Trade in that screensaver for the real thing — these totally secluded, completely blissful islands are the stuff of honeymoon dreams.
By: Pam GroutGuana Island, B.V.I
This private island in the British Virgin Islands may be the only wildlife sanctuary with a cocktail hour. It also has seven beaches, 850 acres and at full capacity, just 32 guests. Owners Henry and Gloria Jarecki, who bought Guana in 1975, have made it their mission to restore the island to pre-human times — at least as much as possible. Ambitious nature conservation and restoration projects have brought back native iguanas, nesting roseate pink flamingos, red-legged tortoise, a bromeliad (plant species) found nowhere else on the planet and other nearly extinct species.
Photo courtesy of Guana Island
What to Do:
With unlimited free access to the island’s sailboats, kayaks, snorkeling equipment, water skis, tennis courts, 26 hiking trails (constructed with a machete by Dr. Liao, an eccentric ornithologist who writes poetry and gives tours of the huge organic orchard he planted during the three decades he’s lived there), perhaps the better question: is what can’t you do?
Take a day trip to nearby islands and picnic on your own private beach. Then dine by candlelight on the Queen Terrace (named for the Queen Mother’s visit in 1964) where you might be lucky enough to see the legendary green flash that happens at dusk at the exact moment the sun sets.
Don’t miss tea time or an orchard tour with Dr. Liao who may recite poetry and serenade you with a love song.
Where to Stay:
Each of the 19 private cottages and villas is totally and completely unplugged. Several have private swimming pools (room rates start at $695 and are all-inclusive: guana.com).
