Bitter End Yacht Club International

Hotel description

Bitter End may seem an inauspicious name for a resort, but it’s a clue to the sailing heritage of the place—the North Sound of the British Virgin Islands was the last sight of land for ships heading back to Europe. Today it’s the most expansive sailing facility in the British Virgin Islands, with reasonably priced lodgings to boot. Still accessible only by boat, Bitter End offers a number of choices; a beachfront villa, a more removed hillside bungalow, or one of the sailing school’s boats, if you prefer to sleep at dockside. The beachfront villas are stripped-down island comfort, cooled by the sea breeze, with views of the crystal blue water from the wraparound porch. Bungalows are located up a hillside of bougainvillea and oleander, and trade the cool breeze and direct sea access of the villas for air conditioning and a more spectacular view. Forget about distractions like television or the internet—here the focus is on relaxation, hiking, water sports, and especially sailing. Guests have at their disposal an Express 37 racing sailboat called Cosmic Warlord, for day sails with a captain. There are also sailboats and small motorboats, ocean kayaks, and windsurfing gear in the Club fleet that every guest who stays on an FAP or Admiral's Package can use at no additional cost (it's part of their stay). Lessons are available from the Bitter End Sailing School, and some packages include lodging aboard the ship. And guests can become certified in keelboat sailing thanks to the Bitter End's US Sailing Association accreditation. Divers and snorkelers are taken care of as well, and the ocean-agnostic are welcome to use the pool or health club. Meals are included at Bitter End, courtesy of the Clubhouse Steak and Seafood Grille and the English Carvery, and lighter fare and cocktails are available at the English-style pub.