Lounging on a pristine Caribbean beach is the picture-perfect way to ring in the New Year in my book.
So when I heard about the lively, raucous New Year’s Eve party on the Caribbean island of Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands, I quickly added that to my bucket list.
This popular party, which is actually called “Old Year’s Night,” is hosted by Foxy’s Tamarind Bar. This locally owned bar is located in Jost van Dyke’s Great Harbor. And it’s not just your typical dinner and drinks New Year’s party. People start arriving a day before and typically don’t leave until January 2nd or 3rd!
The party itself lasts for 48 straight hours and features live reggae music, dancing, eating and plenty of drinks!
Now, accommodations on the island of Jost van Dyke are sparse. Assuming you don’t want to crash on the beach with many fellow partiers, here are a few options for more luxe accommodations in the area. But be warned, things book up fast. So you better start planning for 2015 now!
Tortola New Years Eve Accommodations
You can catch a local Tortola ferry to and from Jost van Dyke. The most frequent ferries will shuttle you between Tortola and JVD every half hour from Dec. 30 until New Year’s Day. The cost is approximately $40 per person for a round-trip ticket.
Staying on Tortola over New Years is your best bet as the ferry service is the most frequent between Jost van Dyke and Tortola. And with plenty of villas dotting the island, first consider renting a villa or other vacation rental on Tortola. Here is a very complete list of villas on the island.
New Years Accommodations on St. John
There is also regular ferry service to the West End ferry dock of Jost Van Dyke from the islands of St. Thomas or St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. So if you are unable to find a suitable villa on Tortola, consider booking something on St. John.
There are only four large resorts on the island of St. John. You can view the list here.
St. Thomas Accommodations
Now St. Thomas, also connected to JVD via ferry, is where you will find the greatest quantity and variety of places to stay. Here is a complete list of resorts as well as smaller boutique hotels bed and breakfasts and inns.
Charter a Yacht for the Perfect New Years Eve
Chartering a yacht for a week or two is another lovely way to spend the holidays. Here is a fabulous resource for chartering yachts across the Caribbean, and details on how to coordinate a New Years rental on Jost Van Dyke.
But be warned, the tiny local harbor fills up fast. You’ll want to arrive several days in advance to claim your space in the harbor. I’ve heard reports of as many as 500 boats in the harbor over New Years!
And if all else fails…
Consider Camping in the Virgin Islands
The Caribbean is a big place, but very little of this tropical paradise is camping friendly. It turns out that St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands is really one of the best camping destinations in the Caribbean.
The two main campgrounds on St. John, mentioned here, all come with a fair amount of amenities and camping supplies. You’ll be provided with clean sheets and towels a few times weekly, and a small kitchen stocked with basic cooking needs.
So if you strike out on all other accommodation options, consider camping in the Virgin Islands! Consider it a luxury to be so close to some of the clearest water in the world, with a pristine beach to yourself.
Have you partied at Old Years Night? I’d love to hear your Virgin Islands New Years Eve stories!
Photo via Matt Dribnik and bvi4092 on Flickr