If you were stranded on a Caribbean island with supermodel Shanina Shaik, what would you do? Here’s one idea: you could stage a photo shoot showing off the sexiest swimsuits of the season. When we found ourselves in this exact scenario one recent summer weekend, we did just that. Our destination of choice was Guana, tucked away in the British Virgin Islands.
While not entirely a desert island, Guana is an 850-acre wildlife preserve, with steep mountains, tropical forest, pristine beaches and sweeping views of sky and sea. Guests arrive by boat to the private dock at the postcard-perfect White Bay Beach, (there is no public marina on Guana). Royal-blue beach beds dot the sugar-white sand. A rum “painkiller” and an immediate dip into the turquoise water beckons.
Once you’re ready to check in, a golf cart whisks you up switchbacks to the top of the mountain, gaining views and altitude at every turn. At the peak is the clubhouse, built on 18th century Quaker ruins. The only thing missing from this classic Caribbean scene: people. With a max capacity of 35 guests, you’ll never have to worry about a crowd crashing your impromptu skinny dipping session—see slide number 6 for proof.
Breakfast and lunch are served there daily—drinks at 6:30, dinner at 7:30. Activities range from hiking and tennis to yoga and any number of water sports. Expeditions to waterholes, neighboring islands, fishing and diving can be arranged. But once you’ve sunk into island time, less ambitious pursuits are likely more appealing.
Getting There: Boat transfers available from Beef Island Airport in Tortola (EIS), St. Thomas USVI (STT) or Antigua.
Rooms, Suites & Villas: 14 Sea View Cottages, 1 Sea View Pool Cottage, 4 Villas.
Total accommodations: 35 people.
The island is available to rent out in its entirety.
