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The Bespoke Experience that is Peter Island

Peter Island
The Bespoke Experience that is Peter Island
 
Story by Jule Guaglardi
 
Poised like a well-groomed schoolboy, properly attired and well-behaved, Peter Island lies elegantly, luxuriously and reliably perfect to the naked eye. However, like the curious twinkle in the schoolboy’s eye, and beneath his unpretentious air of sophistication, Peter Island bares secrets of mischief, pirates and fabulous buried treasure.
 
The 1800 acre island (in the British Virgin Islands), rests along the Francis Drake Channel, named for the buccaneer who frequented these waters, concealed in secret bays awaiting the opportunity to strike the Spanish ships baring cargo steeped in riches. In the 17th century however, pirates and their hidden treasures gave way to European owned cotton plantations – albeit short lived with the eventual abolition of slavery.
With a brief revival in the 1920’s in the way of tobacco farms, much of the island remained uninhabited until the late 1960’s. It was during this time when Norwegian millionaire, Peter Smedwig, fell bedazzled with the island, purchasing the majority of the land to execute a most luxurious hideaway.
 
A brave and cumbersome task, Smedwig dredged vast amounts of sand and rock mounted atop a coral reef to reclaim the land of Spray Bay. He crafted a water supply, electricity, carved roads and shipped in A-frame chalets and building materials from Norway. He adorned the grand ensemble with a clubhouse and marina – and this would birth the epitome of privacy, tranquility and unpretentious luxury that defines Peter Island.
Smedwig sadly passed in 1979, leaving behind an elegant, however unstuffy, 32-room hotel and a vision of a secluded, tranquil paradise to be enjoyed by a select few. The resort was eventually purchased by a Michigan-based company, which had thankfully honored Smedwig’s image. Further pursuing a tropical hideaway for those seeking pampered serenity.
 
Today, the Peter Island Resort & Spa is genuinely a heavenly escape – with its raw, natural beauty in tact. With a 2 to 1 staff to guest ratio, you are cared for every step of the way. In addition to spectacular sea and landscapes to captivate your senses, the property has taken the liberty to invent the “Island Host” program to captivate the rest of you.
 
This brilliant concept assigns a personal caregiver to bring to life your every Peter Island wish. From unpacking your island necessities to organizing your holiday itinerary – from assuring every in-room amenity is to your liking to planning your private island picnic, lunch, candlelit dinner or a champagne sunset escape – no matter the desired experience, the warm and engaging staff is always one step ahead.
 
Frequented by the most discerning of travelers and glitterati alike, the Peter Island Resort & Spa overlooks not a single detail bestowing upon its guests such bespoke features as providing 2 Ayurvedic physicians on staff, instituting a no fly zone upon request, an island vacation buyout upon request, a helicopter landing pad, and a long list of other special attention offerings.
In addition to the oceanfront rooms and beachfront suites, there are three uniquely and beautifully appointed villas to choose from, each commanding a different, and equally spectacular view. There are 5 sugary sand beaches, 6 bays, 20 secluded coves, 30 dive sites within a 20 minute boat ride, yacht charters, bareboat charters, day trips, helicopter tours, deep sea fishing, and on and on and on.
 
It is hard to say whether it’s the private island experience, the sinfully indulgent and magnificently relaxing spa, a menu that can be tailored to your liking, your own private island host catering to your every whim, the outrageously beautiful scenery that abounds in every direction, the mystery of lost pirate treasure, or the long, fabulous list of bespoke features that make Peter Island Resort & Spa such an ideal escape – and I suppose that is for every individual to decide for him or herself. Either way, your island paradise awaits, tailor-made just for you!
Peter Island

Peter Island

Peter Island

Peter Island

Peter Island

Peter Island

Peter Island

Jule Guaglardi

A veteran of the luxury lifestyle media industry, Jule Guaglardi had dedicated 16 plus years to promoting luxury travel, gastronomy and style through a vast number of media outlets. Wearing nearly every hat from the bottom up, Jule has since partnered in a small collection of luxury travel, cuisine and style magazines and co produced two television programs. Her new company Nomad Product...(Read More)

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