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Imagine the Caribbean before it went "public" ...
and then ... discover Guana Island ...
the Virgin Island that still is ...
One of the few remaining privately-owned
islands in its part of the world, Guana is 850 acres of undisturbed
natural beauty. Seven pristine, white powder-sand beaches and miles
of tropical forest, mountains, hills and valleys. In this setting,
where the sparkling Caribbean meets the vast Atlantic, you’ll find
excellent food, accommodations and service in the tradition of
low-key luxury perfected through seven decades of family
stewardship. Best of all, with acres of privacy per guest (usually
around 30 at a time), and no marina or public facilities of any
kind, you’ll barely have to share it with anyone.
WELCOME TO THE ISLAND
THAT'S LIKE NO PLACE ELSE ON EARTH -
When you arrive, you’ll be welcomed on the
hilltop with a cool tropical drink, a flower and a chance to
familiarize yourself with the Island and its many pleasures. 18th
century Quakers called it the Great House. Today, it’s the Club
where you’ll gather for cocktails, and dine on romantic candlelit
terraces. If you like, you may choose to socialize with other guests
in our comfortable Living Room, or just relax on a jasmine-scented
terrace and count the falling stars. Browse the Library to find a
good book. Or write one yourself. Our guests have been known to do
both.
THE SECLUSION OF A
HILLSIDE COTTAGE WITH VIEWS OF THE SEA -
After a day of being dazzled by lush
tropical beauty and crystalline waters, return to the spectacular
view from your own private terrace. Sprinkled along a scenic ridge
and cooled by gentle trade winds, the cottages enjoy commanding
views of the Caribbean and the Atlantic.
Our interiors are comfortably, but not overwhelmingly furnished in a
style that comes out of the history of the Island, once a sugarcane
plantation owned by American Quakers. But Quakers who knew how to
live! They favored stone architecture and managed very nicely
without media rooms and discos. That mood still prevails.
MORE PRIVATE THAN
PRIVATE—NORTH BEACH COTTAGE - Truly a world of its
own, the Cottage is the only house on the Island’s stunning North
Beach. Favored for its beauty and seclusion, the Cottage’s living
room, bedroom, and kitchen, are surrounded by scenic terraces.
Nestled among leafy sea grape trees, the only sounds you’ll hear are
the surf lapping the white sand at your doorstep, and the pelicans
diving just off your seaside deck.
If you’d prefer a calmer swim, you’ll find your own saltwater pool
just steps from the ocean. And when you feel like company, hop in
your golf cart and take the winding trail past a Quaker stone wall,
the Island’s Orchard and the Flamingo Pond, to the main beach and
tennis courts. Meals are served at the Club, but arrangements can be
made to dine alone at North Beach.
THE VILLAS—EACH A
WORLD OF ITS OWN - Jost House is the ultimate in
luxury living and has breathtaking views of Guana from the living
room, dining room and terraces. Its main bedrooms open onto a grand
terrace with an infinity pool and hot tub.
Harbour House is situated on the Island’s main ridge and has
sweeping views of Guana and of the Atlantic and Caribbean. It has
large terraces, a dining veranda, an infinity pool and a hot tub and
can be rented as a one or two bedroom villa.
Enjoy all the comfort, beauty and privacy of your villa and then, to
expand your horizons, drive your golf cart down the hill, past our
Orchard and Flamingo Pond, to White Bay Beach, our main beach, where
you’ll find tennis and croquet courts, all water sports and our very
private Beach Massage Spa |
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OUR DINING TERRACES OVERLOOK THE ATLANTIC AND
THE CARIBBEAN. MINGLING IS ENCOURAGED - But not
required. Although it’s hard not to be at least convivial in such a
setting. At breakfast and lunch, enjoy splendid buffets that range
from the healthful to the sinful. Or, choose a Castaway Picnic—our
boatmen will whisk you off for lunch and a private afternoon, on a
beach all your own. In the afternoon, take a break for Guana-grown
fruit, or tea and fresh-baked cookies at the Club or on the Beach.
For cocktails, guests gather on the
Queen’s Terrace, named for the Queen Mother on her 1964 visit to the
Island. As the sun sets, some hope for a glimpse of the green
flash—a blink of iridescent chartreuse at the moment sun meets
ocean– that is somehow not visible to everyone. Then comes
dinner—the freshest seafood, Island-grown fruits and vegetables,
breads and muffins from our own oven—all served on china and crystal
by a staff as cheerful as candlelight. Then comes the rest of the
star-filled night.
SO MUCH TO DO...BUT ONLY IF YOU WANT TO
- Let’s begin, as most guests do,
with White Bay Beach, a half-mile stretch of glistening white powder
sand—the beach you see in daydreams of the Caribbean. Swim in the
gentle clear blue ocean. Take a small sailboat, transparent kayak,
pedal boat or windsurfer. Snorkel, or just relax on a lounge or
hammock. There are six more secluded beaches to visit, either by
boat or on foot, where you can request a special, private Castaway
Picnic, snorkel the reefs on your own, or just watch the pelicans
dive. On land you’ll find two excellent tennis courts and a croquet
court. And if you want a comfortable workout, try walking or running
the paths along the Flat, thirty acres of green fields that separate
the Beach and the Flamingo Pond. For the more energetic, the Island
is also unique for its twelve miles of hiking and walking Trails.
Enjoy an afternoon of waterskiing, take a day trip to another
island, scuba dive, try deep-sea fishing – and more. Whatever you
choose to do, a perfect way to end every Guana day can be a soothing
or exhilarating massage in the tranquility of our waters-edge Beach
Spa. And while you’re there, look off towards the West where the
sunset tinges the blue Caribbean with bands of pink and gold and
orange–predicting the arrival of another flawless day.
Beaches - White Bay Beach is “arguably
the finest beach in the BVI,” according to Caribbean Travel & Life.
It is the half-mile stretch of pure white coral sand that most of
our guests use every day. There are times, however, when people want
to be alone. Really alone. Fortunately, we have six more beaches,
some so secluded they are accessible only by boat, on any of which
we can arrange a very private picnic.
On The Water - Take a kayak or snorkel
the reefs—or do both at once in our transparent kayaks. Or take a
Sunfish, windsurfer or pedal boat around the Bay; try snorkeling and
fishing (we provide the equipment). Whatever you like, it’s all
there for you.
On Land - We offer tennis on two
excellent courts, volleyball, badminton, croquet, ping-pong and even
bocce, lawn bowling and horseshoes at the Beach. And Guana’s hiking
trails are legendary.
FOR TOTAL INDULGENCE, OUR WATER'S EDGE BEACH
SPA - Don’t miss the unique
experience of a great massage at our Spa on White Bay Beach where
nothing will distract you but the sounds of the sea and the gentle
breezes. Our massage therapists provide simple massage or special
treatments at the Beach. If you prefer your massage in your own room
or on your private terrace, just ask and they’ll bring it all to
you.
And Yoga - Our tranquil Garden of
Eden is the exotic setting for yoga—beginner or advanced, private or
group. |