Scrub Island, in the British Virgins
Here’s what we love about the British Virgin Islands: the sailing, the beach bars, the snorkeling, and the tiny islets populated by goats. Here’s what we don’t love: the hotel scene. You can blow the bank in an insanely priced resort that makes you feel underdressed even on the beach, or opt for a tiny inn that smells like boat shoes. Not optimal wedding territory.
So when we first heard about Scrub Island (apparently named for the pirates who stopped here to scrub the barnacles off their ships), the first luxury resort to open in the BVI in nearly two decades, you can bet we were intrigued. There are 52 hotel rooms in the Marina Villa–a mix of standard hotel rooms and suites—but if you’re looking for something fairly jaw-dropping, head to the website for tours of the seven villas. Meant to appeal to families and small groups, they come with wide balconies, private pools, king beds, outdoor rain showers, 42-inch flat panel TVs, and kitchens that are probably nicer than yours back home. The cost of such luxury? In the shoulder season, a two-bedroom villa that sleeps six is $1,525 a night. Load up on groceries at the resorts surprisingly well-priced market, and you can save some serious bucks.
With scenic lookouts and sea-view points, wide terraces and patios, a pair of pools, plus several beaches, restaurants, and the largest ballroom in the BVI, Scrub really cleans up in the venue department. And the group activities—kayak trips to fantastic snorkeling, island hopping cruises, dinghy excursions to aforementioned beach bars—reinforce the fact that you’re truly no place like home. Now if they would only do something about that name…
Villa Mila, at Scrub Island, in the British Virgins, a smart and stylish wedding option
