The aquamarine waters dance in the sunlight and the palm trees sway in the tropical breeze. “To The Bitter End” has a whole new meaning at the Bitter End Yacht Club

on the island of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. Sun, fun, water sports, and relaxation are the order of the day here

Arriving by sailboat for a day trip, there is plenty to keep me occupied. My first order of business on this sunny, tropical day is to do something that’s been on my “to do” list for way too long – take a windsurfing lesson. It would help if I had some clue about sailing and wind direction, but even though I don’t, this old dog was still able to learn a new trick. My instructor was very patient and by then end of the lesson I was out there windsurfing across the bay.

This is not to say I was not in the water more than I was up on the board, and feeling a bit exhausted by the time I was back onshore. So what is a beat up, wind blown girl to do? I was off to my massage appointment in a heartbeat

I make my way up the hill to the enclosed, but very open-air feeling, spa building where I have an appointment for the “Sailor’s Massage,” a combination of Swedish and Deep Tissue techniques to relieve tired and sore muscles using hot and cold stone. It was fabulous. Need I say more?

Feeling like a limp dishrag, I make my way back to the sailboat to clean up for the evening. Dressed in casual island attire, I climb aboard the tender to go back ashore for dinner at the Clubhouse Grille restaurant where I will partake in a Caribbean Buffet. The Clubhouse menu features generous buffets and table service for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as cocktail service on the terrace all day and evening.

Staying for a few days? With several floor plans to choose from, the rustic architecture of the Villas, the North Sound Suites, or the Estate House offer an opportunity to experience the natural environment of the island. Tucked up into the hillside, these natural accommodations provide hammocks on wrap around porches that were designed to catch the balmy trade winds.

For a day or a week, lazing on the beach, hiking the hillsides, or buzzing around on the crystal blue water, if you find yourself in Virgin Gorda, BVI, take your vacation to the Bitter End . . .

by Dianne Swanson