The mission Rare solo escape from work and family for rest and pampering in the Caribbean.

USP A resort on a privately owned 2,000-acre island in the British Virgin archipelago, with a spa the size of a small hotel overlooking the Atlantic. Pelicans hang out on the beach below, and mind your head in case of falling coconuts in the garden.

Ambience Laid-back Caribbean charm meets traditional upscale luxury service in a stunning setting. Temperatures are in the high 20s all year round, cooled by delicious sea breezes. The resort has a small marina so the yachting set that drops by for lunch - Sir Richard Branson included - adds a touch of salty dog.

Total privacy can be assured with three clifftop villas, the highest at 900ft above sea level. Hoi polloi stay in slightly dated rooms compensated by enormous bathrooms.

The spa, built three years ago, is tucked away from the main resort area, about 15 minutes' walk or a short golf buggy ride away. Decorated in calming greens, blues and sandy tones, it's a tranquil retreat from the fierce sun. It has its own interior waterfall and an outdoor terrace with an oval infinity pool, set on a cliff with beautiful ocean views.

Most of the 12 enormous treatment rooms and two bohios - cabins where couples can seclude themselves - have spectacular views. The women's communal changing room, however, is bizarrely cramped.

Quality of experience The thermal sand bundle is one of the most penetrating massages I've experienced. Sand pouches are soaked in hot water and applied to soften tense muscles, while feet get a reflexology-style massage. Then on to a deep-tissue massage, combined with some joint manipulation by burly Nir, an Israeli man, that helped to untangle serious knots in the shoulders and neck. Another deep-tissue massage a couple of days later by Widi, a dainty Balinese woman with surprisingly powerful hands and forearms, helped to complete the job. Each lasts 75-90 minutes and costs $170-$190 (£86-£96).

Products Jurlique for sensitive skins; Anakiri (an Italian range) and Tara, based on Ayurvedic principles, and mostly used for massage oils.

Food You can order healthy salads and delicious tropical fruit plates from Deadman's Beach Restaurant for lunch. The Tradewinds restaurant at the resort proper serves more sophisticated fare such as coconut gazpacho and oriental-style grilled tuna. Beware the US-size portions - a crab cake sandwich was the size of an enormous burger and came with a portion of fries - though plenty of swimming or walks along trails around the wilder parts of the island can help to work it off.

In-crowd Celebrities such as John Travolta and Robert De Niro. Children under 8 are “discouraged” though in evidence, to some tut-tutting from senior American guests and Brits who have come to get away from all that. Also popular with honeymoon couples, and while it's friendly enough, singles might feel a little left out.

Wallet watch Think of this as a very-special-occasion or once-in-a-lifetime holiday, although many guests come back year after year. For travel from August 20 to October 31, stay one night complimentary for each night booked. ITC Classics offers seven nights at Peter Island from £2,093 per person in an ocean view room, full board, including flights and transfers based on two sharing, saving up to £511 per couple. Book by September 20.

Need to know ITC Classics. Phone 01244 355300; www.itcclassics.co.uk

Spa rating £££££

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