During a cocktail party at the Beverly HIlls Hotel recently, Los Angeles jet setters were buzzing about a posh resort in the British Virgin Islands called Scrub Island--which is actually a private property of lush lan houses 52 opulent accommodations made up of two to four bedroom villas, a Ixoraq Spa, restaurants, three secluded beaches and a 55-slip marina.
The way people were talking, between bites of tasty hors d'ouevres and sips of cocktails, it sounds like this is place is definitely designed for Divas and discerning travelers. So of course this Travel Diva had to check it out. Well, it looks pretty darn inviting, save for the long, but doable, haul over from Los Angeles.
Named after it's location--a tranquil 230-acre island, about a mile from the east end of Tortola, Scrub Island was actually discovered by Christopher Columbus 500 years ago. Legend has it t hat the name camefrom prates who dropped anchor in the scrub barnacles off their boats.
In addition to the diva-like digs, the vehicle-free resort has alot going for it, like soft sand beaches, nature trails, fine dining, the spa and an average temperature of 80 to 92 degrees. Although secluded, there is free WiFi hookups throughout the resort.
Room descriptions:
Ocean view rooms span 357-sq.-ft. an come with a private balcony or terrace offering marina and ocean views. King-size beds have premium Italian Fili d’Oro sheets with plush down bedding, plasma televisions, bathrooms with separate showers and tubs and Bvlgari amenities.
One-bedroom ocean view suites take up 960 sq. ft. and feature covered verandas, one-and-a-half baths, separate living spaces with plush chairs, sleeper sofas, 50-in. flat panel televisions and washer and dryers. Gourmet kitchens have SubZero and Wolf stainless steel appliances and granite counters. Natural stone flooring, timeless teak furniture and wood-beamed ceilings complement the interiors.
Two-bedroom ocean view suites – similar to one bedroom suites, except they span 1,614 sq. ft., and have two bedrooms, each with a king-size bed, full bathroom and its own balcony/patio.
Hillside villas sound like a diva's dream with ,000 to 6,000 sq. ft of space, two to four bedrooms with amazing views of the Caribbean Sea; large balconies and terraces as well as SubZero, Wolf and Viking appliances, enclosed rain showers and infinity-edged pools. Can accommodate up to 10 guests. Private chefs and attendants are available upon request.
he 6000 sq. ft. Ixora Spa is built on a hillside overlooking the Caribbean Sea, as three treatment rooms, including two designated for couples, for massage, facials, hydrotherapy baths. Privai and L’isola are featured product lines.
The lagoon-style, four-tier pool with waterfalls and swim-up bar has walk up access to Pavilion Beach. For a small place, there's plenty of places to dine from room service to speciality restaurants and cafes. A concierge is available to arrange anything guests' hearts desire.
Getting there, the hardest part:
Probably easiest route is to fly from Los Angeles to San Juan, Puerto Rico, on American Airlines (http://www.aa.com) with a connection with Liat, Cape Air, Air Sunshine or Isalnd Brids Air Charters to Beef Island, Tortola (EIS). The resort is a seven minute ride from Tortola by Scrub Island's private launch.
You will need a valid passport. Rates range from $400 and up, but packages and specials are available at: http://www.scrubisland.com or email: reservations@mainsailbvi.com.
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