Caribbean Archives - The Barefoot Angel

thebarefootangel August 22, 2018

A Sneak Peek Inside My… Hurricane Kit (Post-Irma Update)

Things that I had been putting off since resuming blogging earlier this year are (a) making any reference to Hurricane Irma* and (b) updating this post…

But, after some panicked messages from friends with family in Hawaii this morning, I realized that I was being a little irresponsible and that this post could actually be a useful resource.

So here you are – ‘A Sneak Peek Inside my Hurricane Kit, the Post-Irma Edition’. Below is my original post (published September 4th, 2017) with updates to reflect what I learnt and found useful during and in the aftermath of a Category 5 hurricane. If you find this helpful, please be sure to share it.

SEPTEMBER 4th, 2017

No sooner have I returned from my holidays and already a hurricane is on our doorstep. Never are you more aware of the beauty and power of Mother Nature than when you live in a hurricane belt.

Living in the Caribbean for as long as I have, I am no stranger to hurricanes and tropical storms but, by and large, (barring TS Otto that sent mudslides into my house in 2010) Mother Nature has been pretty kind to us in the BVI for the last decade. This year though, the gloves are off and we already suffered a huge storm in early August that caused widespread flooding and extensive damage to homes and businesses across the islands. Now Hurricane Irma is headed our way and looking increasingly like she’ll be at Cat 3 or 4 strength when she lands on Wednesday/Thursday.

2018 Update: Hurricane Irma hit the British Virgin Islands on Wednesday September 6th 2017 at Category 5 strength. She was the largest Atlantic hurricane in recorded history. Sustained winds of over 160 kts devastated the BVI and left us without power for months.

We only have to look at the damage done in Texas recently to know that these storms are not to be messed with and my heart goes out to all those suffering in Harvey’s wake, especially as I make my own preparations for Irma’s arrival.

Thankfully we have the weather reports to keep us updated (I’ve also downloaded a really helpful app – Hurricane Tracker for $3.99) and we watch anxiously as she creeps ever closer…

Still, forewarned is forearmed and these next couple of days will be spent stocking up on all the necessities and readying the house as best we can (read: putting up the hurricane shutters, setting out the sandbags and hoping for the best…).

Obviously, we are keeping all of our fingers and toes firmly crossed that Irma causes no trouble for anyone, but the motto that I’ve always adhered to is ‘Prepare for the worst and hope for the best’.

Want to see which supplies I will be packing to see me through the storm?

:: Water –

The general rule of thumb is that you should pack one gallon of drinking water per person/per day (this should include animals) so for our little family we ideally need 4 gallons of water per day and we should aim to have enough to cover 3-7 days at least (More water will be needed for cleaning and washing.)

2018 update: Keep on hand enough drinking water for 14 days. Water purification tablets would also be useful if you can get them. Stock more water than you think that you could ever get through.

:: Canned food, non-perishable items and pet food –

Tinned soup, protein/granola bars, nuts (anything you can eat right out of the packet), crackers, cans of Beefaroni (don’t judge me…) and Pringles have always featured in my hurricane supplies since they can be eaten hot or cold, if absolutely necessary. I also like to ensure that I have an adequate supply of teabags (I might live in the Caribbean but I’m still British after all!)

2018 Update: Have food and water for AT LEAST 2 weeks. It may seem excessive, but non-perishable foods will always come in handy after the fact, or you can donate them to your local food bank if you’re fortunate and don’t need to use it all.

Do not purchase foods that require water or cooking. Pastas and grains won’t be much use to you if you have no fresh water to cook them in. You won’t want to waste your supply of drinking water. My recommendations are still tins of cooked pasta (Chef Boyardee or similar), tins of soup (not the concentrated kind), trail mix, protein/granola bars, tins of tuna, or anything that you can eat cold and out of a can. There won’t be any water for washing up either. I have also been meaning to try MRE’s (Meals-Ready-to-Eat) like those supplied to the military, as they are excellent for camping/hiking/emergency stores and keep for years. I would love to hear if any of you have tried them?

:: Passport, cash and important family documents –

In a ziplock bag or waterproof box you need to ensure that you have your passport or travel documents, as much cash as you’re comfortable withdrawing (ATMs could be down for a while and card machines at the store won’t work either) and any insurance policy documents or other Id and banking docs.

2018 Update: Keep your passport and any other important documents on your person! My colleague had his passport in his house, but that wasn’t much use to him when the house collapsed. Getting him out of the country for evacuation was even more of a challenge than usual. Scan or send pictures of your passport to trusted family members or friends outside of the hurricane zone. Write down emergency contact details in case your mobile phone runs out of battery – you may need to hand them over to officials so that they can contact your family.

Speaking of friends and family outside of the hurricane zone. Set up a central Facebook message and add friends and family. In the days following you might be able to get word to one (in our case it was a call my husband made on a borrowed satellite phone to my brother-in-law that lasted approx 14 seconds) and that one person can then update everyone to let them know that you are safe.

:: Torches, batteries, candles and matches –

No two ways about it, you’re going to be without power for some period of time, the question is, just for how long? Having an adequate supply of candles and torches will make life a lot easier. Then just grab a good book and hunker down. Be sure to fully power up your phone, kindle, laptop, tablet etc to keep them going for as long as possible.

2018 Update: Collect up any battery-powered LED lights that you have around the house, string lights etc. can be useful for providing a low-level of light to a room and making it easier to move around after dark.

:: Portable chargers –

I mentioned these in a previous post here, they are great for travel and an island essential to see you through the regular power cuts. But, never are they more useful than during hurricane season. I have two (one large and one small) and will be fully charging them both. This will hopefully mean that I can keep my phone powered – then I just have to keep my fingers crossed that the phone signal holds out.

:: Books, playing cards and board games –

Not withstanding the fact that you have fully charged all your electronic devices, they are still unlikely to see you all the way through the power cuts. August’s storm saw some houses without power for 3-4 days and that’s nothing in the grand scheme of potential issues post-hurricane. My new favourite game is Monopoly Deal but you should also make sure you have a good book to read and maybe use this time as an opportunity to brush up on your poker skills with friends.

:: First Aid Kit and Prescription Meds –

For all the obvious reasons you’ll want to make sure that you have a small first aid kit (our one is fab and reasonably priced) along with at least a 2 week supply of your usual prescription meds.

2018 Update: Aim to have at least one month’s supply of any prescription medications. Even though I was evacuated after 6 days it took a while to get set up with a doctor who could prescribe my medications – I was fortunate to have enough to cover it but these are things to be aware of.

:: Wet wipes, dry shampoo, hand sanitizer, toilet paper and other personal hygiene supplies –

As unpalatable as it is to think about, you may be without running water for a while… a pack of wet wipes, hand sanitizer and some dry shampoo will help you freshen up, since you’ll be wanting to save the bulk of your fresh water for drinking. I’m packing up all my mini travel supplies as we will be de-camping to a friend’s house to ride out the storm.

2018 Update: Water for washing – fill your bath (if you have one) and/or sinks with water. This can then be scooped out to flush toilet and wash. A portable camping shower and bucket of clean water could also come in handy for a fresh water rinse off.

:: Change of clothes and spare underwear –

You never know if, or when, you might have to evacuate at short notice. Have a grab-bag packed and ready to go, just in case.

2018 Update: In the days leading up to the predicted hurricane – be sure to do as much laundry as you can. You will want to ensure that you have clean sheets, towels and plenty of clean clothes on hand, if possible.

:: Other useful items –

battery-powered or hand-crank radio, paper plates/cups, cooler with ice, can-opener/bottle opener, duct tape, tool kit, fire extinguisher and car charger.

Further 2018 Edits

:: Boots –

After the storm there will likely be significant amounts of debris everywhere; nails, glass, rocks and wire. At the very least you will need trainers, but preferably hiking boots or something more solid. I had a leather pair of moto boots that were super comfortable and sturdy. Every time I left the house people asked to buy them off me. You do not want to get cuts and scrapes on your feet – the debris will be filthy and it is the prime environment for infection.

:: Grab bag –

One of the things that I maintained during the storm and in the days after (before I was evacuated) was a grab bag containing all of my essentials. A change of clean clothes, my battery pack, a torch, batteries, my passport, some trail mix and a bottle of drinking water, my phone, wallet and kindle. Wherever I went, that bag came with me. With long days out of the house; finding friends, community meetings, trying to buy food/water/gas etc. it gave me a certain reassurance to have these supplies with me.

:: Boarding Up –

It is vital that wherever you are planning to stay during the hurricane takes boarding up and hurricane shutters very seriously. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of securing your windows and doors as best you can. The damage that can be done to the house as soon as the winds start to get inside can be catastrophic. If you are staying in rented accommodation – insist that your landlord takes their responsibility to board up your house seriously, even if you have hurricane glass windows.

:: Do not get drunk –

I have removed any reference to alcohol from my previous post. As much as it is tempting to hunker down with friends and crack open some wine. Please don’t. You will need to keep your wits about you – particularly if you suffer damage to where you are staying and need to move to somewhere more secure during the eye of the storm. On that same note – it is impossible to know how long it will take the eye of the storm to pass over. DO NOT go outside during the eye unless it is absolutely necessary to move for your own personal safety.

:: Gas –

Be sure to fill your car(s) and any cooking gas cannisters. Gas and diesel were in short supply after the storm with long lines at the gas station and supplies rationed.

:: Big ticket items that are desirable but not essential –

A gas BBQ – preferably one that has a gas ring burner attached for boiling water and heating food in pans.

A small generator – we were without power at our house for over three months and were fortunate enough to stay with very patient friends, but when our generator arrived we were able to move back home and live comfortably while we waited for power to be restored. Our generator cost in the region of $1,000 including shipping and duty into the BVI but they can be purchased for around $300-$400.

A satellite phone – these are very expensive so it isn’t realistic to expect many people to be able to afford one at home. But in the days following the storm they were the only way to get word to anyone outside the Territory. I would recommend that your office or business look into purchasing one as part of their disaster response plan.

My thoughts are with Hawaii as Hurricane Lane heads their way – and with everyone affected during hurricane season. It is a time of great anxiety for many of us. With the anniversary of Hurricane Irma rapidly approaching hurricane safety has been at the forefront of my mind. I hope that some of these tips and observations will prove helpful.

Stay safe!

*in case you’re new here (welcome!) we experienced a direct hit by Cat 5 Hurricane Irma in September 2017 – the strongest Atlantic Hurricane in recorded history – and life hasn’t been quite the same since…

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thebarefootangel August 13, 2018

Are You for SNUBA? Underwater Exploring with BVI SNUBA

I am always up for an opportunity to experience something new in the BVI, be it a new restaurant, a previously un-hiked trail or new activity, and my list of fun excursions that I am keen to try is almost as long as my arm. I was thrilled to get the chance to experience one of the BVI’s newest water sports this last weekend on a trip out with BVI SNUBA. I wanted to tell you a bit more about it but I think that the pictures are going to do most of the talking for me.

A bit of a cross between snorkeling and scuba diving, SNUBA (Surface Nexus Underwater Breathing Apparatus) is the ideal activity for those that haven’t dived before but are looking for a bit of an introduction to the underwater action in the BVI. No previous Scuba diving experience or diving certification is required, which makes it perfect for kids and adults alike, and this would be such a fun family activity.

Free to go down to 2ft, 10ft or even as deep as 20ft, your regulator is attached to a small harness which you can wear comfortably and linked to an air source on an inflatable raft on the surface of the water. In groups of two or four you explore the underwater paradise, with just a mask and fins, no need for tanks! With the air-line you have the freedom to dive to whatever depth you feel most comfortable (up to a maximum of 20ft) so that you get a more immersive experience than when you snorkel on the surface.

I’ve not really been able to dive much before, since I’m not certified and I never took the time to do a resort course, or my open water qualification. It has been hard to get the opportunity to go out. This has been particularly difficult for my experienced diver husband as I couldn’t ever go out with him. BVI SNUBA proved to be the perfect alternative and no previous experience is required. Finally we had the chance to go out together!

We set off for Cistern Rock, a local area off Cooper Island known for great snorkeling. There were 8 people aboard our boat but you go down in groups of two or four. Not everyone needs to SNUBA if there are younger members of your party, or those that can’t medically, perhaps they would enjoy a snorkel instead. The husband and I opted for the Duo Special when only two of you are in the water at one time, this means that you get slightly longer underwater as less people are sharing the air supply. A couple of others in the group chose to snorkel and the rest waited on Cooper Island with a cold beverage.

Rashguard swimsuit available here

We were fully briefed before our trip by the lovely Elaine and then off we went. The principles are similar to diving, and safety is paramount, but after just a few key rules you’re ready to head out.

There are six SNUBA commandments to keep in mind during your experience:

Never hold your breath. Relax and breathe normally
Never take your regulator out of your mouth unless you are at the surface and holding onto the raft
Use your air line and the hand-over-hand technique to control your ascent and descent, and prevent contact with the bottom
Always stay with your SNUBA guide and remain together as a group
Don’t touch any marine life
Don’t stir up or disturb the sea floor by kicking or standing on it with your fins

All pretty straight forward, right? We went over the important stuff and then got ourselves kitted out ready to get in the water. Mask, fins, regulator, weight belt and camera, check! We were excited to see what was down there, which fishy friends would we meet today?

On entering the water I had a flutter of nervous excitement. After all, it’s a little counter intuitive to try and breathe underwater. But after a couple of shallow breaths trying out my regulator at the surface I soon relaxed and started to breathe more deeply, and we started our descent. Following Elaine, our guide, we used our airline to go down to around 20ft, pausing to equalize our ears at every foot. Soon we were all the way down on the reef and brightly colored fish of all sizes were everywhere. Very quickly I started to feel comfortable underwater and loved exploring my new marine surroundings.

Elaine leads you during your SNUBA experience and she is wearing a dive tank. She is the perfect underwater host and is very attentive, while also letting you explore for yourselves. She pointed out lots of the smaller reef life as we moved around the area, the lobsters under the rocks and even a turtle (although sadly he wasn’t sticking around to play).

We saw needle fish, a puffer fish, rays, juvenile trunk fish, and a whole host of other sea life, big and small. She regularly checks in on you to ensure that you’re comfortable with your mask, your equipment, your ears and she’ll also periodically check your air supply. I felt very secure and comfortable in the water with her.

The aspect of the activity that my husband and I particularly enjoyed was that we could share it together, despite our vastly different levels of experience. I would certainly encourage groups to give it a try – especially where one or two members might have dived before and they want other non-diving family or friends to experience it for themselves. It was a fantastic activity for us to enjoy together. I definitely can’t wait to go again and I can think of others that I would love to introduce it to.

Some practical notes:

Medical forms and liability waivers must be signed before you can take part in the SNUBA experience and there are some limited medical conditions that might mean that you are unable to take part.
The minimum age for the experience is 8 years old, so it is a fantastic family activity.
A degree of confidence in the water is good but you don’t necessarily need to be a strong swimmer – you will have the raft and your airline to hold onto. You do need to be able to propel yourself through the water.
You can do the experience in just your regular swimsuit and no special equipment is required (everything is provided) although if you feel like you would be more comfortable with a rash guard on, please bring one with you.
If you still feel nervous about going down to a depth you can also choose to ‘power snorkel’ with no weight belt – staying at the surface but with the support of the raft and air supply.
The SNUBA experience lasts around 30 – 45 minutes, or longer if you’re doing the SNUBA Duo experience.
Be careful not to put your feet down on the reef, don’t try to stand or touch anything with your hands. The reef life is incredibly delicate and it really is a case of look but don’t touch.

Rates for the BVI SNUBA experience start at $125 pp, and a discount is offered to BVI residents. If you’d like to give it a go on your next BVI vacation, contact them at +1 (284) 341 0660 or bvisnuba@gmail.com and check out their website here! Ask BVI SNUBA about putting together a day trip and including your SNUBA experience as part of the day out.

Does it sound like an underwater activity that you would like to try?

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thebarefootangel July 30, 2018

Necker Island Wildlife Tour with Gumption’s Learning Adventures

Mention that you live in the British Virgin Islands and many people immediately associate it with one of our most famous residents, Sir Richard Branson. Necker Island (just one of the 60 + islands and cays in the BVI) is the quintessential Caribbean playground of the rich and famous. Privately owned by Sir Richard Branson, it is his permanent Island residence and a working full-time luxury resort. Normally reserved for the mega-wealthy, a night’s stay on the island for you and 30 of your closest friends used to run you up to $80,000. Unless, of course, you have the right friends, or are attendees to the positive influence conferences and events the island hosts throughout the year. ‘Celebration Weeks’ are also held several times a year, where single rooms can booked, allowing a more affordable stay.

But, due to the generosity of Sir Richard Branson and the entrepreneurial spirit of one Virgin Gorda resident, there is another way to visit to Necker Island to meet some of their more exotic residents: Gumption’s Learning Adventures and their Necker Island Wildlife Tour.

Connected by their shared passion for conservation in 2013 Sir Richard granted exclusive access to Gumption to allow him to bring his groups onto the island, to meet the animals and learn more about the different species that call Necker home. Lemurs, flamingos, giant tortoises, iguanas, parrots and many other exotic (and usually endangered) animals live happily on this private island, cared for by their full-time wildlife team. Gumption used to work on Necker Island in Guest Services and Water Sports before having the idea for his Learning Adventures and his See It Clear Glass Bottomed boat. Always keen to foster young entrepreneurs (a mission which later developed into the Branson Centres of Entrepreneurship) Sir Richard encouraged and invested in the start-up business. Initially projected to only run for a couple of months, Gumption’s tours are now a must-do for visitors and locals in the BVI, especially for anyone with an interest in the wildlife.

Rubbing shoulders with the lemurs rather than celebrities (more fun in my honest opinion) you too can get the chance to experience a little of what Necker Island has to offer and get up close and personal with some of Sir Richard’s favourite furry friends. I set off this weekend to meet Gumption and see more about what goes on on the animal tours.

Following catastrophic damage due to the direct hit by Hurricane Irma in September 2017, Necker Island has been closed for extensive repair and renovation and plans are for a re-opening in October 2018. Luckily for us though this did not extend to Gumption’s Learning Adventures and he started running his tours again in January of this year.

It is worth noting that Gumption’s tours are hugely popular, and that dates are limited. The tours are often booked up weeks in advance, as soon as the tour dates are released. Because the groups he takes over are nice and small (usually around 10-12 people) competition for one of those coveted spots is fierce. If a lemur selfie is on your bucket list (and, let’s face it, why wouldn’t it be?), once you have your holiday dates booked I would recommend making note of his website and their booking procedure and then checking back in the month before you arrive for available tour dates. Try to secure your tour as early as possible to avoid disappointment! I was thrilled that Gumption was able to find a space for me on one of his tours and jumped at the chance to attend!

Our morning started meeting Gumption and the rest of the group at Leverick Bay, Virgin Gorda in the North Sound. Currently no boat transportation is provided for the tours as Gumption’s boat was damaged during the hurricane. We arrived at 9:15 am and got settled for a 9:30 am boat departure with the rest of our group, armed with just a bottle of water, sunscreen and a camera. There was a real sense of excitement as we set off for Necker Island, keen to see all the animals and learn more about their conservation efforts.

Arriving on Necker Island we donned our hi-vis jackets and trainers (both are mandatory during the current re-construction on the island) before setting off to see the solar panel field. Necker Island has 1,200 solar panels which produce all of the energy for the island. It’s an impressive sight. This was also where we found our first Rock Iguana, indigenous to the British Virgin Islands but originally found on Anegada (and as far afield as Puerto Rico and the USVI), this critically endangered species has been struggling across many of the islands but flourishing on Necker. Now plans are afoot to capture and relocate over 300 Rock Iguanas from Necker Island back to Anegada in a conservation effort to help repopulate the dwindling numbers over there.

Next we hustled to go and meet the lemurs, stopping to meet Jewel the parrot and the Macaws on the way. We were anxious to get to the lemur enclosures in time for feeding. Undoubtedly the time spent with the lemurs is one of the highlights on the tour and it would be almost impossible to find an experience like it anywhere else in the world. Necker Island currently has 7 different species of lemur, including the instantly recognizable ring-tailed lemurs (I like to move-it, move-it) and red-ruffed lemurs. Very friendly, inquisitive (and motivated by the lemur snacks you have with you) they are keen to interact with you in their enclosures. They are happy to climb and jump on you, and enjoy gentle pets, head scratches and rubs. Be careful never to try and grab the lemurs, and always let them come to you. They are very light (weighing approximately the same as a small cat) with soft fur and their little hands and feet help them to leap and climb. It is fascinating to get so close to them and it obviously makes for some fantastic photo opportunities.

We eventually left the lemurs and went in search of the tortoises. Necker Island has 9 giant tortoises varying in age and size, we were lucky enough to spot 5 of them. Including a brief sighting of the very oldest. At 65 years old and weighing in at over 500 lbs, he was actually surprisingly difficult to see, blending in with his surroundings and seeking some shelter in a shady spot. We moved on to Joan’s Garden, the home of all the little tortoises. Red-footed tortoises, Burmese Star tortoises and even a snapping turtle. You can carefully handle these tortoises (well not the snapping one) as Gumption tells you more about the different species of tortoise, the differences between them and even how to tell male from female. I loved the tiny, baby tortoises, some of whom were only a couple of months old. We also met ‘ET’, a brave tortoise that survived the 2011 fire in the Great House, retreating for safety into her shell, but still bearing the scars.

I loved the emphasis that Gumption places on education – they really are his learning adventures and he is eager to impart all of his wildlife knowledge. Facts about the animals and the birds, pop quizzes and stories about the island and the Caribbean all play a part in the experience. This blogger definitely left with a few more Scarlet Ibis facts than she came with! And if you want to do well on the test you should probably learn the collective noun for flamingos, hint: it’s not a flock!

Our next stop on the tour was a quick visit to the flamingo pond, Necker Island has around 455 flamingos. Sadly there hasn’t been much laying since the hurricane but the keepers are hopeful that they will begin laying again very soon. We were careful to keep our distance and not disturb them, staying up at a little vantage point above their pond. Just close enough to get a good look at them but not so close as to alarm them.

We finished our tour with a hike up the hill to the Great House to take in the cerulean blue views of the Caribbean Sea and the gorgeous vistas of the surrounding islands. For a few minutes we stood and took in the scenery, watching the kite boarders and the boats coming and going and even a large ocean sun fish that was basking in the shallower waters. Gumption told us all about the various fish, turtles and even whales that you can occasionally spot in the clear waters off Necker.

The passion with which Gumption speaks of the conservation projects and the renewable energy efforts on Necker Island is infectious. As is the obvious pride when he talks about Richard and all the generations of the Branson family. A family that he personally feels very connected to. He is an ideal and engaging host on the tours and loves questions and feedback. One of his favourite phrases is that there are ‘right answers and wrong answers, but a person with a wrong answer is closer than someone with no answer’. He really encourages you to ask about all the different aspects of the animal care and the wildlife program on the island.

Some practical notes:

Closed toed shoes (ideally trainers) must be worn along with a hi-vis jacket (provided).
Social media policy and liability waiver must be signed before the tour.
Tours cost $85 per adult and $48 per child (5-12), discounts are available for local residents, please inquire at time of booking.
A minimum of 6 guests are required for a tour.
There is no boat transportation currently provided. If you don’t have a boat of your own there are boats available for hire locally for around $200 or $25pp for a group of 8.
There is very little shade on Necker Island currently and I highly encourage wearing clothing that covers your shoulders as well as sunscreen.
Water is provided on the tour but I would recommend that you also bring some with you.
I would suggest not wearing white clothing, the lemurs are going to climb up on your shoulders (for a selfie, obviously) and their little feet are sometimes sandy. Large jewelry or items that could catch or snag are probably also ill-advised.
The tour runs for around 2-2.5 hrs, usually from 10:00 am until a little after 12:00 pm.

Finally it was time to head back to Leverick Bay – tired and happy and with memories of Necker and the wildlife that will last a lifetime. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to explore Necker Island with Gumption’s tours and highly encourage you to visit if you can! Tours are booked up now through to August 9th, but there are still a few spots open on future trips. Will you be going?

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thebarefootangel July 9, 2018

Glamping in Anegada: Anegada Beach Club Review

Go where the rum is strong and the WiFi is weak… now there’s a life motto I can get behind, and one that perfectly describes my next piece of paradise: Anegada in the British Virgin Islands.

Now, I’m not the sort of girl that’s adverse to adventure and a bit of roughing it. Au contraire, far from it, it’s a bit of a pre-requisite for happy island living, but… I love a little luxury as much as anyone and the Glamping at Anegada Beach Club provides the perfect balance.

Despite the scary rumours that circulated in the days post-Irma, and our concerns that the whole island of Anegada might have simply washed away. That fortunately wasn’t the case! The community in Anegada worked tirelessly to get themselves back on their feet quickly and many of the businesses bounced back in the months following the hurricane and threw open their doors to welcome guests! Luckily for me that included Anegada Beach Club, which re-opened February 1st, 2018! It took me a little while to get up there, but I was thrilled to have the opportunity to escape for a few days of luxury ‘camping’ in their gorgeous ocean-front tents a couple of weekends ago.

I love any excuse for a bit of a staycation in the British Virgin Islands and am fortunate to have a host of islands to choose between, but I have always had a bit of a soft spot for Anegada. Anegada is exactly what you picture when you think of a paradise island and it is the ultimate island getaway, long stretches of white sand, startlingly turquoise waters and having whole beaches to yourselves. Much of the island is beautifully undeveloped (and there aren’t many roads) but then there are pockets, in between the many salt ponds and sandy tracks, where you can find wonderful restaurants and really gorgeous places to stay. Including the beautiful Anegada Beach Club (ABC) which is home to some of the most premium beachfront accommodation around.

Pre-Irma the luxury tents were actually made of canvas – since the storm they have been updated to these gorgeous little cabin/canvas hybrid, with a solid thatched roof and canvas walls – but it still definitely counts as ‘Glamping’.

The tents have a completely open front (mosquito net) which looks over the beach and out to sea, just the most picturesque scene to wake up to! There are roll down canvas walls that you can use if you wish to shut out a bit more of the light, although that would block out a lot of the sea breeze that you’re going to be enjoying, since the tents (unlike the hotel rooms) aren’t air-conditioned.

Because of the open front to the tents, ABC has rules about how you access your tent and each one has it’s own steps leading from a little path that runs behind them which you must use to stop you walking across the front of the tents adjacent to your own otherwise you can see straight in. You just have to hope that your neighbours listen to instruction to preserve your privacy!

It is also worth noting that, since the walls are made of canvas, and the front of mosquito netting, that the sound really carries from the beach and, in particular, from the beach bar. The canvas also ripples with the wind, which I found quite relaxing but if you’re a light sleeper you might want to bring some ear plugs, and maybe a comfortable eye-mask if you feel like the morning light might bother you. (I enjoyed being up at sunrise, but it isn’t for everyone).

The tents are tastefully furnished, a large four-poster bed with mosquito screen in the center of the room with some rustic open wardrobes for clothing and a comfortable day bed sofa. The furniture is all bleached wood for a beachy effect and the cushions have a fish print. There are two small fans to help circulate the air in your tent which are helpful. The little deck at the front of the tent has two swinging hammock chairs which are perfect for relaxing and watching the sun rise.

Connected to your tent, via a little open walkway, is your bathroom. With a large rainfall shower head and my favourite L’Occitane goodies, it is beautifully rustic but perfectly functional. One of the tents also features two outdoor bathtubs so, if you book early enough to secure that one, you could be enjoying al fresco bathing on your deck.

The staff at Anegada Beach Club were really friendly and helpful, especially Kasha, who looked after us so well during our stay. We were met at the ferry dock when we arrived and there is a shuttle service that you can use if you’d like to eat at nearby restaurants. It runs to the Lobster Trap, and the highly acclaimed Wonky Dog is only footsteps away from there.

The food options at ABC are good, but basic, and we enjoyed several meals there during our stay – including the beach BBQ in the evening ($35 per head). While the accommodation at ABC is arguably some of the best on the island. I would suggest that better dining options can be found elsewhere and urge you to explore more of the island and the gastronomic opportunities.

It is probably also worth mentioning that ABC has claim to the only swimming pool on the island and that the pool area next to the restaurant is a really lovely place to hang out and enjoy the afternoon. Lounge chairs and swinging hammocks enhance this, as does the close proximity to the bar!

If you were interested in booking one of the tents at ABC you can find more information about rates and availability here.

Things to do in Anegada –

Watersports:

Anegada is a kite-surfing Mecca due to the fantastic wind conditions and ABC has a kite-boarding school on site, should you fancy giving it a go. If you’re not feeling quite that adventurous you could also try kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding or snorkeling. Anegada has some of the best snorkeling in the BVI. Sadly the school wasn’t open when we were there so it looks like we shall have to pay them another visit.

Flamingo Spotting:

Anegada is home to a large flock of flamingos that move around the various salt ponds on the island. Local residents usually know which one they are hiding in and with a little bit of inside knowledge you can go and find them. They really are a beautiful sight, especially when they all take flight.

Eat lobster:

Anegada is known for the best local lobster (Caribbean lobster is different to the cold-water lobster that you might be used to and has no claws for a start, still very delicious though) and every restaurant will serve it during season. There is even an Anegada Lobster Festival at the end of November to celebrate the start of the season. Big Bamboo at Loblolly serves excellent grilled lobster and I have been wanting to try the Lobster Rockerfeller at the Wonky Dog for the longest time…

The Conch pile:

A bi-product of all the local conch-fishing the conch pile is quite the sight. The conch shells have been piling up for hundreds of years, reportedly it features on charts from as far back as the late 1600s. This is where the fishermen clean their catch and dispose of the shells and it is worth a visit!

Getting here –

Anegada is just a short flight in a very small plane from Beef Island (the main airport in the BVI), approximately 12 minutes in fact. There are local airlines, including VI Airlink, Island Birds and FlyBVI, that offer attractive deals for day trips and good value charter flight options. Alternatively you can take the 90-minute ferry ride for $50 round-trip. The schedules can be found here.

Anegada is also a popular destination on sailing charter itineraries. Be sure to check with your charter company as to the best and safest way to get there (you may require a captain) and for more information on where you are allowed to moor.

Do you think you would make the trip to Anegada?

PS. For older Anegada posts click here. As always you can check out more places to visit (and eat) in the BVI in my restaurant guide here.

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thebarefootangel June 25, 2018

Oil Nut Bay: The Perfect Way to Spend the Day

I have been wanting to write this post for the longest time. After the hurricane in September 2017, Oil Nut Bay was one of the first resorts to get back on it’s feet, working hard to re-open at least some of their facilities, in just 3 short months. Best of all, since Oil Nut Bay reopened their restaurant, beach club and marina in December they have thrown open the doors and are now accepting reservations at the Beach Club Restaurant for outside guests, so it really is the perfect time to visit.

I have been lucky enough to have enjoyed a good few girls days over there in the past few months; some birthday lunches, some friends visiting – basically any excuse for an Oil Nut Bay day is okay by me. To tell the truth, the staff are probably quite sick of me by now, but they are far too polite to mention it!

Located on the Eastern most tip of Virgin Gorda in the beautiful British Virgin Islands and accessible only by boat or helicopter, Oil Nut Bay is a private piece of paradise tucked away. This little jewel is just hard enough to get to, to make it all the sweeter when you do make the effort. Oil Nut Bay really defines luxury island travel and must be one of the most beautiful beach resorts in the Caribbean.

So, if you want to come over and experience it for yourselves, how do you go about it? The first step is to email the lovely people at ONB in order to make your reservation. Contact them at info@oilnutbay.com. Book your table and discuss with them the suitable boat times. Lunch is served from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm. Usually I like to get the the 10:30 am boat over and the 4:15 pm boat back, so that I have the whole day to enjoy the pool, the beach and the water sports equipment. (I sound really active don’t I? Really I’m just talking about the kayaks. Although there are Hobie cats if you’re feeling a little more adventurous!) Then you need to get yourselves over to Virgin Gorda, or more specifically to Gun Creek (in the North Sound), which is where their boat departs from. Once you’re on the boat their friendly and helpful staff will take care of everything else.

From the moment you arrive the service is second-to-none, you’re met at the dock and whisked by golf buggy over to the restaurant and pool area. Once you get there it’s time to claim your lounger or your cabana and almost certainly time for a cocktail! The cocktail list is pretty fab, I’m partial to their nicely spicy Bloody Mary’s, or their Pineapple Pimms Cup which contains rum soaked pieces of pineapple that really pack a punch! The Cucumberade is also fantastic if you want a non-alcoholic cocktail, really refreshing (and if you ask nicely you can add vodka…)

The tiered pool set-up is really beautiful, with three swimming pools surrounded by palm trees and pristine gardens, and that’s usually where you’ll find me. Stretched out like a lizard in the sunshine, it’s such a lovely place to relax and let go of the weekly stresses! A quick dip in the pool to cool off and it’s nearly time for lunch.

The lunch menu at Oil Nut Bay features casual classics done well, with a real emphasis on big flavours. You’ll find burgers, pizzas, salads and other standard fare but they have managed to elevate them and make them really special. Like the ‘Off the Cliff Burger’ made of Wagyu Beef, topped with truffle cheese on their brioche bun. Or the decadent lobster burger, which marries together local lobster with tiger shrimp in a delicious burger patty, also served on their black sesame brioche bun. Personally I always seem to go for the ceviche (so fresh and delicious) and their lobster salad, with some skinny fries for the table (obviously). Or sometimes I’ll split a pizza (the Oil Nut Bay pizza is my fave with caramelized onion, wild mushrooms and sausage) and a salad with a friend, for the perfect balance of naughty and nice!

After lunch it is most definitely time for a trip to the swim up bar or maybe a walk on the beach? The long stretch of white sandy beach is just perfect for a stroll to walk off those lunch calories. Your day at Oil Nut Bay can be as action-packed or as relaxed as you want to make it (I’ll leave it to you to guess which one I usually go for…) The whole resort is the perfect private island paradise playground.

If you’re lucky enough to be able to spend longer than just a day at Oil Nut Bay you’ll be pleased to hear that many of their suites and villas re-opened at the beginning of March. You can find out more about their beautiful accommodations here. Contact them to book your stay, you’ll be glad that you did! I’m always so sad when it is time to leave…

PS. Read more about my recommendations for where to dine when visiting the British Virgin Islands here, it features some of our most delicious locations to eat and drink.

:: Water –

:: Canned food, non-perishable items and pet food –

:: Passport, cash and important family documents –

:: Torches, batteries, candles and matches –

:: Portable chargers –

:: Books, playing cards and board games –

:: First Aid Kit and Prescription Meds –

:: Wet wipes, dry shampoo, hand sanitizer, toilet paper and other personal hygiene supplies –

:: Change of clothes and spare underwear –

:: Other useful items –

Further 2018 Edits

:: Boots –

:: Grab bag –

:: Boarding Up –

:: Do not get drunk –

:: Gas –

:: Big ticket items that are desirable but not essential –

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There are six SNUBA commandments to keep in mind during your experience:

Some practical notes:

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Some practical notes:

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Things to do in Anegada –

Watersports:

Flamingo Spotting:

Eat lobster:

The Conch pile:

Getting here –

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