TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands (CMC) — The Peter Island Resort in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), which was closed four years ago due to devastation caused by hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, officially reopened over the weekend.

The grand reopening was celebrated with an official ceremony on Saturday, during which Premier and Minister for Tourism Dr Natalio Wheatley commended the Van Andel family, owners of the resort, on their resilience and dedication to restoring the property.

“There would be no BVI without Peter Island Resort, and there would be no Peter Island without the BVI,” the premier said while reflecting on its legacy before the 2017 hurricanes.

While the resort has retained its original 52-room capacity, significant enhancements have been made to amplify its natural beauty and offerings. The property now includes four villas, 20 junior suites, and the iconic Dead Man’s Beach, widely regarded as one of the most stunning beaches in the Virgin Islands.

A key highlight of the reopening is the relaunch of the former Sprat Bay Marina, now branded as the Peter Island Yacht Club, further cementing the resort’s reputation as a premier destination for luxury travellers and yachting enthusiasts.

The Van Andel family, which has owned the resort since 2001, shared reflections on Peter Island’s history and its transformation over the decades.

They recounted how the late Jay Van Andel, co-founder of Amway Corporation, envisioned Peter Island as a world-class destination and invested in its development.

Peter Island Resort’s return is seen as a pivotal moment for the territory’s tourism industry, signifying recovery and renewed opportunities for the local economy.