Anegada Reef Hotel marks 50 years as island landmark

The Anegada Reef Hotel is marking five decades of operation this month, a milestone that began when Lowell and Vivian Wheatley sailed north from Road Town on September 26, 1976, to take over an abandoned property on the island.

The couple had applied to the Government in 1975 for permission to operate the hotel, which had originally been built by Kenneth Bates in 1970. At the time, many doubted the venture would succeed. Anegada was remote, infrastructure was limited, and tourism was still developing across the territory.

But the Wheatleys saw potential in the island's beaches, waters, fishing grounds and lobster. The turning point came when charter-yacht captains began bringing guests to the hotel. Captain Lucien Pickering is remembered as the first to arrive with visitors in December 1976.

Lowell created a signature experience by cooking fresh lobster over wood fires made from the island's torch wood, served seaside on improvised grills fashioned from old oil drums. The lobsters were kept alive in the ocean until needed. That simple approach, fresh seafood, wood smoke, salt air and authentic island hospitality, became the hotel's hallmark and helped establish Anegada as a destination for sailors and seafood lovers.

The hotel grew into a 20-room beachfront property at Setting Point, operated by the Wheatleys' children, Lawrence and Lorraine Wheatley, who represent the second generation of family management. The business became a gathering place and meeting point for the boating community, a connection that endures through the annual Lowell Wheatley Anegada Pursuit Race, organised by the Royal BVI Yacht Club.

The story took a difficult turn in July 2002 when Lowell died in a tragic explosion while making a new barbecue for the restaurant. His children stepped forward to continue the business. Lawrence returned from college to help, while Lorraine brought training in hospitality and human resources after pursuing studies in those fields.

Vivian remains part of the hotel's story. In the early days when Anegada lacked electricity, she created the hotel's signature Rum Smoothie without a blender, an example of the improvisation that has defined the operation.

In 2026, Lorraine was recognised as Sister Islander of the Quarter for her contributions to business and community development. She serves as President of the Anegada Resilience Team and as a board member of the BVI Tourist Board.

While Anegada has changed over 50 years, now welcoming visitors by boat, ferry and air, with more accommodation and dining options, the hotel has retained its beachfront setting and relaxed character. The sea, beach, hospitality and lobster remain central to its identity.