Guana Island

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Guana Island /ˈɡwɑːnə/ is an island of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) in the Caribbean. One of the few remaining privately owned islands in its part of the world, Guana has seven white powder-sand beaches and 850 acres (3.4 km²) of tropical forest, mountains, hills, and valleys. The island is mostly natural preserve and has a small resort.

History

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In the 18th century, two

Beth and Louis Bigelow of Massachusetts purchased Guana in 1934. With the help of local men they built six stone cottages and developed a reputation as creative pioneers. Their guests - professionals, intellectuals and world travelers - came for months at a time, attracted to the simple but rich life.

Current

Henry and Gloria Jarecki bought Guana in 1975 and began improving accommodations and other facilities with the goal of maintaining the island's historic style and ambiance. An interest in conservation led them to establish a long-term restoration program to protect the island's flora and fauna and bring back once-common species.^{[citation needed]}.

Flora and fauna

Scientists say that Guana has more flora and fauna than any island of its size yet studied in the Caribbean and possibly the world.^{[1][third-party source needed]}

The island provides habitat for the Puerto Rican racer (