Fly Private To The British Virgin Islands And The Government Will Give You $1500

Even under normal times, pre-pandemic, the British Virgin Islands were always a bit complicated to get to since there are no direct commercial flights from the U.S. Private jets can land, though, at the entry airport, Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island, and since the British Overseas Territory’s reopening to tourism on December 1^st, (with protocols) that’s exactly what tourism officials want to see. To encourage more tourism arrivals, then, a new plan is in place by the BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission in partnership with evoJets to offer $1500 toward flight cost, catering or ground costs for a BVI trip from any gateway in Canada or the U.S.

It’s a good time to go to this group of 60 islands and cays given a range of new developments being unveiled. Other properties are also reopening after suffering damage from Hurricanes Maria and Irma in 2017, undergoing renovation and then being shut down again by the pandemic.

Prime among the newcomers:  Richard Branson’s three villa, 11 bedroom estate on his private Moskito Island is now open to outsiders for exclusive rental with ten other estates on the island expected to open this spring.  Located two miles from Branson’s long established private island, Necker Island, which reopened after two years of hurricane-induced construction and renovation in December, this 125 acre island shares a number of features with its older sibling: a range of watersports from snorkeling and Hobie Cat sailing to kite boarding, infinity pools and access to sandy beaches, tennis courts and breezy hilltop villas with views of the BVI’s turquoise waters among them.

Another marquee name in the region, Rosewood Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda, reopened in December after a four year closure to renovate and rebuild from hurricane damage followed by the pandemic closure. What guests at this 500 acre enclave known for over half a century for its half mile arc of private beach and protected natural setting (much of it now replanted) will find are 81 rooms, suites and private villas in a crisp, midcentury modern design, discreet butlers to attend to every need, an enhanced kids club, an organic garden upping the quality of the restaurants’ ingredients and air conditioning which original owner Laurence Rockefeller had refused to install because it violated that natural setting. One longstanding feature that is still around is the popular beach drop, a boat transfer with picnic to a deserted stretch of sand.

On a more modest scale, Saba Rock since 1960 had been a diving destination and favorite of sailors for its lively bar when it was decked by Irma. It’s now in the process of being rebuilt from the ground up and will add seven rooms and two suites in colorful, nautical décor along with two bars, an open air restaurant and watersports center. The complex should open in the spring.

Another spot popular with sailors, Bitter End Yacht Club, was also a hurricane victim with all buildings decimated and is in the process of a major rebuild. Phase One to be completed this year will focus on the marina with 72 moorings and a two story marina building with a members club containing a restaurant, pub and market for provisions. Bungalows along the marina will also be completed. One addition was added by nature: after the hurricane, the beach got bigger.

Nearby in North Sound, Oil Nut Bay was created as a community of private homes, some available for rental, a secluded 400 acre resort reachable only by boat or helicopter. When it reopened in December, though, it showcased additions designed to bring others on property centered around a new Marina Village with 93 slips and an overwater restaurant. An interactive nature center, day spa and watersports center are on track to be completed this year. And in line with other long stay offers, the resort is offering month long villa rates with a Zoom Room in the Beach Club.