By Alexander Britell

For years, it was one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after private-island destinations, a rarefied retreat, a full-fledged oasis.

It was a different kind of private island resort — eco-conscious, historic, pristine and, well, endlessly charming.

A suite at Guana.

And now it’s making its triumphant return from Hurricane Irma, the latest in a wave of reopenings in the BVI, from Cooper Island to the Anegada Beach Club.

Guana Island, the historic private-island resort in the heart of the British Virgin Islands, is set to reopen on Aug. 1, a spokesperson for the property confirmed to Caribbean Journal.

Guana’s famous orchard has been restored and expanded.

The restoration of Guana has included refreshing the property’s 18 suite; cleaning the landscaping (and restoring the surrounding coral reef); expanding Guana’s renowned organic orchard and upgrading the island’s infrastructure — everything from adding a new water filtration system to running water and electric below ground.

The orchard, long one of the eco-conscious island’s hallmarks, has added three new greenhouses and even 100 chickens who supply eggs to Guana’s kitchen.

The Guana team even restored the historic Quaker settlement building.

It’s an important return for one of the British Virgin Islands’ signature places to stay — and one of the region’s most legendary hotel properties.

For more info, visit Guana Island.

— CJ