The Saba Rock Resort has been through more than a few storms since the 1960s, when diver and treasure hunter Herbert “Bert” Kilbride used it as a laid-back North Sound hideaway, attracting sailors, snorkelers and other travelers who still remember it fondly.

Over the past four years, the historic property was destroyed by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, faced the challenges of reconstruction during a pandemic and mourned the death earlier this year of one of its owners, the billionaire Czech Petr Kellner.

But on Friday, General Manager Alain Prion officially opened the doors to the resort following a groundbreaking ceremony in front of more than 100 guests, including government and tourism officials VI, hotel partners and other residents.

“The reopening of Saba Rock is a great day of pride for all involved in its process of rebuilding and transformation,” said Mr. Prion.

“The new Saba Rock experience is a true reflection of our destination which celebrates our past and the way of life that attracts visitors from all over the world.”

Design

ADR Architects, based in the Czech Republic, was recruited to create a robust design concept capable of withstanding future storms while retaining “the fun vibe and charm that Saba Rock was known for,” according to a press release.
exit from the station.

The statement added that the offers now include seven rooms and two suites, an open-air main restaurant, a lounge, two bars including one
Rooftop sunset bar, spa room, and retail space that doubles as a museum with artifacts from nearby shipwrecks.

Saba Rock’s daily feedings are also back, alongside new
and return activities like diving, snorkelling, stand-up paddling, waterfront yoga, kitesurfing, and glass-bottom boat tours, depending on the resort.

Prime Minister Andrew Fahie was among the dignitaries who spoke at the opening.

“Saba Rock really lights up the North Sound and lights up our tourism product,” he said.

“This project brings hope that tourism will pick up again in the BVI and that the BVI economy will start to come back stronger than ever.

It’s not just the reopening of Saba Rock; this ensures that we are planting a stable and firm stone in the midst of our economy. “

Bottom-up reconstruction

In November 2020, Mr Prion, who joined the team in 2019, told the Beacon that Irma had totally devastated the island and that the resort needed to rebuild “from the bottom up.”

“People are really, really excited about the reopening, and we want to keep that excitement going and we want to keep that vibe,” Mr. Prion told the Beacon.

He also said at the time that the resort was purchased after Irma from its second owners, the McManus family, by Mr. Kellner and developer VI Doug Riegels – who also spearheaded the post-Irma revitalization. Hurricane properties including Nail Bay Sports Club, Anegada Beach Club and De Loose Mongoose.

Mr. Kellner died in a helicopter crash in Alaska in March.

The resort offers round-trip ferry transfers from Gun Creek and Leverick Bay, with rates per night starting at $ 750.