Published: Friday, January 16, 2004 at:8:55 PM




Mary Jo’s
Most Romantic Couple



Anette and Don Niederpruem

Aah, the carefree days of being a single guy or gal sailing around the BVI’s, taking life as it comes. What are the chances your future husband or wife is doing the exact same thing? Pretty good if you happen to be Don and Annette Niederpruem of Tampa, Florida.

Years ago, Don cruised around the BVI’s with some college buddies and thought, “I’ll be back someday with that special someone.” Around the same time, Annette came down with her girlfriends and decided she’d be back to the BVIs someday for that “perfect honeymoon.”

The Niederpruems met in the States, fell in love, and decided to elope to St. Thomas in 1991. After the wedding ceremony they hopped onto a power boat called “Paradise” and cruised over to Bitter End for their long dreamed of honeymoon. Both grew up around the water and Don has done some offshore racing and SORC events. The Bitter End, was the perfect destination for their honeymoon, and has been a perfect match for their anniversary getaways over the last ten years.

They have managed to come every year since 1991, except for 1995 when their daughter Carrie was born. That’s a pretty good reason to miss a year at Bitter End. Between running their real estate marketing and advertising company, and the day to day grind of life in Florida, the “couple time” at Bitter End is very important for them to reconnect and pay attention to each other.

Between chartering the Bradley 22’s, sailing the Hobies and pretty much doing everything on their own schedule, they have done it all at BEYC. Don and Annette have come back each year looking forward to their play time and to meeting up with staff members who have helped make their anniversaries so special. Through their business they have had the chance to stay at some very nice resorts around the world. Don said of BEYC, “the one thing that keeps us coming back to Bitter End is the people.” They feel the staff has made Bitter End what it is today. From that first greeting on the dock, to the wait-staff in the restaurants who recognize them right away, to the watersports crew ready willing and able to get them off on their own expeditions for the day, this is what keeps them coming back.

Now that their daughter is eight years old they are thinking about taking the “family vacation” to Bitter End. What a great way to introduce their daughter to their little piece of paradise. That doesn’t mean they will give up their anniversary trip. They will just have to come twice a year now!
We all need to escape once in awhile, and Bitter End fills that need for a lot of our guests. Whether it’s for a romantic get away, to hang out with your family, or to reconnect with friends, it can all be done here, and everyone lives happily ever after. — Mary Jo Ryan