Virgin Islands Property & Yacht Readers’ Choice 2015
RESULTS
Fifth year running now and what a year it’s been – the nominees were set by you, the votes were cast by you, and the results are here for you to review.
Some winners might be the obvious choice, others might surprise you, but the concluded count was a collaborative effort from BVI residents and visitors who relish all the delights of this slice of paradise.
If you are just learning about this now, please visit us for full information about the VIPY RC competition, nominations, and reader voting system in the Readers’ Choice Focus Section of this website. Here you can also find results of the previous year’s voting if you’re curious.
Without further delay, here are the categories in alphabetical order:
Best Air Travel or Air Tour Company in the BVI
1st Antilles Helicopter Services
2nd Cape Air
3rd Fly BVI
Antilles Helicopter Services say they will “elevate your experience of the Virgin Islands to new heights” and the double meaning here is completely merited. Their charter service has been enjoyed by many and grants a phenomenal perspective of the BVI.
Best BVI Architectural Firm
1st OBM International
2nd Roger Downing & Partner Co. Ltd
3rd TigerQi Architecture
Snatching the spot from long standing winner Roger Downing, OBM International are responsible for some of the most incredible architectural feats in the British Virgin Islands. Nevaeh in Anguilla—featured this issue—as our cover article is another beautiful example of their outstanding work.
Best BVI Bartender
1st Quincy Woolford @ Captain Mulligans
2nd Kyle @ Peg Leg’s Beach Bar,
3rd Vishaal Mohabir @ Myett’s,
All three top positions in this category belong to extremely popular locales in the BVI so it’s no surprise, but Captain Mulligan’s Quincy Woolford took the winning position this year from Soggy Dollar’s Mic Penn who was just behind Vishaal by a couple of votes.
Best BVI Crewed Yacht (individual)
1st Majestic Spirit
2nd Lolalita
3rd Sailing Swann
Boasting the dream vacation, Majestic Spirit is the holiday that sees visitors returning repeatedly – the magic of this yacht and its amicable crew bewitches its guests, making them enrich their spirit every year with a sail around the BVI.
Best BVI Day Charter
1st BVI Adventure Tours by Caribbean Images Tours
2nd Rebel Yell Catamaran
3rd Big Sexy Boat Rentals
BVI Adventure Tours is another one of the islands’ great and unique excursions – powering around on a RIB, the contrast of warm friendly guidance and thrashing epic speed makes this a MUST on anyone’s BVI holiday itinerary.
Best BVI Health & Spa
1st Sole Day Spa
2nd Pura Vida Chiropractic
3rd Studio One Spa & Salon
Residents and visitors alike will testify to the incredible service at Sole Day Spa. They won the award last year as well and one treatment at the hands of their experts will convince you why.
Best BVI Land Activity
1st Navanchor Events & Concierge Services
2nd Mulligan’s Mini Golf
3rd Sage Mountain National Park
Responsible for a range of activities from weddings, to seminars, to full banquets, this professional outfit has gone beyond gratification with its clients, placing itself as a new nominee in our competition and taking the gold.
Best BVI Local Artist
1st Al Broderick
2nd Lutia Durante
3rd Quito
With any long stay in the BVI, you would have heard Al play at some point or other. He whips around the islands and has had an increased presence as an entertainer in recent years, raising enjoyment at any party. He took 1st place this year over long standing champion Quito.
Best BVI Marina
1st Nanny Cay Marina
2nd YCCS
3rd Bitter End Yacht Club Marina
Nanny Cay Marina literally has every amenity necessary for residents or visitors of the BVI. It is no wonder it always finds itself as the top marina in our competition.
Best BVI Marine Activity
1st Island Surf and Sail
2nd Blue Water Divers
3rd Rob Swain Sailing School
The ever-popular Blue Water Divers slipped this year to Island Surf and Sail who provide a range of water toys and services to relish the aqua side of the British Virgin Islands.
Best BVI Provisioning
1st Riteway
2nd TICO
3rd One Mart
The king of provisioning, Riteway remains the everlasting leader in this category with their multiple stores across the BVI and fully stocked shelves.
Best BVI Real Estate Company
1st Property BVI
2nd Smiths Gore
3rd BVI Sotheby’s International Realty
Property BVI finally took the lead this year – we say finally as their vote has always come in extremely close to Sotheby’s. Real Estate is a huge industry here and it’s crucial clients have the right representation.
Best BVI Resort/Hotel/Accommodation
1st White Bay Villas and Seaside Cottages
2nd Guavaberry Spring Bay Vacation Homes
3rd Anegada Beach Club
Jost Van Dyke’s White Bay Villas are great accommodation on an extraordinary island. For many, Jost has long been the best BVI spot due its picturesque setting and party vibe so White Bay Villas are right in the heart of the action.
Best BVI Restaurant/Bar
1st Brandywine Estate
2nd Capriccio di Mare
3rd The Dove
We all love this restaurant so it is good to see it receiving the recognition it deserves. The warm, homely feel and friendly smiles of the hosts—and of course not forgetting tasty cuisine—all combine to make it a locale you will visit repeatedly over the years.
Best BVI Retail Store
1st Arawak Surf Boutiques
2nd Arawak Interiors
3rd Pearls VI
Arawak was certainly popular for 2015 with its two stores—serving beach wear and essentials, and home decoration—taking the top spots. We welcomed new nominee Pearls VI this year who provide elegant pieces to complete one’s attire.
Best BVI Sailor
1st Alec Anderson
2nd Rayne Duff
3rd Chris Brockbank
This vote is always tough to decide for readers as all these guys are great people and brilliant at what they do, but the Olympic hopeful Alec is a face that’s always in the top three. He steals it back from Piers Helm who won it last year.
Best BVI Vacation Villa (individual)
1st Limin’ House
2nd Plantation Villa, Jost Van Dyke
3rd Steele Point
Tortola’s Limin’ House was a new entry in the top three this year and we welcome the breath of fresh air from the villa that revives body and soul.
Best BVI Yacht Brokerage
1st BVI Yacht Sales
2nd H&R Yachts
3rd 123 Hulls
The gold standard remains with BVI Yacht Sales – the fantastic yacht brokerage that has helped many acquire their pride and joy on the water.
Best BVI Yacht Charter Company
1st MarineMax Vacations
2nd The Moorings
3rd Virgin Traders
Who doesn’t like a yacht charter? We can’t actually imagine anyone disapproving this kind of holiday, but it is still important to have the right company supporting you and this year our reader vote unveils MarineMax as the ones to do it.