Caribbean breezes whisper secrets of pirates and plantations. Welcome to the tale of the New BVI Luxury Resort. The rebirth of the Peter Island Resort is happening in October 2024. It is, for all intents, a New BVI Luxury Resort with a long history. Each of the pictures here are from our Peter Island vacays prior to Hurricane Irma.
Peter Island for Pirates and Plunderers
Once upon a time, in the 17th century, Peter Island served as a pirate’s paradise, a haven for the notorious Joost van Dyk and his band of merry Dutch plunderers. Picture this: hidden coves, treasure chests, and a whole lot of swashbuckling! Joost’s good friend and collaborator, Pieter Adriensen is the island’s namesake.
Cotton Plantations
Fast forward to the 18th century, and the island traded its pirate hat for a plantation bonnet. The island transformed into a lush, agrarian wonderland. Cotton was King. But don’t worry, the pirates didn’t completely disappear – their spirit lives on in the ruins of the old plantation, now overgrown with tropical foliage.
Peter Island for Rich and Famous
Flash to the 20th century, and the Peter Island Resort became a private playground for the rich and famous. Norwegian millionaire Torolf Smedvig swooped in, like a knight in shining armor, and established the Peter Island Resort and Spa. Suddenly, the island was all about luxury, fine dining, and Gordon Ramsay-inspired cuisine.
Our Introduction
In the late 1990 I had the good fortune to meet an emissary representing Peter Island. He described Peter Island as a sort of “Shangri La”. My wife and I soon there after booked a Peter Island Resort vacation. That first trip to Peter Island did not fail to impress. We returned to Peter Island every year, sometimes twice in a year, until 2017. February of 2017 was to be our last vacation at Peter Island, or so it seemed.
Hurricane Irma
It was in the fall of 2017 that Hurricane Irma came along, like a party crasher with a bad attitude. The island was devastated, the resort was closed, and the once-lush landscape looked like a scene from a disaster movie. Other resorts in the BVI started to re-open, not the Peter Island Resort. Saddened, but still drawn to the BVI, we began staying at the Oil Nut Bay Resort on the far eastern tip of Virgin Gorda BVI in early 2021. Still no sign of life at Peter Island.
New BVI Luxury Resort
But fear not, dear reader, for the Peter Island Resort is made of sterner stuff! The owners and the local community rallied together, determined to rebuild and restore the island to its former glory. They’ve embraced sustainability, using native plants to heal the land and hurricane-resistant materials to fortify the buildings.
Witness to the Results
A Peter Island Resort that’s better than ever before! The resort is set to reopen in October 2024. Snippets on the web have hinted there are new and improved amenities, eco-tourism experiences, and even historical tours that will transport you back in time.
We have already booked our return to Peter Island for one week in December to savor the enhanced experience being promoted.
Improved Access from USA
Previously, only a seasoned traveler would find Peter Island an easy destination. This has reportedly also improved. Before, a trip from Maimi would require at least two planes and a boat before you arrived at the resort. One of those planes was a small puddle jumper. Now, through American Airlines, you can fly direct from Miami into Tortola, saving time and expense.
Peter Island Resort is definitely one of those alluring destinations; relatively easy to get to, a small Caribbean Resort and pampered care.
Yo Ho Ho
So, if you’re looking for a Caribbean getaway that combines luxury, history, and a dash of pirate charm, Peter Island is the place to be. Just don’t forget your eye patch and peg leg – you never know when the spirit of Joost van Dyk might come calling!ew
