Sleepover: Peter Island Resort

A night in the Caribbean

Where is it?

Where is it?

Peter Island is the fifth largest of the cluster of islands, cays and reefs that comprise the British Virgin Islands. It is a speck of land south of Tortola.

Describe the setting

Idyllic retreat in a dramatic palm-fringed setting surrounded by white-sand beaches. The hotel and its marina occupy about half the island. The rooms, set in gardens, are individual timber-and-stone beach houses, some quite a walk from the main open-air reception area and restaurant. The rest of the island is an uninhabited area of 1,800 acres with six bays and 20 coves. The terrain is green, mountainous and dripping in hibiscus.

Does it have a USP?

No cars and no company – other than your fellow guests and the odd iguana. This is a private island, so you have to dock here on your yacht or travel on the hotel's ferry from the airport at Tortola. As in the rest of the BVIs, which have rejected the cruise ship market, the emphasis is on charm and privacy rather than over-the-top luxury.

Comfort factor?

Décor is traditional Caribbean with ceiling fans and louvred French doors leading to balconies and patios with hammocks and teak steamer chairs. The huge rooms have direct access to the boardwalk and beach. Peace is ensured by the lack of televisions.

What's in the bathroom?

Your large ensuite bathroom has both bath and shower and comes with fluffy bathrobes and excellent shampoos.

What are the other people like?

This is a favourite resort for honeymooners. Most guests are American, but Britons and Germans are beginning to discover it. Staff are enthusiastic and attentive, motoring around on silent buggies to attend to your every need. Benji, the veteran chief concierge, is also a local historian and conducts island tours. Children under eight and pets are "discouraged".

I'm hungry

Breakfast on fresh blueberries and scrambled eggs, and dine on rum-basted tropical lamb satay with grilled pineapple and coconut-lime sauce. A picnic, complete with linen napkins, can be delivered to you on the beach.

Local interest

Sailing, tennis, snorkelling, scuba diving, cycling, swimming, windsurfing and even horticulture tours.

Access for all?

Guests with disabilities can be accommodated, but you can only get here by boat or helicopter, which may put off some wheelchair-users.

What's the damage?

An Ocean View room costs $983 (£655) per night for two sharing, including all meals, watersports and transfers.

Address

Peter Island Resort, PO Box 211, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands (00 1 284 495 2000; www.peterisland.com). For further information contact the BVI Tourist Board (020-7947 8200; www.bvitouristboard.com).