The Bitter End Yacht Club Resort, British Virgin Islands, Resort Hotel Vacations, Honeymoons and Travel Packages

Bitter End Yacht Club is the Caribbean's premiere luxury water sports resort. Located on the island of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands , Bitter End is uniquely situated along a mile of lush gardens and beaches fronting the protected waters of the North Sound. The barefoot elegance that characterizes this island outpost is why Bitter End is regularly hailed as one of the top full service resorts in the world.

Known for its casually elegant atmosphere, secluded accommodations with spectacular views and robust activity programs, Bitter End is a favorite destination for couples, families and groups looking for a safe island retreat where sailing, snorkeling, swimming and relaxation are a way of life.

Guests can learn to sail at Bitter End's US Sailing accredited Sailing and Windsurfing school, dive with the world famous Kilbrides Sunchaser Scuba, enjoy a full service spa, three beaches, fresh water pool, a Club fleet of over 100 well maintained boats and more than 15 weekly excursions to many of the British Virgin Islands' treasured islands and reefs.

Guests enjoy dining at the landmark Clubhouse Steak and Seafood Grille and the English Pub. Several times a week themed dinner parties are held out under the stars with live musical entertainment from steel drums and calypso music to scratch bands.
Hailed by cruising yachtsmen as the Sailor's Shangri La, Bitter End is blessed with year round trade winds and a tranquil, deep-water harbor. Reachable only  by sea, Bitter End is just 12 miles from Tortola, 30 miles from St Thomas and 75 miles from Puerto Rico.

Bitter End's cottages are nestled amid lush gardens along a mile of beach and waterfront. Our cottages are known for their tranquility, comfort and for generous decks with unobstructed sea views. We have two types of of accommodations to choose from and one 2 bedroom and 2 1/2 bath Estate House.

Beachfront Villa
The unique architectural design of our famous original cottages offers you the opportunity to truly enjoy the natural environment for which they were built. All villas have two twin beds or one king-size bed, ceiling fan, refrigerator, coffee maker, large dressing area and shower with sea view, and a wrap-around porch with a double-size hammock. They are designed to catch the balmy trade winds night and day.

North Sound Suite
Our most spacious accommodations are located on the south end of the resort in twenty secluded bungalows spread across a flowered hillside of bougainvillea, hibiscus, and oleander rising high above a white sand beach and palm-shaded pool. They boast panoramic views of the Bitter End anchorage and North Sound. Each suite has a ceiling fan, refrigerator, coffee maker, air-conditioning, TV/VCR available upon request, either one king bed or two queen beds, and a front deck with table and chairs.

Estate House
A spacious two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom private house with spectacular views of the anchorage of North Sound and the Caribbean. The living room and screened-in porch make these accommodations perfect for two couples or a family of up to six. The Estate House is equipped with a king size bed and two double beds with up to two roll-away beds, air-conditioning, refrigerator, coffee maker, and wet bar

It is our wish that every guest who visits Bitter End takes advantage of our ideal location on North Sound, in the BVI. Whether that's aboard one of the 100 plus boats in the Club fleet, on one of the over 15 weekly snorkel and explore excursions, by learning to sail at our world-renowned Sailing School, on a dive or fishing trip, or by taking advantage of the many shoreside amenities available just steps from your door at the resort, we know our activities offer a unique opportunity to visit the most interesting sites in the British Virgin Islands and an easy opportunity to try something new.
 
Wind Sports
Sailing is at the heart of Bitter End. We would like for all guests to have the chance to enjoy the exhilaration of this sport. North Sound, the most secluded and protected deep water harbor in the Caribbean, is the perfect location for beginners to master the basics and old salts to refine their skills. The Introduction to Sailing Course and use of the Club fleet are available to all resort guests and is included with most stays

• Club Fleet
• Premium Fleet
• Sailing School
• Windsurfing

Blue Water Excursions
Bitter End offers more than 15 excursions each week to snorkel and explore the most famous sites in the BVI and the best kept secrets in the BVI. We also offer guided fishing excursions and dive trips with Kilbrides Sunchaser Scuba. Six days a week Kinto Sprauve shares his favorite local snorkeling spots, some of which are the best kept secrets. And you can see the most famous sites of the BVI on daylong excursions to The Baths, Norman Island, the Coral Gardens and Anegada. Brilliant fish such as wrasses, grunts, damselfish and parrotfish abound, and the variety of colorful sponges and corals is unmatched. Even if you don't know how to swim, our expert captains will have you snorkeling in no time.

• The Baths
• Anegada
• Norman Island
• The Coral Gardens at Great Dog Island
• Excursion Boats

Diving       
Divers are guided by Kilbrides Sunchaser Scuba at spectacular offshore sites. Non-Divers who want to learn to dive can take an outstanding PADI Resort Course for beginners, offered at Bitter End by the world-famed Kilbrides Dive Team. 

Diving for Beginners
If you'd like to learn Scuba, the Kilbrides Team offers a Resort Course at Bitter End. The three hour PADI approved Resort Course thoroughly covers the basics. You'll find you don't have to be a strong swimmer to enjoy the sport.
Kilbrides Sunchaser Scuba has been in operation at Bitter End for 25 years, providing a variety of diving options in one of the most pristine diving destinations of the world. In addition to the Adventure Packages, Kilbrides offers other diving options, such as open water certification and enhancements (underwater videography) of your dive.

Snorkeling       
Underwater exploration is as easy as putting on your mask and snorkel at Bitter End.
Rodale’s Scuba Diving magazine regularly ranks the BVI the best snorkeling destination in the Caribbean, and Bitter End offers the best quality and variety of snorkeling in the BVI. With four different snorkeling options you can choose whatever suits you on any given day.

On one of our full day excursions you can board Paranda, our 48' Spronk design racing catamaran, or Corinthian, our 59' double decker power catamaran, for a trip to Anegada, the Coral Gardens, Norman Island, or the world famous Baths. Our trips go to the best of the BVI and you’re sure to be taken to the finest spots by our knowledgeable and experienced crew.

If you’re feeling a little less ambitious and want to stay closer to home, you can join Captain Kinto aboard Ponce de Leon for one of our shorter daily snorkel trips to any of the great destinations near the Bitter End. Eustatia Reef, Oil Nut Bay, Necker Island, the Invisibles, Cactus Point, and Mosquito Island are just some of the fantastic spots. The regular snorkel trip will take you out for just over an hour to any one of these given spots, or you can join the super snorkel that will take you to three different stops on one trip. There is no shortage of marine life to enjoy and Captain Kinto will make sure you have a great time.

Almost all of these local stops are also available to you if you choose to take out one of our 11 foot Boston Whalers instead. You can go snorkeling on your own, pack a lunch and a few cold refreshments and take a day to yourselves. Stop at Watersports and ask for a map of the local area. We’ll show you the great snorkel spots as well as some of the BVI’s nicest beaches for relaxing.
Finally, if you don’t feel like getting on a boat or you’re just a beginner, why not head down to Wedding Point, on the South End of the property, and do a little snorkeling there? A very sheltered spot, Wedding Point has some colorful fish hiding in the rocks and coral. Don’t forget to look toward the deeper water where you may see a tarpon cruising by.

Remember, we have fins available for all of our guests at the Watersports Center. You can either bring your own mask and snorkel, purchase them at Bitter End Outfitters or rent them from Kilbride’s Dive Shop. 
 
Sailing School       

Sailing is at the heart of Bitter End. We would like for all guests to have the chance to enjoy the exhilaration of this sport -- we want you out on the water!

The Sailing School at Bitter End is US Sailing Association accredited, so you can earn certification in keelboat sailing while taking the sailing courses at Bitter End. Our certified instructors offer sailing instruction for all ages and levels, using the Club’s professionally maintained boats and course materials approved by the US Sailing Association.

Bitter End is pleased and proud to now be able to offer US Sailing student certification in Basic Keelboat, Basic Cruising, and Bareboat Cruising. What this means is that Bitter End adheres to the guidelines set forth by US Sailing, regarding the number and quality of sailing instructors, and type and quality of boats. Additionally, the curriculum must pass US Sailing's stringent requirements, or in the case of Basic Cruising and Bareboat Cruising, use US Sailing's own materials.

At Bitter End, the Basic Keelboat Course will be taught on Hunter 216s, Rhodes 19s, and IC-24s. The Basic Cruising course will be taught on either an Express 37 or a Beneteau 50. And the Bareboat Cruising Course will be taught on a Beneteau 50, or similar yacht. Classroom instruction takes place in the 15-seat Bitter End Sailing School building (adjacent to the Watersports Center), complete with dry erase boards, and wall-mounted Laser-model simulators. At all times, we maintain a staff of no fewer than four US Sailing certified instructors, and class sizes are usually very small.

And while these various certifications run anywhere from three to five days, and can run from $300 to $500 per person, there is always the resort's very popular Introduction to Sailing Course (101), offered free to anyone on the Admiral's Package. It makes for a great primer, and sets you on your way to higher learning.
 
Kids Programs
While you take the Introduction to Sailing Course, or head off for a morning snorkel, your children can take part in the variety of watersports activities Bitter End offers in the Junior Watersports Program, for kids ages 13-17 years old, or in Kids Camp, for kids 5-12 years old. Kids are organized into smaller groups, with an instructor for each small group, and take part in learning to sail, snorkel or windsurf, or just having some fun. In the afternoons, they can paint, join in on guided walks, or take part in impromptu snorkeling trips. By the end of the vacation, you and your children will have learned new skills to enjoy being in, on or under the water, and you may even discover that you have a young Russell Coutts, JJ Isler or Jacques Costeau in your family! And of course, serious fun is guaranteed

Fishing       
Half day and full day fishing packages are available and whether you are interested in fly fishing or inshore fishing, we provide you with experienced guides and equipment to fish to your heart’s content.
If you are feeling adventurous, bring your own gear and you can charter a Bradley 22 and take off for your own fishing adventure, or check out a Boston Whaler and sneak up on the plentiful bonefish in the flats just around the corner from the Beachfront Villas. You can even fish from the shore for bonefish at the very north end of Bitter End! 
 
Shoreside Fun
A fun and relaxing day at Bitter End can be spent shoreside. Laze in the hammock of your own Beachfront Villa, indulge in a spa treatment, lounge by the pool and enjoy a light lunch midday, take in the views on a hike, and play on one of our three beaches, snorkeling right off the shore. Or, if you are feeling guilty, take advantage of our outdoor track with sixteen exercise stations

• The Sand Palace
• Spa Services
• Swimming
• Exercise
• Hiking
• Beaches
• Poolside

Clubhouse Steak and Seafood Grille       

The Clubhouse menu features generous buffets and table service for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as cocktail service on the terrace all day and evening.

Breakfast features homemade pastries and breads as well as eggs, pancakes, French toast and Belgian waffles.
Lunch features a large selection of salads and cold cuts as well as fish sandwiches, hamburgers, lobster cakes and more.
Dinner features our famous homemade soups, a large selection of salads, pasta, freshly caught fish and lobster, as well poultry and steaks. A generous selection of homemade desserts is always offered. Winston’s Bakery is known around the world for his imagination and light touch in providing the breads, pastries and luscious desserts for the resort every day. The Clubhouse is near the Main Lobby.

Hundreds of burgees of yachts and yacht clubs, from all over the world, flutter in the breeze of paddle fans. The original bar was built by famed Virgin Island sailor, Basil Symonette, from the wreck of Huey Long's splendid yacht Ondine, and the yacht's mainmast is the centerpost in the Grille today! The Clubhouse offers a convivial atmosphere in which to enjoy fine fare.

Almond Walk       
The Almond Walk is the idyllic setting for numerous events each week, allowing you to further enjoy our spectacular setting on North Sound.

Special Theme Dinners, such as Seafood Night and the West Indian Night, are served on the Almond Walk. Dine and dance under the stars to our own steel band, The Reflections, or the Latitude Stars, from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. Reservations are required.
Guest Cocktail Party

You are invited to join Bitter End's Managers for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres each Monday evening at the Almond Walk.
Special Event Parties

Throughout the year Bitter End celebrates the holidays on the Almond Walk! Some of our favorites include Old Year's (New Year's Eve), Christmas Day, Superbowl, and Valentine's Day.

The English Pub
The English Pub is the spot for a snack during the day or a drink late afternoon, while watching the activity in North Sound.
In addition to being a full service bar with an extensive selection of rums and beers, the Pub also has a full kitchen turning out a variety of menu items. There are the locally inspired rotis, grilled fish sandwiches and Winston Butler's dessert of the day, and other fare, such as homemade pizza (made in our own brick oven) and shepherd's pie, that are favorites from around the world. And, of course, old standbys are on the menu too -- hot dogs, hot wings and hamburgers!

While at the Pub, you can take in the scenery on North Sound, enjoy a game of billiards, darts or foosball, and keep up with your favorite sports team on one of our five flat screen TVs.

Open 'til the wee hours.
Review our selection of rums.
Meet Bartenders Extraordinaire Gunny and Willis!
An addition to our drink menu . . .
"The following recipe was created during our stay at the Bitter End during the first Freedom 30 Regatta [21 years ago] and was named in honor of Don's temporary skipper (and favorite sailor), Buddy Melges." From past guests M & D Harris.

The Bitter End Buddy
2 ounces 156 proof rum
4 ounces pineapple juice
4 ounces guava juice
Pour over ice in a tall glass. Squeeze in a large wedge of lime, stir and serve.

The Bitter End Yacht Club wants to trade more than just burgees . . . we want to know the recipe for your house drink! Does your club have its own drink? Send it to us, we'll test it (the hardest part of the job!), and you may see it on the drink menu on your next visit

Poolside Bar       

The intimate setting of our freshwater pool combined with lunch is a luxury we think every guest should try.
The Pool Bar is open from 8 am to 5 pm daily, with lunch served from 12:15 to 2 pm. The menu varies, but we always recommend the lobster salad or the curried salad. Refreshing!

Yoga classes (consult your activities schedule when you arrive for the times and days) are held on the deck built over the water, adjacent to the pool.
Meet our poolside staff, Susan and Martin! From towels to Painkillers, they can help you with whatever you need.

Winston's Bakery       
When dining at Bitter End, you may find yourself growing too easily accustomed to the fresh bread at dinner, and adding an extra pastry to your plate at breakfast.

Executive Chef Baker Winston Butler is the creativity and master of the science of baking behind every loaf of bread, muffin, pastry, Key Lime pie, West Indian roti, Napoleon, and dessert that comes out of the Bitter End bakery.

Winston’s initial training was in Hotel and Restaurant Management. But he lost his heart to baking and went on to study at the American Institute of Baking in New York, then at Johnson and Wales College in Rhode Island, plus the International Pastry Art Center in New York, the National bakery of London, and the Patisserie Bakery of Chicago.

As a result he has diplomas in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Baking Science and Technology, French Pastry and Desserts, Petit Fours and Cookies and Chocolate and Confections.

He won first prize at the first-ever held BVI National Culinary Competition and has won first prizes for his Tropical Fruit Tarts, which you can enjoy on our dinner cruises.

Winston is constantly creating new desserts, whether to assist a bride-to-be to have the wedding cake of her dreams, or to continually wow guests. A recent creation is a Ginger Papaya Mousse with a Mango Coulie and Caramel Fruit Sauce.

Spa Services     
  
Bitter End now offers guests the ultimate spa experience! From exotic aromatherapy massages and private yoga sessions on the beach to manicures, pedicures, facials and herbal wraps, the newly-opened Spa at Bitter End provides a full menu of services designed to refresh guests after an active day on, in or near the water.
The Spa at Bitter End’s Manager Mitesh heads up a team of 15 spa professionals who provide the kind of high-level service guests at Bitter End have come to expect. The Spa at Bitter End is open 12 hours a day, seven days a week, and uses both the internationally acclaimed Decleor line of spa products, as well as locally available herbs like Neem, Aloe Vera, Coconut, Henna (for tatoos), which give a uniquely Caribbean flavor to its treatments and therapies. In addition, the Spa at Bitter End offers you the option of in-room spa services for the ultimate in pampering. The Spa will work with you to tailor treatments to meet your spa dream experience.
Check out the menu of services and treatments to start planning your late afternoon sessions of relaxation and rejuvenation! In addition, The Spa features private or group yoga sessions on a meditation platform overlooking the tranquil waters of the North Sound, and will put together spa packages for bridal parties and wedding day preparations.

Weddings
Sweet beginnings at the Bitter End.
If you would like to marry at Bitter End, we can create a dream wedding for you, from an arrival cocktail party to wedding party adventures around North Sound, from the flowers to the wedding cake, from carrying on family traditions to creating your own, to providing towels post-plunge!

Bitter End has hosted many weddings over the last quarter century. Simple celebrations just for the couple or big and elaborate affairs with 80 guests, weddings on one of our three beaches, at the Almond Walk, at the pool, at sunset with a sail post-nuptials... Bitter End has done them all. You can work with our resident events coordinator to create the island paradise wedding of your dreams.

Choose your location: one of our three beaches, poolside, or on our Almond Walk.  Organized group activities, private cocktail and dinner receptions available at an additional charge.

Our wedding packages, added to any Admiral’s Package, include location fee, photography and site decoration with flowers of the region.

The Wedding Point       
For groups of up to 6 people. A simply beautiful setting for an intimate celebration, Wedding Point is a private gazebo built on stilts above the clear blue waters of the Caribbean.

A chauffeured resort taxi will pick you up from your room to carry you to Wedding Point, where the Registrar, photographer and champagne await you. To conclude the special day, dinner at the resort can be booked in advance with our Special Events Coordinator.

16 Sounder Wedding       
Groups of up to 10 people. For the ultimate Caribbean wedding, lose your shoes and take your vows with your toes in the water!
In place of the traditional cake and champagne, carry on the island theme with Bitter End's own fabulous 16oz Sounders! The ceremony and reception can take place at South Beach—an intimate spot with spectacular sunset views. Dinner can follow at the resort, for just the bride and groom or a special arrangement can be set up for the entire party, all prearranged by our Special Events Coordinator.

Caribbean BBQ Wedding       
Make your wedding celebration an entirely private affair, with close friends and family members.
Start with a seaside ceremony on our beautiful South Beach, followed by a private Caribbean BBQ at the pool overlooking North Sound.

Sunset Cruise Wedding       
For wedding celebrations of up to 25 people, say the vows ashore and then enjoy a sunset sail and toast each other aboard our 48 foot catamaran Paranda.
Enjoy skimming North Sound and taking in the views as the sun sets. Upon your return to land, enjoy a private dinner on the famous Hokin Terrace, if that is your wish.

Sunset Pool Wedding       
Say your vows just before the sun goes down on North Sound, and spend the evening celebrating poolside, just steps from the beach.
While live music plays, dinner can be served under the stars. Dance to steel drums in true Caribbean style!
 

Bitter End Special Events
Bitter End hosts numerous special events each year. Weekly regattas are held year-round, and over ten weeks of on-the-water fun take place during the Fall Sailing Festival, Winter Escape and Spring Break weeks. 

• Pro Am Regatta Week
•  Women on the Water Week
• Midwinter Regatta Week
• Christmas Winds Regatta and Rendezvous
• Sail Caribbean Family Fun Weeks
•  Sunday Regatta
   

Build Your Own Regatta or Special Event
In addition to hosting our own events, Bitter End has welcomed guests to gather at the resort for their own events for over 20 years, from family reunions to team-building and bonding experiences, to club rendezvous and flotillas. Our team can assemble a special week just for your group that will be an unforgettable experience.

You have access our advisory board of pros form the world of sailing, such as Peter Isler, author of At the Helm: Business Lessons for Navigating Rough Waters, and Sailing for Dummies, who can deliver an inspiring opening talk and lead the week’s activities, our conference center facilities, and custom-planning for every meal and activity as you like. Bitter End offers a one stop destination with expert facilities and staff at your service. 

• Build Your Own Rendezvous or Flotilla Event
• Boatmakers’ Rendezvous
• Bitter End’s Warmer Climes Regatta Week
• Corporate Groups and Team Building
• Reunions