(about Guana Island, British Virgin Islands, last edited on Feb 26, 2008)
Guana Island is situated in the British Virgin Islands, right north of Tortola. It is a private island. The island got its name from a rock formation from the western coast whose shape resembled an iguana.
With its interesting history which includes Amerindians such as Caribs and Arawaks, Quakers and even pirates, Guana, the small island of only 340-hectare, has a great deal to offer to tourists: from monuments which consist in ruins to a beautiful preserved nature and fabulous activities.
The most spectacular thing the island has to offer is the wildlife sanctuary having uncommon species of plants and animals. Firstly, Guana owns more than 50 species of all kind of birds: seabirds like tropic birds, brown boobys and brown pelicans, shorebirds like waders, ducks and roseate flamingos, and even more fascinating, on the island you can find a number of endangered species such as the roseate tern, the bridled quail dove and Newton’s barefoot screech owl. Secondly, the island has a diverse flora and fauna consisting in more than a hundred species of plants and insects, and fourteen species of reptiles and amphibians. You can see all these nature wonders while going on exploration trails – there are approximately 20 trails available.
Tourists can enjoy panoramic views from the top of the Sugarloaf Mountain (242m), or other three high peaks (325', 442', and 806'). Hiking is ideal in Guana due to miles-long trails. Other sports available are: water sports such as water skiing, scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing and, deep sea fishing, sailing with small sea boats, kayaking, and wind surfing, or you can even play tennis, ping-pong or croquet. If these sports do not suit you, there are plenty other things from which to choose, like fitness, massage, or simply enjoying the beautiful view offered by the island. There are seven white sand beaches on which you can relax under the sun or under the protection of one of the many species of palm trees from the island. In case you like visiting, Guana has some monuments worth seeing: for example the Arawak relics, sugar mills, great houses, or other historic ruins.
So even if you are in the search of adventure, of a romantic get-away, or simply trying to escape everyday life’s tumult, Guana is the perfect place to go. It is often visited by vacation travelers, honeymooners, adventure lovers, naturalists or scientists, usually from U.S. or Europe.
The island can be entirely yours if you rent it, but you can rent a single suite or even a room. You can sleep in beautiful white-washed stone cottages which have fabulous views, and you can choose from many facilities available: private patio or porch, bathroom, king or twin beds, or even ceiling fans. If you are in the search for even more privacy, there are one-bedroom beach houses which have their own kitchen, living room and everything else needed.
As far as food is concerned, Guana Island provides excellent Caribbean cuisine or other dishes consisting in vegetables and home-grown fruits from Continental, West Indian or American cuisine. You can choose either eating in a formal way, or have a romantic private dinner – casual or elegant. Guana Island has many talented chefs, which cook sophisticated meals from home-grown fruits, herbs and local provisions.
To sum up, Guana Island has everything you have wished for concentrated on only 340-hectare: from solitude to socializing, even from relaxing to adventure.
