Sadly, Very disappointed in Leverick Bay

Friday night BBQ was boring.

The food and service was consistent.

The number of people visiting was way way down,

Docks and moorings are empty. It was busier back in August even without the jumbies.

The Elvis white band has been replaced by some new guys. These guys are no match for Elvis white. The jumbies went through the motions but the whole thing fell flat. I don’t blame the jumbies. The 4 that showed up were the same as prior years.

Never once while Nick and Monic were running this place were we disappointed with Leverick.


We have been to Leverick too many times to count. Unfortunately no need to rush back. It’s so sad that the magic has moved on.

This place feels so different. First they dropped the ttol discount free water and ice effectively raising the price a lot. More recently they increased the price of the dock yet another 50%. The result is that dock prices are up 100%.

The BBQ staff and Leroy on the dock were wonderful as usual.

We are going to move to a ball or anchor tonight.

When management changes, experiences may change.

I hope your experience is an aberration.

I hope so too.

But the 100% price change is the new normal.

We were also just there last week of November for one night in a slip. We have stayed there many times and this visit was about same as other times we have stayed. It was not very busy but none of ther other places we stayed were busy either, including scrub, cooper, white bay JVD, Norman etc......
Dinner was excellent at Leverick and service at the beach bar was good as always. Marina staff very helpful. I am not surprised that after the hurricane they decided not to keep with free water fill ups, free bag of ice and a slip at the marina for the night all for $30.... we took about 40 gals of water and bought some ice and I think we ended up spending about $50 at the marina. We love our stops at Leverick.

It's now $1.50 per foot

@warren-OUCH! @46ft that's beyond a 200% increase. 30$-water/ice vs. 69$+water/ice..if needed

I remember $30 being a special deal just for the outside of the T dock, not for the slips. Maybe $1.50/foot will get you a more protected slip?

I thought the pre Irma price was $35 on the dock. I don’t recall how much electricity was but it’s $20 for a single 50 amp.

Ice $4 for 8 lbs. did that change too?

Now imagine what will happen if Branson get his way and scoops up Leverick!

I have not heard that one before

I heard a serious deal was in the works before Irma, including plans to build condos on the hillside behind the bar to accomodate guests and workers from Necker and Mosquito. He is already renting places for his staff to stay in Leverick and would dearly like to snap up the place..I think that would change it in a big way..North Sound might become a totally high end destination that is not welcoming to humble sailors..

It would be a smart move on his part - several of the villas up there have not been repaired and he could probably pick them up as is where is.

I don't think the land behind leverick is owned by Leverick. I suspect this is government land.

Almost makes me glad I may soon be too old to charter in the BVI anymore. Moskito, Guana, Norman, Oil Nut, Saba Rock (?), Peter (?) Leverick (?)... Whatever happened to "No shoes, no shirt, no problem"? My kids will miss it.

The new species of charterers have no idea about the history and adventures of the Caribbean.

I predict that Mr. B. will ultimately purchase Leverick. It seems to me that it would solve many logistical problems that are connected with owing an island (even more so with two islands in close proximity). Examples are transporting the workers and guests back and forth, the need for parking vehicles on land, boats at the marina and like the previous post mentioned extra housing possibilities for the occasional "overflow" of guests or workers.... RIght now he does not have control of the happenings at Leverick, and in the big picture it would probably be a small price to pay for a lot of additional convenience. He seems to have no problem finding good managers to oversee his various operations, I am sure Leverick would be no different. I see the day coming when we will all just have to hang out over on Prickly Pear or we may even have to "go to the dogs" !

I dont really understand the issue.

That the Jumbies was quiet?? That has nothing to do with Leverick that really depends on what week you are here, this week especially is extremely quiet and its hit and miss with guests on the Island. The number of tourists are way down and thats a surprise to you?? !! Of course numbers are down there are other islands to visit that were not so drastically hit, and ther eis still alot of villas being rebuilt and there are no resorts that are open for guest to come and enjoy the facilities on the Island.

A lot of prices have increased and YES this is Island wide not just Leverick Bay so I do not know why you would single out Leverick ??

You are not getting a TTOL discount!! Boo Hoo. ..
The islands are trying to recover from two category 5 hurricanes of course prices are going to increase, everything has increased. Again I dont understand why you are singling our Leverick Bay.

The band that is now playing on a Friday night has been playing there for some time now, Elivis Whites pricing is also way way higher ,again all the pricing everywhere has gone up dramatically.

What you should be saying that withing weeks of the hurricane hitting, Leverick Bay was one of the ONLY places that reopened and got staff back in employment and up and running for guests. They have done a tremendous job in offering a lot of service to guests who are choosing the BVI as a destination.

The new management has implemented a lot of changes for the better and yes prices had unfortunately had to move accordingly with inflation, it should have been a steady increase over a number of years which was never implemented. They have to be competitive and they have been well underpriced for a number of year.

What he’s saying is he paid twice as much for an experience that, in his estimation, was not as good. Other people can decide whether it’s worth it for them.

And just maybe that factors into the number of visitors. Marina Cay has been quite full for the past several weeks.

It’s true that prices have gone up, and we’ll see what the market will bear. No one has to go to any particular restaurant, or even come to the BVI! Prudent people had insurance to cover their losses. Higher premiums now reflect the greater risks that have become evident.

NeverMonday

I have been to Leverick and seen the jumbies well over 20 times.

This was our fourth visit since Irma.

We are well aware of the damage that Irma caused and have seen incredible progress with repairs, not just at leverick but everywhere.

The jumbies appeared bored and totally lacked energy. They went through the motions but that is about it.

Leverick was far more busy mid August 2018.

Having been here this week several years in a row, my expectations were totally reasonable.


Very few slips and mooring balls were occupied Friday. By Saturday the mooring field was busy.

Unfortunately, Leverick has a very different feel since Nick and Monica left.

I will report on my 2 week stay in February. Hope may words can be more optimist for Leverick. Has always been a favorite. Stay tuned.

I believe this is exactly what will happen ^^^

We were just there less than two weeks ago. Leroy no longer works at Leverick, you may be thinking of Troy, who I found very helpful. Tito is still there on the dock, although showed less interest in helping. They have a third fellow now on the dock, forgot his name. He was helpful, but seemed new to the job. Dock was in good repair, plenty of ice and water (we didn't purchase fuel). The shower in the phone booth is working, although one wall of the booth is missing. The shop at the end of the dock seemed well stocked. I didn't check the grocery. Other guests said the restaurant 'Upstairs' was good. Some damage still obvious, but not bad. The front office (Becky) was helpful in arranging a rental vehicle for us. The TTOL discount is discontinued and there is a charge for water and electricity. It seemed to be on the honor system and the pricing was arbitrary. I negotiated with Tito our marina bill, once he told me the discount was no long available. I came away happy with the result. Hog Heaven is completely rebuilt, except the sign at the turn-off is missing. Spanish Town seemed to be a big mess, didn't stop. Coco Maya is still very good. The restaurants at Pirates Bight and Cooper Island are rebuilt brand new. Scrub seems about the same as before. Oil Nut is wonderful, but now exclusive to their guests until the marina is finished.

Hi Noel, merry Christmas,

Leroy greeted us at the dock.

I am very confident in this.

Maybe he came back.

Leroy has never left. Troy left about 2 years ago. I've posted this before.

Darn … Apparently I am mistaking Leroy for Troy? Perhaps he said 'I am Leroy and Troy has left". I thought he said it was Leroy that has left.

Response from Rebecca in the Leverick Bay office:

Good Morning -

Leroy is the one that works on our dock and Troy works throughout the property as well - they are both still with us!

Merry Christmas!
Rebecca

I guess it was 'Leroy' that helped us onto the dock. Obviously, being 72 years old has some cognitive shortcomings.

Troy is at Nanny Cay.....maybe this is a different Troy that Rebecca is referring to?

I too miss the old Leverick and the great service from the hardest working couple.

$1.50 per foot is cheap for a dock slip in most places on this earth.

I'm not sure how they gave away slips as long as they did.

Nantucket, Newport, Ft. Lauderdale, etc. A transient boat could pay as much as $12.00 or more per foot- Med Moored in Nantucket!
Yes, water and ice are extra.

Interesting....

This will be BVI bareboat sailing vacation # 17, for us, in MAY 2019, over a 35 yr period. . We are planning on the usual fun and good times at Leverick, except this time we had planned on a slip and also believe that $ 1.50 a ft, is just fine. We will not hook up to electricity since we have Jeanneau 36i, monohull, and are used to charging up our batteries with the engine . No hook ups needed. As to water, we have checked out the other marinas and fuel docks, and they seem to charge. No big deal.
Should we pick up a mooring, and fresh water and ice is free, that is good also.

We never asked about, or used the TTOL discount, and had no idea of how much of a discount it is, but, where ever we travel, we pay the freight . . The BVI are working hard at their recovery, we can help out a bit, by our presence and having fun at the same time.

Also, we love sailing,the BVI, great winds in May, reefed down, small jib, no weather helm, tacking up the Sir Francis Drake Channel, and no bloody motoring , except for mooring pick up and charging the batteries.

Another positive is that with just the two of us, not a boat load of ten to 12 people. we use less water, and less electrical, no hair dryers or A/C., Trash compactors, wifi, etc. Our operational costs will be less , so that is good.
Fuel used for two weeks is 7 to 8 Gallons. We also are frugal with our electrical and keep breakers turned off when not using that particular system.

Fuel , we will top off our boat for the Conch Charter Crew, toward the end of our sailing vacation at Nanny Cay, and fill the fresh water tanks as we go along . Saves them having to take the boat across Road Harbor and back to Road Reef.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Illuminating the fun light at Leverick Bay marina.

When we arrive at Leverick, mooring or slip, the next stop is the swimming pool, and then the outside tiki bar. Two Painkillers, Please. Erica also likes to take a long shower ashore, and we will make our reservations for the bbq, a table for two, out by the swimming pool, enjoy whatever band, dance, and, of course, the mocko jumbies. We will make our own good time. Or at least give er one heck of go. The next day we will dink out to Eustacia Sound to snorkel, and if the Sandbox at Vixen Point is up and running, have a lobster dinner there, with our toes in the sand, under the Caribbean night sky.

Othewise , we will make reservations our second night for dinner at the fine upstairs restaurant there at Leverick. Then on the second morning, top off the fresh water tanks, and and sail over to Scrub Island ( our first time there, and it looks like a fun and active good time.) . Hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, beaching it, swim up bar at the pool, etc.)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Back to Leverick:

The other positive, is that May is still a few months off, tLeverick may be able to be full up on Friday night, and lots of energy. If not, we will bring our own energy, respect, and friendship and keep the fun meter illuminated.

We are also serious about helping out the BVI people, by our being back sailing and enjoying our times ashore. Some of them lost every thing including their homes and we can do our small bit by helping out when visiting each island .

We bring our own Aloha, to where ever we are. ( 12 yrs of visiting kauai island, and then 10 years of living full time on kauai , and we continue practice aloha every day, even tho we have moved back to Dana Point, South Orange County, a.. Makes our hearts feel good and also makes others feel good, as well. ) .

Me ke aloha pumehana

( aloha with love and fondess )

The BVI will be Painkillers instead of Maitais. ( good stuff, good life, good times )

Harggghhhh.......just in case, should any of the TTOL wild bunch be sailing the BVI the last two weeks of May, 2019, And yer weather eye spies a Conch Charters Jeaneau 36 that displays the Calif. Bear Flag, The Hawaiian State Flag, and the all
important HAPPY HOUR PIRATE FLAG.....snapping in the breeze from the flag halyard, dink on over, there be rum, beer, snacks, jimmy buffet, and a huge "welcome aboard."

Denny and Erica

Well said! Heading down to Grenada and the SVGs this May but your description of your plans for the Leverick Bay stop made me second guess our decision! Well no backing out now and it will be an adventure! Cheers and Aloha!

We visited Leverick July 2018. Enjoyed a great meal and time at the marina. There was work needed at the docks but overall was a good experience.

I’m in total agreement

Leverick and the staff and workers brought Leverick back on-line faster than any other tourist establishment. They should be commended for that. Everything on Virgin Gorda is much more expensive. It is costing me at least 50% more to buy supplies on the island for the rebuild of my villa. I also bring in a lot of supplies from Florida where I now live. Tourism is way down and will probably stay that way for a year or so. The island will come back big time. I am spending more than 2X of what I spent to build the villa the first time. I also increased the size by 50% and now it will be the largest villa on VG (Except for Mr B's villas and island). The villa will be finished In june of 2019, much later than I wanted but the insurance took 6+ months to settle. Looking forward to rebuilding the villa and getting my life back. The rebuild is more than full time job..

What’s the web site for your villa

June, TP !!! , , Guess we will miss the house warming party.

We are proud of you, lad. Your persistence is paying off.

We can relate to the demands of island living, and gettng supplies, or parts, food or just about anything, when we lived on Kauai. And everything takes longer to build or construct. And, the COL is pretty hight. And, no one is in a hurry,
and when the surf was up, it was a day off !

Our supplies were brought in by a barge towed by a tug boat to Nawiliwili Harbor, Kauai from Oahu. No barge, no supplies .

Regardless, we loved our island with all our hearts. and always will.

Denny

My villa web site is www.virgin-gorda-villa.com

So, hurricanes and damage cause prices to go up...a lot...does that mean when everything gets back to normal prices go down?

Rhetorical?

Good Morning & Wishing you all a wonderful New Year!
I am just catching up on this thread and am the General Manager at Leverick Bay Resort & Marina. First & Foremost I do recognize that change is so hard and I can understand with change in management sometimes comes changes throughout the property hopefully for the best in the years to come. Even if Hurricane Irma had not destroyed our island and resort we would have had to take a good look at the pricing structure throughout the property as prices had never moved and we were the lowest anywhere for dockage and hotel rooms. We rebuilt quick and strong and will continue to make improvements throughout the property over time - this enabled a place for everyone to come to in the North Sound & got our employees back to work which was so badly needed. Our prices are still below our neighboring Marina's (I did many market comparison's) so I am not so sure why the increase is so surprising even only for the fact the Leverick Bay Never raised their prices in the past. This season has been amazing and we did record breaking numbers this past week for visitors - again we are so very thankful for everyone who has visited us at Leverick Bay and we look forward to what the future holds - I am very receptive to all feedback and if anyone should ever need to contact me my email is becky@leverickbay.com. All my Best for the New year!