Imagine yourself in the British Virgin Islands, where the sparkling Caribbean Sea’s brilliant blue waters meet its vibrant green landscapes. That’s exactly where my Caribbean travel adventure began. During our 5-day crewed catamaran charter, we eagerly set out to explore this tropical paradise and visit Scrub Island.
This pristine island in the Caribbean offers the perfect getaway for travelers seeking relaxation and adventure. In this blog, I will share everything you need to know about planning your trip to Scrub Island, from accommodations and dining to activities.
The unspoiled beauty of the British Virgin Islands makes it the perfect destination for beach lovers.
Want to learn more about vacationing in the British Virgin Islands? Check out our blog posts below about our experience:
- Our All-Inclusive BVI Vacation with Moorings Yacht Charters
- Things to Do in the British Virgin Islands
- What We Ate on Our Moorings Yacht Charter
- How to Plan Your Own Moorings Yacht Charter
- Tips for Sailing the British Virgin Islands
- How to Spend 5 Days in the BVI
What is the Best Time to Visit Scrub Island?
The British Virgin Islands boasts a tropical climate, offering paradise with year-round sunshine and warm weather. However, hurricane season runs from June to November, so it’s important to keep that in mind when planning your trip.
Despite the risk of storms, many travelers still choose to visit in the fall to avoid the busy holiday season and high prices.
The ocean is warm enough to swim in all year, but underwater visibility is best for scuba diving in the winter and spring. Avid sailors love to visit Scrub Island in March or April for the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival.
No matter what time of year you choose to visit Scrub Island, you’re sure to have an unforgettable vacation.
Where to Stay in Scrub Island
The Scrub Island Resort Spa & Marina is the only hotel on the island. The resort offers guest accommodations with refined luxury and unparalleled comfort. You can choose whether to stay in guest rooms & suites or in your own luxury villa on a private island.
- Guest Rooms – Ideal for couples or solo travelers, the resort’s guest rooms are the epitome of cozy elegance. Each room boasts private balconies overlooking the island’s lush greenery or the sparkling Caribbean Sea. Spacious and well-appointed, these accommodations feature king-size beds, luxurious en suite bathrooms, and more to ensure your stay is comfortable and relaxing.
- Suites – For those seeking an even more lavish retreat, the resort’s suites scream elevated level. These expansive accommodations feature separate living areas, ideal for entertaining or simply relaxing in style. Panoramic ocean views, oversized bathrooms with soaking tubs, and other amenities like flat-screen televisions and Wi-Fi are also included.
- Luxury Villas – The resort’s private hillside villas offer an unparalleled level of comfort and exclusivity. These expansive residences feature multiple bedrooms, private pools, gourmet kitchens, and expansive outdoor living spaces, providing an ideal retreat for families, groups, or those seeking unparalleled pampering.
Day Trips from Scrub Island
Scrub Island Resort is the perfect base for exploring the nearby islands and cays. With its ideal spot and wide range of transportation options, planning a day trip is easy and hassle-free.
Here are a few popular day trip destinations from Scrub Island Resort:
- Virgin Gorda: This beautiful island is known for its breathtaking shores, crystal-clear waters, and unique rock formations. Visit the Baths, a geological wonder featuring giant granite boulders and hidden pools, or relax on the white, sandy beaches of Trunk Bay or Savannah Bay.
- Jost Van Dyke: This laid-back island is a popular spot for sailing, snorkeling, and diving. Visit Foxy’s Tamarind Bar, a legendary island hangout, or enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the many beachfront restaurants.
- Norman Island: This secluded island is a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy a relaxing day in paradise. Visit the Caves, a series of sea caves and grottos, or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island.
- Cooper Island: This tranquil island is home to a beautiful beach, a mangrove forest, and several walking trails. Visit the Cooper Island Beach Club for a refreshing cocktail or a delicious lunch, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun.
Related Posts: 13+ Things to Do in the British Virgin Islands
Transportation Options: Scrub Island Resort
It was easy to get to Scrub Island. By boat, it is just a 10-minute ride from the Trellis Bay Dock Marina, which is adjacent to the Beef Island airport on Tortola. When you arrive at the resort, the first thing you’ll notice is the stunning grounds.
Boats are the best way to explore the BVI’s many islands. Regular ferry services, charter boats, and water taxis connect the larger islands, such as Tortola and Virgin Gorda. These services are a scenic and convenient way to travel, allowing you to hop from island-to-island, enjoying each island’s unique charm.
Things to Do on Scrub Island
After a day of exploring the British Virgin Islands aboard our Moorings Yacht Charter, we decided to dock at Scrub Island.
While docking here meant paying an additional fee, it also granted us access to some of their amenities and activities. Use CODE: SUN for 10% off your own Moorings Yacht Charter booking, or use our link.
The island boasts a small but stunning beach with some of the clearest and calmest waters we had encountered during our entire BVI trip. We decided to go snorkeling and check out what the ocean had to show us. The moment we slipped into the clear water, it was a burst of color everywhere we looked.
They also have an overwater trampoline that provided endless amusement for our group, while complimentary stand-up paddleboards and kayaks allowed us to explore the tranquil waters at our own pace.
Our absolute favorite spot on Scrub Island was the two-tiered pool. Featuring a swim-up bar, a hot tub, and breathtaking views of the surrounding waters, it was the perfect place to unwind and soak up the Caribbean sun. Their fitness center and showers are also available for those who want to stay active while on vacation.
For those seeking refreshments, a restaurant and coffee bar were also available.
Dining Options on Scrub Island
Dining on Scrub Island is an experience that’s as delightful as its sparkling shores, with great food and a charming atmosphere. With a backdrop of gentle waves and the occasional sailboat gliding by, you can enjoy a plate of perfectly grilled mahi-mahi or sip on a fruity rum cocktail while the sunset paints the sky with orange and pink.
Donovan’s Reef
Donovan’s Reef offers a delightful blend of casual dining and breathtaking views, making it a popular destination for both resort guests and island explorers.
As you step inside, a gentle breeze carries the tantalizing aroma of grilled seafood, enticing your taste buds for the culinary journey ahead.
To complement your meal, there is also a selection of handcrafted cocktails. Whether you prefer the refreshing tang of a classic margarita or the tropical allure of a piña colada, the menu offers an array of options to satisfy every palate.
Cardamom & Co.
End your day with a romantic dinner at Cardamom & Co., the resort’s signature fine-dining restaurant. The enchanting ambiance, with flickering torches and gentle sea breezes, creates the perfect setting for an unforgettable evening.
The menu features a fusion of global cuisine with a Caribbean twist, expertly prepared by talented chefs who infuse local flavors into every dish.
With impeccable service and an extensive wine list, your romantic dinner promises not only to tantalize you but also to create unforgettable moments against the backdrop of this tropical paradise.
Experience Ultimate Wellness at Ixora Spa
Ixora Spa is the heart of the resort. From the moment you step in, you’ll be transported to a world of serenity and bliss. The spa’s elegant interior, with their soothing earth tones and natural materials, create a calming and inviting atmosphere.
Ixora Spa offers a wide range of treatments, from traditional massages and facials to innovative body scrubs. The treatments are designed to promote physical and emotional well-being with modern spa techniques.
After a rejuvenating spa treatment, relax in Ixora Spa’s lounge chairs, where you can sip on herbal tea and savor the stunning views of the surrounding Caribbean Sea.
Events You Should Check Out
Scrub Island offers a captivating array of events that cater to every taste and preference, ensuring an unforgettable stay for all guests. It’s not super fancy or anything—just a bunch of cool events where you can have fun, meet new people, and really get into the island vibe.
Yoga at Ixora Spa
The spa offers a complimentary yoga class on the deck, overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Guided by an experienced instructor, the yoga class is suitable for all levels, from beginners to seasoned yogis. The class focuses on a variety of yoga poses and breathing exercises designed to improve flexibility, strength, and balance.
History Walk
Discover the rich history and culture of Scrub Island on a guided history walk. It’s also a fun and informative activity for the whole family.
Every Tuesday and Friday morning, the resort’s activities director leads a guided walk around the island, sharing stories of its past and highlighting its many natural and historical treasures.
North Beach Festival
On Wednesday evenings, the Scrub Island Resort hosts its signature North Beach Festival, a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture and cuisine under the stars.
Some nights, they have a big Caribbean party with live drums and dancing right on the beach. Other nights, it’s more laid-back with a bonfire where everyone can just hang out, toast some marshmallows, and chill under the stars.
Plan Your Dream Wedding
If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding that is both romantic and unforgettable, Scrub Island is the perfect choice. With its stunning scenery, intimate atmosphere, and world-class amenities, Scrub Island will help you create your dream wedding day.
From the moment you arrive at Scrub Island, you’ll be enveloped in the island’s romantic ambiance. The resort’s dedicated wedding team will work with you to create a truly unforgettable day, from planning the ceremony and reception to coordinating all the details, big and small.
Scrub Island’s Marina Resort will help you choose a venue depending on your vision for your special day. Exchange vows on the pristine pavilion beach, surrounded by swaying palms and turquoise waters. Or, host your ceremony in the resort’s lush tropical gardens, with the Caribbean Sea as your backdrop.
Scrub Island in British Virgin Island: Final Thoughts
Overall, I had an amazing time on Scrub Island. It’s the perfect destination for travelers who are looking for a relaxing and luxurious island experience with lots of activities to choose from.
I would definitely recommend staying on the boat for a unique and unforgettable experience. Staying on a Moorings Yacht Charter at Scrub Island is a great way to experience the best of both worlds. You’ll have the privacy and comfort of your own boat while also having access to the resort’s boundless adventures and activities.
Click here to read about our experience with Moorings Yacht Charters.
No matter how you choose to experience Scrub Island, you’re sure to have a memorable vacation!
Last Updated 5 months ago by Jessica Serna | Published: November 20, 2023
