Bringing Back Bitter End | The Shops
November 1st, 2019
Dear Friends of Bitter End,
It’s hard to believe that just over two years ago Hurricane Irma ripped through the BVI, her eye passing directly over Bitter End. The recent devastation wrought by Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas is a chilling reminder of the destructive power of these storms, and the damage and heartache that they can cause to a community. Thankfully the human spirit is resilient, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the BVI’s recovery; we are heartened and inspired by our partners, friends, and neighbors who have rebuilt (and are rebuilding) homes, schools, docks, restaurants and hotels, and more.
As many of you know, we have been on the road this summer and fall with the Bitter End Rambler—our “land yacht”—hitting regattas, boat shows, and other events along the Eastern Seaboard. It’s been great to connect with so many familiar faces and meet new ones! Along the way, we often get the question “what’s taking so long?” Rest assured, we’re at it! This project is a lot more like rebuilding a small town than a hotel…it’s a big job!
The property is now totally cleaned up and we’ve built new roads, infrastructure, a building pad for the village, and a new Quarterdeck dock. At the same time, we’ve helped mother nature along to reestablish the natural shoreline (our beaches are awesome) and we can say that it’s a great joy to see our magical island outpost coming back to life. All exciting progress that brings us closer to the much-anticipated day when we can look out on our anchorage filled with friends, old and new, from around the globe.
We’re approaching Bitter End 2.0 in much the same way Myron & Bernice (our parents/grandparents) developed the property 50 years ago—our initial focus is on the waterfront including the marina and village. This phase will include watersports, docks, moorings, and marina facilities, alongside shopping and dining. And there will be plenty of cool spots to enjoy Painkillers and killer sunsets.
The shops that dotted our nautical village have always been an important part of Bitter End, and cultivating that shopping experience with unique finds and hidden treasures was a favorite pastime of the matriarch of our family, Bernice, and her spirited sister-in-law Zelma.
As those who have spent time at sea well know, thoughtful provisioning is key to a happy crew and successful voyage. As part of Bitter End 2.0, we’re excited to introduce our new and improved general store, the Bitter End Market. We’ll feature garden-grown produce, fresh caught local seafood, and Chef Henry’s prepared dishes, punctuated by gourmet treats and an array of wines, spirits and other beverages, all topped off by Winston’s world-famous key lime pie and other bakery magic. 2.0 will also see the return of the Reeftique boutique featuring island-style fashion alongside Bitter End’s own line of seaworthy goods.
During the past two years, with your support, we have invested a lot in helping our local community get back on its feet and become stronger and more resilient. We’ve provided grants for job skills training, youth enrichment and education, environmental stewardship and other programs critical to the long-term success and vitality of the BVI. We’ll provide a more detailed review of our philanthropic activities later this fall, but in the meantime many thanks to all who have supported us and the Bitter End Foundation, a US 501(c)(3).
Whether you’re a past resort guest, boat visitor, social media follower, or Provisions purchaser, thanks for being our mainstay during this journey – we could not make this comeback without you! The Bitter End family looks forward to welcoming you back! #BringBackBitterEnd
Until then…Fair Winds,
The Hokins & the Bitter End Crew
