Scrub Island

Update on the BVI’S first development in 15 years

Earlier this year we first brought a $100 million development in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) to your attention. Travel Agent recently met with representatives of the project, Scrub Island Resort, and gathered some updates to share with agents on the BVI’s first project in 15 years.

A spacious Ocean View Villa Master Bedroom at Scrub Island

Scrub Island recently topped off the first buildings of a multi-phase plan, which is now slated for full completion by early 2009. Among some of the development’s first-finished products are its two-bedroom villas (built into Scrub Island’s hillside), as well as larger multilevel villas, each touting a private infinity-edge pool.

Two buildings have also been topped off in the centrally located marina village, home to many of the island’s amenities and the marina itself, which we were told will be able to accommodate yachts by as early as October.

Village Rooms and Suites
Scrub Island is a 230-acre island that will offer 66 accommodations ranging from rooms and suites in the Marina Village to two- to five-bedroom villas scattered throughout the island. The resort also offers five-star amenities including a spa, 60-slip marina, five restaurants and bars, an amphitheatre built of natural stone and an astronomy observatory. The private island will not exceed more than 200 residents or guests at any given time.

We were told that the property is ideal for couples, especially honeymooners, but is also great for families. It is, however, mainly geared toward affluent travelers. The property offers a 10 percent commission. Agents can contact Scott Ward, director of sales and marketing, at 813-890-9304 or sward@mainsalehotels.com.

The Villas
The two-bedroom Ocean View Villas are broken into dual multilevel pods joined together by a foyer, all within about 2,100 square feet of space. Both units feature a master suite with a large bath and separate sitting area. They can accommodate four to eight people, with two guest bedrooms, one on each of the two floors, as well as a living room area with a sleeper sofa, dining room and full kitchen. Each has a 1,200-square-foot terrace with private infinity-edge pool. The three- to five-bedroom Long View Residences each have between 3,000 to 4,300 square feet of living space. The main level has a kitchen with an eat-in bar, separate dining room and large living room where sliding doors open to a terrace and private infinity-edge pool.

In other news, Scrub Island selected Dive BVI as the resort’s official dive operator. Several supervised, instructional courses are available, ranging from the Discover Scuba Diving course to the Advanced Diver program.