Waterfront visits the British Virgin Islands for a stay at the luxurious Peter Island Resort and Spa
Peter Island, part of The British Virgin Islands, is 1,800 acres of paradise with five spectacular beaches. Located approximately 70 miles east of Puerto Rico, it can be reached via helicopter, ferry or exclusive private yacht. It’s the perfect destination for those hideaway holidays of pure relaxation.
Renowned for its location, spa and gastro experiences, we were looking forward to a luxurious visit to Peter Island Resort and Spa. After our flight we climb aboard the ferry and within 20 minutes we arrive at the resort, where we’re checked in promptly then shown to our Sea View Deluxe Suite. Our Suite included a mini bar, double walk-in shower leading to a couples Jacuzzi bath and oversized king bed. The decor is stone walls with white wooden ceilings, with views overlooking Deadman’s Beach. All settled in, we notice there’s no television. This is the resort’s choice as they believe that guests should never sit in their rooms watching TV – paradise sits on your doorstep. There are plenty of other accommodation options too such as the Ocean View rooms, near the glorious swimming pool and if you desire a holiday at its finest, the Heavenly Hideaways are the three Peter Island Private Villas, with views of the surrounding islands and private pools.
Peter Island offers the finest and freshest dining experiences. The Trade Winds restaurant, recently refurbished with rustic decor, is perched over the rocks looking out towards Tortola and Virgin Gorda. Breakfast is buffet style with a selection of dried and fresh fruits, hot and cold sections, an omelette station and an a la carte menu option. When it comes to dinner, Trade Winds transforms into a fine dining eatery. We begin our evening with a Caribbean cocktail at the bar watching the sunset. We’re then greeted by the restaurant’s food and beverage manager and with his passion for wine we take his recommendation for a bottle of Risqué. Each dish on the menu has been paired with wines which he feels best match. For starters I have the boat-fresh seared scallops, cooked to perfection and for Phil, the beef carpaccio with parmesan, followed by Asian prawns on a bed of gnocchi for my main and Phil opted for the fillet steak with crushed potatoes and asparagus – mouth-watering.
Deadman’s Beach Bar and Grill is ideal for casual dining, serving Caribbean and continental flavors for lunch and also dinner on alternating nights. As we make our way down to the beach bar we can hear the steel drum band playing. With plenty of choice from the menu, from the wood fired pizzas or Peter Island’s finger-licking-good ribs for lunch or the curried seafood roti for dinner, there’s something for everyone. Private beach dining is also available for a romantic meal on the water’s edge.
Peter Island offers an array of activities and excursions such as on-island cooking classes, wine tasting, water sports, diving and off-island activities including helicopter rides and swimming with dolphins. I recommend a visit to Honeymoon Beach – it was our anniversary whilst on the island and it would’ve been rude not to visit the tiny secluded section of beach overlooking the cove, very romantic. White Bay Beach on the other side of Peter Island was another favourite of mine. It’s a very peaceful stretch housing five cabanas, showers and toilets.
Peter Island’s recently renovated spa looks out over the bays, infinity pool and sun terrace with a perfect tranquil setting. The 10,000 square foot spa area, secluded beach, meditation area, hair salon and treatment menu will rejuvenate and detoxify the body with treatment highlights including signature indigenous scrubs and wraps, relaxing and therapeutic massages and the Ingrid Millet Paris: caviar, aromatic, and brightening facials. I opted for Peter Island’s signature massage tailored to your needs, followed by a signature facial. I’m pampered for over two hours, and with herbal tea on the terrace and the Caribbean breeze, it’s pure bliss.
Peter Island is completing the second phase of the 18-month long beautification project to the island’s Marina and Guest Service Facilities. The impressive renovation plans include a new sea wall and dock, an open-air Guest Welcome Centre, a brand new Dive Shop and Captain’s Lounge and enrichment of the island’s Ocean View Rooms. The brand new Marina will enhance the island welcome experience for guests; the island team at Peter Island will be waiting at the new Marina Welcome Centre with a smile, aromatherapy infused cold towel and their signature ginger lemonade, before guests’ check-in. The new Marina and Guest Service Facilities at Peter Island are anticipated to be completed end of March 2015.
So ends our time at Peter Island Resort and Spa. We didn’t want to return to reality after experiencing such a luxurious and relaxing stay and having enjoyed the great service and hospitality of Peter Island and exploring it’s treasures. We leave with huge smiles on our faces.
Prices at Peter Island Resort & Spa from £1,689 per person based on 2 adults sharing an Ocean View Room for 7 nights in a room only basis including return economy class flights with British Airways from London Gatwick, inter-island flights and private transfers. Saving up to £500 per person. Valid for travel completed between1 June – 31 October 2015 Dep Date 10 June 2015
ITC Luxury Travel T: 01244 355 527 W: www.itcluxurytravel.co.uk
Peter Island Resort & Spa
British Virgin Islands
T: 800.346.4451
E: reservations@peterisland.net
W: www.peterisland.com
