Ok, we've decided on our destination for our yearly snorkeling fix for next early December: half Mahoe Bay on Virgin Gorda, other half Peter Island. It'll be our first stay on PI and we've decided to splurge on the beachfront suites. Since the rates are hefty, I'm hoping to have the "best" location. Since privacy and quiet (including hopefully no surf noise at night) are impt to us, I'm hoping that veterans of PI can suggest which exact room to ask for. Are some views better than others? Some of those cottages more private and less apt to hear waves? I know that we'll want upper level, but I can't tell from the various photos on the website about views and privacy. And I know from staying at Little Dix and Caneel (e.g.) that there really is a difference from room to room, despite the reservation people sometimes saying that they're "all alike."
Thanks so much for your help, and I hope that everyone is enjoying a happy holiday season.

Hi poss -

Captain Marvin's (www.captainmarvins.com) is a popular tour per cruisecritic.com. I just looked up on their website and it is $40 for a 1/2 day excursion ($27.50 for kids 4-11... under 3 are free); $65 ($45 for kids 4-11) for a full day excursion.

When we stopped there on a cruise stop the kids had a blast! They still talk about that as one of the best things they ever did. We were on a scuba trip and asked them to stop there on the way out.

Carole

oops... this was supposed to go on another thread. Sorry!

Carole

We've been in almost every beachfront suite and really, all are just fine since they sit in a gentle crescent at the (quiet) end of the beach. The only difference is a very slight angle on the gorgeous view across Deadman's Bay.

They are all set back about the same distance from the water and if you are in an upstairs suite, all are very private.

The only time I ever heard waves was outside on the patio or verandah.

Thanks, Scubamom.
Here's another question for you or others: Are there any ways to get better room rates than the ones listed on the PI website? I know that with some resorts, there are all sorts of discount ways to go, but at others, the rates seem to be more firmly fixed. What's the score with PI? I'd love to find a way to beat those stiff prices. (And I do think it's chinchy to charge extra for soft drinks and beer.)
Thanks much.

Peter Island is often on Luxury Link but they almost always offer the few Garden Suites not Ocean Front. When I have seen Ocean Front is was was 4-5 days not 7. If your going that far (almost 1 day coming and 1 day returning home going 7-8 nights is best, in my opinion. The above comments are correct all the Ocean Front are 98% the same in terms of desirable location.
After Biras Creek (8 days), PI has risen, in my opinion.
Report on our stay will be issued when "owa" who is there now returns.

Poss, before we booked Peter Island for our stay last year, we joined Andrew Harper Q Club, for I believe $120. Our initial reservation was for a 4 night stay in low season. With the Q Club rate we saved a couple hundred bucks after what we paid to join. But, then PI offered their 5 night summer special which was cheaper than the Q Club rate, so we ended up going with that. Just something you might want to look into.

Stankase, Now you really have my attention with your last post about Peter Island vs Biras Creek!!! Please do your report now as we are not going until May!! It sounds like you were not impressed with BC. This is interesting since there are new owners. Owa

thanks, lauren. If we decide to do 5 nights, that'll be good to know. Right now I'm thinking of 5 at Mahoe in Virgin Gorda, just 4 for this first stay at Peter Island. But if the math looks good, maybe we'll do PI for 5. (I suspect we may be a tad bored if the snorkeling is less great than at VG and St John, which is what I gather.) Thanks!