Fort Recovery Beachfront Villa & Suites Hotel
An Inn-timate experience... peaceful, breezy, comfortable and clean...voted the "Best Views in the BVI" !!! Caribbean-Fusion pool side dining!
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 I spent a week in Paradise! Visited: April 2006 |
| Posted by nextlife |
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A week at the Peter Island Resort is almost like having your own private island.
The facilities and staff are excellent. The spa is especially good. A wide variety of activities are available. The guests are spread out over the island, so frequently there is no one else at the pool or on the beach.
The food and entertainment in the restaurant make for a delightful combination. A week at Peter Island is expensive - but worth it. |
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| 6 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. |
 Nice Island-Awful Service Visited: May 2006 |
| Posted by kahemmes |
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My husband and I just spent a portion of our honeymoon at Peter Island Resort. I have always wanted to go to Peter Island as I have always read and heard great things about it. The island it self is great-beautiful beaches and views. We stayed in a Jr. Beach Front suite which was adequate. The bathroom with the double shower and jacuzzi tub was a treat-as was the private hammock right outside of our patio. The decor could use some updating-especially the bedding. The problem was the service was absolutely AWFUL!! I can count on less than one hand the number of staff that were pleasant. The majority acted as if they were doing you a favor by doing their job-no matter if it was getting you a drink at the bar-taking your lunch/dinner order, helping you at the water sport desk, even the front lobby staff were dismal to say the least. It truly was very disappointing. The spa was fabulous, the food very good-especially at the Deadman's beach restaurant. The sunset trip above White Bay Beach was fantastic. This resort could easily live up to it's 5 star rating with some managment changes but until then I wouldn't return nor reccommend it-there are many other resorts at the same price point that are far superior. |
| 3 users found this review helpful. 3 found this review unhelpful. |
| Nice Island-Awful Service Visited: May 2006 |
| Posted by kahemmes |
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My husband and I just spent a portion of our honeymoon at Peter Island Resort. I have always wanted to go to Peter Island as I have always read and heard great things about it. The island it self is great-beautiful beaches and views. We stayed in a Jr. Beach Front suite which was adequate. The bathroom with the double shower and jacuzzi tub was a treat-as was the private hammock right outside of our patio. The decor could use some updating-especially the bedding. The problem was the service was absolutely AWFUL!! I can count on less than one hand the number of staff that were pleasant. The majority acted as if they were doing you a favor by doing their job-no matter if it was getting you a drink at the bar-taking your lunch/dinner order, helping you at the water sport desk, even the front lobby staff were dismal to say the least. It truly was very disappointing. The spa was fabulous, the food very good-especially at the Deadman's beach restaurant. The sunset trip above White Bay Beach was fantastic. This resort could easily live up to it's 5 star rating with some managment changes but until then I wouldn't return nor reccommend it-there are many other resorts at the same price point that are far superior. |
| 3 users found this review helpful. 3 found this review unhelpful. |
| It was a nice island, but awful service. Visited: May 2006 |
| Posted by kahemmes |
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My husband and I just spent a portion of our honeymoon at Peter Island Resort. I have always wanted to go to Peter Island as I have always read and heard great things about it.
The island itself was great, with beautiful beaches and views. We stayed in a junior beachfront suite - which was adequate. The bathroom with the double shower and Jacuzzi tub was a treat - as was the private hammock right outside of our patio. The decor could use some updating, especially the bedding.
The problem was the service was absolutely awful! I can count on less than one hand the number of staff that were pleasant to us. The majority seemed to act as if they were doing us a favor by doing their job - no matter if it was getting us a drink at the bar; taking our lunch/dinner order; or helping us at the water sport desk. Even the front lobby staff was dismal to say the least. It truly was very disappointing.
The spa was fabulous, the food very good - especially at the Deadman's beach restaurant. The sunset trip above White Bay Beach was fantastic.
This resort could easily live up to its five-star rating with some management changes. Until then, I wouldn't return nor reccommend it. There are many other resorts at the same price point that are far superior. |
| 14 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful. |
| White Bay was heaven on earth. Visited: September 2005 |
| Posted by bloomkm2 |
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I spent a couple of days at White Bay Camp Ground. It was life altering for me. I have never experienced anything like White Bay. It was the most peaceful place I've ever visited. Its beauty is unseen anywhere else. It was pure paradise! Ivan, you rock! |
| 3 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
 This was a great destination; but we got poor service and food. Visited: December 2005 |
| Posted by siudell2 |
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We loved the island and its beautiful beaches. There was lots of privacy, and we never had the feel that the resort was crowded. The views were great, too. We felt like we were on our own private island.
One would expect, however, that the week before Christmas, the staff would be ready to rock and roll for the pickiest of guests. (We are very easy to please.)
The service, aside from a few key staff, was lousy. We had to make repeated requests for re-stocking of our in-room fridge, beach towels (delivered only one day to our room the entire week), and endured long waits for checks at meals, along with screwed up orders.
The island itself was magnificent, and the facilities were good. The truly bad service overshadowed that. The lunch menu never changed the entire seven days we were here. It was boring and not worth the hefty price for the "inclusive" stay! Dinner was good but not over the top...and certainly not memorable.
I would recommend the lower rooms -- they were larger and had vaulted ceilings. Be warned about noisy upstairs neighbors, though. Insulation did not block out the noise. (We were awakened several nights at 3:00 am by a partying crowd up top!)
The bathrooms were gross and in major, major need of renovation -- it was definitely not five-star quality. They were very small and looked ancient. Brown water ran through the pipes on several mornings. The beds were lumpy and in need of a change, and the sheets I've seen at K-Mart were better than these. They were scratchy and dingy.
The spa was magnificent and our massage was terrific, but very expensive. After a 5:00 pm service, the locker room was strewn with dirty towels and was filthy beyond words. I couldn't shower in those conditions. Also, there was only one vanity, so if you need to prep for dinner, do it in your room because there's only space for one guest at the mirror!
One afternoon we were literally removed from our lounge chairs on the beach by visiting yacht goers. While lunching beachside, they moved our chairs (with our stuff on them) and overtook our spot on the beach by the hammocks.
Bring your own raquet and balls if you plan to play tennis. The resort's equipment was broken and unusable. The courts weren't great either.
We had a great trip overall -- we met fun people and left our kids at home. It was a much-needed vacation. |
| 5 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
Sandcastle, Jost Van Dyke, BVI traveler review
| This is a true island dream! Visited: October 2004 |
| Posted by zapit |
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If you have ever dreamed of a deserted island, this is the place. We first visited a few years before and my wife was very apprehensive. At the time, there was no hot running water or power! We arrived by dingy from the main harbor and had to get out into the sand/water with our suitcases over our head. I'm glad and sorry to say our last time in 2004 was almost as memorable.
There is now power in the cottages and hot water for the shower. What hasn't changed is the most important. The hardest chore of every day was picking what we wanted to choose for dinner. The food is gourmet, believe it or not, sitting in the dining patio with a view of the water. Of course the water is only feet away!
You get to meet the nicest people and relax during the day, again having to make hard choices: the Soggy Dollar Bar or finding a hammock and reading a book.
Tour operators offer day sails to other islands, but Sandcastle is actually the destination on most "BVI" trips, so you are leaving the nicest beach in the BVI.
We have plans to make another trip in the next year. The only disappointment, not being able to go at least once a year to decompress! |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. |
Sandcastle, Jost Van Dyke, BVI traveler review
| The Sandcastle was relaxation defined. Visited: July 2005 |
| Posted by jwildman7 |
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My wife and I enjoyed our honeymoon at Sandcastle in July and could not have had a better time.
The staff was helpful and very courteous, but didn't bother us. Thanks to Chef Oliver, the food was on par with (or better than) some of Chicago's finest dining establishments. The food was fantastic! The bar was very casual and always buzzing with visitors from neighboring islands. Thanks to KC and to John for the Black Seal and Coke.
The snorkeling was fantastic right on our beach, too. The rooms were perfect, no need for AC. The gardens were beautiful and offered a shady escape from the sunny and often busy beach.
Also, check out Gertrude's next door for her food and drinks, and Foxy's BBQ buffet. If you need a fishing, scuba, or snorkeling guide, or just want to check out the other islands and scenery, give Colin at JVD Watersports a call. He will treat you like an old friend and show you an excellent time.
This was the perfect vacation, and we are already planning our second trip. |
| 6 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| White Bay seems like heaven on earth. Visited: October 2004 |
| Posted by finddaren |
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From my first hike over the hill from Great Harbour (New Year's Eve 1994), I felt the energy of this place.
A 12-volt battery, car stereo, cooler with lots of drink but little ice, and a dimly lit bulb reflecting off the mass of seashells glued to the walls of this little shanty on the most beautiful beach in the Caribbean were things I remember.
We just escaped from 5,000 people over at Foxy's and wondered if anything was going on over the hill. We found nothing except for a few people enjoying this newly-found hideout. This was Ivan's beginning under his childhood hangout by the massive 500-year old Tamarind Tree.
We slept on the beach under a seagrape tree, excited about what we had just discovered. Here was the most pristine beach I had seen in the Caribbean, near this little, wooden, sky-blue shanty and there was nobody here to tell. We woke to Ivan sweeping the sand out of the bar, putting another bag of ice in the cooler, and picking up his axe to sing "I see a rainbow".
We found heaven on earth, where all of the most important decisions are made - How long to lay in the hammocks?, What music should we put on next?, What should we fix for lunch?, and what kind of drink do I feel like now? We didn't have a care in the world except those.
Since this first experience, Ivan has upgraded the camp ground. We now have electricity, a fridge, and a real stereo. The cabins and tent platforms started popping up over night.
Things have changed at the campground, but Ivan has remained untouched by the small success of the business. The knowledge possessed by this man is unfathomable as he looks at you from behind his bi-focal glasses. His insight to life has inspired many, and his outlook on life is the island way.
I'll let you make the judgement when you meet Ivan, as I can't find words to explain what this man has done for so many people, probably without knowing it. I have traveled throughout the world and have yet to find a place like this. I no longer live in the Carib, but I recall the memories and hear his words and it makes me smile every day. |
| 8 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
Sandcastle, Jost Van Dyke, BVI traveler review
| It was Paradise...with bugs. Visited: July 2005 |
| Posted by richard_sittema |
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Our honeymoon at Sandcastle was worth every nickel. The location of the Sandcastle hotel on White Bay Beach, Jost Van Dyke could not possibly be better. The beach was simply gorgeous and was well maintained, as was the water and reef within the bay itself. That is impressive considering how many boats drop anchor there during the day. I was also impressed at how clean the beach was - no cigarette butts or beer bottles at all.
The food at Sandcastle was very, very good. Big "thank yous" to Claire, Tina, Roger, and Sandy for making our Honeymoon so wonderful!
I highly recommend the MAP plan. Getting breakfast every day was great, and the Sandcastle dinner experience was one of the best in the BVI. Also, you get the private boat to/from the island, which is much better than the ferry.
If you stay at Sandcastle, I recommend renting a four-wheel drive Jeep from Paradise Jeep Rentals and exploring the dirt roads along the top of the mountain. You will experience some of the most breathtaking views you could possibly imagine (make sure you beep your horn around corners to get the goats out of the way).
Also, have dinner at Corsair's one night (everything was good) and make sure you get to Foxy's for BBQ on Saturday for great food and dancing.
The "Bubbling Pool" on the east end of Jost Van Dyke was beautiful but over-rated; the little fish kept nibbling on my ankles!
Make sure you go snorkeling every day (equipment was free at Sandcastle). You'll see something new each time. We saw countless types of reef fish, sea turtles, and even a six-foot barracuda right next to us!
The worst part about the tropics was the bugs. However, you can deal with it if you burn mosquito coils constantly and coat yourself with "Off" every time you leave the cottage.
The second worst part about our stay were the "tourons" (tourist + moron) who came over from St. Thomas every day to get drunk, smoke cigarettes, and drop their anchors right on our beautiful beach. Don't worry, they're annoying but harmless, and they're only there from 11:00 am-4:00 pm.
Sandcastle was recently purchased from old owners Bruce and Debbie. Here are some tips for the new owners:
1) Invest in better power generators; the rolling blackouts get old.
2) Provide air conditioning in every cottage; room-only window units are cheap and would be a welcome addition.
3) Tell the cleaning staff to do a better job dusting; the ceiling fan blades and window ledges were pretty bad.
Overall, I could not have picked a better spot for our honeymoon. It was a tiny island, with not a lot of tourists, and nothing to do but relax, read, eat, drink, snorkel, and sleep! Perfect! |
| 7 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
 This was a nice place to stay. Visited: June 2005 |
| Posted by tennisla |
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We stayed at Nanny Cay for five nights prior to our bareboat charter. It was a fine place to stay. The rooms were clean, they had a pool, a restaurant on site, and shopping in the compound as well. We used Nanny Cay as a home base - planning trips for the daytime, and dinners out at the wonderful restaurants on Tortola.
Nanny Cay was in the process of remodeling the rooms. We had one of the two rooms which were completed, our friends did not. The remodeled rooms were a bit more updated and nice.
This was a well kept, affordable place to stay - just don't expect a luxury resort. We would stay here again. |
| 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| Staying at Ivan's is being at a stress-free campground. Visited: June 2005 |
| Posted by relm1 |
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This place is the end of the rainbow. It is serene and very peaceful.
It is a crude environment, and tourists who desire glitz and fancy accommodations would be out of place here. It is rugged and beautiful. It is a place for people who enjoy simpler things and opt for the less-traveled path.
The best way to get there is to sail over, but the ferry will also do. Come prepared just as if you were going primitive camping and you'll do fine. |
| 4 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| Peter Island is pure paradise. Visited: May 2005 |
| Posted by caribbeantrvlagt |
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My husband and I returned in early June from our one-week stay at Peter Island Resort.
In all fairness, I must say I am a travel agent who specializes in luxury travel and have had the pleasure of traveling to many islands and resorts. Without hesitation, I can say Peter Island is one of the nicest resorts we have stayed at.
Our oceanview room was so lovely; nice king sized bed with a night stand and lamp on each side of the bed, great sitting area for reading books and the wonderful outdoor patio with a view of the pool, gardens and ocean!
The beaches here were magnificent with lots of room for privacy, great snorkeling, nice thatch roof areas to get out of the sun. The food was very good and plentiful for every meal. It was all presented in a lovely way, and the service was impeccable.
If you want a party crowd with nonstop activities, this isn't the place for you. If you want to get back to nature in a beautiful tropical setting to spend time with the one you love, come to Peter Island Resort. |
| 4 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. |
White Bay Villas, Jost Van Dyke, BVI traveler review
| Experience bliss in the BVI. Visited: May 2005 |
| Posted by mappow |
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Everything was as advertised, something unusual these days. And the information packet that Bonnie at White Bay Villas supplied was dead on.
The cottage was clean, well supplied and pleasently airy. The trade winds kept the place very comfortable. Also, the recommendation for a jeep rental was perfect and well within reason on rates. We could not believe the dining - five-star dining beach side without all the formality. It was truly culinary ecstasy.
We can honestly say that this was the best vacation we've ever had and would (and will!) recommend White Bay Villas and the island to all.
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| 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| need a room Visited: July 2005 |
| Posted by poisongivy |
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I have gotten in the mail that we can utilize you resort in exchange for time share at prospect reef. please contact me a poisongivy@aol.com thank you. the name of the person who owns the time share is Lillian Joan Young |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 3 found this review unhelpful. |
White Bay Villas, Jost Van Dyke, BVI traveler review
| These are the best digs on Jost Van Dyke. Visited: March 2004 |
| Posted by beachpoet |
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I just had the best time reading the review from the lady in New Jersey who stayed here in August, 2004. What a riot! So, you're going to go to a tropical island populated by 150 people in August and expect to be entertained? And not run into bugs? Did you forget about Disneyworld?
But seriously, I've been coming here for years and have stayed all over the island - and White Bay Villas are by far the most modern, comfortable, and clean accommodations with absolutely stunning views.
This is all due to the outstanding team of Sue and Mike who run the place - they pay meticulous detail to everything. Bedding is washed and placed the day you arrive so as not to be at all musty from being stored. The water is tested and treated constantly, and the grounds are spotless.
Also, Sue and Mike will bend over backwards to make your stay fabulous without invading your privacy. They're just very nice, very competent people who really understand the island. And you'll end up looking forward to seeing them again and again on future vacations.
Another must is a day with Captain Colin from JVD Water Sports. Sue and Mike can help you make arrangements. Colin is a treasure - whether you want to go diving, snorkeling, tour the islands by boat or go on a guided nature hike - he can do it all. He'll pick you up right off the beach in front of the villas and show you a fantastic day whether you're a family with kids or a honeymoon couple.
So go - enjoy - it's a lot better than Disneyworld! |
| 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| This is a very good resort at a great location. Visited: August 2004 |
| Posted by rencos |
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It was our second stay at Lambert Beach Resort, the first with our kid (who was four years old at the time).
The greatest deal of the resort was with no doubt the beach. It was absolutely beautiful (in my opinion one of the best on Tortola) and "crowded" with no more than ten people.
The rooms were in a beautiful garden. Ours was very clean and comfortable, with a spacious bathroom, air conditioning, ceiling fan and TV.
In addition, the restaurant offered excellent food.
The resort was away from everything, so you really need to rent a vehicle (a jeep would fit) but I do not consider it a con, as I like to go around on my own. We most likely will return here in the summer - 2005.
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| 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
Little Dix Bay, Jost Van Dyke, BVI traveler review
| The excellence continues! Visited: February 2005 |
| Posted by grablow |
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We returned for our third visit in 2005 (see earlier comment from 2002). The food and service continue to be among the best, and most consistent, in the Caribbean.
Althought he beach was slightly eroded in places from 2002, it is still sufficently smooth and wide for lounge chairs and beach walkers not to interfere with one another.
Two great additions are the hillside spa (wow!) and the pool complex near the terranc restaurant. Both are welcome additions that help make resort this resort exceptional. You must use the spa at least once-we recommend the couples massage with dual private massage,champagne, and fruit platter while watching the sun set over the ocean. It is also a nice place just to sit and enjoy the view and double (small pools) and hot tub in an even more secluded and quite location in this very private resort.
The prices in Ferbuary are a bit outrageous, but if you can forget about what it cost,easier once you are enjoying the peacefulness and relaxation. As before, we hated to leave even after 10 days. We know we will return again soon. |
| 6 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| No shirt, no shoes - no problems here! Visited: January 2004 |
| Posted by jsandes |
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Ivan's place was very relaxing and a fun time. The relaxation was great, and the music by Ruben was excellent. The honor bar and Painkillers were a huge plus, too.
The only thing that bothered me was the lack of hot water to do dishes, and feeling like I was going to get food poisoning in that community kitchen. The showers were also gross, so be prepared to really rough it!
If you are planning a trip to Jost Van Dyke, bring food! It cost $5.00 for a jar of peanut butter on the island, and supplies were very sparse.
The snorkeling in White Bay was very poor compared to St. John or St. thomas, but the relaxing beautiful beach made up for it.
You will love it here, and be free of stress for a long time.
Bring supplies, and don't expect luxury! And be prepared to get very, very drunk! |
| 4 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| We were pleased. Visited: July 2004 |
| Posted by phew |
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After visiting the Cardie's Ship Wreck Camp Ground on Anegada and the White Bay Camp Ground, I was equally pleased.
My wife and I can't wait to return to the BVIs with our law firm partners and visit these lovely campgrounds again. |
| 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
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