Walk in the Footsteps of Columbus at Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina

Yet lying behind these thoroughly modern and luxurious amenities is a fascinating history dating back almost half-a-millennia. All the way, in fact, to the days of Christopher Columbus, who stumbled upon the island during the Italian explorer’s voyages of discovery in the late 14th and early 15th century.

Back then, the island was virtually untouched, as it had remained for centuries, save for the occasional sea weary European explorer needing a quick stop en route to new lands.

So that’s the history, but what about the present day?  The first member of the prestigious Autograph Collection in the Caribbean, the 230-acre private island resort offers a total of 52 guest rooms and suites.

Among them are arguably the jewels in Scrub Island’s crown, a stunning collection of 13 hillside villas, each boasting glorious views and impeccable furnishings, discreetly tucked into the contours of the island.

Available for rent or for purchase, the villas range from two- to six-bedrooms and from 286 to more than 572 square metres of space, with large balconies, terraces and either infinity or plunge pools that offer breathtaking panoramas of the Caribbean and surrounding islands.

Taking inspiration from the British West Indies, villa interiors include dark woods and light walls, and feature local artwork, custom furnishings, king-size beds with luxury linens, natural stone flooring and bamboo ceiling fans.

With services such as daily housekeeping, transportation on demand, available chefs and butlers, the resort’s villa homes are popular with a variety of discerning travelers, from extended families gathering for the holidays to couples seeking the ultimate in exclusivity or an intimate honeymoon hideaway.

Flying direct into Tortola (EIS) is the best option for a seamless arrival.  The airport brims with private aircraft, commercial airlines and will soon offer roundtrip jet service from Miami via BVI Airways. After landing and clearing customs, guests are greeted by a concierge and guided to the resort’s private ferry for a ten minute boat ride to Scrub Island. 

But there’s no reason you can’t bring your yacht with you as Scrub Island is also home to a state-of-the-art marina with 55 deep-water slips, including five for superyachts up to 50 metres in length.

Villa owners and guests have all the privacy they may wish for, or can take advantage of the five star amenities on their doorstep, including a variety of restaurants, award-winning Ixora Spa with Ayurvedic treatments, a 24-hour fitness centre, onsite dive shop, sailing school and a boutique for retail therapy. 

The resort's dedicated concierge service can also plan private charters and itineraries including activities such as diving, snorkeling, fishing, as well as island-hopping adventures to see Virgin Gorda and the world-famous Baths.

Whether visiting to escape reality or purchasing a new Caribbean home, the hidden pleasures of the British Virgin Islands are best experienced at Scrub Island.

For more information on Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina or to make a reservation, call toll free U.S. (888) 678-8912 or visit the official website here.