A-listers, sailing aficionados and lovers of all things BVI will want to check out Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, the Caribbean resort which opened in March 2010.
Boaters and guests alike can now be pampered at the resort’s spa: Ixora Spa has three treatment rooms, two of which are for couples. Emily Lancaster ([email protected]; 284-440-3440), can fill you in on the Eterno Massage. Note: She is also recommended as the top massage therapist at the spa, which uses Privat and L’isola products. Good to know: Children cannot use spa facilities.
Half of the resort’s 50 accommodations are Oceanview One Bedroom Suites; a series of butler-serviced two-, three- and four-bedroom villas that can serve as homes for those seeking to wait out the winter in a grand style.
Other top digs: Select the Governor’s Suites for the loveliest water views which can be admired from their balconies that span the entire length of the suite. One-bedroom suites are 960 square feet while two-bedroom suites are 1,614 square feet in size; all have gourmet-style kitchens.
Note: These quarters can be booked via GDS, but if you want to speak to someone in person, we suggest the resort’s host manager, Anderson Fonrose ([email protected]; 284-440-3440); he also serves as the concierge and can charter a helicopter for a golf outing in Puerto Rico or arrange for a plane to whisk you to Anguilla or St. Maarten. Want to sail around in a mega-yacht for a week or have a gourmet meal prepared in your villa or suite? Fonrose is your go-to insider to get the job done. Don’t forget the option of a Caribbean pub crawl via sailboat or a shopping excursion or golf game in St. Thomas.
Dining: Locals gravitate to Scrub Island’s Caravela restaurant for special occasions, so be sure to reserve ahead. Caravela has just relaunched as a chophouse, serving certified Angus beef, as well as lobster that can be picked fresh from the dock.
If you want to sample local fare, neighboring island dining venues include The Last Resort on nearby Bellamy Cay (284-495-2520).
The resort is run by Managing Director Martin Smith ([email protected]; 284-440-3440), who welcomes direct contact from luxury travel advisors.
Reserve early for the obvious holidays, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s and Easter and be mindful as well of getting the best flight connections as early as possible.
Getting There: San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) is the closest international airport. From there, you can catch a short connecting flight with American Airlines, Liat, Air Sunshine or Cape Air to the British Virgin Islands airport of Beef Island/Tortola (EIS) and take a brief boat ride to Scrub Island. Or, connect through St. Maarten (SMX) to fly into St. Thomas (STT) and take a 45-minute ferry ride to Road Town, Tortola, and then taxi to Trellis Bay Dock to catch Scrub Island’s private launch.
Be aware of the activities that draw visitors to the area, such as the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival held in the spring, the BVI Music Festival and the BVI Poker Run. In general, the resort recommends booking 30 days out during other times.
Good to know: Scrub Island has just joined the Marriott Autograph Collection (autograph-hotels.marriott.com).