
Guana Island in the British Virgin Islands is, perhaps, the oldest
private-island resort in continuous operation in the entire Caribbean.
Built in the 1930s amongst the 17th century ruins of a Quaker
sugar plantation, Guana Island has been painstakingly diligent in
preserving its old-Caribbean character and charm. Ample cross ventilation
and openness allow the scents and sounds of this 850-acre sanctuary
to find their way to you.
This superb resort has seven
beaches, some so private they are accessible only by boat. The guests
of the 15 rooms enjoy panoramic views of the sea and neighboring
islands. And for honeymooners and others desiring ultimate privacy,
there is the secluded North Beach Cottage, a one-bedroom house surrounded
by open and closed decks for dining, lounging or sunbathing.

Guana Island lies off the north coast of Tortola, in the British Virgin
Islands. It is accessible only by boat, the resorts own, a 10-minute
ride from a dock near Tortolas airport.
Tortola is a short non-stop
flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico, with a number of flights offered
daily.
Weather is fairly consistent
throughout the year, with temperatures in the 80s during the
day and 70s at night. Tropical breezes and overhead paddle
fans cool the resorts accommodations and clubhouse along the
islands highest ridges.

Guanas 15 rooms are attractive and comfortable and are in
seven separate cottages. Together they resemble a hillside Mediterranean
village, white-washed stucco and blue-shuttered. Private terraces
or decks provide sweeping views of the Caribbean or Atlantic from
the high ridge on which the cottages sit. Inside, the rooms are
spacious, most with sitting areas, and all with overhead fans to
catch the ample island breezes. They are comfortably but not overwhelmingly
furnished in a style that comes out of the island. Cool white walls
are offset by bright fabrics. Bathrooms are a special treat here,
large and with a low adobe-style wall curving around an open shower.
For
those desiring ultimate privacy, there is the secluded North Beach
Cottage, a one-bedroom cottage on its own beach, with open and covered
decks for lounging, sunbathing and dining.

Beachcombers will find seven beaches on Guana Island, all for the
private use of the resorts guests. White Bay Beach is the
longest and most often used by guests a nearly quarter-mile
long stretch of white-powder sand. Of the six others, some are remote
and reachable only by boat.
At
the main beach there are small sailboats, windsurfers and snorkeling
equipment for guests use, and just off the beach are two tennis
courts. SCUBA diving and fishing trips can be arranged.
Guana is also for walking
and hiking. There are about 20 well-marked trails, from an easy
20-minute walk to a challenging 90-minute climb over Sugarloaf Mountain.
By arrangement, guides can be provided. Since Guana Island is by
design a nature preserve, there are numerous plant and animal species
to be seen. There is even a little museum, lovingly filled with
a collection of natural and historic treasures from the island.

Guests gather at the resorts homey clubhouse for dining and
very casual socializing. The "dining room" is really two
awning-covered open-air terraces, one looking out over the Caribbean,
the other over the Atlantic. Views are absolutely breathtaking.
With so few guests on the island even when the resort is full (never
more than 30), the atmosphere tends towards the convivial, with
many choosing to join new (or long-time) friends at tables of eight,
while others prefer private tables for two.
Menus
include West Indian specialities as well as continental and American
dishes.
All food and house wine is
included in the rates, and cocktails are poured by the honor system,
a nice reflection of the low-key and friendly style on the island.
Travel writers and the resorts guests have captured the essence
of Guana better than we can. Here are some of their comments:
Rates include three meals daily, cocktails and snacks, standard bar,
beverages, afternoon tea and coffee at the Club and at the Beach
Bar, use of small sailboats, kayaks, windsurfers, snorkeling, beach
and fishing equipment. Also included: use of our
excellent tennis courts, hiking our twenty-odd trails throughout the
Island, croquet and WiFi Internet service.
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|
Double
Occupancy |
North Beach
Cottage |
Rent-the-
Island |
|
November 1 - December 17, 2008 |
$775 |
$1,650 |
$21,050 |
|
December 18 - Janaury 3, 2009 |
$1,450 |
$2,650 |
$31,750 |
|
January 4 - March 31, 2009 |
$1,250 |
$2,325 |
$28,650 |
|
April 1 - June 15, 2009 |
$1,025 |
$2.325 |
$24,300 |
|
June
16 - August 31, 2009 |
$695 |
$1,650 |
$22,150 |
Double occupancy rates are for two persons, either king or twin
beds. Single occupancy rates are $100 less and triple occupancy $200
more than double occupancy. 17% tax and service is additional.
Round trip tranfers from Beef Island are $60 per person. There
is no additional tipping. Rates and conditions are subject to change
without notice.
Rent-the-Island rates include
accommodations for up to thirty two guests in fifteen private
rooms. Rate includres three meals daily, wine with lunch and
dinner, standard bar and beverages, three round trip group boat
transfers and unlimited use of the island's ammentiies.
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To make a reservation, call Sanctuare at (800)
225-4255 from the U.S. and Canada; from elsewhere,
call (203) 523-0004. Or e-mail us at
guana@sanctuare.com |
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