More than 60 islands make up the bucolic paradise that is the British Virgin Islands. Located just a short boat ride away from Tortola—the largest and most populous of the BVIs—is Scrub Island, a new resort, spa, and villa complex that provides guests with attentive, caring service and all the amenities that count: a spa, three restaurants, and villas with private infinity pools.
Though bustling Tortola is just across the bay, chances are good that once you arrive at Scrub Island, the most strenuous activity youÂ’ll manage is to lounge on your private balcony, watching the yachts glide into the 53-slip marina that fronts the resort. Or you could watch the light dance on Camano Island, directly opposite the bay. Should a burst of energy overcome you, the dive shop can arrange scuba and snorkeling excursions, or you can just head for the outdoor lounge overlooking the marina.
Scrub IslandÂ’s three restaurants range from the casually elegant at Caravela to barbecue at One Shoe Beach Bar & Grill, a stoneÂ’s throw up the path to a beach so pristine and uncharted that you might as well claim it as your very own private refuge.
Interior design throughout the resort is graceful, understated, and thoughtful. For instance, no matter where you stand in your suite, you’ll have a view of the water, even from the bath. Come winter, whales use the 70-foot channel as their highway. 877-890-7444; scrubisland.com. —Lisa Rogak
Exploring the BVIs: Three more must-stay resorts.
Peter Island Resort
This private island resort offers oceanview rooms and beachfront suites, but the crowning glory here is the hilltop HawkÂ’s Nest. The villa features 3,626 square feet of space (thatÂ’s just the interior) that includes nannyÂ’s quarters, a library, and a gym. Outdoor space includes a waterfall/grotto and an infinity-edge pool that gives way to arresting sea views below. 800-346-4451, peterislandresort.com.
Guana Island
The privately owned 850-acre isle is home to only a handful of beach houses and villas. The Cottage is the only house on the island’s North Beach, while Jost House reigns as villa supreme. Can’t make up your mind? Come with 35 of your closest friends and call the entire island your own. 800-544-8262, guana.com.
Biras Creek Resort
This Relais & Chateaux resort comprises 31 suites on a 140-acre peninsula on Virgin Gorda’s North Sound. Activities include kayaking, sailing, snorkeling, and the like; however, the best R&R to be had here is with a Decléor treatment at the spa. 877.883.0756, biras.com. —Lindsay Lambert