Premier hails restaurant opening at Biras Creek

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has welcomed the opening of a signature hospitality venue at Biras Creek Resort, marking the return of a long-standing feature of the North Sound tourism landscape.

The Mangrove at Biras, a restaurant and bar located at the water’s edge, officially opened last week, drawing positive reviews. The Premier attended the opening alongside other government members and officials, where he delivered remarks on the significance of the rebuild.

According to a Facebook post from the Premier’s Office, the restaurant opened “to rave reviews for its ambience, beautiful architecture and delicious food.” The Premier highlighted “the rebuild and its importance to The Virgin Islands’ tourism product, the lovely food served and hospitality shown” during his remarks.

The Biras Creek property has long been regarded as a historic fixture in North Sound. Historical accounts shared in the post note that the waters were once used by Sir Francis Drake in the 16th century and later became home to various enterprises before being transformed into the luxury Biras Creek Resort. The property became well known among Virgin Gordians and visitors alike before its abrupt closure and severe damage during the 2017 hurricanes.

After years of rebuilding following hurricanes Irma and Maria, the resort reopened last year and recorded higher-than-expected guest numbers on Old Year’s Night. The launch of The Mangrove restaurant represents another step in that recovery, restoring a key social and tourism space within North Sound.

Junior Minister for Financial Services Lorna Smith also attended the opening and described the occasion as a milestone for the territory. She noted that the reopening included expanded docking facilities for luxury yachts and described North Sound as “returning in all its glory.” She congratulated the Houwer family for rebuilding “stronger and better” and referenced a moment of silence held in memory of Mr Houwer during the ceremony.