Wednesday, March 10, 2010 Elegant Upgrades

Jane BakewellThe Moorings Mariner Inn

Coinciding with their 40th anniversary in the BVI, the Moorings has added some lavish touches to their property on Wickams Cay II, a mainstay of the charter yacht industry in the Virgin Islands. Sixteen months in planning and execution has yielded a remarkable upgrade to this shore side enclave that consists of two marina’s, a newly refurbished hotel, and two restaurants- the latest of which, Charlie’s, has recently opened its doors.

Winding through the newly landscaped grounds with lush tropical plantings, one is immediately confronted with the sense of Caribbean casualness fused with a smart and savvy polished feel to the properties furnishings and design. A business traveler would immediately want to loosen his tie in the comfort of an air conditioned Ocean Suite and a charter guest fresh off the salty seas would feel luxuriant in a bathroom twice the size of a yacht berth, with a tub open to the bedroom by means of a smoked sliding glass door. Possibly meeting both of these travelers’ needs is what parent company TUI Marine had in mind, which has built a reputation for world-class properties in exotic destinations globally.

New construction began with the demolition of a guest room building facing the ocean. Seven exquisite Ocean Suites with plush new furnishings and state of the art electronics have a second story un-interrupted view to the Cruise Ship dock and beyond to the Sir Francis Drake Channel. The spacious suites are equipped with superior quality king or double beds and a day bed for families. A balcony off the bedroom offers a quiet spot to relax and take in the ocean views.

Just below the suites a multi-purpose building houses a yacht sales office, a briefing room and Ginny’s - a coffee house and ice cream parlour. Just a short distance down a hall walkway, one is greeted with an open sky garden patio with shower stalls for charter guests and a spa and massage room above. Flanked by an angular high ceiling reception center, open on three sides with a comfortable seating area - the overall feeling is a relaxed yet elegant ambiance.

An additional sixteen Marina Rooms were refurbished with great attention to detail, such as framed yacht inspired artwork and photographs, nautical stainless steel hardware in door handles and “above the counter” glass bowl sinks. All rooms have wireless access; I-pod docking stations and flat screen TV’s, while the Ocean Suites also offer a mini bar and coffee station, DVD player and dual his and her sinks. Working with the design team at the Road Town office of OBM, also generated some “green features.” Eco-tiles in the bathrooms are from recycled materials, low-flush toilets conserve water, natural slate is the choice for exterior tiles and bamboo floors line the spa room.
A newly constructed business center is wired for TV and computer presentations with removable chairs, which enables the space to be utilized for private business receptions or corporate cocktail gatherings. With the Moorings Restaurant just a short walk through the patio, events are easily catered.

A rocky point extending from the marina harbour was reclaimed and enhanced to serve as the foundation for the new waterfront restaurant, Charlie’s, named after Charlie Cary, the visionary sailor who founded the Moorings in 1969. Flanked on two sides by wide open steps leading to the courtyard, this easily accessible corner piece of the Moorings Marina serves both Caribbean and Italian themed dishes. A traditional stone oven cranks out authentic pizza, while grilled seafood dishes with tantalizing sauce combinations yield a Caribbean flair.

In anticipation of the marina’s future growth, 80 new slips were added to the break wall just beyond the restaurant. The challenge for an independent water supply was met by a recently constructed Desal -plant that produces 60,000 gallons of fresh water daily. The marina also features a pump that circulates ocean water throughout the harbour keeping the dockside waters clean.

TUI Marine’s major investment in the Moorings BVI follows a company policy of keeping a first class destination in line with their other properties worldwide. This sort of forward thinking growth in a development plan greatly enhances an important sector of the BVI tourism product and with it brings a new level of stature to what the BVI has to offer both the business traveler and yachtsman alike.

Oyster Publications Inc, PO box 3369, Road Town Tortola, British Virgin Islands, VG1110