Biras Creek Resort Closes in British Virgin Islands

Biras Creek, a 33-suite resort overlooking North Sound in Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands, has ceased operations, according to a statement on its Facebook page.

The statement said that closure was due "to a variety of business reasons. The future of the property is unknown at this time. ... We are exploring all options to relocate existing reservations and will be in contact with each guest."

The resort sent home more than 70 workers, who were notified in severance letters that the resort was closed until further notice.

The 140-acre resort had been operated by Victor International, a Michigan-based developer of resorts and master-planned communities. The company signed a 10-year lease on the property in 2006.

David Johnson, CEO of Victor International, also runs Oil Nut Bay, a residential community on the eastern tip of Virgin Gorda that includes several rental properties.

Johnson claimed that Biras Creek's owner, Bert Houwer, failed to inject capital into the resort for upgrades and improvements, according to the BVI Beacon, a local newspaper.

Rik Blyth, who served as the resort's general manager for four years before taking up a position in the U.S., posted on the resort's Facebook page, "Really a sad situation. After managing the property for almost four years, it felt like home and the staff like family members. I also met some fantastic guests there who I stay in touch with even now. Sure hope it is resurrected by someone who really wants to run a first-class resort and gives it the attention and investment it deserves."

The fate of the Paso Fino horses that call Biras Creek home is unknown. The horses were rescued from Puerto Rico in 2009 and were part of an interactive guest program at the resort that included grooming and classes.

Source: Travel Weekly