We visited Guana Island with my 79 year old mother and our two adult children. It was the perfect place for our multigenerational group. We stayed in the Jost Villa which was the largest on the island with 4 bedrooms and incredible views and a beautiful half-moon shaped infinity pool. The setting was much more beautiful than expected from the photos on the website. The island is an idyllic place for people who value privacy, minimalism, tradition, unspoiled natural beauty and dining on exquisitely prepared food. We enjoyed the cocktail hour before dinner where guests were expected to dress in smart casual attire and could gather to meet other guests many of whom had been frequenting the island for years. We spent the mornings tackling rugged and very challenging hikes and the afternoons swimming and kayaking at the beach. We were unable to snorkel because the sea was quite rough. The most appealing part was the absence of single use plastics as there is a water filtration system on the whole island and the reverence for preserving the diverse environment where native flora and fauna thrive and the complete lack of commercialism. This is a unique destination perfect for those seeking connection with nature, peace and quiet, seclusion, culinary excellence and attentive but un-intrusive service.…
We loved our trip so much that almost don’t want to post this review to keep this island a secret for longer! We travelled as a couple on our babymoon holiday. Guana Island is a family owned private island with a small, luxurious but subtle resort for 30 guests which makes you feel like you’re staying with a family friend. The beaches and island itself are gorgeous - lots of hiking, water activities, private areas to relax. The nature is beautiful. The food is absolutely exceptional. The staff are super friendly, helpful and discreet. Really couldn’t have asked for a better holiday and will definitely be coming back!
I really wanted to give Guana stars as many others have before. The setting is wonderful and so great the island hasn’t been disneyfied and being managed as a nature conservancy. Beautiful gardens, hummingbirds, bananaquits and iguanas.The place is low key,, old Caribbean style and as someone else on Trip Advisor said you are paying for what you don’t get! The staff are lovely and the food excellent (only one average experience, buffet night, which I assume is chef’s night off). The hiking is excellent - but bring proper boots, these aren’t strolls with some serious rocky terrain and uphill and downhills. The main beach is beautiful with plenty of water sports all at hand. But…… 1. This is a place that sells itself on tranquility. Be careful which room you choose. We were in D4 had white noise from the generator 24/7 which meant we had to close everything up at night and put on the AC which wasn’t necessary other than to block out the noise. Also meant we couldn’t use the terrace either. Constant hum. Quieter in my own home! 2. So low key it wasn’t really clear what was on offer! We had to ask about the Orchard tour for example rather than anyone suggest it. Meant to be a film night but that never materialised. Be helpful to have a discrete note somewhere of what’s on offer each day 3. Some will love the American country club feel. But as slightly more reserved Europeans we didn’t appreciate the cliquey atmosphere . The number of returning guests is of course a credit to the hotel, but adds to this ambience. 4. This is a private island and the BVI Causing Guide makes that very clear. However, we experienced many yachts not observing the restrictions and even witnessed an altercation with one skipper on the beach who insisted in dumping his guests, mooring his dinghy and using the beach loos despite being asked not to. Overall a beautiful place but take note that it isn’t quite the paradise the advertising would have you believe.…
Everything about Guana Island was amazing. The staff were incredible, food was amazing, and the island is beautiful. We can not say enough good thing about Guana. Worth every penny! Family style meals were a ton of fun to get to know others but was also easy to find time for just us.
This hotel is unique and offers a special experience unlike any other that I know of .You pay for what you don't get and it is worth every penny. We go back every year and to meet friends from prior visits. the staff is excellent and provides friendly professional service. The food is very good. there are daily menu changes
We very much enjoyed our stay on Guana Island! I will preface this review in saying that when we seek out accommodation, we look for small, boutique properties, away from any busy tourist spots. Guana completely fit this description and allowed for guests to choose their own adventure... or lack thereof if you just choose to relax and take in the surroundings. We chose the adventurous path and took advantage of Guana's numerous hiking trails. A map is provided; however, the sage knowledge of previous guests points you in the right direction (which I promise you, there will be return guests willing to give you guidance!). Paths were well marked and relatively accessible, with some steep spots and rope descents. Some led to vistas while others brought you down to the water where, if you brought along the provided snorkel gear, you were rewarded with a mid-hike snorkel. There are some reefs to explore and admittedly, they are not the best I've seen, but definitely ticks the box. Outside of the hiking, there are watersports and loungers down by the beach which is accessed by a short golf cart ride down from the main building. The team at Guana is always available for any request, but also happy to leave you be to enjoy your vacation. Meals are held on the verandas of the main building with breathtaking views. You get to mix and mingle with the other guests (or dine privately if you choose). The food was outstanding and changed daily. Guana Island is the perfect spot if you are looking for an off the beaten path, quiet, unspoiled beautiful property and/or you like to interject some activity into your Caribbean vacations. …
Absolutely deserves stellar rankings in every category. Guana Island is unlike any other vacation experience--it is serene and gorgeous and natural and "just right." Not everyone will appreciate its wonders, but having been to a number of other resorts, resort islands, and all over the Caribbean, I absolutely can say with data to back up the claim that Guana does it all spectacularly, and comparatively, though steep, it is the best of its category.
We returned to Guana Island this year after a 2-year hiatus for the pandemic and health concerns. The island is as beautiful as ever, and the staff, accommodations and meals as wonderful as ever. We plan to continue our annual visits for as long as possible.
Lovely resort. Amazing views. Lots of hikes. Beach is gorgeous. Snorkeling not so great. Very social resort as guests all seem to get to know one another and then return together. Food & value not equal value to what they charge.
We have been for very many years, because the uniqueness of the island giving luxury, privacy if you want it or company if you don't. Good swimming, food and the opportunity to observe nature at close call through the lovely and sometimes demanding trails which are being reopened. Our annual trip for 2024 has been booked!
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