British Virgin Islands Archives | Page 4 of 7

April 21, 2014September 25, 2019

Cow Wreck Beach Bar, Anegada

On the west end of the beautiful island of Anegada in the British Virgin Islands lies a stunning expanse of brilliant white sand beach and a bar, both with the unusual name of Cow Wreck.

According to the Cow Wreck Beach Resort website, this stunning white sand beach was named Cow Wreck after a ship filled with cow bones (used to make buttons and other things in the 19th century) wrecked off of the northwest coast of Anegada. Cow bones drifted ashore for many years afterwards, thus the name Cow Wreck Beach.

There’s plenty of room to relax with one of their signature drinks, Cow Killer or Wreck Punch at the bar and the word is they have excellent conch fritters. As fresh as you can get them, no doubt, given the number of conch shells used in the surrounding landscaping.

Once you have your fill of food and drink, be sure to take plenty of time to enjoy walking the miles of stunning and deserted white beach, and play in the clear turquoise water.

And if one day at Cow Wreck is just not enough, you might consider renting one of their cozy rooms or villas right on the beach…

Cow Wreck Beach Resort Villa

We rented a car in Setting Point to drive to Cow Wreck so that we could explore along the way, but there are also taxis available in Setting Point.

To find out more about Cow Wreck Beach Bar or Cow Wreck Beach Resort,

Check out their website: Cow Wreck Beach Resort

To see more posts on Anegada and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

Copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC. All information is correct to our knowledge at the time of writing, but be sure to verify current information before your visit.

February 18, 2014April 19, 2021

Leverick Bay, Virgin Gorda

We first set eyes on Leverick Bay in the North Sound of Virgin Gorda in 2006 when we moored there for a night during our first BVI sail. Enamored by the beautiful colors, water and amenities there, we’ve returned twice and hope to again this spring.

Since 2006, Leverick Bay has done a major expansion to its marina and is now a favorite spot for boaters to stop and stay awhile. Or, if you wish to stay on island, Leverick Bay has its own accommodations and many of the rooms overlook the beautiful bay, North Sound and Mosquito Island.

Why do we like this area so much? Let us show you through some pictures we’ve taken during our visits.

View of the restaurants from the marina. Fine dining is available on the upper floor and a pub-style eatery called The Cove is on the lower level.

Looking at the marina from the beach. Guests can use the lounge chairs or rent water toys.

A pool next to the restaurants. Other amenities include a couple of gift shops, a small supermarket/deli, spa services, tennis and boat rental.

This pic was taken before the marina expansion but shows the gorgeous color of the water and marina buildings.

The Telephone Booth Shower on a dock in the marina

A map of the BVI on the side of the watersports building showing the location of Leverick Bay Resort and Marina.

Nick’s Weather Forecast for the day! Nick was the General Manager of Leverick Bay Resort & Marina at the time and was quite the funny and personable guy. We got the chance to briefly visit with him when we checked out a dinghy to explore North Sound and he was working the shop for one of his employees.

Jumbies Beach Bar. We enjoyed some tasty beverages and chicken roti while lounging around Jumbies.

The bar has several tiers of seating and a very comfortable hammock to lounge the day away in.

You can meet some new friends from all over the world at Jumbies

Enjoy a few more drinks by the waterside

And, if you’re visiting during the high season – January through May, be sure to stop by Monday through Thursday from 5 – 7 p.m. at Happy Arrrr!

To hear Michael Bean – the singing pirate!

Want to see more of the island from Leverick Bay? Take a taxi or rent a car to tour the island (see The Baths and Savannah Bay), rent a dinghy to zip around North Sound (check out Prickly Pear Island and The Sandbox) or take the water taxi from Leverick to Saba Rock.

Quiet, but not too quiet…Leverick Bay is a great place to hang out and relax on Virgin Gorda.

Ready to go?

Find out more on the Leverick Bay Website

To see more posts on Virgin Gorda and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

Copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC. All information is correct to our knowledge at the time of writing, but be sure to verify current information before your visit.

February 11, 2014January 15, 2020

The Last Resort, Bellamy Cay, BVI

The Last Resort, a great little restaurant and bar on Bellamy Cay, a small island in Trellis Bay, Beef Island, has been serving up great entertainment along with tasty drinks and food since the ’70’s.

(Update: The Last Resort was destroyed by the hurricanes of 2017 and as of the date of this update, has not been re-built. We haven’t heard if the owner’s plan to re-build or not, but will be sure to update this post with any current information as we receive it.)

The Last Resort has quite an interesting past. Tony Snell was a British Flight Lieutenant who, in 1943 was shot down in his Spitfire and escaped a German firing squad. After the war, he worked as an actor, songwriter and musician. In 1969, Tony and his wife Jackie moved to the British Virgin Islands where they eventually opened the original “Last Resort” on Little Jost. After just one year, The Last Resort on Little Jost burned to the ground. Tony and Jackie decided to move The Last Resort to Bellamy Cay, which, in itself, had quite a history – of pirates! While living in a houseboat in Trellis Bay, they constructed a new restaurant on Bellamy Cay.

When The Last Resort opened, Tony was in his element providing all of the entertainment with piano, guitar, harmonica and original songs. Jackie, took the roll of main cook. There are stories – some of which are a bit unbelievable, but good stories nonetheless, of the many animals the Snell family kept on the little island, including parrots, a singing dog and wine and rum drinking donkeys! After a number of years, Tony and Jackie passed the reins to their children, Jessica and Jeremy.

The Last Resort in 2006 with a donkey named Chocolate

In past visits to The Last Resort we’ve had a blast.

Recently we enjoyed a great dinner with friends on the deck and then partook in some raucous entertainment with Al Broderick, aka, the Singing Chef, who successfully plied the audience with free shots to encourage participation. It worked.

Customers singing for shots at The Last Resort

We finished off the evening with a pretty intense Foosball competition.

Thankful we once again had a designated dinghy driver, we made our way back to our boat moored in Trellis Bay still singing and laughing after a great night of fun.

Apparently, The Last Resort has recently changed hands to a young couple by the name of Emily & Dylan Burill. They are hoping to make the resort a bit more family friendly and have changed the menu and decor a bit. We’ve not been there under the new ownership yet, but the recent Last Resort reviews seem to be positive! Have you been to the Last Resort and met Emily and Dylan?

Get to The Last Resort by dinghy if staying on a boat in Trellis Bay, or call for the ferry from Trellis Bay Dock opposite D’ Best Cup Cafe.

To see more posts on Tortola and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory.

All information is correct to our knowledge at the time of writing, but be sure to verify current information before your visit.
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

January 20, 2014January 15, 2020

Captain Mulligan’s, Tortola

Need a place to relax, unwind, enjoy a few beverages and watch sports on a 30 ft. screen while in Tortola? That’s right, a huge 30 ft. outdoor screen – as well as multiple flat screens in the bar!

We were recently asked by one of our readers if we knew of a good place to watch the upcoming Super Bowl around Nanny Cay in Tortola. Having stopped a few times at Captain Mulligan’s in the past, we thought it might just fit the bill.

To find Captain Mulligan’s, turn into Nanny Cay and look to the left. It’s located on a nice grassy area with a view of Sea Cow Bay from the back.

The bar/restaurant is open air and there is a lot of additional seating in the yard around the bar.

Additionally, there is a new miniature golf course on which to challenge your friends during half time.

We like the laid back vibe, friendly people, open air and decent prices.

And although one of us REALLY likes the idea of watching sports on the huge outdoor screen (see above), the other one likes the idea that there is also a great local arts and pottery shop called Bamboushay within walking distance :)

If you are going to stop by on Super Bowl Sunday this year, Randy and Allison of Team Mulligans say that the specials for the day are $2 Coors Lite all day, $2 hotdogs during the game and the tail gate starts at 2pm. With a projector screen and 6 flat screen tv’s, wherever you are you cant miss the action!

Check them out on Facebook.

To see more posts on Tortola and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

January 5, 2014September 25, 2019

Sandy Spit, British Virgin Islands

Update: Sandy Spit survived the hurricanes of 2017, but lost the little vegetation it had to begin with! Local residents have been planting a few small trees that we hope will eventually take and re-vegetate Sandy Spit. Here’s a photo of a recent visit (post Irma).

I don’t know what it is about small, uninhabited tropical islands that gets us all excited. Maybe we watched a few too many episodes of Gilligan’s Island, or maybe it’s just the allure of complete, peace, quiet and solitude…

Whatever it is, our first visit in 2010 to Sandy Spit in the British Virgin Islands ranked right up there with visits to other favorite uninhabited tropical island such as Mopion and Petit Tabac in the Grenadines and Sandy Island, Carriacou. We had Sandy Spit all to ourselves for a few wonderful hours and spent the time wandering around, lounging in the sun, enjoying a wee bit of rum punch and enjoying the sound of the gentle waves lapping the shore.

It can take all of 10 minutes to walk around Sandy Spit – if you walk slowly! From Sandy Spit, it’s just a short distance to Green Cay, and on calm days this area can be a great place to snorkel. There are some great diving areas around Green Cay as well.

Green Cay as seen from Sandy Spit

Sandy Spit is rumored to have gotten it’s name because it’s just “spitting distance” from Jost Van Dyke. It’s also quite close to it’s slightly larger sister island, Sandy Cay and many people try to spend time at both while in the area.

The island is sand all the way around with just a bit of foliage in the middle. To the east you can see Tortola, and to the west you can see Little Jost Van Dyke and Jost Van Dyke.

Tortola on the east

The first time we visited Sandy Spit, we arrived via a cat during a week-long sail in the BVI. The second time, we rented a dinghy in Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke. Just a word of advice – if taking a dinghy over, be sure to check weather conditions before embarking on the journey. When there is a strong north swell, it can be difficult – if not dangerous to beach your dinghy on Sandy Spit. We know this now…

On calm days, the snorkeling is excellent and the surf is calm and great for swimming, floating and pure relaxation.

Jost Van Dyke in the distance

Ahhh…Sandy Spit. A Gilligan-esque slice of paradise!

Have you spent time on Sandy Spit?

To see more posts on the British Virgin Islands and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

December 17, 2013January 15, 2020

Long Bay, Tortola

Have you had a chance to explore the mile long stretch of picturesque beach called Long Bay on Tortola’s west end?

Of all of the beaches we’ve visited on Tortola, we’d have to say that the west end Long Bay is one of the most scenic – and Tortola has it’s share of scenic beaches! The soft, white sand combined with the vibrant blue water and views of Jost Van Dyke make Long Bay one of the prettiest around.

Looking for a lot of amenities? Not here. Although the recently renovated Long Bay Beach Club sits close to one end of the beach, you’ll likely enjoy the beach with only a few other lucky folks.

Need a cold beer or a rum punch? Walk down to Nature Boy Beach Bar at the far end of Long Bay and talk to Winston. He’ll serve you a great drink and tell you about how he built his bar and the history of the area.

Nature Boy Beach Bar

The best swimming on the each is on the far end of the beach – away from the resort because it is less rocky. Be careful entering the water anywhere on the beach though as the current can be very strong depending on the weather.

We love Long Bay for the solitude and love to walk it and take in the a gorgeous scenery and beautiful soft sand.

To see more posts on Tortola and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory.

November 15, 2013June 6, 2019

The Sea Boss Powercat – A Luxury BVI Crewed Charter

One of our favorite Captains of all time, Darrel Hearne, just sent a link to his new ride, and a sweet one it is.

The Sea Boss is a beautiful Horizon PC60 Luxury Power Catamaran and it will soon be available for private charters in the BVI with a professional crew to cater to your every need.

One of the bedrooms aboard the Sea Boss

Lounge

Although we haven’t had the chance to experience the Sea Boss yet, we can tell you that Captain Darrel is not only a skilled Captain, but is one of the most entertaining guys we’ve ever had the pleasure of sailing with and can show you the very best that the BVI has to offer! A bartender extraordinaire (and Liar’s Dice Master!), he will mix you some of the best Bushwackers and Painkillers that you’ve ever tasted – although sipping them while the beautiful waters of the BVI probably adds to the experience!

The crew of the Sea Boss, Susanna and Darrel

To follow them on Facebook: Yacht Sea Boss

For more info: [email protected]

October 10, 2013April 21, 2021

Savannah Bay, Virgin Gorda

Savannah Bay, Virgin Gorda – one of the British Virgin Islands most beautiful beaches… A long crescent of powdery white sand with calm turquoise waters – a true beach lovers experience.

Last year, during an on-island stay in Virgin Gorda, we made our way back to Savannah Bay. Heading north on N Sound Road, we stopped at the overlook of Savannah Bay. Looking past Savannah Bay from the overlook, you can also see Pond Bay and Mahoe Bay.

To see more posts on Virgin Gorda and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

The barely visible thatched umbrella in the lower middle of the picture is on Savannah Bay Beach right off of the small parking lot.

Parking is available in a small dirt parking area close to the beach. Turn in to the parking area at a dirt road between the overlook of Savannah Bay and the V in N Sound and Nail Bay Road. We’ve never seen more than two other cars there during our visits and this gorgeous stretch of beach is usually peaceful and uncrowded.

Apparently Savannah Bay is usually quite calm and flat. The first time we visited, the surf was rough and we didn’t venture into the water, but walked the beach and sat in the sand marveling at the beauty.

Upon subsequent visits, the water was as calm as it could be and we spent hours swimming, floating and snorkeling in the crystal clear water.

Not as busy as some of the other very popular beaches on Virgin Gorda, such as The Baths, Savannah Bay has quickly become one of my favorites on Virgin Gorda for its shear beauty, solitude and peacefulness. Oh, and the snorkeling is pretty great too!

Besides a small parking area and are a few thatched umbrellas for shade there are no amenities at Savannah Bay (just like we like it!).
PERFECT for a little Rum Therapy (rum, sun and total relaxation…)

Have you been to Savannah Bay, Virgin Gorda yet?

To see more posts on Virgin Gorda and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

August 28, 2013April 23, 2021

Sandbox Bar & Grill, Prickly Pear Island, BVI

On a beautiful white sand beach on the uninhabited Prickly Pear Island in the BVI, sits a great little beach bar called Sandbox Bar & Grill. In the picture above, taken from Hog Heaven, which sits high atop Virgin Gorda, you can see North Sound, Prickly Pear Island and Sandbox. Sandbox is only accessible by boat.

Update: Many of the businesses, buildings and residences in North Sound, Virgin Gorda were damaged or destroyed in the 2017 hurricanes including Sandbox Bar & Grill. They did rebuild and the four photos below are current as of March 2020. The original article is below the new photos.

To see more posts on Virgin Gorda and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

Original Article

During our most recent visit to Virgin Gorda, we rented a luxurious dinghy (last one available – that’s what we get for not planning ahead!) from Leverick Bay Resort & Marina and set off to explore the beautiful North Sound.

Sandbox was our last planned stop of the day, so we tied up our dinghy at the dock at Vixen Point and scurried ashore to check it out.

There were just a few people sitting at the bar that early afternoon, but the bartender said it would soon be VERY busy as a huge private party was was making their way to Sandbox from the Bitter End Yacht Club for some fun in the sun, beautiful water and the white sand.

Due to the incoming party, there were a lot of beach chairs situated that day on the beautiful beach.

Since we still had the place nearly to ourselves, we picked out a prime spot and ordered a really tasty Rum Punch.

We enjoyed the beautiful view of the North Sound, all the boats, and watched a seaplane land in the water not too far away. If we had more time, we would have really loved to take the hike on the path from Vixen Point around the salt ponds to what we heard were two more beautiful and secluded beaches on the north shore of Prickly Pear Island – another reason to go back I guess…

Having arranged ahead of time which one of us would be the designated dinghy driver that day and to avoid a DDD (drunk dinghy driving), we thought it best to stop at one Rum Punch (although we REALLY wanted another!) As we made our way back to the dock, we noticed that it was starting to get busy at the Sandbox.

As we headed back to Leverick Bay (with Mosquito Island off to the right), we realized just how many great things there are to see and do in the North Sound area and how we’d love to come back and stay for a week, a month, or maybe a lifetime??

To see more posts on Virgin Gorda and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

August 14, 2013May 29, 2019

Rum Therapy/Rum Gallery British Virgin Islands Flotilla

Have you always wanted to try sailing? Have you ever dreamed of visiting the British Virgin Islands and getting to see what those beautiful islands have to offer?

Well, now may be your chance!

We’d love for you to join us on the 1st Annual Rum Therapy/Rum Gallery Flotilla!!

Destination: British Virgin Islands
Date: April 5 – 12, 2014

We are teaming up with rum expert Dave Russell of Rum Gallery to provide you with an
itinerary that will include some of the prettiest beaches and best beach bars that the BVI has to
offer. In addition to the great stops and sailing adventure, Dave will also be holding a rum
tasting to learn more about different rums of the region! We have a limited number of boats and
cabins available and will fill them on a first come, first served basis, so if you’re interested, let us know right away!

Boat Options

A Fully Crewed Charter on a Catamaran
Why a crewed charter?
This option is probably the best for you if you have never sailed before and just want to sit back, relax and enjoy the experience. We have 21 crewed charter cabins (6 boats total) available and they are through Festiva Sailing Vacations.

What’s included in the price?
Festiva is giving us a discount off of their normal Spring price per cabin (see pricing below) and the deposit and booking of these cabins will be through them. Check their website (http://www.festivasailingvacations.com/) to see the Lagoon 450 and Lagoon 440 and how the cabins are configured. Each cabin on either vessel has it’s own bathroom and each cabin sleeps 2 in a queen size bed.

The rate below includes: Captain, Chef, 5 dinners, 6 lunches, 7 breakfasts, appetizers, snacks, standard bar, snorkel gear, sea kayak, and taxes. That’s right – it even includes your beverages (standard bar – premium liquor can be purchased and brought aboard or furnished by them for an additional fee). AND this rate will include a Rum Therapy goodie bag per cabin which will contain 2 Rum Therapy Flotilla Tees, 2 Rum Therapy Caps, 2 RumHuggers, and lots of other surprises! The rate does not include the crew gratuity and a cruising permit fee of $39 per cabin.

Crewed Charter Cabin Rates:

Lagoon 450: 4 cabins per boat $3, 951 per cabin

Lagoon 440: 3 cabins per boat $3, 921 per cabin

How do we reserve a cabin?

Contact Pamela ([email protected]) to let her know if you’d be interested in a cabin on the 450 or the 440. She will provide you with the Festiva contact information to put down your deposit. If you have friends that would like to come as well, let us know so that we can put you on the same boat. If you have either 3 or 4 couples and would like to have an entire boat to yourselves, that can be arranged. Solo couples will be given a cabin based on a preference for the Lagoon 450 or Lagoon 440.

What’s the deposit and when is it due?
A deposit of 50% of the cabin rate will be due by August 22 to reserve your cabin with the balance due 60 days before our sail. Upon booking, Festiva will send you a questionnaire about food allergies, likes and dislikes.

We have sailed 3 times with Festiva and it’s been a great, relaxing experience. If you have specific questions about the boats or itinerary, please let me know. Contact me to let me know if you would like to reserve a cabin on one of the crewed charters!
[email protected]

A Catamaran with a Skipper
Dave Russell will be the Skipper on this “sure to be a blast” catamaran and this is what he has to say about the experience.

Thank you for expressing interest in sailing in the BVI’s with Skipper Dave. The Rum Gallery and Rum Therapy would love to welcome you to the Flotilla. You probably have many questions, so let’s tackle the biggest ones first to see if this boat is the right one for you.

How much will this cost, and what is included in the price?

46-foor Sunsail 464 catamaran – $3700 per cabin. Each cabin has a queen size bed, a door that closes, private head (toilet) and shower. The price is fully inclusive of all breakfasts and lunches onboard, one dinner aboard, beverages and refreshments aboard. Meals ashore and beverages ashore are paid by the passenger. No tipping is required. A $925 (25%) non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your cabin.

Do we have to sail?
Yes: A boat functions best as a team. Active participation in the sailing, raising and trimming the sails, steering the boat, mooring, stocking the cooler with beverages and ice, managing the dinghy, etc is highly desired. The vacation will be what we make it. If you are new to sailing, this will be an experience in which you’ll have a blast learning what makes your boat go. If you’re an experienced sailor, even better! My motto is “Safety First.”

What else do we do?

We will sail 3-5 hours each day, arriving at a different island paradise. The sailing conditions during April in the BVI are usually perfect, with just the right amount of wind and relatively calm seas. At each destination, we will have plenty of daylight left for island exploring, swimming, snorkeling, island-style shopping, lounging around, reading a book or doing pretty much nothing. There will be a beach, a restaurant and bar (or several) at each destination.

Who is Skipper Dave?
I’m a certified sailing instructor. I sail all over the world, about five-six trips each year. I’ve sailed the BVI so many time I’ve lost count. Sailing is my passion, and with every new sail I’m as excited as my very first time. At home I sail in San Francisco Bay.

What about the Rum?
I have a rum review website called rumgallery.com. I judge rum at tasting competitions and tour rum distilleries all over the world several times each year. My taste for rum was acquired while sailing in the Caribbean over 20 year ago. A glass of rum has been known to be in my hand after the sailing is finished for the day and we’re safely moored somewhere for the night. I am a half-decent bartender, so we’ll have plenty of nice sundowners. We sail and drink responsibly.

Other stuff

Meals – We are the chef. We will have plenty of food for breakfasts and most lunches aboard. We will probably eat ashore every night except one, but cook one dinner onboard. Dietary Needs – Before submitting the food and beverage provisioning request, I will ask each of you about your food preferences so that the boat is provisioned with things you like.

Smoking – This is a boat for non-smokers.

[email protected]

Bareboat
If you are qualified to sail a vessel on your own, there are several catamarans and monohulls
available and we can hook you up with some information on chartering. You will be responsible for setting up the charter and then you can meet up with the rest of the group for an exciting week of rum adventure! Contact Pamela for more information.
[email protected]

Are you ready to set sail? We hope so and hope to welcome you aboard soon!