End of Bitter End

By Caribbean Buzz Helicopters

The Bitter End Yacht Club on the island of Virgin Gorda — part of the British Virgin Islands — was once a popular holiday destination. The first part of its name was a deliberate contradiction: with its pristine beaches, gentle ocean breezes and natural harbour it was a sweet spot. The second part of the name was geographically accurate: the final island outpost before the Caribbean meets the open Atlantic. Bitter End was the last stop in luxury and the last word in privacy: the club is accessible only by water. This week its character was dramatically changed by Hurricane Irma, wreaking devastation across what was once a benign and welcoming place. Instead of a place of escape, grim realities of the world forced their way in.