Peter Island

A Luxury Escape.

Peter Island Resort in the British Virgin Islands offers a secluded upscale experience.

Peter Island, a private island in the British Virgin Islands, is the perfect resort for couples and honeymooners looking for upscale, elegant retreat surrounded by the beautiful waters for which the Caribbean is known. Throw in a world-class spa, sophisticated dining and a host of water sports, and it's not surprising that the resort boasts a high repeat-visitor rate. Only a few private-island resorts exist in the Caribbean, and Peter Island Resort, with 1,800 acres of rolling hills, undulating coves, and majestic views is a contender for first place.

The island, covered with tropical vegetation, is surrounded by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Sir Francis Drake Channel. Located four miles south of Tortola, Peter Island is accessible only by boat or helicopter. There are five white sand beaches, gourmet restaurants and bars. The four tennis courts are lighted for night play. The fitness center is equipped with stationary bicycles, stair climbers, treadmills, and free weights. Current movies are shown in the evenings and the library is stocked with daily newspapers, magazines, books and games and a large screen television.

Book the beachfront junior suites; they have a comfortable sitting area, a large Jacuzzi tub and oversize shower, a private terrace/balcony with spectacular views of Deadman's Bay Beach. Couples looking for premium accommodations should reserve the Hawk's Nest Villa. The high roof and broad window give this three-bedroom, 3000-square-foot villa a casual, light and airy interior. Highlights include a large living/dining area; spacious bedrooms, each with their own bath; fully appointed kitchen and a large private sundeck with its won dipping pool.

For the Ultimate in luxury, book the Crow's Nest Villa. Easily accommodating up to 8 people, this 4-bedroom, 6500-square-foot villa evokes the Santa Barbara coastal style of architecture. Perched on a hill above the resort, it affords panoramic views of the sea and Virgin Islands in all directions. Highlights include personal staff with a valet, chef, maid; private vehicle and driver for personal use and seamless edge pool and dipping pool.

Activities Worth Indulging In

Most resort activities are complimentary-including water sports, mountain biking and beach picnics. However, over-the-top activities such as heli-golfing in St. Thomas, heli-tours, bareboat charters, power yachting, deep sea fishing, and private dinners on the beach can also be arranged.

One activity worth indulging in is a treatment at the resort's premier spa. One of the best in the British Islands, the spa has 10 indoor treatments rooms and two outdoor suites. The coconut rub and thermal sand bundle massage are two very popular treatments.

Twice daily, the resort provides complimentary tours of Peter Island in a small truck fitted with open-air seats. The driver/guide provides commentary on the island's history, features, flora, and fauna. The resort provides hammocks here and there and teak rocking chairs on a walkway along a rocky point facing Sir Francis Drake Channel between Peter Island and Tortola.

An afternoon can be spent shopping on nearby St. Thomas or Tortola. A resort boat transports guests between Peter Island and Road Town, Tortola on a regular schedule daily. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, a boat travels to St. Thomas and on Thursdays to Virgin Gorda. Fees are charged for these trips.

Dining

Dining is something not taken lightly at the resort. In fact, once a week, Peter Island offers a wind pairing dinner with a special tasting menu prepared by renowned chef Andrew Niedentha. The resort added a first-rate wine room to the property, complete with a mahogany banquet table, floor-to-ceiling wine cases and precise climate control. The dinner gives guests a chance to experience world-class cuisine and wine in an intimate setting while socializing with other hotel guests. Advance reservations are suggested.

Guests can also dine at Tradewinds, an upscale restaurant with views of Sir Francis Drake Channel and Tortola. The restaurant uses international service: German china, French silverware and Italian crystal. For a more casual feel, guests should head to Deadman's Beach Bar & Grill.