The Quintessential Island Retreat
Located in White Bay, Ivan’s Stress Free Bar is a quintessential island retreat that embodies the spirit of Jost Van Dyke’s chill beach culture. Simply put, Ivan’s is a B.V.I institution and the man himself is a legend. The bar is a stone’s throw from the Soggy Dollar Bar. Despite not having the same fame, Ivan’s does share the same crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand, and it has a way more relaxed feel. Be sure to stop by Ivan’s for a Stress-Free punch and an amazing Wednesday night BBQ.
The Story of Ivan
Ivan Chinnery, a beloved figure on Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands, is the proud owner of Ivan’s Stress Free Bar. He’s a man of many hats: bar owner, medicine man, herbalist, and musician. Born March 27th, 1943, Ivan is a seventh-generation native of Jost Van Dyke. After growing up on the island, he moved to St. Thomas and served in the US Army for nine years, with postings in Germany and Hawaii, where he also pursued his passion for both jazz and the blues.
Upon returning to Jost Van Dyke, Ivan engaged in fishing, farming, and cooking, contributing to his brother’s restaurant and working in agriculture and conservation for the BVI government. Known as “The Bush Doctor,” he offered nature walks on his farm, educating tourists about local crops and medicinal herbs.
In 1990, Ivan embarked on a new venture, developing the White Bay Campground, which opened in 1991. Being as laid-back as he is, Ivan would leave a cooler full of beers alongside a notepad. In time, an “honor bar” was created. Patrons would serve themselves and leave money according to the price on the wall.
Starting from this self-serve honor system, Ivan’s popularity quickly grew among the boating community. The campground gained further fame when country artist Kenny Chesney filmed part of the “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem” music video there. Sadly, Ivan retired in 2011 due to Parkinson’s disease, handing the business to his daughters, Darlene and Sharlene. But every so often, you can still find him entertaining guests and strumming his guitar.
Famous Guests
Yes, Ivan’s gained a lot of fame when Kenny Chesney filmed part of his music video there, but Kenny wasn’t the only famous visitor. The iconic bar has been graced by the presence of other well-known personalities such as Jimmy Buffet and Keith Richards. Let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want a Stress-Free cocktail on a peaceful white sandy beach while avoiding the Soggy Dollar crowds.
The Atmosphere
How to describe Ivan’s? Picture this, an open-air bar with a no-shoes policy, hammocks swaying in the sea breeze, and picnic tables strewn on a peaceful beach with beautiful white sand. Sometimes the temperature soars at night when drinks are poured, the DJ plays, and bare-foot travelers pack the dance floor. But while Ivan’s can party, it isn’t the Soggy Dollar with 20 year old’s getting wild late into the evening. At times, Ivan’s can be decidedly quiet and low key. Island time is strictly enforced, meaning everything happens on its own time, eventually. So embrace the bar’s namesake, pour a rum punch, chill out and live stress free.
Stress Free Punch
While Ivan’s may not be known globally for a signature cocktail, like the Soggy Dollar Bar is for the Painkiller, the Stress Free Bar is known for its signature cocktail, the “Stress-Free” rum punch. This iconic drink, along with the bar’s laid-back and welcoming atmosphere, has contributed to its popularity among visitors to Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands. The punch is best enjoyed while sitting in one of Ivan’s hammocks staring at the ocean. And while the menu is as good as anyone’s, the Wednesday night BBQ buffet is fantastic.
Surviving Challenges
Like many, Ivan’s has had its moments of stress. The bar celebrated its 20th-anniversary in 2012, but in 2014, after heavy rains destroyed the bar’s foundation, Ivan had to tear down the old bar and pour new concrete. Then sadly, in 2017, the new structure was completely destroyed by Hurricane Irma. Did Ivan stress? Probably, but he persevered and rebuilt the bar a second time.
Visiting Ivan’s Stress Free Bar
Moore offshore and use your dinghy to cruise-on-in and park it on the beach. But don’t have too many Stress-Free rums, or you’ll flip your dingy (like we did) as you drag your craft back into the surf. Oh, and be mindful of late night skinny-dippers jumping off their transom’s! And if you’re looking for more grounded accommodations, you can always rent one of Ivan’s Stress Free Villas & Beach Bungalows.
At the end of the day
Ivan’s Stress Free Bar has become a popular destination for both locals and tourists, known for its laid-back atmosphere and picturesque beachfront location. The bar’s history dates back over three decades, and Ivan’s welcoming and gregarious nature has contributed to its enduring popularity. While Kenny Chesney’s hit single “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem” made the bar famous, Ivan’s never let it go to its head.
