Peter Island Resort and Spa

When it comes to high-end services and exclusive settings, it's hard to top this resort. It's a haven for romance, and the private island setting makes the property feel worlds away from everything -- simply arriving here requires taking a boat or helicopter, after all. That being said, the style throughout the resort is a bit of a let down. Yes, everything is well kept and attractive enough, but many details are a bit dated. Expect to see natural stone walls and lovely water views from almost anywhere on the property, though accents like the wave-shaped mosaic floors in the lobby and dated furniture and colors in the spa all combine to feel a bit underwhelming given the hotel's category. The grounds are beautiful, but guests expecting an over-the-top wow factor when it comes to style may be underwhelmed. The restaurants, lobby, rooms, and other amenities are substantially spread across the property. Even at capacity, guests will never feel overcrowded as it’s easy to find a secluded piece of the island. Children are allowed at the resort, but the quiet atmosphere and king beds in every room are clearly geared more toward honeymooning couples than families.

Located on a large, private island, the resort is only accessible by helicopter, ferry, or private boat. The on-site marina is directly across from Road Town in Tortola. Guests arriving by private yacht or sailboat can pay for use of the available slips, mooring balls, and T-docks (which accommodate a maximum 170-foot yacht). Marina guests are afforded the use of all of the resort’s amenities.The two nearest airports are Tortola’s Beef Island Airport (EIS) and St. Thomas’ Cyril King International Airport (STT) in Charlotte Amalie. Ferry service from the former is reasonably priced and requires only a 30-minute ride to Peter Island. The latter takes 90 minutes one way and includes a mandatory stop at British customs. The resort’s ferry service to/from St. Thomas is pricey and limited -- requiring seven days advance notice to book. Both routes also require that guests pay a mandatory BVI departure tax.

Room decor is understated and homey, and is actually a bit of a let down given the exclusive, private-island setting. Expect to see dated tilework on the floors plus wicker furniture that's a bit worn along with fabrics in hues that are more tropical-tacky than tasteful and chic. Details like wood-beam ceilings and marble tabletops do help add a bit of class and rustic charm, but bland abstract wall art and sometimes worn fabrics detract from the hotel's luxury aspirations. The resort’s entry-level Ocean View Rooms have one-room floor plans with 316 square feet (29 square meters) of living space. These second-floor units include a king-size bed, a small desk, and a sitting area. Situated on the ground floor, Ocean View Deluxe Rooms have a larger, 384-square-foot (36-square-meter) space with a roomier sitting area. Both include modern amenities like iPod alarm clocks, minibars (with free beer, soft drinks, and bottled water), and private ocean-view balconies or patios. Bathrooms are well-appointed, but again plagued by dated tilework and underwhelming style. All feature Natura Bisse premium bath products, oversized vanities, and large walk-in shower stalls with separate stand-alone soaking tubs. Wi-Fi is also free, and we found it to be fast and reliable in the rooms.Beachfront Junior Suites offer expansive, one-room floor plans that include a king-size bed and a larger sitting area with a daybed. The rooms are steps from Deadman’s Beach and the private, furnished balconies offer excellent views of Deadman’s Bay. However, their location also means that they are situated away from the pool and central resort complex that includes Tradewinds restaurant. Modern amenities include all of the above plus a two-person whirlpool tub and a two-person shower stall. Unfortunately the bathroom we saw in the Junior Suite had unattractive tiling in pink and blue plus once-trendy stone walls.The property’s flagship villas provide plenty of upmarket bells and whistles. These massive units range in size from 3,626 square feet (337 square meters) to 21,645 square feet (2,010 square meters). The Hawk’s Nest is the smallest of the three villas, with enough room to accommodate 10 guests. The space includes an extensive list of modern amenities from a full kitchen and wet bar to a private sundeck to a media room with a 52-inch TV. The Falcon’s Nest Villa is the largest room of its kind available in the British Virgin Islands, capable of accommodating 12 guests comfortably. The villa offers every imaginable amenity, including six bedrooms, seven bathrooms with rainfall showers, a three-story waterfall and grotto, personal staff (including a chef, butler, and housekeeper), a private vehicle with a driver, a private spa and fitness center, and an integrated high-tech surround sound system.

The hotel’s list of amenities is extensive. The stand-out feature is the inclusion of five private beaches -- more than any other resort in the British Virgin Islands. Its two waterfront restaurants, two open-air bars, and a massive, ocean-view spa are also noteworthy.

The hotel’s five private beaches are nothing short of impressive. Situated behind the Beach Front Junior Suites, Deadman’s Beach is the main stretch of sand where guests gather. This beach alone is large enough to easily accommodate the hotel’s entire guest list. A long row of wooden lounge chairs and private palapas provides substantial, shaded relaxation space. At the far end of the beach, a staffed cabana offers non-motorized and motorized water sports. Near the beach’s center, Deadman’s Beach Bar & Grill serves Caribbean food and a full bar in a casual, open-air space.Of the five beaches, though, Honeymoon Beach is the resort’s most notable. Access to the ultra-private beach requires advanced reservations. Only a single couple is allowed at any one time, ensuring that the pair has the entire stretch of sand all to themselves. A private cabana has lounge furniture, a hammock, and a phone to contact hotel staff for drinks, food, and pickup at the end of the day.The other three beaches -- White Bay Beach, Little Deadman’s Beach, and Big Reef Beach -- have additional, secluded stretches of sand where few guests ever venture.

Two full restaurants service the property. The food is pricey, though well-reviewed. Unfortunately, as the island’s only two restaurants, the available dining options can feel quite limited, and again, the look throughout both is simple and dated.Adjacent to the pool and main resort complex, Tradewinds is situated in a casual space with light wood furniture and stone walls. Breakfast is served both as a buffet and a la carte, with selections that are a step above most Caribbean resort offerings. The dinner menu features Asian-Caribbean fusion cuisine with entrees such as Grilled Ahi Tuna, Pan Seared Grouper, and Ricotta Gnocchi. A gourmet dessert menu and a wine room with more than 300 selections are also available.Deadman’s Beach Bar & Grill is the resort’s more casual restaurant and is situated directly on Deadman’s Beach. Both lunch and dinner menus consist of casual, bar fare served a la carte or as a buffet. Typical entrees include wood-grilled pizza, ribs, and Caribbean soul food. Live music, including steel drum band performances, is available on select nights each week.

The spa is the size of a five-pearl resort's spa, but the style -- like so much of the hotel -- is in need of an overhaul. The stone accents, chunky furniture, and predictable "tropical" color schemes aren't exactly high-end from a design perspective. The space is located in a secluded part of the island that requires a shuttle bus to access. The 10,000-square-foot (929-square-meter) complex features 10 treatment rooms, couples massage suites, and two bohio huts for open-air treatments. The menu of services includes almost every imaginable form of massage, scrub, body wrap, facial, and detoxifying treatment. The salon also provides hair, nail, and general beauty services. Additional amenities include a private pool exclusively for spa guests, an outdoor garden, and a whirlpool hot tub -- all with views of Big Reef Bay.

The single on-site pool is surprisingly modest given the size and luxury aspirations of the hotel. However, its location is convenient to all Ocean View rooms, Tradewinds restaurant, and the bar at Drake’s Lounge. The minimally landscaped space around the pool provides wide, open, panoramic sea views. The surrounding sundeck affords ample seating and a couple of pergolas for shade. As a quiet, relaxed property, there are no poolside sports or activities provided. Curiously, there is also no poolside drink service.

The moderately sized gym is located in a small, air-conditioned building with a tall, exposed wood beam ceiling. The space is open 24 hours a day and features a decent selection of free weights and dated strength- and cardio-training machines. A limited selection of balance balls and yoga mats is also available. Free yoga classes are also offered on select days of the week and take place in the spa's garden.