Behind the Scenes Look at Some of the Most Popular BVI Beach Bars
Following Hurricane Irma in late 2017, we at Virgin Charter Yachts witnessed a massive rebuilding effort in the British Virgin Islands; including our own. For our devoted loyalists who have supported this community both emotionally and monetarily through this hard time, we’d like to give you a ‘behind the scenes’ look into the rebuilding effort at some of your favorite tourism destinations — BVI beach bars.
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Soggy Dollars Don’t Fall Far From the Palm Tree!!
Not only did our friends at the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke make it their mission to rebuild in time for the 2018 charter season, but even more incredibly, they made it their mission to rebuild the island itself. The folks at Soggy Dollar were the proud sponsors of the ‘adopt a palm tree’ campaign; a campaign focused on restoring beautiful palm trees to White Bay and the entire island. The response was overwhelming:
Individuals and businesses donated over 300 palm trees, at a total cost of $2,500 a tree. That’s a whopping $750,000!!
Everyone who donated a tree received a plaque commemorating their contribution to the island’s rebuilding efforts. Can you imagine what this did to restore the lush beauty and tranquility to Jost Van Dyke? We’d like to give a huge thank you Soggy Dollar! As if that painkiller wasn’t already calling our name — you’ve given us even more reasons to visit now.
Meanwhile @ Foxy’s in Great Harbour…
Talk about being the cornerstone of the community. Following Irma, Foxy’s Tamarind Bar on Jost Van Dyke quite literally fed the entire island.
Foxy’s main restaurant was one of the first establishments to reopen on the island where Foxy himself, along with his staff, made sure that no one on Jost went to bed hungry.
After seeing to the well-being of islanders, Foxy’s Tamarind turned their attention to their own infrastructure, starting with the Foxy’s sign; a symbolic reminder that these islanders were down but not out!
The bar officially reopened in 2018, in time to celebrate Foxy’s 80th birthday (and Foxy’s Tamarind’s 50th anniversary) at the end of March. Notwithstanding Irma, Foxy’s remains the most popular bar in the Caribbean, and rightly so. If you’ve never met him, Foxy is definitely a hoot. He will happily play his guitar and sing for you or recite his infamous poetry if you are lucky enough to find him holding court. To learn more about this incredible man, check out this article in yachting magazine entitled, ‘That Charming Man’.
Work has also finally begun on Foxy’s Taboo at Diamond Cay located at the east end of Jost Van Dyke. This bar unfortunately suffered much more physical damage than Foxy’s. Since Irma, the A-frame has been erected and a new restaurant will soon follow. I am sure yachtsmen and guests visiting the bubbly pool are anxious for Foxy’s Taboo to reopen as well. Rest assured, they will be back….
Rum is flowing again at the Cooper Island Beach Club
One of our favorite BVI destinations after a long day of snorkeling or scuba diving in the BVI is the eco-friendly Cooper Island Beach Club. Historically, Cooper Island was named for the family who came to the island to collect white cedar for rum barrels. So in keeping with that tradition, Cooper Island Beach Club is known for their amazing Rum Bar.
Unfortunately, the resort was hard hit by Irma and it took everything they had to reopen in time for the 2018 Charter season but managed to do so on April 1st. The good news is that during the rebuild, they were able to relocate the Rum Bar giving the resort enough room to expand the bar to be bigger and better than before — with rums from all over the world! Throw in a fabulous hotel, restaurant, coffee bar and gift shop…how can you not include this destination in your next yacht charter itinerary?
Do note though that they will be shutting down for 10 weeks over the summer to finish repairs to the docks and some other “behind the scenes” areas.
The Ultra Chic Coco Maya Beach Bar and Restaurant Reopens
One of the British Virgin Islands’ finest restaurants and beach bars is back in business in Spanish Town on the island of Virgin Gorda. If you haven’t already stopped here (or even if you have) Coco Maya Bar & Restaurant is a don’t miss in your charter plans — even if only for a cocktail on the beach with spectacular views of the Sir Francis Drake Channel.
Coco Maya boasts an open concept restaurant offering an exotic blend of Asian and Latin cuisines and a casual junky vibe. No wonder this beach bar is on the top of everyone’s list! This summer 2018 events are back on deck so be sure to check out Coco’s beach karaoke, wine tastings, and top-notch DJ dance parties. A great adult playground (complete with swing chairs and fire pit) but also very family friendly!
Alas the Infamous Willy T….
The original Willy T was a boat built in 1935, fabricated as a pirate ship off of Norman Island where guests could come aboard for drinks, food and fun. Unfortunately following hurricane Irma, the original Willy T was a total loss for its owners.
A new pirate ship was commissioned following Irma, and was completed earlier this Summer 2018.
Trust me when I say that I was so excited to be able to report that the new Willy T was back at its Norman Island sanctuary. Unfortunately not everything goes as planned! As of this past June — just in time for the Poker Run on May 27th — the ‘new’ Willy T returned to the BVI but sadly the government refused to allow them to return to the Bight @ Norman Island.
Instead, The Willy T will make its new home @ Peter Island! As bittersweet as the ending of an era may be, we look forward to making many new memories on the Willy T in its new home.
BVI Strong!!
Although Irma is quickly becoming old news in the BVI, it’s primarily due to the fact that the locals, the businesses and charter companies as well as all future charter guests seem ready to move on. It’s no surprise that everywhere you go, there are still reminders of the devastation of September 2017 but what’s important to remember is that…
The beaches are still golden, the seas are still blue and the drinks are still cold! Can’t wait to see you back.
