Have you ever considered what your life could be like in The British Virgin Islands? One of my favourite experiences growing up on a small island is the fact that coffee shops in the BVI are unique and often family run businesses. I find that well-known chains elsewhere in the world can lack a personal touch and often do not satisfy my cravings! My love for coffee has grown massively in the past few years and I often find myself at various cafes across the BVI. If you are planning to start a life here I believe it is helpful to know a few key places to spend down time and meet people who may become solid friends throughout your time living in the islands. Start with Coffee, we’re on island time! Slow mornings with a coffee and a view is a perfect way to start your day. What’s the rush? Throughout this article I’d love to share some of the most recent cafes I’ve visited and the vibe that you can expect depending on what you are looking for and your specific coffee preferences.
.
.
BVI Coffee Company / Coffee Cave
Road Reef, Road Town
The BVI Coffee company is owned and run by Marty who is extremely passionate about the quality and taste of coffee. Marty has a small cosy coffee shop located at Road Reef, Tortola where all of the coffee roasting takes place. You can expect friendly and knowledgeable staff, a relaxing seating area with a luxurious coffee aroma the moment you step into the shop. Marty imports the coffee beans through a trustworthy supplier called Cafe Imports ensuring that you are able to enjoy high quality and traceable beans. You can also buy coffee in the shop from single-origin producers from various countries and farms. If you are a big coffee fan and would like a deeper understanding, this is a great spot to chat and find out more from skilled baristas, Adam and Marty.
.
.
Island Roots
Island Roots Cafe on Main Street, The Moorings Wickhams Cay, Nanny Cay, Road Reef Plaza
Island Roots is a family run business owned by Tina and Scott who employ friendly and skilled baristas across all 5 cafes on Tortola. The first Island Roots was founded in 2017 on Main Street and later expanded to The Moorings, Nanny Cay, Road Reef and Pockwood Pond. Island Roots offers specialty coffee such as Americano, cortardo, latte, capachino and flat white. You can also opt for iced versions such as iced chai latte and iced matcha latte. Island Roots offers a clean modern vibe, open coffee bars, views looking over marinas and features local art work that are hand crafted Caribbean inspired paintings. It is very common to find their locations wherever you are living and working which makes it an ideal coffee spot for those working in corporate jobs. Locals often find themselves working in Island Roots and grabbing lunch during their breaks. Popular lunch options include, the Mediterranean salad bowl, Caribbean chicken soup with lime and coconut and the Island Roots’ club sandwich.
.
.
The French Deli & Gourmet shop
Ground Floor, Watersedge Building, (Meridian Plaza)Wikhams Cay Road Town, Tortola
The French Deli is a hot spot for locals, renowned for being an ideal place for enjoying a coffee whilst running errands in town. The French Deli is owned by Simon Company Ltd founded by John Luke in 2006 and is now run by Sebastian who is keen to bring French cuisine to the BVI. The deli offers more than just coffee and pastries; it has an array of cheeses, wine, chocolate, beauty products and gourmet groceries. The baristas are trained to prepare coffee drinks and offer baked goods with a friendly service often remembering your order from each visit. You can buy coffee in store which has been supplied by a well-known French coffee brand called Cafe Richard. The baristas often use a Puerto Rican blend to create rich lattes, cappouccino, flat whites and even espresso poured over ice if you so desire. You are also able to pour your own regular coffee which has been pre brewed in advance offering a quick self serving option for those looking for quick coffee on the go.
.
.
Beans Coffee Shop
Tortola Pier Park
Beans coffee shop is located at the peir park in Road Town Tortola. This is a very popular spot with cruise ship passengers but also locals who visit regularly. Beans is owned by Lucy who is often working behind the counter with her friendly local staff. There is both outdoor seating and AC inside. You can expect fast service, informative chalk board drinks menus and some of the best tasting coffee on island. Beans offer speciality coffee and carefully crafted espresso drinks such as Americano, cappuccino, latte and brewed drinks. You are also able to buy whole coffee beans to take home to grind and brew yourself! Locals who workout love their protein based coffee drinks such as the big boost, the pina colada shake, salted caramel coffee protein shake and the mocha peanut butter banana shake.
.
.
Brew Coffee Shop
Loose Mongoose and Airport East End Tortola; Creative Waves Road Reef Plaza;
Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour
Brew Coffee Shop is run and owned by Rochelle who prioritises high quality coffee beans, hand crafted espresso drinks and ensures that all four Brew Coffee Shops (with other locations coming onstream) offer sustainable straws and recyclable cups for their customers. Brew hold expertise in speciality coffee and you can expect one of the largest range of hot espresso drinks including red eye which is a brewed coffee with a shot of expresso, americano, macchiato and cappuccino. Brews talented and friendly staff can even create coffee art placed on top of your drinks and tailored to your preference. Brew is actively finding new ways to differentiate themselves from the fast growing cafe culture in the BVI. The pop up brew coffee cart is a new addition to their offerings making coffee accessable to all members of the community.
.
.
.
Discovering how my cup of coffee is made...
Taste of Puerto Rico: Exploring Hacienda Prosperidad
..
On my recent trip to nearby Puerto Rico with my family, we decided to escape the coast and take a scenic drive into the mountains to visit Hacienda Prosperidad, a beautiful coffee plantation surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking views. When we arrived in the early morning, we were warmly greeted by the owner who invited us to sit, relax, and chat while they placed steaming cups of coffee and delicious Puerto Rican quesitos in front of us. It was the perfect introduction to what would become a fascinating journey into the world of Puerto Rican coffee. Our tour began with an in-depth look at the history of coffee in Puerto Rico. We learned that Puerto Rico became known for producing sugarcane and tobacco as early as the 16th century, while coffee production became increasingly important during the 19th century. It was fascinating to learn how these agricultural industries have shaped the island’s history and culture.
We were lucky enough to be guided around the plantation, where we met farmers who had brought their own home-grown coffee beans to be washed and separated at the farm. During the tour, I was given the opportunity to bite into a fresh coffee cherry. I expected it to be bitter, but was pleasantly surprised by its naturally sweet taste. Our guide told me to “hold that thought” as he continued to show us what else grows around the plantation. Among the coffee trees were a variety of fruits and flowers, which play an important role in the environment surrounding the coffee plants and can contribute to the flavours we eventually experience in the coffee. Walking through the plantation was incredibly peaceful. I felt genuinely blessed to be surrounded by the cool mountain air, lush greenery, and the sounds of nature. One of my favourite moments was seeing a cool river flowing at the bottom of the plantation, adding to the tranquillity of the landscape.
After exploring the plantation, we made our way into a presentation room where we had the opportunity to roast, grind and brew our own coffee. It was interesting to see how differently each member of my family preferred their coffee, with everyone choosing between light, medium, and dark roasts. Our guide introduced me to a unique type of coffee bean called a Peaberry. Unlike the more common flat-sided coffee bean, Peaberry beans are more rounded and oval-shaped because they develop as a single seed inside the coffee cherry. This gives them a distinctive character and flavour. Tasting the Peaberry coffee felt like an adventure for my taste buds. I experienced a variety of aromas and flavours, from sweet and caramel-like notes to a subtle minty hint.
.
I was amazed to learn just how complex coffee can be, with more than 100 different flavour characteristics that can be identified. The experience also introduced me to the coffee flavour wheel, which helps describe and categorise the different aromas and flavours found in coffee. It was fascinating to realise that something I usually drink without much thought can contain such a wide range of tastes, aromas, and characteristics.
.
.
Leaving Hacienda Prosperidad, I realised that I would never look at a cup of coffee in quite the same way again. What started as a family day trip into the Puerto Rican mountains became an experience filled with history, culture, nature, and, of course, plenty of coffee. It was a reminder that sometimes the best travel experiences are found when you take a little detour and discover where something you love actually begins.
.
.
