For over half a century, Bitter End Yacht Club has been world-renowned for its sense of adventure, love of the water, appreciation for nature, and dedication to friends and family. Our island outpost was destroyed by Hurricane Irma in 2017, but no storm could extinguish the Bitter End spirit.
Bitter End Yacht Club in 2023, Gorda Sound, Drone 4k of the BVI
The Bitter End Yacht is looking amazingly strong and better than after Hurricane Irma. This drone footage was taken showcasing both the Bitter End Yacht Club...
Celebrating Fifty Years in 2023: The Bitter End Yacht Club Is Back!
The BVI has long been recognized as the watersport playground of the Caribbean and nowhere better than from the Bitter End is it possible to sail, kiteboard, wingfoil, windsurf, SUP, or fish. The BEYC's watersports center offers rental gear, and instructors are at hand. Bonus: boaters are welcome to use the club showers; charge is $3 for ...
This Resort Has the First Overwater Bungalows in the British ...
Bitter End Yacht Club, a nautical-themed resort in the British Virgin Islands, reopened in 2021 after complete destruction by Hurricane Irma in 2017. Following a four-year closure and ground-up ...
Bitter End Yacht Club 2.0
The Bitter End Yacht Club has made a triumphant return after being devastated by Hurricane Irma in 2017. With the reopening of this iconic sailing center in the British Virgin Islands, sailors visiting Virgin Gorda's North Sound can once again experience the charm and excitement that the Bitter End is known for.. Under new ownership, Bitter End 2.0 offers all the beloved attractions of the ...
Bitter End Yacht Club Reopens After 4 Years
Courtesy Bitter End Yacht Club. Lauren Hokin, whose family has owned the Bitter End Yacht Club for more than a half-century, calls the time between 2017's Hurricane Irma and this month's official reopening "a heavy lift.". First, the Category 5 storm destroyed the entire place—a mile of waterfront and 65 acres.
Bitter End Reopens With First Overwater Bungalows in the BVIs
Bitter End Yacht Club is ready for a sweet new beginning.. After being completely obliterated by Hurricane Irma back in 2017, the waterfront resort in the British Virgin Islands is set to reopen ...
Rebuilding Paradise: The Bitter End Yacht Club's Inspiring Comeback
A Legendary Past, a Devastating Blow. In more recent years, the Bitter End's name has embodied not only a physical destination but also a symbolic one. The iconic BEYC experienced a devastating blow in September 2017 when Hurricane Irma, one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes in history, wreaked havoc on the Caribbean, leaving the Bitter End Yacht Club in ruins.
Iconic Bitter End Yacht Club Rebuilds and Re-opens
After a massive rebuild following 2017's Hurricane Irma, the beloved BVI destination is once again open for business. View of the beach from the new marina at the Bitter End Yacht Club. The marina can serve more than 25 yachts. Courtesy the Bitter End Yacht Club. If you've sailed in the British Virgin Islands, then you know the Bitter End ...
Bitter End Yacht Club is Back and Better Than Ever!
For over half a century, Bitter End Yacht Club has been world-renowned for its sense of adventure, love of the water, appreciation for nature, and dedication to friends and family. Our island outpost was destroyed by Hurricane Irma in 2017, but no storm could extinguish the Bitter End spirit.
BVI's Bitter End Yacht Club Reopening in October
The relaunched Bitter End Yacht Club is reopening for the season in October, Caribbean Journal has learned. ... which is back after a large-scale reconstruction project following Hurricane Irma ...
How Virgin Gorda Is Making a Comeback After 2 Devastating ...
From left: Open-air showers overlook the marina at the Bitter End Yacht Club; a beachside hammock. Amanda Villarosa. Early last March I traveled to the BVI — a place I adore — for a weeklong ...
Bitter End Rising- Bitter End Provisions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 14, 2021 Following a four-year closure and a complete rebuild inspired by 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 set to reopen its doors, docks, and nautical village! For over 50 years, Bitter End has catered to seafarers and watersports enthusiasts from ...
Bitter End is Back
Bitter End Yacht Club. Hence informal beer can regattas will be central to the sailing program when Bitter End reopens in 2021. Phase one, to be completed in the first half of the year, focuses on the marina. It will offer a similar capacity as before with 26 slips and 72 moorings, but amenities will be much improved, like wifi that reaches ...
Bitter End Yacht Club
Bitter End Yacht Club. 517 reviews. #1 of 1 resort in North Sound. N Sound Rd, VG1150 Virgin Gorda. Visit hotel website. 1 (800) 872-2392. E-mail hotel. Write a review. Check availability.
Step into the sea from private dock in BVI's only overwater bungalows
1.2K. After being destroyed by Hurricane Irma in 2017, the Bitter End Yacht Club in Virgin Gorda rebuilt and added the only overwater bungalows in the British Virgin Islands.. The Marina Lofts are two stories with private terraces and views of the North Sound. Lounge on a private dock and take the ladder into the Caribbean Sea.
Bitter End Yacht Club
Bitter End Yacht Club, Spanish Town, British Virgin Islands. 35,596 likes · 149 talking about this · 31,178 were here. Iconic Caribbean Yacht Club and Resort laid low in Hurricane Irma. Recently...
The Caribbean's Legendary Bitter End Yacht Club Is Rising Again
By: Alexander Britell - October 10, 2021. Before the storm, it was a Caribbean Mecca. And then Hurricane Irma came to the British Virgin Islands, and Virgin Gorda's legendary Bitter End Yacht ...
Plans underway to restore Bitter End >> Scuttlebutt Sailing News
The Bitter End Yacht Club in Virgin Gorda was devastated by Hurricane Irma in September 2017, leaving over 64 acres, one mile of shoreline and over 50 structures destroyed in its path.
Hurricane Irma decimates Bitter End Yacht Club on Virgin Gorda
Hurricane Irma destroyed Bitter End Yacht Club, according to a video from Caribbean Buzz Helicopters. The resort is a popular spot for the wealthy on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands ...
A Look Back on the Season- Bitter End Provisions
Dear Friends of Bitter End, It's hard to believe that almost six years ago, Hurricane Irma ripped through the BVI; her eye passing directly over Bitter End. Bitter End Rising confirms there is truth to the adage that after every storm, there is a rainbow, and that is exactly how this season felt in our corner of North Sound. Being at Bitter End this season felt sort of like an epic family ...
Bitter End Yacht Club
This property was tragically impacted by Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria in September 2017 and is currently closed for repairs. Bitter End hopes to reopen in late 2018. The Bitter End Yacht Club, snuggled into a steep hill on the scenic North Sound, is a relaxed, family-friendly resort.
Bitter End Yacht Club Construction Ongoing
3 - Revised Opening Date: From all accounts it looks like the opening of the marina and restaurant have been further delayed until late 2019. According to a February 2019 article in the BVI News, Premier Dr. D. Orlando Smith, while reporting on resorts that are scheduled to reopen in the BVI, stated that the the Virgin Gorda-based Bitter End ...