Bitter End Yacht Club brings overwater bungalows to BVI

A digital illustration of Bitter End Yacht Club’s overwater bungalows.

The Bitter End Yacht Club in Virgin Gorda is set to reopen later this month with the first and only overwater bungalows available in the BVI.

The 64-acre private retreat was opened by the Hokin family in 1973 and quickly became a popular destination for visitors to Virgin Gorda. However, when Hurricane Irma devastated the Virgin Islands back in 2017, the resort was not spared. Since then, it has been closed for nearly four years. During its closure, the owners treated the property to a makeover and they refer to it as Bitter End 2.0.

The property has been outfitted with new Marina Lofts projecting over the ocean. The handmade timber bungalows were said to be inspired by the vintage sail lofts where sails used to be made. The handmade timber bungalows are set across two levels and are said to be made for guests to enjoy a moment of relaxation whilst on vacation.

The first-floor houses a large and spacious lounge and bathroom, while the second floor is home to a master suite with a king-sized bed. Each bungalow also has a private terrace on both floors that offers a view of the Caribbean Sea.

There are currently only two bungalows complete and available for bookings in December, but 10 more bungalows are scheduled to be ready in the near future.

In addition to the luxe accommodation, there’s a new waterfront plaza overlooking the North Sound. It will offer several distinct dining options, including a new twist on the clubhouse and a waterfront bar, as well as a water sports centre with a new fleet of water toys and a boutique for holiday shopping.

“We have taken everything that we’ve learned over five decades and incorporated it into the redesign to purposefully pay homage to our history,” Richard Hokin, the head of the Hokin family and co-owner of the resort said in a statement.

“At the same time, we are elevating Bitter End’s amenities and hospitality offerings to create a world-class experience that will delight travellers for generations to come,” he added.

The resort will also cater to the Virgin Islands charter and private yachting industries and it will feature more than 70 mooring balls and 25 marina slips. Sailors visiting the resort can purchase a mooring or dock space and sleep onboard their vessel. There will also be a new marina that comes complete with an open-air lounge and wraparound terrace.

The resort owner said Bitter End is focused on maintaining the legacy, the history and the overall vibe of Bitter End which is laid back, communal and aligned with the environment. He said the overall experience will be centred on entertainment in and around the water.

“We know this is what our clients and guests from all over the world expect. So, we’ve reimagined everything with that in mind. That said, we’re upgrading everything. All our buildings will be brand new while incorporating our 50-year history into our design, making your stay and experience at Bitter End unique. While a lot has changed, we still are unmistakably Bitter End,” Hokin said.

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