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Caribbean resort fulfills every
expectation
By Sarah
Rodman
Sunday, January 30, 2005
PETER
ISLAND, B.V.I. - In the wintertime, we all do it.
We
stare out the window forlornly at the snow/freezing rain/sleet and
fantasize about whisking ourselves away to a private island just like the
rich and famous do.
We
picture a secluded, tropical love nest with swaying palm trees, lapping
waves and a crack staff attending to all of our needs. We fleetingly
visualize a tranquil environment free from crass tourists pounding tequila
shooters and singing Jimmy Buffett karaoke. We envision our wind
chill-ravaged spirits magically restored by balmy temperatures, fruity
drinks and seaside massages.
Then we
open our eyes, look at our bank accounts and instead pin our hopes on
maybe getting to the Cape for a weekend in the summer, because fantasies
don't come cheap and we're not rich and famous, after all.
But if
``Fantasy Island'' did in fact exist - and you could afford to go there -
then the Peter Island Resort and Spa surely would be in contention for the
title.
The
largest private island in the British Virgin Islands - bordered by the
Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Sir Frances Drake Channel, and
close to Tortola - this 1,300-acre paradise fulfills all of the above
fantasies and more on offer. Only the appearance of Ricardo Montalban and
Tattoo could make it more authentic.
Which
several rich and famous people - including Paul McCartney and, rumor has
it, the late Princess Diana - have discovered. (And that was before they
installed the helipad!) In fact, during a recent brief stay I ran into
country music superstar Alan Jackson and his wife, Denise, merrily
celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary.
The
ocean-front junior suites (winter rates from $1,170 per night) are, no
lie, almost as big as my one-bedroom apartment and feature a mammoth
king-size bed, a two-person hot tub, two sinks, two showerheads, a minibar
and a private patio, complete with hammock, that is exactly 11 steps from
the soft sands of Deadman's Beach, one of five private beaches on the
island. (Nightlife and TV junkies be forewarned: Neither is reliably
available here. Beyond a pleasant dinner show there are no clubs. And the
one satellite dish TV set available in the communal lounge/library
operated at the whims of the constant breeze. But hey, you're in paradise
so get outside - or stay inside - and enjoy it!)
Meals
are included in room rates and two restaurants - one a casual beach bar
and grill, the other a more formal affair - offer up sumptuous fare
ranging from elaborate breakfast omelets to grilled seafood to juicy
steaks to tangy desserts using copious amounts of tropical fruit. And
because your meals are included in the room rates, you are free to sample
a little bit of everything.
The
resort's spiffy new spa is the ultimate vision of tranquility. I awaited
my elaborate 75-minute pedicure lounging in a downy soft robe, with my
feet in perfumed and flowered water and a warm pillow enveloping my neck
on a patio overlooking the ocean. Later I received a 90-minute full-body
aromatherapy massage in a breezy outdoor bohio. No ``Soothing Sounds of
the Ocean'' music was necessary because the real thing was right outside.
As was a pool, a private beach and a lounge area.
Unsurprisingly,
the yacht crowd - who anchor in nearby Sprat Bay and in the resort's
private harbor - make it a point to hang out and snorkel on the island's
beaches, eat in its restaurants and partake of the spa treatments that
include all manner of full-body scrubs, wraps and massages that
incorporate indigenous natural ingredients.
Perhaps
the most attractive quality for most on the resort's exclusive guest list
is the privacy. There are just 52 rooms, so the genial staff normally
outnumbers the patrons even at full capacity. And for even bigger spenders
who crave total anonymity, the resort has two tastefully appointed, fully
stocked, multiroom hilltop villas that offer private pools, chefs and
chauffeur service. (The villas can range in price from $3,000 offseason to
$13,000 a night, and have their own television and stereo systems.)
The
resort offers traditional Caribbean diversions including sunset sails,
windsurfing, scuba diving, day trips to neighboring islands, a fitness
center, tennis courts and a pool. Not-so-traditional offerings include
yacht chartering, heli-golfing and the chance to be ``deserted'' on the
private ``honeymoon beach'' complete with picnic lunch delivery and a
breathtaking sunset champagne toast on one of the island's high cliffs
(this is your chance to get naked and play in the sand).
And
even though it's not technically fantasy island, the resort does have its
own version of Mr. Roarke, in the ebullient warm personage of Hugh
``Benji'' Benjamin.
Although
it is more than likely that he will find you before you find him, by all
means get to know Benji. This gracious St. Kitt's native is something akin
to the governor of the island, having worked in almost every capacity here
over the past 30 years. In fact, he's written a wonderful gem of a book,
``A Place Like This,'' about the history of Peter Island - tracing its
original sale to a Norwegian businessman in the 1960s to its more recent
ownership by one of the founders of Amway. It makes an excellent beach
read (it's $18 in the gift shop).
Whether
you're a rock star or a lowly travel writer, Benji treats everyone like a
treasured friend.
Of
course, unless you actually discover buried treasure, it might be hard to
make it to Peter Island. But be aware the rates do dip at least a little
in the spring and summer, and the weather is idyllic year-round.
Honeymooners take notice: This is a great spot for your ultimate splurge.
If
you go...
Getting
there: American Airlines and US Airways both offer flights to nearby
Tortola that connect through San Juan, P.R. The resort picks you up in a
boat for the 25-minute ride to Peter Island (you also can take the boat
for free to go to Tortola and other nearby islands for shopping).
Staying
there: Daily rates for two for the winter season are from $885 for
ocean-view rooms, $1,170 for beachfront junior suites and $5,000 for
villas. Offseason rates are from $650.
Rates
include three meals a day and sports activities. A variety of packages
with spa treatments and other activities also are avaialble.
For
more information: Call 770-476-3273 or go to www.peterisland.com
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