Guana Island is one of the few private territories in the British Virgin Islands which takes its name from its shape of an iguana. It’s mostly a wild island with a small resort and 7 white beaches with powdery white sand. A dream come true for all those in need of replenishing their spirits among 850 acres of wild fauna and flora, mountains, valleys, and hills.
Here are the highlights of what this island has to offer in terms of accommodation, dining, landscape, activities, and its overall vibe.
Traveling to Guana Island, BVI
The easiest way to get to Guana Island is to travel by plane to Beef Island’s airport via St. Thomas, Antigua, St. Maarten, or San Juan. From there, a private transfer boat will take you to this island in just a few minutes.
Accommodation on Guana Island
The Guana Island Resort stands on a scenic ridge that overlooks the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on another. There also are 4 villas around the island. These sum up the accommodation spots to 42 for the whole island.
Sea View Rooms
The sea view rooms are spacious, have their own cozy terraces, and offer the utmost privacy by having separate entrances. Decorated with a rustic-chic design, these rooms provide all the comfort you need during your trip. For 2017, a sea view room costs between $700 and $1,800 per night depending on the season. You can also choose a pool sea view room for your stay, which costs between $1,300 and $3,000 per night.
Villas
The four villas on Guana Island are North Beach villa, Harbour House villa, and two 3-Bedroom houses.
The North Beach villa is the epitome of privacy on a luxurious tropical island. It has one bedroom, a stunning terrace, and it’s the only waterfront property on the island. It’s surrounded by sea grape trees and the refreshing Caribbean landscape. And since it’s also the only property on North Beach, it’s safe to say this villa is the most comfortable accommodation spot on the island. A night in the North Beach villa costs between $1,700 and $3,200 depending on the exact dates of arrival and departure.
High atop the island stands the Harbour House villa, with a fantastic panorama over the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The villa has two bedrooms, a cozy dining area, air conditioning, an enclosed Jacuzzi, an infinity pool, and an outdoor shower. You will have to pay between $1,700 and $5,000 for a night here, depending on the time and occupancy.
But if you need a little more space – say you’re traveling with your nanny, some friends, or family – a 3-Bedroom villa is a right choice for you.
Anegada House has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, designer infinity pools, and stunning views over the island’s terraces. Depending on the time of the year, a night here costs between $3,300 and $7,000. Jost House is something a bit more luxurious, having a Jacuzzi right next to the master bedroom. This villa also has a digital entertainment system, a kitchen, and a fully-stocked bar. All these for somewhere between $4,300 and $6,500 per night.
What “All-Inclusive” Means
The all-inclusive concept has different definitions around the world. At the Guana Island Resort, all-inclusive means:
- 3 meals per day and wine for dinners and lunches.
- Refreshments during the afternoon.
- On-island activities.
- Wireless internet.
- Boat & taxi fares for transfers from Beef Island (only available for stays longer than 3 nights).
This means rates don’t include off-island activities, taxi & boat fares (if you stay less than 3 nights), and certain beverages. The tax and resort fee, which also adds to the bill, is 18% of the total accommodation price.
Those who book villas will also enjoy a series of extra benefits like:
- Fresh fruits.
- Coffee & tea.
- Stocked kitchen & bar.
- Access to 2 tennis courts, kayaks, sailboats, pedal boats, snorkeling gear and guidance, hiking trails and guides, table tennis, fishing equipment, Wi-Fi, etc.
Beaches of Guana Island
With white coral sand for half a mile, White Bay Beach could be the finest beach in the British Virgin Islands. It’s also the most populated – as populated as a half a mile beach can be with at most 42 people on it.
However, there are 6 more beaches that await you for a private picnic, a dip in the turquoise water, and a bath in the tropical sun. All the beaches on Guana Island have fine, white sand and are accessible by sailboat or foot.
Dining on Guana Island
The Club, n 18th-century traditional building standing on a hilltop where every breeze brings in the sweet fragrance of white jasmine. Here, you can have a candlelight dinner on a breezy terrace under the stars and enjoy a good book under the tropical sun during the day.
World-famous chef, Xavier Arnau Gili, overviews the execution of every dish to put perfection on a plate when it comes to authentic Caribbean dishes and desserts. A wide selection of wine also awaits here.
What Else to Do on Guana Island
This tropical paradise has a whole lot more to offer. Here are the main activities you could find yourself enjoying while vacationing here:
Hiking
12 miles of hiking trails through tropical rainforest, mountains, valleys, and hills lie on Guana Island. if you love hiking, you just have to walk up to Long Man’s Point and soak in a natural cliffside pool. Of course, those more adventurous can always challenge themselves to an 806-foot summit of Sugarloaf Mountain which grants a unique overview on the surrounding islands and waters.
Visit the Organic Orchard
If you want to see where cornucopia and other tropical fruits grow, take an hour of your vacation and visit the organic orchard. Here, you’ll get to pick fruit directly off the tree and enjoy the freshest tropical snacks you could get.
Private Picnics
If you dream about having a bite on a beach with fine, white sand at sundown, here’s your chance. A boat will take you to a secluded beach where you will enjoy your lunch, a cold glass of wine, and some quality time with your companion.
Yoga & Massage
Be it at the Spa, on the beach, or in your room, a massage always nicely complements the atmosphere of the Caribbean. A skilled therapist will take their time and give you a full body massage with the gentle sound of waves and tropical breeze in the background. This comes complete with rich body treatments and nutritious oils for the skin.
If you are looking for something that will engage your body more, you should go for yoga. A private or group session in the Garden of Eden will energize your spirit and give you the new outlook you might need.
Watersports, Boat Rides, & Cruises
Of course, watersports are always an option in the Caribbean. Snorkeling, scuba diving, paddle boarding, or kayaking are the top choices among those who vacation here. Three untouched reef areas await exploration in close proximity to the island, with over 100 sea life species. Experienced swimmers might want to venture in the waters of North Bay with its deep reefs and shipwrecks. However, you might need a boat to get close to them.
Boat charters and cruises are also popular among tourists who choose this private island as their destination. You can book these for a few hours or a whole day and go fishing, snorkeling, or cruising around the island. If you want to find out more about this surreal island, check out the official Guana Island Resort website.
Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.
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