Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina
It was our first time in the British Virgin Islands, and this was probably the best place to stay. Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina is a resort nestled on a private island in the BVI. Call me ignorant, but I didn’t realize the British Virgin Islands were made up of SO many islands. Like I knew there were several islands, but there are SEVERAL islands lol. The actual best way to visit the country is to charter a boat and sail around visiting them all. We noticed many people were traveling this way, which gave us some insight into boat life. The way I get sea sick, though, this would not be for me, but I really love the idea of it.
THE PROPERTY
We flew into Puerto Rico and spent a couple of nights there, and then flew into the British Virgin Islands, which was only a 45-minute flight from PR. The hotel had our flight information, so when we landed and cleared customs, a driver was waiting to take us to the ferry that takes you to the resort. Please note that when you enter the BVI, there is a $10 per-person entry fee, which you pay upon clearing customs. I believe it’s cash only, so I would double-check. The British Virgin Islands takes US currency.
The ferry comes about every 30 minutes, and you can wait in a covered area with a restaurant and a small convenience store. I ordered a veggie roti for the girls and me, and it was delicious. The ferry ride is a short 15 minutes to the resort with one stop in between. When we arrived to the resort, the staff greeted us with welcome drinks. Our room wasn’t quite ready, so they gave us a tour of the resort while we waited. There are golf carts all around the resort, and you can have someone pick you up and drop you off at different parts. The way the resort is set up it’s quite necessary as the island is hilly and rather large and spread out. We visited in March during a very hot and humid time, so it was way too hot and far to walk everywhere.
The resort offers plenty of activities on the island, including two beaches, two pools, multiple restaurants, a spa and gym, shops, a hiking trail, and a whale-watching lookout. It’s like its own little town in a way. I recommend taking the property tour when you arrive to get your bearings and see everything the resort has to offer. The Marina is cool as well, since many people live on their boats that dock at the resort. They also have a ferry that goes to a nearby island, Marina Cay, where you can have lunch or dinner and chill by the beach. We spent five days at the resort and didn’t bounce around to the other islands (besides Marina Cay), but I wouldn’t recommend it because I think the best way to experience the BVI is by visiting the different islands. We were a little bored by day 3, but we had been traveling so much around that time that we really didn’t have the energy to bounce around with the kids. It was kind of nice to be forced to stay in one spot and relax.
THE ROOM
Our room was so gorgeous. You walk into the living room with a pull-out couch and a kitchen to your right. It was a FULL kitchen with stove, oven, dishes, everything, you name it. And then on your left, there was a half bathroom, and we had a full washer and dryer. When you are visiting sandy places, I can’t stress how much having a washer and dryer is pure heaven. When you walk in a bit, there is a doorway to the bedroom with a large king-size bed and an ensuite bathroom with a shower, tub, closet, and water closet. The best part of the room was the expansive balcony that spanned the entire length of the room with a stunning view of the marina.
We visited during our wedding anniversary, and it was so nice of them to set up a little anniversary treat for us. Before arriving at the hotel, they contacted us to ask for any special requests or needs, and I thought that was especially sweet and exceptional customer service.
THE FOOD
There are multiple restaurants on the property, and I’m pretty sure we ate at all of them. The first night, we ate at Donovan’s Reef, which has more casual vibes and is situated by the pool, but also has a nice view of the marina. The food paid homage to the island with lots of seafood dishes with a Caribbean twist. We really enjoyed our meal here.
Every morning, we had breakfast at Cardamom & Co, which was just a buffet. They had all sorts of breads, cereals, and fruits, as well as an omelette and waffle station. They have outdoor seating overlooking the marina, and the staff were friendly and accommodating. We also had dinner here, which is a much different vibe from breakfast. At night, it turns into white-tablecloth service and more fine dining, and it also has a dress code (no beach attire), so I would be mindful of this when packing. The food at dinner was really great. The local red snapper and sea bass were delicious.
Every week, they hold a festival on North Beach, where hotel guests are treated to a Caribbean buffet set up on the beach with live music. This was our favorite meal on the island, serving the most traditional Caribbean cuisines. We really enjoyed our meal here, and it was nice to watch the sun set on the beach as we ate. You have to sign up ahead of time to reserve your spot, and you can do so at the front desk. They do seat you at general tables, so be warned: there will be forced socialization. If you’re an extrovert, this will be a dream. They even had stilt walkers come in and started a conga line. I wouldn’t say it’s an authentic Caribbean experience, but it’s a fun activity for kids and hotel guests. I believe you can still sign up for this, even if you are not staying at the hotel, since there were guests who were not staying at the resort.
Last night we enjoyed dinner at Marina Cay Island at the Marina Cay Bar & Grill. I know I said the festival was our favorite food, but this actually was our favorite meal. They had a plantain hummus that was incredible. I’m still thinking about it. You have to take a ferry to Marina Cay, but it’s a short ride, about 5 minutes. And you need to make a reservation beforehand.
NORTH BEACH
There are two beaches on the property, one on the main part by the lobby, which is smaller with only a few lounge chairs, and then there’s North Beach on the other side of the island, which you need to take a golf cart to. North Beach was our favorite. They have lovely cabanas you can reserve to lounge in, each with its own cooler and plenty of space, as well as a waiter who can come and serve you food and drinks. There’s a little pool and bar area, as well as lounge chairs around the beach that are open to any guest. The ocean water is crystal clear, and it’s on a coral reef, so it’s shallow for a long stretch. That part was the coolest because the reef causes the waves to crash far out, so you don’t have waves coming on shore, and you can also walk really far out to where the waves crash. We didn’t walk that far out because it is on a coral reef, so you do need water shoes, and we didn’t have any, but I totally would have if we did. This fact made the beach super kid-friendly, though, because it is shallow with minimal waves. The girls absolutely loved hanging out here, and we did too.
MARINA CAY
Marina Cay is an island close to the hotel. You can take a ferry that runs every 30 minutes; it's about a 5-minute ride. There was a hurricane that devastated the island, so it doesn’t have as much to offer as it used to, but you can do some water activities there, including snorkeling, hang out on the beach, play some games set up around the lounge chairs, and have lunch and dinner there. That’s pretty much it, but it’s a nice little spot to visit, and the girls loved hanging out on the beach there. It was VERY quiet when we went. We were the only ones enjoying the beach for hours. Be mindful that they do not have towels there, so you will have to bring your own. (We learned that one the hard way and just air dried)
THE POOLS
There are two pools on the property. One in the main area with a water slide and two levels. The adults seemed drawn more to the top level, which offered an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. The lower pool had a swim-up bar and, because of the slide, attracted more of the families and kids. The day we spent at the pool, there were a ton of kids enjoying it. There are lounge chairs all around with umbrellas, and it’s first-come, first-served. They also have a stand where you can buy floaties and other pool supplies. The girls loved hanging out in the pool. We stayed there for hours.
The second pool is just a small pool on North Beach. It wasn’t used as much because it’s right on the beach, and people opted for the beach over the pool, but it was a nice touch to have it there. It’s rather small, making it perfect for kids.
Overall, we enjoyed our stay here. I loved that the entire island was just for the resort, and it was like we had a little oasis all to ourselves. Although it’s on an island, it did seem small, and I can’t imagine what it would be like during the busy season. I feel like it would be too crowded for our liking, but going in March was perfect, as it was not busy at all, and we really could enjoy all the amenities. I highly recommend staying here if you head to the BVI. It’s super kid-friendly and really a little slice of paradise. But make sure to take time to visit the other islands for day trips!
See pricing and availability for Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina HERE and use my code MISSENOCHA for $$ off.