Guana's fifteen rooms have different configurations, locations, and panoramic vistas, but each is spacious and has a porch, patio, or balcony. Some rooms overlook the valley and White Bay, while others face Crab Cove and Muskmelon Bay. Decor is comfortably "basic" with white walls, dark beamed ceilings, painted concrete floors with area rugs, and small accents of color in cushions here and there. All rooms have excellent foam mattresses which can be configured into king size or two twins. Amazingly, when joined together as a king, the seam edges cannot be detected.  Each room has flashlights, two umbrellas, and plenty of bars of soap, shampoo and rinse.   Other personal necessities are available in the boutique. My biggest surprise was super water pressure in the shower and instant hot water, something not often found in Caribbean resorts! 

Our first visit, we stayed in one of the cottages facing west toward Jost Van Dyke and St. Thomas in the distance.  Our bedroom had two ceiling fans, a king bed, cane chair, dresser, desk, and walk-in closet.  The bathroom had a free form shower big enough for both of us. A huge verandah held two wicker lounge chairs and footstools, plus several tables.  We spent quite a bit of time relaxing on our private porch - enjoying the scenic view, watching birds and sailboats drifting by, listening to waves crashing on Crab Cove Beach far below, and savoring colorful sunsets. 
 
During our many vacations at Guana Island, I've seen most of the rooms - each delightfully different, but comparable in comfort and spaciousness.  Anegada cottage, located a short walk from the main house, holds three large bedrooms, each with its own entryway and terrace; it also has a living room which can be opened to provide additional space for a group of six or three couples vacationing together. Barbados, near the main road, has one room with a big porch and is very private, but can be a little noisy when motor carts go to and from the beach and dock.  Lower and Upper Camanoe, both with shaded decks, are quiet and isolated. Dominica, the main club house, has several rooms attached - the couple staying in #4 said that the bedroom has a separate sitting area with a day bed plus a sunny private terrace with a wonderful view of White Bay. Dominica #3 also has a very secluded patio. 
 

The newest addition is a remote and isolated North Beach Cottage, the only oceanside accommodation on Guana. It sits at the end of a narrow road which winds around the salt pond and through dense tropical forests. The spacious cottage has a large living room, bedroom with a king or twin beds, bathroom, kitchen, and two patios. A boardwalk leads to a wooden deck overlooking the vast North Beach shoreline and has steps down to a swimming area which has been cleared of underwater rocks and coral.   A fresh water plunge pool surrounded with a deck and lounge chairs overlooks the beach.  This is truly the ultimate "hideaway" nestled within the natural splendor of flora and fauna. 

Guests staying in the beach cottage have access to a motorized cart which can be driven to White Bay Beach and along other main pathways to explore various parts of the "valley". If they prefer not to have breakfast in the main dining area, a staff member will deliver a fruit plate or light breakfast each morning.  Lunch and dinner can be brought at an extra service charge.  I highly recommend North Beach Cottage to those who desire complete privacy, lovely accommodations, and gorgeous tropical surroundings.  Take the link at the bottom of the page to read more. 
 
While the west end of North Beach is reserved for those staying in the cottage, other guests can explore the east side of this long strip of sand and also see many seabirds along the shoreline. 
 

Breakfast is from 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. and begins with a fruit, cereal, and pastry buffet. Guests also have a choice of juices and eggs cooked any style or "the special of the day" which can include pancakes, waffles, eggs benedict, omelettes, smoked salmon and bagels, or french toast. 
 

Each evening, guests gather for cocktails and conversation in the living room or on the terrace.  A seating chart is posted by the manager and guests dine at several tables set for six or eight which have a view of the gardens, Sunset Terrace, and Muskmelon Bay. Each night the arrangement is changed to mix the group and encourages guests to meet and visit with each other. 
  
Couples or families who prefer their own table are often seated on a small cozy porch overlooking White Bay and Tortola, or on romantic Sunset Terrace which has views of Jost Van Dyke and St. Thomas night lights glowing in the distance. 

A small hillside museum displays artifacts and information about Guana's wildlife. Guests also are provided with a twenty page natural history guide to the island. It describes many different species which may be observed - birds, reptiles (non-poisonous!), insects, amphibians, bats, trees, plants, palms, tropical fish and reef creatures. Most of the incredible array of flora and fauna are indigenous to the West Indies, except for a majestic "Australian Pine" on the beach. 
  
Some species, such as Iguana pinguis, the great 6' long 70 pound iguana once found throughout the Virgin Islands, have become rare and endangered; a few years ago, only a small number remained on remote Anegada until eight pairs were transferred and reintroduced to Guana. Other "lost" species are slowly being brought to the island in hopes that they will thrive and multiply in a protected, natural environment. 

My husband explored many of the trails, but the great iguanas were elusive. No problem - most mornings, we observed one of these shy giants on the Iguana Trail at "feeding time" when they are offered fresh fruits from the kitchen.  I happily discovered a baby iguana posing on a nearby rock while moma enjoyed her breakfast.  Kenny found one of the large "critters" on the way to the Guana Museum near Sunset Terrace. 
 

The island has 110 volt, 60 cycle power and a water treatment system, however guests are encouraged to help conserve water.  Each room has hand soap, shampoo, and rinse - more is available in the office.  A telephone and computer with an internet connection is near the office and fax is available.  Wash and fold laundry service is provided at no charge. Currency in the islands is the U.S. Dollar. 

Visitors to Guana are mainly from North America and Europe. Most guests are couples searching for a quiet, magical retreat - far away from businesses and "civilization". The island is also a special haven for honeymooners of all ages, family reunions, and small conferences for up to 30 people. 
 

 
The resort is generally closed to guests during September and October when scientists pursue research and studies in marine biology, entomology, ornithology, herpetology, archeology, and botany. 

Guana Island accepts personal, travelers, or business checks and cash in U.S. currency, Visa and MasterCard. 

GETTING THERE: Fly to the Beef Island Airport (EIS) on Tortola. A resort representative will meet you at customs and arrange a taxi for a short ride to the Queen Elizabeth Bridge. A Guana boat will provide a 10 minute cruise to the island. If possible, plan to arrive and depart between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. If your schedule allows only late evening arrival, Guana Island will be happy to accommodate you. 

We always use Ulf Carlson of Olson Travel, a Caribbean specialist, for all our airline, resort, and transfer reservations - visit his website for more information.   My BVI Travel Tips can be found at this page.