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Home / TRIP IDEAS / A-List Travel Advisors / This Unknown Caribbean Island Boasts White-Sand Beaches, World-Class Scuba Diving, and a Breathtaking Luxury Resort.

This Unknown Caribbean Island Boasts White-Sand Beaches, World-Class Scuba Diving, and a Breathtaking Luxury Resort.

2023-01-14  Maliyah Mah

You can get about Scrub Island through hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, or sailing.

Caribbean
 

The Caribbean is a rich source of revenue for the tourism industry thanks to its many well-known attractions. In addition, it is the location of some places that are not as well-known as others, such as the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas, and Anguilla, which receive a lot of publicity. Another popular destination that appeals to a wide range of tourists is Tortola. The British Virgin Islands' most populous and largest island serves as a jumping off point for excursions to the other islands in the Lesser Antilles chain, each of which has its own unique set of attractions. Scrub Island, one of these undiscovered treasures, is a 230-acre refuge that is not accessible by cruise ships or well-traveled tourist routes. Scrub Island is one of those hidden gems. Because of its low-key status, island hoppers and overnight guests can enjoy this little bit of tropical paradise away from the masses.

Scrub Island
 

What is the origin of the name "Scrub Island"?
 

According to local folklore, a band of buccaneers gave Scrub Island its infamous name. It was stated that the swashbucklers had dropped anchor in the area in order to clean the barnacles off of their boats. The name stuck, and ever since then, it has been referred to by that moniker.

How do you get to Scrub Island if you are coming from the United States?

The distance between Tortola and Scrub Island is only 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles). The majority of travelers arrive at Terrance B. Letsobe International Airport (EIS), where they take advantage of the free ferry service that departs from the Trellis Bay pier at regular intervals.

When would you say is the most ideal time to go to Scrub Island?

The weather on Scrub Island can be described as tropical, with clear blue skies and consistently warm temperatures. The island, like with the rest of the Caribbean, experiences hurricane season from June through November. Keeping this in mind is important given that the island was severely impacted by Hurricane Irma in 2017. Even though there is a greater chance of storms and higher amounts of precipitation in the fall, many tourists nevertheless opt to travel during this time of year in order to avoid the hectic holiday season and the higher prices that accompany it. Even though the water in the ocean is comfortable enough to swim in throughout the year, the months of winter and spring tend to provide the clearest clarity for scuba diving. The BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival is held in late March, which is the most popular time for avid sailors to attend.

What are the top activities to participate in when visiting Scrub Island?

The combination of breathtaking natural scenery and first-rate amenities, provided by a resort that has been awarded four diamonds by the AAA, is what makes Scrub Island such a special place to visit. There are three stunning beaches with white sand, and depending on how long your vacation is, it's completely feasible that you'll spend the majority of it lazing around on one of these beaches, taking in the rays of the sun and playing in the clear seas. Take advantage of the beautiful hiking trails, paddle out on the water in a kayak, or stand up paddle boarding to break up the monotony of lazing around for hours.

stunning natural
 

Booking sailing lessons or boat trips to dive historic shipwrecks, snorkel around colorful reefs, visit famous local attractions like The Baths (a series of photogenic grottos and pools formed by huge granite boulders at the southwestern tip of Virgin Gordo), or sipping the original Painkiller cocktail at the Soggy Dollar Bar are options for people who are interested in seeing a bit more of the surrounding area. After all, it is the British Virgin Islands. And despite the fact that Scrub Island is still relatively unknown to the general public, fishermen know that it is the most convenient location to get to the North Drop, also known as the "honey spot" for world-class blue marlin fishing. Because the charters provide all of the necessary equipment as well as a knowledgeable fishing guide, even if you've never tried fishing before, you won't have any trouble getting started. The marina is the primary point of departure for the majority of water-based excursions. It has 55 deep-water spaces, five of which are allocated specifically for mega yachts, and acts as the principal facility for the storage of mega yachts. It is also the location of the majority of the restaurants and shops in the area.

Ayurvedic health treatments, acupuncture, massages, facials, body washes, and body polishes are all available at the Ixora Spa, which also features yoga on an outdoor deck. Even though sunset cruises exude romance, cruising around Scrub Island on a luxurious catamaran would also be a wonderful thing to do with a group of friends or even younger children who are older than 12. The North Beach Festival is an event that takes place on Wednesday evenings and welcomes overnight guests to take part in the after-dark excitement with delectable food, live music, and other forms of entertainment. Additionally, stargazing at Sunset Point is the ideal way to cap off an evening that was both memorable and low-key. Attend a Full Moon Party in Trellis Bay if you want the good times to keep rolling.

Where exactly on Scrub Island may one find the most desirable lodging options?
Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina,
 

Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina is the first property in the Caribbean to be a part of Marriott's Autograph Collection. It is distinguished by its breezy, tropical aesthetic and provides guests with a wide range of options for things to do, places to eat, and places to stay. The rooms have king-size mattresses as well as balconies that have expansive views of the ocean. Have a more extended trip planned, or do you simply enjoy having access to all the conveniences of home? The suites feature distinct rooms for sleeping and living, fully-equipped gourmet kitchens, and covered verandas. The opulent and private hillside villas range in size from two to six bedrooms, making them an ideal choice for accommodating bigger groups as well as families. In addition, the special online provisioning service ensures that the refrigerator will be stocked when guests arrive at their destination. The resort also features three private beaches, a spa, various restaurants, and a lagoon-style pool with waterfalls and a swim-up bar. Additionally, there is a 55-slip marina on the premises.

If you would rather take Scrub Island as a day trip from Tortola, then that opens up the playing field to include the cherished Long Bay Beach Resort as well as the Sugar Mill Hotel. Rather go the route of renting a vacation home? The recently restored Mood Indigo property on Great Camano (near the East End of Tortola) showcases a large amount of interior and outdoor living space, a private slip, and a Caribe DL15 boat for guests to use while travelling throughout the British Virgin Islands.

https://www.travelandleisure.com/hotels-resorts/it-list-the-best-new-hotels-2022

What are some of the top restaurants and drinking establishments on Scrub Island?

Donovan’s Reef
 

Donovan's Reef is a great open-air area to start the day with a delicious, healthy breakfast while watching the morning bustle in the harbor. Guests can start their day here while taking in the sights and sounds of the marina. The Amerada lobster meal is a popular reason for guests to return in the evening. One Shoe Beach Bar & Grill is known for its laid-back atmosphere, delicious food, and creative cocktails, in addition to its picture-perfect view points. Cardamom & Co. is a fine-dining restaurant at the resort that features delectable dishes that convey the tale of Caribbean cookery and the spice trade and are enhanced by wine pairings. These dishes are sourced from the resort's organic garden, which provides herbs, fruits, and vegetables. The deli at Scrub Island Outpost makes sandwiches to order, and the adjacent market sells gourmet deli meats, cheeses, snacks, pizza, wine, and spirits. You can literally get anything you need for a beachside picnic or an in-villa happy hour right there.


2023-01-14  Maliyah Mah