Even amid 2009's challenges, Biras Creek held its own, chalking up occupancies of 60% and higher and booking many return guests, who make up 45% of the resort's business in a good year.
Leaving nothing to chance, the 33-suite property overlooking North Sound in Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands, offered several value-added incentives for good measure last year, including food and beverage credits and a seven-nights-for-six promotion.
"The economy is coming back now, and it's helped that the weather in the U.S. this winter was crazy," said Rik Blyth, general manager. "We've seen our occupancies really climb week over week."
The resort also has continued to tweak its guest amenities, a process that began in October 2006 when Victor International, a Michigan-based developer of resorts and master-planned communities, purchased the 140-acre, hillside property, which sits on a narrow isthmus on the northeastern coast of Virgin Gorda.
The newest perks include WiFi in all guest suites, "but we haven't changed the no-TV policy except in the two premier and grand suites," Blyth said.
There is a large-screen TV in the Arawak Room for guests' use, which draws a big crowd during sporting events.
The nonsmoking suites, housed in cottages, received a refit two years ago, moving to a more elegant look that included high-thread-count linens, muted paint schemes and local artwork.
A Relais & Chateaux property since 1999 and one of just seven in the Caribbean region, Biras plans to send its chefs to intern with R&C master chefs at restaurants in the U.S. and abroad.
"They'll return to Biras and incorporate new techniques and menus learned during their internships," Blyth said.
Biras' signature Hilltop restaurant serves three meals a day, but Blyth said it truly shines over candlelight at dinner, when the views of the yachts at anchor in the marina below and the islands in the distance are best appreciated.
"I stand in the restaurant and I know all the guests by name, which is the greatest benefit of a small property," he said. "The social media output at Biras really amounts to me sitting down and talking with my guests."
The lunch locale rotates between Hilltop and the casual beachfront cafe, located on the lagoon side of the resort.
Biras' all-inclusive rate covers accommodations and meals (drinks are extra), but the resort now offers options, including a room-only plan.
"There are five restaurants close by right on North Sound, which guests can get to by our boats or water taxi," Blyth said.
Biras' fleet of Boston Whalers, which are docked for guests' use at the pier, now include several 12-foot motorboats with steering wheels. Small sailboats, Hobie Cats and a 24-foot, Norwegian-built day sailor also are available to explore North Sound.
Because Biras Creek and much of the British Virgin Islands are so water-oriented, "our U.S. market is very much New England-based because of the sailing," Blyth said.
Guests arrive in San Juan or St. Thomas and fly to Beef Island, Tortola, on American Eagle or Cape Air, where a Biras representative meets them and transfers them by cab to North Sound. From there, they board the resort launch for the 30-minute crossing.
Alternatively, "There's a small airport on Virgin Gorda on the southeast side of the island, served by six-passenger Cape Air and Seaborne planes from Tortola," Blyth said.
Families with children ages 6 and up are welcome at Biras Creek during July and August.
Victor International also is developing Oil Nut Bay, a $300 million, luxury resort community on 300 acres on the eastern tip of the island.
Oil Nut will offer 88 villas for sale, but the units will be placed in a rental pool when not owner-occupied.
"The development is connected to Biras Creek, but there is a 50-acre buffer area in between the two, and Oil Nut cannot be seen from Biras," Blyth said.
A beach club, restaurant, pool, bar and dock will open at Oil Nut in July. The model villa already is open, and several units will be ready for occupancy by mid-2011.
Visit www.biras.com.