Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Peter Island
This lofty L-shaped island, about 4 miles south of Tortola, is the BVI's fifth-largest land-
mass and home to the luxurious Peter Island Resort. After a history of low-key cotton and
tobacco growing, the island's fortunes changed in the 1960s when Norwegian millionaire
Peter Smedwig bought it and built the resort. He ran it until his death in the late 1970s,
when the founders of Amway Corporation took it over.
The island remains lush and wild, except along the shores of Deadman's Bay and Sprat
Bay where the buildings huddle. There are five pristine beaches, excellent diving and
snorkeling sites and paths for hiking and trail biking.
Anyone with reservations can come to the resort's restaurants via the Peter Island Ferry
from Road Town.
Sleeping & Eating
Both restaurants are popular with visiting yachties, so be sure to make reservations.
Peter Island Resort
HOTEL $$$
( 284-495-2000, 800-346-4451;
www.peterisland.com
;
r from $740; )
Named one of the 'best places to stay in the world' by
Conde Nast Traveler
magazine, the
property offers rooms in a variety of configurations, ranging from four-bedroom villas to
the original A-frame cottages built in the 1960s. All have balconies. Amenities include wa-
ter sports, tennis courts, bicycles, a fitness center and Ayurvedic spa. Staff is top-notch, as
you'd expect, and can arrange private, candlelit dinners on the beach. There's free wi-fi in
the lobby.
Deadman's Bay Bar & Grill
INTERNATIONAL $$
( 284-495-2000;
www.peterisland.com
;
mains $21-38; lunch & dinner)
This is
the more casual venue of the island's two, set right on the beach. Wood-fired pizzas are
the house specialty, along with a changing array of mains such as grouper and herb risotto,
Caribbean gumbo and spicy salmon. A steel pan band plays Sunday afternoons and Wed-
nesday evenings (when there's a West Indian buffet).
Tradewinds
INTERNATIONAL $$$
