Top Of The Baths 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.

October 17, 2013July 16, 2020

Top Of the Baths, Virgin Gorda

If you work up a thirst while roaming The Baths in Virgin Gorda, you can make a stop at Top of the Baths – a bar and restaurant with a freshwater swimming pool and gift shops.

All that – and a fabulous view of some of the gigantic boulders of The Baths, beautiful Sir Francis Drake Channel and Tortola.

Top of the Baths is open for breakfast and lunch and serves up some really good frozen rum drinks as well as great desserts. Be sure to try Evanette’s Key Lime Pie and the Homemade Coconut Cruzan Rum Cake…

And enjoy your rum with a view….

Find out more on their website: Top of the Baths

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

copyright©Rum Therapy Beaches
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

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.

December 19, 2012April 27, 2021

Rum Therapy On Virgin Gorda

We’d spent the better part of two days on Virgin Gorda in the past – both times on sail trips, and saw just bits and pieces of what this island has to offer. During our recent trip to the VI’s, we had a chance to stay “on island” which gave us a better opportunity to explore this British Virgin Island reportedly dubbed “Fat Virgin” by Christopher Columbus.

What did we experience on Virgin Gorda this time? It took several weeks to sift through our very full photo memory cards, but here are some of the highlights through pictures.

We arrived in Spanish Town on the ferry from Tortola, and rented a car through Mahogany Rentals (they met us at the ferry dock with our vehicle for the week – very convenient!) Our beautiful oceanside accommodations were graciously provided by Lorna at Rambutan Villa (more on that later) and we made our way up to Nail Bay to locate the villa before continuing up the hill to the highly recommended Hog Heaven.

Hog Heaven is a bar/grill overlooking North Sound with a spectacular view of Necker Island, Prickly Pear Island, Saba Rock and on a clear day you can even make out Anegada.

We lingered at Hog Heaven for quite a while enjoying the views, a Blondie Special (their specialty rum drink) and some tasty BBQ ribs.

From there we headed directly to The Baths, making a quick stop at Mad Dog for a beverage and Top Of The Baths to take in the view.

Mad Dog

Top Of the Baths

We then headed down the path towards The Baths. Although we’d been to The Baths twice before, the beauty never ceases to amaze us and the vibrant colors change depending on the time of day and the angle of the sun.

We continued on the trail to Devils Bay

Devil’s Bay

During the rest of our time on VG, we took in as much as we could, including:

Spring Bay

Big Trunk Bay

Savannah Bay, Pond Bay, Mahoe Bay Overlook

Savannah Bay

Jumbies, Leverick Bay

On our last day, we rented a dinghy from the extremely accommodating General Manager of Leverick Bay Marina. We arrived later in the morning and by then they only had one dinghy left, but he graciously set us up, gave us directions to the places we wanted to see in North Sound that are accessible only by boat, told us to watch for seaplanes and set us on our way.

Our yacht for the day! From Leverick Bay, we headed over to Biras Creek to make a quick stop at the Fat Virgin Cafe to enjoy a rum punch and the view.

We hopped back in dinghy and headed straight to Saba Rock passing the Bitter End Yacht Club. BEYC was closed for the week for a private function so were only able to enjoy its beauty from the water – this time.

Bitter End Yacht Club

We’d briefly stopped at Saba Rock before during a sail, but there’s enough to do on “The Rock” that you could easily spend an afternoon lounging in the hammocks or in the bar enjoying the sunshine and tales from the many sailors that visit.

Before heading out to our last stop, we ordered one of their rum drink specialties – the Saba Rock Banana Daiquiri.

Just a short dinghy away, The Sandbox beckoned. The Sandbox is located on Prickly Pear Island and we docked to enjoy some time in the sun.

Prickly Pear Island and The Sandbox

Heading back to Leverick Bay we took a quick pass by Mosquito Island, a private island purchased by Sir Richard Branson that he hopes to develop into a premiere eco-tourism resort.

Mosquito Island

Sun kissed and satisfied with our afternoon of captaining our dinghy through the beautiful North Sound, we headed back to our tropical oasis at Rambutan Villa to enjoy the remnants of the days sun rays and listen to the waves gently lap the shore.

The owners of Rambutan Villa also own the stunning Villa LaVida next door. Both are available for weekly rental. If you are interested in finding out more about renting these oceanfront properties, email them at [email protected] or
[email protected]

To see other 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

October 12, 2012April 27, 2021

Rum Therapy Sailing in the British Virgin Islands (Part 2)

If you missed Part 1 of this series, click here: Rum Therapy Sailing in the British Virgin Islands (Part 1) – Norman Island and Peter Island.

Virgin Gorda
We rose early the next day in anticipation of our sail to Virgin Gorda. On our way, we passed Salt Island, Cooper Island and Ginger Island, which we didn’t have time to explore this sail, so they’ll remain on our “need to explore” list. Previously we had an overnight stop at Cooper Island, but because we arrived late and left early, we got a few sunset pics and that’s about it – for now…

View from Cooper Island

First stop in Virgin Gorda – The Baths

Explored the massive boulders and crystal clear water of The Baths and Devil’s Bay.

From the Baths, we took a hike to the top and enjoyed a dip in the pool, a few Piña Coladas and a gorgeous view at the Top Of The Baths.

Next stop – North Sound

Enjoyed a wonderful dinner overlooking North Sound at Leverick Bay Resort & Marina.

Last Stop – Bitter End Yacht Club for the night.

Played pool, foosball and darts while while enjoying some beverages at the Bitter End Crawl Pub (good selection of rums!), then headed back to the boat for several very spirited rounds of Liar’s Dice!

Up next: Our time on Anegada “The Drowned Island”
Rum Therapy Sailing in the British Virgin Islands (Part 3)

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.