| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 03/07/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 49 |
| Copyright: Other |
British virgin islands by Louise Longman
Who wants to meet a millionaire?
Follow in the footsteps of the rich and famous
Honeymooners holidaying on Peter Island Resort may find that all thoughts of romance have disappeared by the time they arrive.A 9hr flight to Miami followed by flights to Puerto Rico and Beef Island is enough to test the patience of even the most passionate of lovers. The final leg of the journey, however, should calm the nerves. Prepare to be whisked away James Bond style over moonlit waters to arrive at a sleeping Peter Island. It’s magical.
Simmons, one of the island’s friendly staff, collected me from the boat in a little buggy and drove me to my accommodation, assuring me with a knowing look how different the island would appear in the morning.
He was right. Peering through the wooden slats of my hut, I was greeted with breathtaking sights of a classic Caribbean vista – glistening waters, white sand and the obligatory palm tree.
The sight of what looked like a pterodactyl swooping past the window nearly knocked me for six but Simmons later assured me it was one of the island’s pelicans which routinely circle above the aquamarine sea, dive bombing for fish.
A tour of the five-mile island with Benji, a 20-year island resident, is a good way to get your bearings early on. Hanging on to one of the nifty little buggies, we careered up steep hills and rounded winding bends, clocking up stunning views of the resort and the neighbouring islands. Benji can tell you all you need to know, from stories of pirates and submerged wrecks to where to spot the island’s resident iguanas, not to mention his encyclopedic knowledge of the island’s plants, such as the spiky Mother-In-Law’s Tongue.
Peter Island is the ideal spot for lovebirds and staff are keen to ferry couples to and from private beaches by boat or buggy. For the super-energetic, Peter Island offers superb leisure facilities.
Take advantage of tennis lessons from a professional coach or learn to sail and windsurf with Colin, who spends his time on the beach watching novices fall into the sea. If you’re more the solid ground type, then Peter Island is a good place to people-watch. The resort has been known to attract a few stars in its time. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of Rolling Stones fame have been spotted as has Richard Branson, who pops across from his very own Necker Island.
But if stars are out of season when you’re on Peter Island, as they were on my visit, don’t despair. There’s many a millionaire and his yacht to cast your eye over.
Peter Island Resort: the only way on to the island is via a boat
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Peter island