If you’re a frequent traveler to the British Virgin Islands, you might have heard of Peter Island Resort. The luxurious resort was once a top destination for celebrities and affluent travelers seeking a secluded paradise. However, the resort has been closed for years, leaving many wondering what happened.
The Beginnings of Peter Island Resort
Peter Island Resort was founded in the early 1970s by Norwegian entrepreneur Torolf Smedvig. He fell in love with the uninhabited island while sailing in the area and decided to make it his own private retreat. Smedvig purchased the island and built a small villa for himself and his family.
Over time, Smedvig expanded the villa into a full-fledged resort, featuring luxurious accommodations, world-class dining options, and exclusive amenities like private beaches and a helipad. The resort quickly gained popularity among wealthy travelers looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The Rise and Fall of Peter Island Resort
For several decades, Peter Island Resort thrived as one of the most exclusive destinations in the Caribbean. The resort’s pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical vegetation made it an ideal spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.
However, things started to change in 2017 when Hurricane Irma hit the British Virgin Islands with full force. The category 5 storm caused widespread devastation across the region, damaging or destroying many homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
Peter Island Resort was not spared from Irma’s wrath. The storm damaged much of the resort’s infrastructure, including its guest rooms, restaurants, spa facilities, and power systems. In the months following Irma’s landfall, many staff members were laid off as management struggled to assess the damage and develop a plan for recovery.
Despite efforts to rebuild after Hurricane Irma, Peter Island Resort has remained closed since 2017. There have been no official updates on when or if it will reopen. The resort’s social media pages have been inactive since 2018, and its website is no longer operational.
The Future of Peter Island Resort
While it’s unclear what the future holds for Peter Island Resort, many former staff members and guests are nostalgic about the resort’s heyday. They remember the stunning sunsets, delicious cuisine, and personalized service that made the resort so special.
In recent years, there have been rumors that new investors have expressed interest in purchasing Peter Island Resort and reviving it as a luxury destination. However, these rumors remain unconfirmed.
As of now, visitors to the British Virgin Islands will have to find other places to experience the magic of this tropical paradise. Nonetheless, those who had the privilege of experiencing Peter Island Resort in its prime will always cherish their memories of this once-in-a-lifetime destination.
Conclusion
Peter Island Resort was once a top luxury destination for travelers seeking a private paradise in the British Virgin Islands. However, Hurricane Irma dealt a devastating blow to the resort in 2017. Since then, it has remained closed with no official updates on when or if it will reopen.
Despite its uncertain future, Peter Island Resort remains an iconic part of Caribbean travel history. For those lucky enough to have stayed there in its prime, memories of pristine beaches, gourmet food, and exceptional service will live on forever.