The British Virgin Islands (BVI) continues to garner international acclaim as the renowned Soggy Dollar Bar earns the title of the #1 Caribbean Beach Bar in the 2025 USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
The BVI Tourist Board and Film Commission (BVITBFC) celebrated the honor, highlighting the territory’s growing reputation as a premier travel destination.
According to a recent press release, the BVI also saw two other establishments make the top five in the same category: Hendo’s Hideout and Poor Man’s Bar, which placed fourth and fifth, respectively.
Additionally, the historic Callwood Rum Distillery—known for its Arundel Cane Rum—earned the distinction of 4th Best Caribbean Rum in 2025.
Director of Tourism Clive McCoy expressed pride in these achievements, saying: “We are thrilled to have three of our iconic beach bars recognized among the best in the Caribbean, a region celebrated for its vibrant bar scene. These establishments, along with their dedicated teams, have played a significant role in enhancing the BVI’s reputation by delivering exceptional experiences to our visitors. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the readers who voted and continue to support our beloved islands.”
The recognition comes shortly after the BVI was ranked #33 on the New York Times’ ’52 Places to Go in 2025′ list. That article, written by Nora Walsh, praised the territory’s resurgence following the devastation caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.
Key properties highlighted include:
- Bitter End Yacht Club, with luxurious over-the-water lofts set for completion this year.
- Biras Marina & Resort, which has been reimagined.
- Peter Island Resort, which reopened in December 2024 after a stunning transformation.
The BVITBFC noted that these honors continue to solidify the BVI’s position as a world-class travel destination, showcasing its resilience, charm, and exceptional offerings to visitors worldwide
BVI didn’t bag ah ting! Private businesses bagged accolades not the VI! Last time Tourist Board received any accolades was when Flax and Skelton were there. VI as a destination has not been awarded anything in many years. Ah wonder why?
Nothing but silence from the BVI naysayers and certain publications that portray BVI in the worst light so that they can use that as a excuse for the UK to take over. USA today probably has 100 times the readership and recognition as the largly unheard of FODORS or as I call it Foolers, Does the BVI have issues yes but lets not exxagerate that they a) are not being addressed and b) can’t be solved without the intervention of the UK. Whether is private or public ,Peter Island ,VG ,Jost or Tortola its ALL BVI.
The BVI has become an alcohol based tourism location. Like Ft Lauderdale of the 80’s. Gubmint should wise up and a $1 tax on drinks, be rolling in the money in no time.
Primary attraction of a beach bar is the BEACH. Soggy Dollar and Hendo’s are both on the same beach at White Bay JVD. The 2 private businesses have done a fantastic job of establishing each in the Caribbean beach bar scene despite the lack of assistance from the BVI government. BVITBFC has done nothing to promote these 2 beach bars but falsely believe they deserve credit.