Dove for sale

One of the best, if not THE best, restaurants in BVI is up for sale. The Dove - right across the ferry dock in Roadtown - has been listed for $750,000.
I haven't been so bummed out since 15 Abbott Lane closed a couple of years ago.
I first visited The Dove seven years ago. Back then it was a tiny, quaint restaurant with an outdoor terrace built around a mango tree. Despite its diminutive size it was packed inside and out every Friday night.
Over the years the restaurant expanded - adding a second storey lounge and extending the deck.
But the food and service always remained consistently amazing.
I hope the new owners, whomever they may be, keep up these standards.
And I wish Scott and Paloma good luck in their future plans.

Saluting two BVI bars

The Miami Herald has a short piece in their travel section spotlighting two BVI drinking establishments. Cooper Island and The Last Resort are singled out as two places where you can avoid a decor of g-strings stapled to the ceiling and over-priced cloyingly-sweet blender drinks.
Having recently visited the semi-newly refurbished Cooper Island, I have to agree with the writer. The decor was understated and lovely and the food at lunch was way beyond our expectations.
I'd also add the Oceans 7 Beach Club on Peter Island to the list of classy beach bars.
I'd like to hear from other BVI fans -- what are your favourite classy beach joints?

Soggy Dollar online

There's a site I've been going to over the last few months anytime I've needed a 'hit' of the BVIs. The Soggy Dollar beach bar and Sandcastle Hotel on Jost Van Dyke is one of those places I have to visit on each trip. It just wouldn't be a trip to the BVIs without going there and neighbouring Foxy's.
A little background: the SD's claim to fame is their Painkiller - an addictive drink made from dark rum, cream of coconut, pineapple and orange Juice, topped with fresh grated Grenadian nutmeg. Factoid #2: The Soggy Dollar name comes from the fact that they don't have a dock so people need to swim ashore from their boats and pay for their drinks with wet currency.
I really like what they've done with their website -- including a huge live camera shot that really gives people a sense of the place. Their site is beautifully designed with a super-clear navigation. Good job!

With a little help from my friends

I'll be heading down to the BVIs this October to celebrate a landmark birthday with a group of friends. So in the next few months I'll be posting my very own Best of BVI links and musings. From really cool places to visit with really neat sites to must-not-miss attractions -- I hope this site will be a resource for not only my friends but anyone else who may be planning a trip.
If anyone has any suggestions -- send 'em along!

Crisis? What crisis?

Uber-cool Steele Point has just announced that they've opened a new guest house. Blackbeard's Hideaway - a two-bedroom villa which features a fully equipped kitchen, open living and dining area, large pool deck and outdoor dining areas is open for business. And according to the availability calendar already has bookings.

Off-season weekly rates run at $4,125 U.S. while high-season will set you back $5,500. Larger groups can still book the stunning Steele Point house or the smaller Gestalt.