From infinity pools to infinite sea views, this new luxury resort set on the rolling hills of Scrub Island has breathed new life into the BVI’s image as an exclusive travel destination.
(Image Courtesy of Mainsail Resorts)
As the first new resort to open in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) in over 15 years, the developers of Scrub Island knew they had to offer visitors a truly special experience. Of course, they had natural advantages – gorgeous beaches kissed by the blue Caribbean, panoramic vistas of the nearby Great Camino Islands, and the privacy and seclusion only possible on a castaway isle like Scrub.
With 230 unspoiled acres to work with, Mainsail Resorts set about developing a $100 million playground of deluxe hotel suites, intimate villas, an elaborate stone amphitheatre and four unique restaurants and bars. The main compound, Marina Village, has a breezy Caribbean chic and features 5-star amenities like a 53-slip marina, plenty of shopping, and a spa and fitness centre. Vast communal spaces lend themselves perfectly to corporate events, but the island is ideally suited for events of a more romantic nature – a 2,145 sq. ft. ballroom, the largest in the BVI, could host a fairy tale wedding of up to 250 guests.
(Image Courtesy of Mainsail Resorts)
Guests can laze on one of the resort’s three spectacular beaches, or enjoy an afternoon in the lagoon-style pool adorned with a 15-ft waterfall and serviced by a convenient swim-up bar. Fittingly in a region so captivated by water, infinity pools are something of a theme throughout the resort. The individual villas come with their own; like small pieces taken from where the sea meets the horizon, and scattered across the island.
The Director of Sales and Marketing for Scrub Island, Maureen Morgenthien, said that the island had immediately captivated the president of Mainsail Resorts, who was sailing in the area years ago. He stopped for dinner one night at what was then the only thing on Scrub – a small restaurant called Donovan’s Reef, a popular way station for hungry island-hoppers. After meeting the owner and seeing the possibilities, he launched the plan to build the resort.
(Image Courtesy of Mainsail Resorts)
In addition to the resort, private residences are also offered for sale; starting at US $1.5 million for a two-bedroom condo, up to more than $3.5 million for a three-bedroom “Longview Villa”, the residences are far from inexpensive. Egyptian marble, high-quality teak and other fine materials were employed by the renowned hospitality design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates, creating an elegant, authentically Caribbean feel. Guests can avail themselves of all of the resort’s amenities, and rent out the properties when not in use.
According to the resort, the residences are aimed at a very specific demographic: “People who want to own a piece of their own private island in the Caribbean. They probably live in colder climates and will come to use their villa during their winters: ‘snowbirds’. They then have the peace of mind that their property will be managed and looked after during their absence. They also will have all the amenities of a luxury resort within walking distance. We are targeting primarily the US market but secondarily UK and Europe.”
Strong interest in the homes – which can also be designed to suit – has been reported by the resort, particularly by those who seek out the BVI for its beautiful warm seas and plenty of opportunities for sailing fun. Ralph Gregory of Boulder, Colorado, who owns two properties on the island, was quoted as saying; “That’s why I decided to buy a residence on Scrub Island, we’d have a second home ashore and still get to walk right out and jump in a boat.” For water-loving adventurers, what could be more like paradise?
