Things to see and do on Virgin Gorda Archives

July 16, 2020July 22, 2020

The View & More from Top of the Baths, Virgin Gorda

Perched up high and overlooking The Baths, a well known and very popular beach in Virgin Gorda, you’ll find a restaurant/bar and shopping area called Top of the Baths. The first time we visited Top of the Baths was during our very first BVI sail in 2006. We’d spent the entire day exploring the trail through the gigantic boulders of The Baths and lounging in the crystal clear water of Devil’s Bay. Thirsty and hungry, we climbed the path to Top of the Baths.

(This article is part of our “Local Businesses of the Caribbean” series. Find out more at the end of this article.)

Top of the Baths is in a beautiful setting with panoramic views of the Sir Francis Drake Channel and many of the surrounding islands. Large bushes of Bougainvillea add a beautiful pop of color to the already stunning vistas.

The restaurant/bar at Top of the Baths, which originally opened in November of 1994, offers open air dining with that magnificent view.

They serve local specials, sushi and a variety of other signature dishes. See their menu here. Top of the Baths also features a new coffee bar which serves Caribbean coffee and a variety of tea drinks including the local Bush Tea.

Thirsty for something a bit stronger? They’ve definitely got that covered. The Top of the Baths signature drinks are the Rasta Man Punch and Boulder Roller. “However,” says owner Charlene, “Our Painkillers, Mango and Pina Colada’s, Bushwhackers and lots of other creations are equally as popular. Our bartenders are always creating something new for our customers to try.”

After getting your fill of delicious food and drink, you might want to do a little shopping at the shops right there including Caribbean Flavor Gift Shop, which features Cuban Cigars, souvenir items and a large selection of beautifully designed t- shirts for the entire family. It also has a nice selection of sandals and swim wear. Or Bamboula Boutique, which offers sterling silver Caribbean Hook Bracelets, Larimar sterling silver jewelry and Island Crystal sterling silver jewelry. Sterling necklaces and the island West Indian bracelets can also be found here. The store also has a large selection of men’s cotton and linen clothing and a complementary women’s clothing line. An interesting fact – the mother of the owner of Bamboula’s was the owner of the original Bamboula located on Main Street on St Thomas, US Virgin Islands in the 1950’s. The store on Virgin Gorda is named in her honor.

Although closed right now, they expect to re-open around October 31, 2020. Charlene says, “We all look forward to the time that they can completely reopen our borders. Our entire team at Top of The Baths will be awaiting the arrival of repeat guests that come to visit us while welcoming first time visitors to this magical place.”

For more information, check out their website, Facebook page and Instagram.

If you’d like to stay on Virgin Gorda, we’d highly recommend Mon Repos which is also owned by the owner of Top of the Baths. It’s a beautiful villa, just a short walk from Top of the Baths. We loved our stay at this stunning and unique accommodation and you can read more about it here.

Keep up to date on opening dates for the BVI here: https://www.facebook.com/BVIGovernment/

Many locally owned businesses are being hit hard right now due to restricted tourist traffic during the pandemic. Hoping to help in any way we can, we are highlighting some great local businesses that we hope you will enjoy learning about and may want to visit once we are able to travel to the beautiful islands once again… Some of these businesses also offer merchandise that you can order, gift certificates and pre-booking options. Be sure to contact them for additional info and watch for more articles soon!

BVI SNUBA, Virgin Gorda
Ocean Spa, BVI
Jost Van Dyke Scuba
Daniel Johnson’s Monkey and Sloth Hangout, Roatan

Copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC
All information is correct to our knowledge at the time of writing, but be sure to verify current information before your visit.

May 16, 2014April 21, 2021

CocoMaya Restaurant and Bar, Virgin Gorda

Toasting the evening at CocoMaya, a beautiful restaurant and bar in Virgin Gorda…

Although we love re-visiting some of our favorite places in the islands, we also love to find and experience new ones – and then share them with you!

To see more posts on Virgin Gorda and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory.

We’d read just a little bit about a new restaurant/bar on Virgin Gorda and during our last BVI visit, we were able to stop and experience CocoMaya.

copyright Rum Therapy — Approaching CocoMaya from our boat

Established in 2011 and not far from Spanish Town, we found CocoMayato be a real treat.We were able to spend one evening there and enjoyed relaxing in the outdoor lounge with our toes in the sand around the fire pit.

Coco Maya, Virgin Gorda copyright Rum Therapy — Comfortable lounges surrounding the fire pit

CocoMaya’s outdoor lounge is an excellent place to meet up with friends or just cozy up on a lounge chair for two around the fire.

CocoMaya’s decor is appealing and relaxing and blends right in with the tropical surroundings.

Wonderful aromas were wafting from the dining area and if we didn’t already have dinner planned upon our return to the boat, we would have enjoyed one of their menu offerings in the open air dining room with a beautiful view of the beach and sunset.

Although we certainly didn’t mind just spending time on a lounge chair for two on the beach with a soft tropical breeze and the warmth of the fire on our toes…

To find out more about CocoMaya Restaurant and Bar:

Visit their website

and Facebook Page

To see more posts on Virgin Gorda and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory.

All information is correct to our knowledge at the time of writing, but be sure to verify current information before your visit.
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

May 6, 2014July 19, 2020

Exploring The Baths, Virgin Gorda

What’s it like to hike the trail through The Baths on Virgin Gorda?

A couple of weeks ago we had the chance to take another great hike through the boulders of The Baths to Devils Bay in Virgin Gorda. It was our 4th time to experience this amazing area and although there had been some changes made since our last visit, it was just as intriguing and awe-inspiring as ever.

Beach access has been limited to dinghy’s – which I’m sure is due to the large amount of people wanting to access the trail from their boats. If you are unable to swim about 50 yds from the roped off area where they’d like dinghy’s to drop boaters off, they are recommending that you go ashore at Spanish Town and take a taxi over.

We thought we’d just add a few new pics to the post we did of our last visit (The Baths), but we took a lot more pictures this time of the actual hike through the boulders from The Baths to Devil’s Bay, so we thought we’d write a new post and highlight what it’s like to hike the trail.

It was high season and we knew The Baths would be packed from about 10 – 3, so we showed up at about 3:30. Our dinghy dropped us off at the ropes and we swam to shore – electing not to take towels or even shoes because of the swim in. Previously we wore water shoes and I’d recommend them if you’ve got sensitive feet.

The initial entrance is but a small opening between two large rocks. Once through it opens up to a trail. Look for small cairns (rock piles) marking the trail as you go.

Not too far from the start you come across The Cathedral – one of the most photographed areas of The Baths. It looks different every time you visit depending on the light and the tide.

There’s another cool area to explore around every corner.

Make your way over the boulders and through the pools with the assist of wooden ladders and platforms along the way.

Once you get to this directional sign, you’re almost to Devil’s Bay.

You’re rewarded at the end of the trail with the sights of beautiful Devils’ Bay. Be sure to leave enough time to enjoy the clear, blue water before making your way back – or up to The Top of The Baths for a well deserved beverage!

To see more posts on Virgin Gorda and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC. All information is correct to our knowledge at the time of writing, but be sure to verify current information before your visit.

October 10, 2013April 21, 2021

Savannah Bay, Virgin Gorda

Savannah Bay, Virgin Gorda – one of the British Virgin Islands most beautiful beaches… A long crescent of powdery white sand with calm turquoise waters – a true beach lovers experience.

Last year, during an on-island stay in Virgin Gorda, we made our way back to Savannah Bay. Heading north on N Sound Road, we stopped at the overlook of Savannah Bay. Looking past Savannah Bay from the overlook, you can also see Pond Bay and Mahoe Bay.

To see more posts on Virgin Gorda and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

The barely visible thatched umbrella in the lower middle of the picture is on Savannah Bay Beach right off of the small parking lot.

Parking is available in a small dirt parking area close to the beach. Turn in to the parking area at a dirt road between the overlook of Savannah Bay and the V in N Sound and Nail Bay Road. We’ve never seen more than two other cars there during our visits and this gorgeous stretch of beach is usually peaceful and uncrowded.

Apparently Savannah Bay is usually quite calm and flat. The first time we visited, the surf was rough and we didn’t venture into the water, but walked the beach and sat in the sand marveling at the beauty.

Upon subsequent visits, the water was as calm as it could be and we spent hours swimming, floating and snorkeling in the crystal clear water.

Not as busy as some of the other very popular beaches on Virgin Gorda, such as The Baths, Savannah Bay has quickly become one of my favorites on Virgin Gorda for its shear beauty, solitude and peacefulness. Oh, and the snorkeling is pretty great too!

Besides a small parking area and are a few thatched umbrellas for shade there are no amenities at Savannah Bay (just like we like it!).
PERFECT for a little Rum Therapy (rum, sun and total relaxation…)

Have you been to Savannah Bay, Virgin Gorda yet?

To see more posts on Virgin Gorda and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

Copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC. All information is correct to our knowledge at the time of writing, but be sure to verify current information before your visit.

May 9, 2013April 27, 2021

The Baths, Virgin Gorda

The Baths, Virgin Gorda – one of the most recognized beaches in the British Virgin Islands. The Baths “biggest” feature? HUGE boulders that pepper the light sandy beach.

Devils Bay, to the south of The Baths and Spring Bay, to the north of The Baths both have gigantic boulders as well, but highest concentration of boulders are in The Baths area and you can find a trail here that will lead you around, over and through some of the most spectacular of them.

See what it’s like to explore The Baths here: Exploring The Baths, Virgin Gorda

The path starts at the BVI National Trust building near the parking lot near the Top of the Baths Bar/Restaurant and shopping area and winds down the hill toward the beach.

You’ll find yourself walking on a sandy path one moment, then entering an opening between mammoth boulders, wading in shallow blue water between the rocks, climbing a few ladders and using ropes placed on some rocks to help navigate the incline.

And if you can make it through the maze to the end of the trail, you will be rewarded with the beautiful Devil’s Bay beach – a great place to sunbathe, and to swim and snorkel when the water is calm.

When you are done hiking, exploring, swimming and sunning, you can head back up the hill to enjoy a frosty beverage at the Top of the Baths, as well as a stunning view of The Baths, Sir Francis Drake Channel Beef Island and Tortola in the distance.

To see more posts on Virgin Gorda and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

Copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC.
All information is correct to our knowledge at the time of writing, but be sure to verify current information before your visit.