Notes From the Road: Peter Island, the British Virgin Islands

The quiet side of luxury

The British Virgin Islands are home to more than 60 islands and cays, but none tells quite the story of Peter Island. The largest private island in the territory, this 1,800-acre retreat has worn many hats over the centuries, from an early Dutch settlement in the 1600s to its current incarnation as one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive resort destinations. Following a thoughtful seven-year restoration after Hurricane Irma, Peter Island Resort has reemerged with a renewed vision that honors both the island’s history and its extraordinary natural setting.

Arriving at Peter Island Resort was a spectacular experience in and of itself. After a first-class transfer via Island Time charter company, I was greeted on the dock by the Peter Island team and immediately understood why so many travelers (and locals) become deeply loyal to this place.

A Grand Arrival

The 52-key resort occupies just a small portion of the island, leaving miles of unspoiled coastline, hiking trails and secluded beaches to explore. It’s surrounded by legendary neighbors, including Norman Island—widely believed to have inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island—and Dead Chest Island, whose pirate folklore has become part of British Virgin Islands legend.

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Rather than simply rebuilding what once stood here after Hurricane Irma, ownership took the opportunity to rethink the guest experience. Every room now sits directly along the crescent of Deadman’s Beach, placing guests just steps from the Caribbean Sea while preserving the sense of seclusion that has long defined Peter Island. A major bonus? Private customs services are available for groups.

For meeting planners, that exclusivity provides an event experience that’s remarkably rare in the Caribbean. The resort’s Drake Channel Ballroom stands apart as the largest purpose-built ballroom within a luxury resort in the British Virgin Islands, filling a niche that’s long been missing for groups seeking both elevated accommodations and dedicated meeting space. Accommodating up to 176 guests theater-style or 110 banquet-style, it offers planners the ability to host productive general sessions without sacrificing the intimate, private-island atmosphere that defines the property.

In addition to the ballroom, several boardrooms and an array of outdoor venues take full advantage of the island’s setting. Oceanfront lawns, terraces and beachfront gathering spaces lend themselves to everything from sunrise yoga and breakout sessions to cocktail receptions, gala dinners and celebrations beneath a canopy of stars.

The resort’s collection of private villas further expands its appeal for executive retreats, incentive groups and leadership gatherings. Perched on hillsides with sweeping Caribbean views, the multi-bedroom residences combine expansive indoor and outdoor living spaces with private pools, creating an environment that encourages both productivity and connection. During my visit, one of the villas had been reserved exclusively for a corporate retreat, allowing the group to blend strategy sessions, downtime and shared experiences.

Flavors of the Island

The resort’s two restaurants strike a perfect balance between relaxed island dining and elevated culinary experiences. The Drunken Pelican serves fresh ceviche, fish tacos, wood-fired pizzas, crisp salads and other Caribbean-inspired favorites in a laid-back setting overlooking the water.

For a more refined evening, The Drake Steakhouse showcases prime steaks, locally sourced seafood, house-made pastas and seasonal specialties complemented by an impressive wine list, handcrafted cocktails and creative zero-proof offerings.

Chasing the Sunset

One of the highlights of my stay was the Sunset Loop Tour, an evening excursion that carries guests through the island’s rolling hills to panoramic overlooks with sweeping views across the Sir Francis Drake Channel. Along the way, we paused for wine and appetizers as the sky shifted from brilliant gold to soft shades of pink and lavender, with neighboring islands fading into the twilight.

The tour is more than a scenic drive. Sharing the experience with other guests naturally sparks conversation, making it one of the easiest—and most enjoyable—ways to connect with fellow travelers from around the world.

A Pleasant Surprise

Like every corner of the resort, Peter Island’s gift shop feels both effortless and thoughtfully curated. Rather than the usual collection of logo merchandise and forgotten necessities, it’s stocked with stylish resort wear, locally inspired gifts, home décor, artisanal goods and other pieces you’d genuinely want to take home. Tucked among them is a surprisingly well-stocked bookstore.

Before my flight, I had rushed through airport shops hoping to find something to read, only to discover that the selection here was far better than anything I’d come across before boarding. It’s a small detail, but one that perfectly reflects the resort’s approach; even the unexpected touches are exceptionally well done.

The Heart of Peter Island

While the setting is undeniably extraordinary, what makes Peter Island Resort truly memorable is its people. Many members of the team have spent years—even decades—welcoming guests to the island, and their genuine pride in the property’s revival is evident in every interaction.

After helping to bring the resort back to life following its years-long closure, they’ve created an atmosphere that feels like being welcomed into a close-knit community, rather than completing a standard check-in. That kind of hospitality can’t be designed or manufactured.