Freezing temperatures have descended on South Carolina, and 6 inches of snow has fallen. Our thoughts turn to our recent trip to Peter Island Resort in early December.
The Peter Island Resort had just opened after a seven-year rebuild.
Caribbean breezes still whisper secrets of pirates and plantations. The New Peter Island Resort has a long history. Feast your eyes on the pictures of the new amenities.
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 lot of swashbuckling! Joost’s good friend and collaborator, Pieter Adriensen, is the island’s namesake.
Cotton Plantations
Fast-forward to the 18th century, 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 wholly disappear—their spirit lives on in the ruins of the old plantation, now overgrown with tropical foliage.
Peter Island Resort for Rich and Famous
Flash to the 20th century, 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 late 1990, I was fortunate to meet an emissary representing Peter Island. He described it as a sort of “Shangri La.” My wife and I soon booked a vacation at Peter Island Resort. That first trip to Peter Island did not fail to impress. We returned to Peter Island every year, sometimes twice a year, until 2017. It seemed like February 2017 was our last vacation there.
Hurricane Irma
In the fall of 2017, 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 reopen, but 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.
Peter Island 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! Due to last-minute punch list items, the resort did not meet its planned reopening date of October 1. However, it reopened on December 1 to a limited number of guests. We were fortunate to be among the first guests to enjoy after the long seven-year rebuild.
Improved Access from the USA
Previously, only a seasoned traveler would find Peter Island an easy destination. Traveling to Peter Island has dramatically improved. A trip from Maimi would require at least two planes and a boat before you arrive at the resort. One of those planes was a small puddle jumper. You can fly directly from Miami into Tortola through American Airlines, saving time and expense.
Peter Island Resort is one of those alluring destinations. It is relatively easy to get to, a small Caribbean Resort, and offers 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 you.
