Scrub Island Resort Spa & Marina: What to Know Before You Go

Scrub Island Resort Spa & Marina is a private island getaway in the British Virgin Islands, just a few minutes by boat from Tortola. It offers ocean-view suites, hillside villas, a full-service marina, and a quiet setting designed for travelers who want comfort without the noise of large crowds. While the resort looks impressive on paper, the real question is how it holds up when you're actually there.

This guide covers what to expect—how to get there, where you'll stay, what the experience is really like, and whether it’s worth the price.

Getting to Scrub Island

Aerial view of Scrub Island Resort Spa & Marina showing the beachfront, hillside buildings, and cascading infinity pools surrounded by lush green hills.

You can’t fly directly to Scrub Island Resort Spa & Marina, but getting there is simple with a bit of planning. Most guests arrive via Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) on Tortola.

From there:

  • Take a short taxi ride to Trellis Bay Dock
  • Board the resort’s private ferry (10-minute ride)
  • The ferry runs on a fixed schedule and is included in your stay

Other ways to get there:

  • From St. Thomas (USVI): Take a ferry or short flight to Tortola, then follow the same route
  • Private boat or yacht: The marina can accommodate your arrival if arranged in advance

The entire process is smooth if you coordinate timing with your flights and the ferry schedule.

The Island Experience

Private plunge pool and sun loungers overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea at Scrub Island Resort Spa & Marina, with sailboats visible in the distance.

Scrub Island Resort Spa & Marina offers a quiet, private setting with no cars, no crowds, and a layout that keeps everything within reach. The island is small but walkable, and guests use golf carts or boats to get around. There’s a central beach near the main resort, along with two quieter ones you can reach by hiking or kayaking. The overall feel is calm, clean, and low-pressure—more about slowing down than being entertained.

This isn’t a place for nightlife or group events. The energy is relaxed, even when the resort is full. It’s best for couples, families, or boaters who want a break from noise and busy schedules.

If you’re looking for something louder or more social, Scrub Island may feel too quiet.


Accommodations

Spacious living room in a luxury suite at Scrub Island Resort Spa & Marina, opening to a balcony with panoramic ocean views.

Scrub Island Resort Spa & Marina offers a mix of oceanview suites and hillside villas. The standard rooms are clean, modern, and well-sized, with balconies, air conditioning, and comfortable beds. Villas range from two to four bedrooms and come with full kitchens, private plunge pools, and views that feel more residential than resort-style. The design leans more practical than flashy, which works for the setting.

Housekeeping is reliable, and everything you need—towels, robes, toiletries, beach bags—is included. The villas offer more privacy and space, especially for families or longer stays. While the finishes aren’t ultra-luxury, they’re solid, and the views are the main feature.

You get a sense that the accommodations are built for comfort, not for show.

Dining & Village Life

Elegant dining room at Scrub Island Resort Spa & Marina with modern lighting, neatly set tables, and large windows letting in natural light.

The food at Scrub Island Resort Spa & Marina is solid, though not the main attraction. There are a few on-island options, including a casual poolside spot and a more upscale restaurant offering seafood and Caribbean dishes. Service is friendly, and the portions are generous. It’s not fine dining, but it’s consistent and convenient, which matters more in a setting like this.

At the center of the island is the Marina Village, where you'll find a small grocery store, a boutique, and a dive shop. The store is stocked well enough for light meals or villa cooking. There’s also a coffee bar and space to sit and watch boats come in and out. It’s a small hub, but it adds variety and helps the island feel self-contained without trying too hard.

Activities on Land and Sea

Wide sandy beach at Scrub Island Resort Spa & Marina with rows of blue umbrellas and lounge chairs, calm waters, and nearby hills.

Scrub Island Resort Spa & Marina is built around water access. Most guests spend their time swimming, kayaking, or exploring nearby reefs. The resort offers complimentary gear, and the water is usually calm enough for relaxed paddling and snorkeling.

For those looking for more, excursions are available:

  • Scuba diving and snorkeling trips
  • Deep-sea fishing, especially at the North Drop
  • Island-hopping and charter tours arranged through the marina

If you’re arriving by yacht, the marina is well-organized with full services and can accommodate larger boats. Land-based activities are quieter. There’s a small gym, a spa with oceanview treatment rooms, and a two-level pool with a swim-up bar. Walking trails lead to scenic overlooks, but the island isn’t built for heavy hiking.

It’s a place to unplug, not to fill your schedule.

What to Expect (and Pack)

Man sitting on the beach at Scrub Island Resort Spa & Marina, wearing sunglasses and listening to music while looking at his phone.

Staying at Scrub Island Resort Spa & Marina is straightforward if you plan ahead. Most essentials are provided—beach towels, robes, toiletries, even a tote bag—but the island has limited shopping, so it’s best to bring what you know you’ll need.

Here are a few things worth packing:

  • Lightweight clothes and swimwear (the dress code is casual)
  • Reef-safe sunscreen
  • Water shoes or sandals with grip for rocky areas
  • Motion sickness remedies if you’re sensitive to boat transfers
  • Bug spray, especially during the rainy season

Expect reliable Wi-Fi, quiet evenings, and a schedule that moves slowly. While the staff is helpful and organized, service runs on island time—never rushed, sometimes casual.

If you're looking for speed and variety, this isn’t the right destination. But if you’re okay with things moving at a slower pace, the stay is easy.

Pricing & Booking Tips

Panoramic view of the marina and pool complex at Scrub Island Resort Spa & Marina, with yachts docked in the harbor and clear blue waters.

Stays at Scrub Island Resort Spa & Marina aren’t cheap, but there are ways to plan smarter. Standard room rates usually start around $500 to $700 per night, with villas priced significantly higher. Costs fluctuate based on timing, availability, and how early you book.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • High season (December–April) is more expensive and books up fast
  • Marriott Bonvoy points can be used to book or reduce cost
  • Early booking often gets the best rates, especially for villas
  • Look for promotions tied to longer stays (like 5th night free)
  • Included perks: ferry transfer, Wi-Fi, fitness center, and beach gear
  • Extra charges: food, spa, excursions, and tips are not included
While not a budget destination, the experience is fairly priced for what’s offered—if you’re there to use it fully.

Key Takeaways

Scrub Island Resort Spa & Marina is a quiet, self-contained getaway that works best for travelers who want privacy, water access, and a slower pace. It’s not designed to impress through luxury alone, but through simplicity, space, and setting. The accommodations are solid, the service is steady, and the island stays calm even when it’s busy.

It won’t be for everyone.

If you’re looking for nightlife, nonstop dining, or constant activity, this won’t meet that need. But if your idea of a good trip involves time on the water, peaceful views, and a break from noise, Scrub Island delivers—without trying too hard.

Thinking about booking?

Start with a few nights in a standard oceanview room to get a feel for the island—then decide if you’d return for a villa stay.

Ready to unplug?

Check current availability and ferry schedules before locking in your dates. The earlier you book, the better your options.

Goes along

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