The British Virgin Islands has the BEST beach bars! Rum concoctions or a cold local brew, a sandy beach, a lounge chair under a palm tree, what could be better. But what if you wanted something more complex than the standard Pain Killer or Rum Punch, where would you go? Is it even available? I have five places that offer amazing cocktails. I am talking fresh squeezed juices, premium alcohol selections, beautiful presentations and a skilled mixologist behind the recipes. Two of them welcome bare feet, all offer beautiful views of the sparking Caribbean Sea. If you are looking for Tropical Vacation Gear, check out my Amazon Store.
The Restaurant at Leverick Bay
This is definitely a shoe's on place. The Restaurant at Leverick Bay is the elegant alternative to the lively, first floor Beach Bar with swimming pool and live entertainment. From the moment you ascend the stairs, you can feel the quiet Caribbean elegance. They have a large polished mahogany bar where you can sip a cocktail while you wait for your table or just listen to the live piano player. If your table is ready, you can watch the sunset over Mosquito Island through their large open windows, while enjoying your favorite libation. Their cocktails tend to the traditional classics, if you are ready for a beautifully prepared Martini or Old Fashioned served in a crystal glass, this is your place. Check their Facebook page for hours of operation, they change seasonally.
Essential Online Links For Booking Your Trip to the British Virgin Islands
Logistics: There is one international airport in the British Virgin Islands. You can also fly into St. Thomas USVI and take a ferry to Road Town, Tortola. : Taxis are available throughout the islands. Private Transfers are available from both airports: Private Arrival Transfer from EIS Airport to Tortola, Private Ground Transfers, St. Thomas, Ferry Schedules are available at USVI.net, Water Taxi transfers are available through Dolphin Water Taxi
Top-rated British Virgin Islands tours and experiences:
☆Conch Island Snorkel Tour: Contact Kelly at Anegadaconcierge@gmail.com or Whatsapp at 281 496-0961
Top places to stay in British Virgin Islands: Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina (Tortola - Luxury) ***Wyndham Tortola BVI Lambert Beach Resort (Tortola - Budget Friendly, ) *** Sebastian's on the Beach Hotel (Tortola - Budget Friendly) ***Rosewood Little Dix Bay Virgin Gorda (Virgin Gorda - Luxury, )***Saba Rock Resort ( North Sound - Luxury,) *** Anegada Beach Resort (Anegada -Budget Friendly, )
My favorite Guidebook for Bareboating in the British Virgin Islands: The Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands
My favorite Guidebook for the British Virgin Islands: Top 10 US & British Virgin Islands
My favorite Novel about the Caribbean: The Embarrassment Of Mangoes or Vintage Norman Island: True Tales About a Real Treasure Island with Pirates and Buried Treasure
Don’t forget to pack: water shoes*** underwater camera*** HD mask ***reef safe sunscreen.
The Dove, Road Town Tortola
In the middle of bustling downtown Road Town, directly across from the International Ferry Terminal is an oasis dedicated to elevated cuisine and cocktails. With such offerings as the Chili Palmona (pictured above), the Citrus Basil Mojito or the Smoking Old Fashion, they offer classic cocktails with a Caribbean Twist. All their cocktails include house made mixers, fresh squeezed juices and locally grown herbs. They also offer one of the best wine selections in the British Virgin Islands. They are open Tuesday - Friday from 12-10 pm and on Saturday from 5-10. Check their Facebook page for seasonal changes in their hours.
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Cooper Island Beach Resort
This is one of my beloved stops in the British Virgin Islands. Not only is it a beautiful spot, they are an eco friendly resort with a 100% solar powered brewery. Normally they do a very brisk business, however we recently visited when strict Covid Protocols were in place and I had an opportunity to visit with the head bartender. It gave me insight into the care they put into their creative cocktails. As an example, the Bloody Mary pictured above has hand shaved, fresh horseradish in it. Their cocktail menu is innovative, fresh, Caribbean with house made mixers, fresh juices, locally grown herbs in interesting combinations. They offer daily drink specials like The Limin' Leprechaun, a Purple Daze made with fresh blueberries and the Cooper Colada served in a coconut. They are open for Lunch and Dinner daily, with happy hour discounts in the late afternoon. Check their website for updated information on opening times and meal service.
Coco Maya, Virgin Gorda
I recently visited Coco Maya for the first time and I was WOWED! The stylish but causal surroundings, the beautiful views, the innovative Latin Asian Fusion menu and the fresh combinations of Caribbean Cocktails. They have a rooftop hydroponic garden where they grow the herb basil for their Lemon Basil Margarita and the thyme for their Orange Thyme G&T. The juices are all fresh squeezed, the combinations are refreshing tropical, and the presentations are artfully created. Pictured above is the Rum Runner and the lemon Basil Margarita. Coco Maya is open, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 5-10pm, Saturday 1-10pm and Sunday 9am-9pm.
Brandywine Estate Restaurant
Brandywine is one of my favorite restaurants in the BVI. Check out my blog post, The Best Restaurants in the BVI for more dining recommendations. I have eaten there numerous times in the past 10 years. Before Covid, they had opened a rooftop bar in downtown Road Town. They offered an imaginative array of cocktails. While they have not yet opened their rooftop bar since the Covid lockdown period, they have reopened their flagship restaurant in Brandywine Bay with its beautiful patio overlooking the azure Caribbean Sea. It is a delightful place to sip an icy Cucumber and Basil Gimlet and enjoy some deliciousness from their menu, like the Lobster Paella pictured above. Their Mediterranean Bistro Menu changes frequently as does their speciality cocktails. Check their Facebook page for specials and menu offerings. They open daily at noon and they are closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Ready to book your BVI adventure, check out Booking.com for land accommodations.
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