After a protracted rebuild following the hurricanes of 2017, the landmark Peter Island Resort will reopen in time for the next tourism season, operators announced last week.
The upmarket holiday destination has undergone a substantial rebuild in the years it has been out of action. Reservations are now being taken for stays beginning in early October, with prices starting at $1,000 per night plus taxes and fees, the resort announced.
The move comes after years of delays even following a previous announcement that most of the resort would be open for business again in December 2021.
“After over six years, we are excited to raise the curtain on Peter Island Resort’s transformation to a new level of luxury,” said Peter Island Resort President David Van Andel, adding, “For generations we have been honoured stewards of Peter Island, and we look forward to sharing our revitalised Caribbean treasure once again in 2024.”
52 rooms and more
The complex contains 52 rooms, along with suite and villa accommodations, restaurants and a new conference space.
“What’s new and improved is having all rooms, junior suites and two-bedroom villas on coveted beachfront just steps from the sea along the palm tree-lined stretch of Deadman’s Beach,” according to a Jan. 17 press release announcing the re-opening. “Also new is a stunning infinity pool overlooking Deadman’s Beach, inviting guests to enjoy the best of both worlds — poolside and seaside.”
Meanwhile, work is ongoing on two luxury villas: Falcon’s Nest is being “rebuilt and redesigned,” while Hawk’s Nest is being “upgraded and redecorated,” the release stated.
“Peter Island Resort is significantly expanding its meetings and events facilities to accommodate groups of up to 180 people with a new 3,000-square-foot oceanfront conference centre flanked by two event lawns and a pre-function veranda,” the release added.
The venue also boasts a new yacht club, and operators claim environmental issues have been kept in mind.
“The new yacht club will be a must on the itineraries of sailors, boaters and yachtsmen with a marina that can accommodate a range of vessels, from powerboats, sailboats and catamarans to superyachts of up to 200 feet,” the release stated.
Located in Sprat Bay harbour, the yacht club will include a swimming pool for yacht club guests, the Drunken Pelican restaurant and bar, a commissary, a boutique and a sports recreation area with pickleball, basketball and bocce ball courts and a lawn-games area, according to operators.
“To protect the coral reef and marine life surrounding the island, moorings will be located in White Bay, Sprat Bay, Deadman’s Bay, Key Bay and Little Harbour for seafaring guests to enjoy,” the release stated.
Reopening delays
After sustaining extensive damage during hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, the resort closed and laid off 176 employees, operators announced in December 2017. Since then, the reopening has been delayed repeatedly.
After a long silence following 2017, the resort announced in January 2020 that it aimed to reopen the “main sections” of its operations by December 2021.
Around the time of the announcement, then-Premier Andrew Fahie had signed an agreement for the redevelopment with Peter Island Limited, represented by Mr. Van Andel, then the resort director, according to a government press release.
The release provided few details, and it didn’t explain why the agreement was needed for the rebuild. However, Mr. Fahie said at the time that the project would generate approximately 160 local jobs during the construction phase and that after completion it would create “no less than 50 jobs” and contribute $18-$22 million to the economy annually.