Bitter End Yacht Club Special Rates for 2012!

January 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment
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!
Filed Under: Activities, Family vacations, Featured Posts, Kite Boarding, marina, Sailing, Scuba Diviing, Spa, Special Promotions, Windsurfing Tagged With: ,

Sailing Lessons at Bitter End

October 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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!

Filed Under: Activities, Catamaran, Family vacations, Featured Posts, Featured Properties, General Tidbits, Resort Features

First Impressions of BEYC from a BVI newbie

October 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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!!

Filed Under: Accommodations, Activities, Family vacations, Featured Posts, Featured Properties

Relax and Reconnect with a Mini-Family Reunion at Bitter End!

October 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment
family fun on beach

Relax and Reconnect with a Mini-Family Reunion at Bitter End!
Family on the beach

family on the beach

High Season 2012 starts at $1040* per night for a family of four, and Summer Season 2012 starts at $840 for a family of four. 

Starting at $7280 during High Season or $5880 during Summer for a family of four for 7 nights, here’s what you get:
• Two rooms
• Three meals daily
• Unlimited use of the Club’s fleet of boats, dinghies and daysailers
• Introduction to Sailing Course
• Fresh water pool
• Walking/hiking trails
• Monday Night Guest Cocktail Party
• Sunday Regatta and Party and Wednesday Sunset Racing Fun
• Day long bluewater excursions to sites such as Anegada, Norman Island, The Baths
• Snorkeling trips in and around North Sound
• Sunset sails and champagne cruises
• Junior Watersports Program and Kids Camp

Children can learn to sail, snorkel or windsurf, in a fun and safe environment in the Junior Watersports Program and Kids Camp. Other activities include arts and crafts, guided walks, and impromptu snorkeling trips. By the end of the vacation, you may discover you have a young Russell Coutts or a junior Jacques Costeau in your family!

 

Kids 5 and Under Free! Book an Admiral’s Package and there will be no extra charge for the addition of up to 2 children ages 5 and under (in the same room). Or, book an Admiral’s Family Package (2 rooms), and the same would apply to 2 kids ages 5 and under, additional to the first 2.

 

Include Grandma and Grandpa with their own room–with all the same inclusions on a 7-night stay, for a further reduced nightly rate. This incredible rate is available when the 3rd room is booked with an Admiral’s Family Package (at the already-reduced rate above!).

 

With activities that appeal to all ages and experience levels, and plenty of opportunity to refresh and rejuvenate throughout the week, the Bitter End makes a multi-generation family reunion vacation easy to plan!

 
Filed Under: Accommodations, Family vacations, Featured Properties

First Time Guests Enjoy the Activities and the Pace

September 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment

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!
Filed Under: Activities, Family vacations, Featured Posts

Buisness as usual on Necker Island

September 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Necker Island's Pool and Beach
Necker Island's Pool and Beach

Necker Island's Pool

BUSINESS AS USUAL ON NECKER ISLAND…

Firstly we would like to say thank you to everyone for your kind messages and support, which we have passed onto the team at Necker Island.

Since the fire, the entire Necker Island team has been working non-stop to replace what was lost, which included all the office files, island stores and basic items like soap! Fortunately the island is now back on its feet and plans to rebuild a stunning new Great House are well under way.

Despite the (temporary) loss of the Great House, the rest of the island was untouched including the beautiful Bali Houses, the Beach Pool, Tennis and Watersports Pavilions, and the Necker team remains in place to offer the same levels of service and personal attention our guests have come to expect!

Our plans for 2011 and 2012

Necker Island will remain open for business for exclusive hire in 2011 and 2012 although we are planning a mini-closure period of two months in early 2012. Accommodation will be in Necker’s six beautifulBali Houses as well as Temple House, normally Richard Branson’s private home, which he is making available in these exceptional circumstances. Our luxury catamaran, Necker Belle, will also be moored alongside the island offering further accommodation in four cabins.

New bookings

If you have clients interested in booking a stay on Necker Island in 2011 and 2012 we will work with each enquiry to tailor an individual rate depending on availability and the size of the group. Our reservations team will be happy to talk you through the various options.

Celebration Weeks in 2012 will definitely go ahead however dates have not yet been confirmed.



  

Filed Under: Activities, Family vacations, Featured Posts, Kite Boarding

Bitter End Yacht Club Specials extended

August 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Bitter End Yacht Club Racing

The deadline for booking the 2011 Bitter End Yacht Club 25% discount is extended until October 15th, 2011 for all new bookings.

Bitter End Yacht Club Racing

Bitter End Yacht Club

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Filed Under: Family vacations, General Tidbits, Getting to the Bitter End Yacht Club, Spa Tagged With: ,

Bitter End Yacht- 2011 Specials announced

May 28, 2010 By Leave a Comment
One of the beaches at Bitter End Yacht Club Resort and Spa on Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Bitter End Yacht Club the world’s premier water sports resort located in North Sound, Virgin Gorda is offering – an Early Booking Discount for 2011.

  

[Read more...]

Filed Under: Accommodations, Activities, Catamaran, Family vacations, Sailing, Spa Tagged With: , ,

Airfares to the Virgin Islands

April 19, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Summertime airfares to St. Thomas and the British Virgin Islands from the US are much lower than in previous years. Combined with the Anniversary Specials at the Bitter End Yacht Club, you can enjoy a great value vacation. Bitter End Yacht Club is where you can enjoy sailing, scuba diving, wind surfing, power boating, day trips to the surrounding islands, and fishing. Spa services are also available. It is ideal for the active family vacation. Ask Betty–she loves it like we do!

Filed Under: Activities, Family vacations, Spa

The Baths Day Trip

April 14, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Walk down the path to the Baths

During our stay, we took advantage of one of Bitter End’s day trips to the famous Baths. The Bitter End Yacht Club’s Paranda was our transportation for a scenic sail across North Sound. Because of unusually high seas the day we went, our catamaran sailed from the Bitter End to Spanish Town, where we took a short taxi ride to the top of the Baths. It turned out that this detour was actually a blessing, as we were able to see more local scenery!  

Walk down the path to the Baths

Walking down the path to the beach at the Baths.

 

Once at the top of the Baths, we walked down a path to the beach. We had to be mindful of the rocks and slippery sand on the path, so be advised to wear proper shoes for the journey.

The Baths and its huge boulders

The beach at the Baths.

No one could tell us exactly how these giant boulders got to the BVI. Some say they may have been tossed on the shore by a tidal wave eons ago. No matter how they arrived, the sight is something not to be missed when visiting the BVI.

Sailing away on Parandah

Sailing away on Parandah

 

Once back aboard the Paranda, we were served a generous box-lunch. Sodas and water were also provided.

Paranda the Bitter End Yacht Club catamaran.

Sailing back to the Bitter End on the Paranda.

 

For a first time visitor to the British Virgin Islands, I think this day trip covered a lot of sights in just one day. It’s a day I won’t soon forget.

Filed Under: Activities, Catamaran, Family vacations, Featured Properties, Sailing
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