A Private Island That’s Surprisingly Easy to Reach: My Stay at Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina

One reason we chose Scrub Island was how easy it is to get there. There are now direct flights from Miami to Tortola, and from the airport, the resort arranges a short five-minute van transfer to their ferry dock. From there, it’s about a ten-minute ferry ride across the bay as Scrub Island comes into view—green hills rising above turquoise water and sailboats scattered across the marina.

Sunset over the Marina and Grand Camanoe

The welcome is exactly what you hope for when arriving in the Caribbean. Staff greet you at the dock with a tropical drink, take your luggage directly to your room, and provide a quick orientation tour of the property so you can get your bearings. It’s a relaxed, seamless arrival that immediately sets the tone for the stay.

The resort offers a mix of guest rooms, suites, and multi-bedroom villas, making it a great option for couples, families, and small groups traveling together. Many accommodations include full kitchens and generous outdoor terraces. The hillside rooms overlook the marina and surrounding islands, while the villas provide additional privacy and space with multiple bedrooms and expansive living areas. Some even feature private plunge pools. What stood out to me most was how spacious the accommodations feel—and how easy it is to enjoy the views from your private balcony.

Scrub Island offers several dining options, ranging from casual beachside fare to more refined evening dining. Cardamom & Co. serves Caribbean-inspired cuisine with beautiful sunset views, and there is also a private dining room adjacent to the restaurant, perfect for special celebrations or small group dinners. Donovan’s Reef provides a relaxed water-view setting ideal for lunch or a laid-back dinner by the marina. Hop on the ferry to Marina Cay for lunch or dinner if you want to experience a chill island vibe. On North Beach, guests will find One Shoe Beach Bar & Grill, a casual beachside restaurant that’s perfect after a swim or snorkeling session. North Beach is also where the resort hosts its weekly Beach Festival, where guests can enjoy live music, local cuisine, and a lively Caribbean atmosphere. There’s also a market cafe on property that’s perfect for coffee, pastries, or a quick bite before heading out for the day.

Lower pool at Scrub Island Resort

Private dining room

North Beach Festival

Many guests come to Scrub Island simply to relax by the pool or beach, but the resort also offers plenty of opportunities to explore both on land and in the water.

Activities include:

• Full-service spa

• Snorkeling and scuba diving

• Kayaking and paddleboarding

• Yoga sessions overlooking the water

• Hiking to the top of Big Scrub, where you’re rewarded with incredible 360-degree views of the British Virgin Islands

Because the resort has its own marina, it’s also a fantastic base for sailing and island hopping throughout the BVIs.

In addition to leisure travel, Scrub Island is also an excellent option for corporate incentive trips, leadership retreats, and small group gatherings. The property offers dedicated meeting and event space suitable for both formal meetings and more relaxed gatherings. Indoor meeting rooms can accommodate presentations and workshops, while scenic outdoor venues overlooking the marina create a beautiful setting for welcome receptions, team dinners, and sunset cocktail events. What makes Scrub Island particularly appealing for incentive travel is the balance between productivity and experience. Teams can hold productive morning meetings and then spend the afternoon snorkeling, sailing or exploring nearby islands together—creating the kind of memorable shared experiences that incentive trips are designed to deliver.

Who would I recommend Scrub Island to

Scrub Island is an excellent choice for:

• Couples looking for a romantic Caribbean escape

• Honeymooners wanting a private island feel

• Families or small groups who would benefit from villa accommodations

• Travelers who enjoy boating, sailing, or island hopping

• Companies looking for a unique destination for incentive trips or executive retreats

It’s ideal for travelers who want luxury and beautiful scenery but prefer a relaxed, low-key atmosphere rather than a large, high-energy resort.

Advisor tip:

Because of the island’s layout, I recommend requesting a hillside room with a marina view for some of the best sunset views on the property.

For clients visiting the British Virgin Islands, I also often suggest combining a stay at Scrub Island with time on nearby islands such as Virgin Gorda to create a fantastic island-hopping itinerary.

Scrub Island Resort offers the kind of Caribbean escape many travelers are searching for—beautiful scenery, space to unwind, and the feeling of being tucked away somewhere special, without the hassle of complicated travel logistics.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our British Virgin Islands page.