Fodor's Expert Review Ivan's Stress Free Guest House

White Bay, Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands

Ivan's will give you a quintessential Caribbean experience in a comfortable guesthouse setting. Ivan opened this "guest house" in 2007, a short walk up the hillside overlooking his campground. Each of the two units is equipped with a full kitchen, air-conditioning, TV, DVD player, telephone, and Internet hookup. A downstairs studio sleeps two for $150 per night, while the largest villa sleeps up to five for $460 per night. And Ivan's is true to its name: a few nights here is one of the surest roads to relaxation you'll ever find. There is a casual restaurant serving drinks and lunch most days, and on Thursday in season Ivan's barbecue attracts guests and nonguests alike. Ivan will happily conduct nature walks and arrange island tours, sailing, and diving trips, but he's a musician at heart. Impromptu jam sessions are always a highlight, and if you pack a musical instrument, you can join in, too. (Don't be surprised if you see Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones playing along.) Steps away is the beach, where country singer Kenny Chesney filmed the video for his number one hit single, "No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem."

PROS

  • steps away from the best beach on the island
  • you can meet new friends at Ivan's convivial bar
  • air-conditioning

CONS

  • basic furnishings
  • not within walking distance to other restaurants and nightlife (except Ivan's)
  • no pool or other outdoor amenities

QUICK FACTS

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 284-495–9358

HOTEL DETAILS

4 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals, No credit cards

What’s Nearby