DESTINATION

Discover where the locals love to go

Brightly coloured wooden houses are a common sight in Tortola

Wey da lime

In the British Virgin Islands, to invite someone for an outing, one asks: “Wey da lime?” According to The Virgin Islands Dictionary by Kareem-Nelson Hull limin’ means “relaxing, hanging out and doing nothing more, being out with friends, taking it easy, but not at home”.

It’s important to understand that around the Caribbean bussin a lime looks different to everyone – in BVI it can mean going to a popular bar or restaurant, heading out for a day’s sailing or even taking a dip at a secluded beach. It’s totally up to you… And now it’s up to me to take you for a lime.

Party lime

If you’re in any doubt where to go to party, follow the lights to Tortola Pier Park. It’s a relatively new limin’ spot, but it has quickly become a favourite among the locals. You can choose to dine in one of the open-air restaurants or, if you prefer, gather your friends for drinks or hookah at a cigar bar.

When the moon comes out, the boardwalk transforms to welcome partiers, who savour creative cocktails and move their bodies to an eclectic music mix from DJs and live bands.

There’s no need to pick a favourite bar or restaurant – most locals hop from one spot to another until closing.

Party limes also happen during the day, usually out on the water. Take a sail or powerboat over to White Bay on Jost Van Dyke to eat, play, swim and dance. The beach bars and restaurants that line the bay are all decked out to host patrons who simply want to have a good time. Spots such as Soggy Dollar are known for their rum punch and outdoor games. Incidentally, Soggy Dollar got its name from customers who swam ashore and would buy drinks with wet dollars.

One of the ultimate party limes takes place at the Willy T, a floating restaurant bar in the harbour of Norman Island. Locals and visitors alike flock here to dance – and even jump overboard.