Guana Island's White Bay, 1 of the BEST BEACHES

I recently had the pleasure of staying at Guana Island, an idyllic private island resort in the British Virgin Islands. As a frequent visitor to the British Virgin Islands, I’ve long heard of this secluded paradise but had never set foot on Guana Island’s pristine shoreline until my recent visit! In January of 2022, I had the chance to spend a few nights at this perfect, private island vacation paradise. Let me say officially MIND BLOWN! It is truly paradise found!

Guana Island, the aptly named “the Virgin Island that still is” boasts 850 acres of unspoiled beauty, framed by picture-perfect, secluded white-sand beaches beaches and dramatic mountains. Guana island’s cliffs are dotted with 18 unique cottages, each featuring truly drool-worthy scenic views. The Great House (named by the Quakers who first inhabited Guana Island) is the gathering spot for evening cocktails and meals for the handful of guests lucky enough to call this private island paradise home for their stay. Upon arrival to the dock at Guana, you are immediately whisked away to a refreshing cocktail and warm welcome from staff and guests alike at the Great House…it truly feels like you’ve arrived at a friend’s home, with a few obvious perks! White Bay and Flamingo Pond from the Great House Seaside Spa framed by swaying palms. Guana’s understated elegance and absolute privacy (only registered guests are permitted) have long made it a hideaway retreat for luminaries from the worlds of art, literature, politics, and industry. White Bay Beach is the longest stretch of sand on Guana Island, and it is truly spectacular, with crystalline waters, island views and powder-soft white sand. White Bay houses Guana’s beach bar (which is only open to guests of the resort) a handful of hammocks, a quaint seaside spa, and the resort’s water sports activity center. Among Caribbean beaches this one ranks up with the best of them in my opinion, and I’ve seen my fair share!

12 hiking trails criss-cross the island, leading guests to remote beaches and scenic overlooks. The island’s salt pond hosts at time dozens of Caribbean roseate flamingos, and the islands robust Stout Rock Iguana population ensures multiple sightings. Everywhere you go on your private island vacation, you will be met with stunning views, friendly service, and a truly relaxed authentic Caribbean vibe. Just because you’re on a private island doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy five-star cuisine, especially when you consider Guana’s chef draws his daily inspiration from the island’s organic orchard. Breakfast is served in the Great House and you’ll find your table set daily for your party. A plentiful continental breakfast including smoked salmon, fresh baked pastry items and pressed coffee or espresso is served along with the a la carte breakfast items, including eggs benedict, omelets, and daily chef’s special. SO DELISH!!After breakfast you’ll select your lunch preference from the day’s menu and location…dine at the beach club or at the great house, the choice is yours. We just had to choose the beach for our lunch on day one, I mean, how could you not? For dinner and lunch fresh-caught selections of the day are usually dropped off on the dock in the morning! The scenic dining terraces overlook both the Caribbean and the Atlantic, and the secluded dining spots overlooking the sea breakfast views. Top shelf liquor is included in your private island vacation package, and guests can enjoy a tropical cocktail at either bar or they are always welcome to pour their own. Of course we preferred the libations created by Sampson our favorite bartender on Guana…our favorites include the famous painkiller topped with fresh grated nutmeg, rum punch and the Guana bushwacker. He makes a pretty decent spicy bloody mary as well! We savored every meal at Guana, The fabulous locally-sourced,farm-to-table cuisine at Guana Island is island dining at its finest!

Accommodations for your private island vacation range from hillside cottages with ocean views, to multi-bedroom villas with pools and hot tubs. I can’t get enough of the native stone and coral buildings with their white-washed interiors and charming authentic Caribbean decor. This place just feels like home! my adorable cottage Villa views to DIE for abound Lounge on your expansive terrace and float the day away in your private pool villa at Guana IslandCottages are perfect for honeymooners, some providing stunning views from private plunge pools. Each guest house is named after an island, and villas range in size from one to six bedrooms, each with a private pool and terrace perfect for stargazing. Guana Island has very little light pollution so the night time views rival the day! If you want to enjoy the PERFECT private island vacation look no further than Guana Island. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience you will never forget! What you can forget is your high heels and dress clothes, because Guana Island is the definition of barefoot luxury! Escapism at its finest!

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