By Alexander Britell

It’s beautiful, it’s quirky, it’s historic, it’s scenic and … it’s open.

One of the British Virgin Islands’ leading hotels has officially launched its soft reopening: Guana Island.

A spokesperson confirmed to Caribbean Journal that the first guests arrived to the resort on Aug. 1.

The private island getaway, home to 18 suites, has long been a rarefied, in-the-know retreat, renowned for its natural beauty, its commitment to local and organic sourcing and its pristine beaches.

Guana, which shuttered in the wake of last year’s storms, has concluded a significant restoration project that included refreshing all 18 suites; cleaning and restoring Guana’s landscaping, including its famous organic orchard; adding a new water filtration system and running all of its vital infrastructure below ground.

The orchard has also added three new greenhouses (including removable roofs) and even 100 new chickens who supply eggs to the Guana kitchen.

As several other luxe resorts continue with restoration work, Guana is now the British Virgin Islands’ signature luxury hotel option.

On-island sourcing has long been a focus.

It’s the latest step in what has been an inspiring tourism comeback for the British Virgin Islands, one that has seen more and more accommodations and attractions reopen each month.

Another private-island hotel, Scrub Island, is planning to reopen its resort component in October, while the Cooper Island Beach Club boutique hotel has already relaunched operations.

For more, visit Guana.