Peter Island Marina Pool
We recently visited Peter Island in February 2025, just months after its long-anticipated reopening. This island has always held a special place in our hearts—Deadman’s Bay was the very first anchorage we dropped a hook in during our honeymoon, which also happened to be our first bareboat charter in the Caribbean. Many adventures have come and gone since then, but you never forget your first.
That first charter was aboard a 36-foot Irwin with Go Vacations (long out of business). Back then, the boat felt massive since we were used to sailing our Catalina 22. Fast forward to today, and we primarily sail a Leopard 42, which we keep in The Moorings’ BVI fleet. My, how things have changed! But I digress—back to Peter Island, which is more stunning than ever.
Peter Island’s Devastation and Rebirth
Before diving into our experience, it’s impossible to talk about Peter Island’s reopening without acknowledging the devastation it endured. In 2017, Hurricane Irma tore through the British Virgin Islands, leaving destruction in its wake. Peter Island Resort & Spa was severely damaged, and unlike some other resorts that quickly reopened, Peter Island remained closed for years, undergoing a complete transformation.
The rebuilding process wasn’t just about repairing what was lost—it was about reimagining the island with a more modern, refined, and luxurious experience while still preserving its natural beauty. After years of meticulous planning, Peter Island finally reopened in 2024, and we were thrilled to see that it had retained the charm we fell in love with while elevating the entire experience.
Sailing to Peter Island: A Sporty Start
Liz and I were in the BVI for two weeks aboard our sailing catamaran, Dauntless, a Moorings 4200. For the first week, we were joined by our friends Tia and Antonio, who had sailed with us before on our Catalina 36 Creola on inland lakes. They had visited the Caribbean, but they had never sailed the Caribbean—let alone lived aboard a boat for a week. To ease them into the experience, we decided on a short sail from Road Town to Peter Island, allowing them to get their sea legs and adjust to life aboard.
Good thing we did, because Tia got a bit seasick—though, to be fair, the weather was sporty all week. Other than that, the crossing of Sir Francis Drake Channel was uneventful. We arrived at Great Harbour expecting to find our reserved mooring ball, which I believe was near the beach bar at the far end of the anchorage. Unable to locate it, we grabbed a first-come, first-served ball instead.
After settling in, I reached out to the marina staff to confirm whether we could stay put. Dockmaster Devron was incredibly kind and assured me it was fine. Just minutes later, I received a text from Ed Linsley, the resort’s new general manager, suggesting we try the marina instead. He even offered to show us around. My motto? When the resort GM invites you personally, you don’t pass it up.
Moving to the Marina: A No-Brainer
Doing a quick cost comparison in my head:
- $55/night for a reserved mooring ball
- $50 per person to use resort facilities
- $200 for a marina slip (plus $70 for A/C hookup)
For comfort and convenience, moving to the marina was a no-brainer. I let Ed know we were coming over.
When we arrived, Devron and Chevon expertly guided us into our slip. Maneuvering space was ample, the current was nonexistent, and the dockhands were very capable—a smooth transition all around.
After securing Dauntless, Ed was already at the dock to greet us. He’s fantastic—we knew Ed previously as the GM at the Bitter End Yacht Club, which is another of our favorite spots in th BVI-before Peter Island poached him late last year. True to his word, he gave us a quick tour of the marina’s amenities, which included:
- Laundry facilities
- Showers
- Pickleball courts
- A stunning pool with a panoramic view of Sir Francis Drake Channel
- The Drunken Pelican (the resort’s casual restaurant/bar)
- A gift shop with some basic grocery supplies
Naturally, our first stop was the pool and bar.
We had planned to eat at the Drunken Pelican, but all the seating was open-air (under a solid roof). Given the strong winds, eating while chasing napkins and food didn’t seem appealing. Ed suggested The Drake, their fine-dining restaurant, instead.
Dining at The Drake: An Elegant Experience
The Drake has a dress code, requiring slacks for men. I hadn’t packed slacks, but my nice dress shorts and collared shirt were deemed acceptable since the resort wasn’t at full capacity. Note to self: next time, bring my sport kilt—it’s lightweight, and I’m pretty sure it would be allowed. 😆
Dinner at The Drake was a fantastic experience:
- Warm, fresh bread served with truffle butter, olive tapenade, and whipped butter—an incredible start.
- Top-notch service—staff were attentive, friendly, and eager to make sure guests had the best experience.
For the main courses:
- I had planned to order the tomahawk ribeye, but I wasn’t feeling 100% and was oddly chilled, so I opted for the pasta bolognese instead.
- Liz had the prawns, which were so massive they could’ve passed for baby lobsters. 🦐😮
- Antonio had the grouper and raved about it.
- Tia went for a couple of vegetarian dishes, which looked fantastic.
Since The Drake sits above Deadman’s Bay, we didn’t have to walk. Chantal picked us up in a large golf cart for the quick 5-minute ride, and later took us back after dinner.
Despite the delicious food, my appetite wasn’t cooperating, so I mostly sipped chamomile tea and saved my pasta for breakfast. No dessert for me, sadly. 😞 And, in my off night, I even forgot to take photos of our meal—so you’ll have to settle for a shot of our boat instead. ⛵😂
Final Thoughts: Should You Visit Peter Island?
Absolutely. Peter Island is perfect for those looking for:
✔️ A beautifully rebuilt resort with modern amenities
✔️ Gorgeous beaches with a peaceful atmosphere
✔️ Exceptional service from a staff that genuinely wants to make you happy
✔️ A more refined, upscale setting compared to a typical BVI pub crawl
It’s a fantastic first or last night stop in the BVI. On our next trip, we might spend a few consecutive nights—perhaps on a mooring ball or anchored near the beach bar at Great Harbour to start the trip, then move to the marina at the end.
Either way, Peter Island will remain a favorite of ours, and we can’t wait to return.