Bitter End Yacht Club Special Rates for 2012!

mainhouse-lobby4-sm

10 – 20% Discount on New Bookings.

20% Off Standard Rate

All-Inclusive Rate specials range from $237/night to $477/night

Offer Details:

  • Dates of Travel: April 09th, 2012 – December 21st, 2012
  • Black Out Dates: August 19 – October 14, 2012 (annual closure)
  • Must book by April 9th, so dont delay!

10% Off Standard Rate

All-Inclusive Rate specials range from $410/night to $1000/night

Offer Details:

  • Dates of Travel: January 01st, 2012 – April 08th, 2012; December 22nd, 2012 – January 05th, 2013
  • Black Out Dates: February 18th, 2012 -February 25th, 2012; March 10th, 2012 – December 21st, 2012
  • Must book by March 30th, so dont delay!

Carib Kiteboarding Lessons at Bitter End

caribkiteboarding-sign

Located on the Eastern most point of the pristine island of Virgin Gorda, Carib Kiteboarding is uniquely positioned to take full advantage of both the unobstructed tradewinds and crystal clear waters of the beautiful Bitter End Yacht Club and the surrounding islands and keys of the British Virgin Islands. Carib Kiteboarding is a comprehensive kiteboarding center providing lessons, guided excursions, and the latest in equipment and apparel.

Carib Kiteboarding is a PASA (Professional Air Sports Association) certified kiteboarding school. We are fully insured and have three specialized boats available, two sixteen foot inflatables and a Master Craft ski boat the “Just One” designed for wakeboarding, wakeskating, and pulling inflatable pull toys when the wind isn’t quite there.

Kiteboarding packages are available for  beginner and intermediate-level students. Dont miss out! Take the opportunity to  learn and appreciate this new and exciting sport in some of the best conditions for learning on Earth!

Contact us today to reserve your spot. chrispatrick@ckimgroup.com1-800-649-5701, or 321-777-1707

 

Admiral’s Island Cruise Package aboard Jet Stream

Jet Stream

Jet Stream

Enjoy the luxury of your own 45-foot yacht, captain and chef included, as well as all the amenities and activities available at Bitter End!
Bitter End has brought back a favorite vacation experience from the past—the Island Cruise Package—with the 45-foot Leopard Jet Stream.
Guests spend nights at the resort and take advantage of all the amenities and activities of a Bitter End shoreside vacation. Then they take off on their own adventure aboard the luxury catamaran, guided by the expert captain, fed by the first mate and chef, and entertained by the charming team of Tim Schaaf and Marsha McCoskrie.

This vacation experience has special pricing. Please contact Chris at Bitter End Island Vacations or 321-777-1707 or 1-800-649-5701.

Sunset Cruise at Bitter End

catamaran "Paranda"

catamaran Paranda at SunsetDuring my trip to Bitter End Yacht Club I took a sunset sail aboard the catamaran “Paranda”. As I board the “cat” with fellow sunset lovers, the first thing Im asked “Would you like rum punch or champagne, ma’am”. “Oh, ya, We’re off to a great start”, I think! Right away all the guests start chatting with each other about their adventures so far at Bitter End, and more adventures they are planning for the next day. sunset cruiseWhat is it about the gentle breeze and the orange purple glow of the sunset bouncing off the water that makes everyone so at ease, so relaxed? There is a group of 8 of us (4 couples)–all strangers. However, by the end of the sail we behave as long-time friends. Stories are told, hobbies and personal interest are revealed, and friendships are made. No topic is off limits: from recent movies we have seen to the cosmic wonder of a meteor shower scheduled for much later that evening.

sunset cruiseHowever, with all the chit chat going on, the romance of the evening does not escape me. I see out of the corner of my eye a romantic couple sitting apart from the rest of the group. They cuddle close together, as the sea spray brushes their limbs and the wind laps their hair. They are whispering intimate secrets to each other as the sun sets low on the horizon.

This sunset sail is truly for everyone: from the romantic couple, to the more gregarious type. No matter who you are, you’ll enjoy this unforgettable cruise; and I guarantee it will be one of the highlights of your trip to Bitter End.

Scuba Diving at Bitter End Yacht Club

shipwrek


Check out this video of an interview with the Sandra Grisham, COO of the Bitter End Yacht Club, discussing scuba diving excursions provided by Kilbrides Sunchaser Scuba.

Hike to Biras’ Creek Resort and Spa

resting place on hike


hiking trail from Bitter End to Briar's CreekDid you know Bitter End Yacht Club has a superb hiking trail? It does! The hike begins from behind the beachfront villas, takes you up over a tall hill and down the other side to Deep Bay. This will take you through the Orchid Trail where you’ll “ohhh” and “awww” over the pretty flowers as you hike down into Biras Creek. Stroll the grounds of this gorgeous resort admiring the beautiful tropical foliage that line the paved walking trail.  Stop into the luxurious ocean view bar for cocktails, before heading back to Bitter End along the Magnolia Trail, which is an easy 20 minute walk along the shoreline. view of briars creek beachThe best part of this trail is that it ends Bitter End’s swimming pool, where you can take a quick dip to cool off. Give yourself 2-3 hours for the round-trip hike. Bring your camera because the views along the way are spectacular!

 

 

 

view of northsound
enjoying view over north sound

Beachside Breakfast

breakfast at bitter end
breakfast at bitter end

breakfast at bitter end

Here I am at Bitter End Yacht Club, sitting outside  by the beach enjoying a breakfast of crispy bacon, a spinach and cheese omelet made to my specifications, and hot coffee. At bitter end the breakfast menu is made-to-order, but a they also provide a full-spread buffet with fresh baked bread and pastries, cereal, granola, greek yogurt, fresh tropical fruit, and much more. I get up to get some fresh guava juice. What is this situated beside the juice dispenser? Champagne! And OJ!  Oh my, Mimosas, that I can make myself? So, I get to decide the champagne to OJ ratio? I like that! So, I pour myself a little bit of OJ, and a lot more Champagne, and head back to my table with a sly look on my face.

chefs preparing breakfast

chefs preparing breakfast

Back at my table looking out over the bluest, greenest, (is it blue or is it green?) water Ive ever seen in my life (and this is coming from a girl who lived in Hawaii for close to 10 years). I hear a Bob Marley tune floating on the breeze. “We be jammin’, jammin’,jammin’…..”. A Rastafarian, with long dreadlocks down his calves, saunters by humming a tune with his windsurfing gear in tow. He jumps on his board and sails away into the wind. Oh, this is fantastic! We spend the next half hour watching him zip back and forth,

windsurfer near dinning area

windsurfer near dinning area

as we enjoy our omelets. He comes so close to us, he almost sprays me with his wake, and I love it! By the time Im done eating my last slice of juicy pineapple, Ive decided where Ill be heading next: to the watersports center to sign up for a lesson! Stay posted for more on windsurfing at bitter end yacht club.

Sailing Lessons at Bitter End

sailing instructor on Hobie Catamaran

Sailing Lessons

my sailing instructor on Hobie Catamaran

my sailing instructor on Hobie Catamaran

Are you interested in learning how to sail? Then come to the The Bitter End Yacht Club. I recently took my first sailing lesson at The Bitter End Yacht Club in Virgin Gorda.  Since sailing is such a huge part of the charm of The Bitter End, and the entire BVI, I thought it was time to see what this “sailing thing” is all about. At bitter end they offer a free Learn To Sail 101  class under the Admiral’s Package. The lesson begins in the classroom.  First we learned about the “anatomy of a sail boat”; then, the “points of sail”. Do you know the difference between a “broad-reach” and a “close-halved”? I do! How about “tacking” and “gybing”? Do you know what that is? We also learned about the “right of way rules”. Important if you ever find yourself playing chicken with another boat. Well its all very interesting and I love to learn new things (who doesn’t).  I also learned how to tie a square knot, stopper knot, and bowline knot. Well, I thought, if anything, that will come in handy next time I go camping with my husband (he’ll be so impressed).  The lesson was very low key and personal. I felt right at home, and asked lots of questions.

Sailboat in North Sound near BEYC

Sailboat in North Sound near BEYC

After being in the classroom for a couple hours, I was ready to try actual sailing. Once out on the hobie catamaran, my instructor had me holding the rudder and line. I have to say, as a beginner it was a little intimidating–yet truly thrilling–to be at the helm (if you will) of this tiny ship. My instructor startled a bit when I exclaimed “Im actually sailing this boat”. My instructor, bless his heart, was very patient with me. “Let go of the line, let go of the line, please ma’am LET GO OF THE LINE!” Oh, you mean you don’t want me to ram right into that other sail boat? Right-of-way rules….check.  Probably the most important thing I learned is that sailing is mostly intuitive. You have to feel the wind and how it pushes your sail. You have to know what direction the wind coming from and understand how that changes your trajectory. Once you get the hang of it, it’s very liberating. Just you, and the wind, and the water–not to mention the handsome young instructor by your side. To know that YOU are controlling this little boat in this big blue ocean. Off to destinations unknown, islands untamed, and adventures not yet realized. The possibilities are endless!

First Impressions of BEYC from a BVI newbie

Bitter End Beach Gazebo
Bitter End Yacht Club Mainhouse & Lobby

Bitter End Yacht Club Mainhouse & Lobby

Here I am at the Bitter End Yacht Club in the British Virgin Islands! Its so different than what I thought it was going to be.  I used to live in Hawaii for 10 years, and I guess I expected it to be a lot like Hawaii, but WOW its so different!

So much better, if you ask me.  I don’t know it’s hard to explain. The area is so much more spread out, so many little islands and cays and everything is on the water.

Water activities rule here: sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, kite boarding, windsurfing, fishing. Its all done on the water. That’s not to say there aren’t some land-based activities. We are planning a hike to Biras Creek in a couple of days, and I’m told it’s the view is breathtaking from the peak behind the resort.

 

Hammock on Lanai-Beachfront Villa

Hammock on Lanai-Beachfront Villa

The décor at Bitter End is very “island style”: a hammock on my deck, a complementary bottle of rum in my room, a gorgeous stone tiled shower with jalousie windows that open to the outdoors. It’s a stylish little hut high up on the hillside with an amazing view of the north sound. A very privately situated room.  I can open all the doors, to allow the cool breeze in, and let it all hang out–literally!!

Such nice friendly people here too. The staff is very talkative and warm; they will sit with you and tell you stories of the BVI or talk about the best local spots to visit.

Our first night here and the chef prepared a special sampling of his finest dishes. We drank Semillon wine (a French wine) that went fabulously well with the most delicious key lime pie I’ve ever had in my life! No kidding. The key lime pie at Bitter End is known throughout the BVI as the BEST! And, I can confirm that it is. I plan on having a slice (or 2) everyday I’m here. Diet be damned!

Bitter End Beach Gazebo

Bitter End Beach Gazebo

Tomorrow morning its sailing lessons, then an afternoon boat ride to “3 great snorkel spots”. I’ll keep you all posted on my BEYC adventures!!

First Time Guests Enjoy the Activities and the Pace

First Time Guests Enjoy the Activities and the Pace

Blackwells at Bitter EndBitter End has “all the things we enjoy as a family.”

First time Bitter End guests Tom, Linda, and daughter Taegan Blackwell (Fairfield, CT) share their insights with special events director John Glynn on what made Bitter End Yacht Club the “best possible vacation” for their family, and their intentions for returning!

JG: This was your first visit to Bitter End. What played into your decision making process?
TB: My wife and I were looking for a place to go that had all the things we enjoy as a family available to use.  I am an active racer, and both my wife and daughter are completely into watersports.  Bitter End has all that for us, at our fingertips, plus many other options.  We have had many friends who have been here and raved about it so it was time for us, and it was fantastic!

JG: What did you know about Bitter End before you visited, and where did you hear about BEYC previously?
TB: As I mentioned above, we have many friends who have been to BEYC. I always read about the Pro Am regatta every year, so I always have the BEYC in my mind as a destination for our family.  And I have had family members stay at BEYC, both on land and on the water.

JG: What were your expectations before you visited — what were you looking forward to most?
TB: We spent a lot of time on the website and that got us very excited.  We had visions of sailing daily, taking out whalers, snorkeling, and just taking it easy.  We did speak to some friends and that got us pumped up even more.

JG: Once you got to Bitter End, was it what you expected?
TB: It has been more than we expected!  We booked a package that allows us unlimited use of the watersports, which is great.  We have been able to hike the trails, sign up for excursions, and hit the water whenever we feel like it.  We did not have daily plans set up, except for a full day snorkel trip, which was fantastic.  We have been completely relaxed and done whatever we feel like, whether it was a kayak for two, Hobie sailing, standup paddle boarding, or checking out the area in a whaler.  We’ve had our best family vacation!

JG: What aspects did you enjoy the most? 
TB: I love the fact that there is something for everyone.  We are able to sail as a family, or do our own individual activities.  There are never any waits for equipment, the food was great and again, no wait!

JG: What has Taegan enjoyed most?
Taegan: Windsurfing, Opti sailing, Hobie sailing and getting launched as we pitch poled! Swimming and meeting new friends. The impromptu manhunt with new friends was also a highlight for her.  I do not want to leave!

JG: What aspects did Linda enjoy most?
LB: The laid back feel.  No pressure to do anything, no pressure to get to breakfast, lunch or dinner. Taking the kayak around the bay, sailing with the family, snorkeling in the beautiful crystal clear warm water, and meeting new friends as well!

JG: Do you see yourself returning?
TB: YES!  We are discussing our plans for next year and have mentioned to [other family members] that we should do a family reunion get together at BEYC. We LOVED our vacation!  And yes we will be back!