Island Heritage, Culinary Escapes and the Revitalization of Marina Cay
Partner Content
The British Virgin Islands bring a new rhythm to island life — unhurried, sun-drenched, and rich with discovery. At Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, a AAA Four-Diamond private island retreat, that rhythm unfolds through quiet luxury, natural beauty, and meaningful moments shared across sand and sea.
The Story of Marina Cay
Tucked just across the channel from Scrub Island, Marina Cay has long captivated visitors with its unassuming beauty and storied past. The eight-acre islet, surrounded by coral reefs and crowned with sweeping views, first rose to prominence in the 1930s when American author Robb White and his wife Rodie made it their home. Their adventurous spirit — and enduring love story — was immortalized in White’s memoir Our Virgin Island, later adapted into a feature film starring Sidney Poitier and John Cassavetes.
For decades, Marina Cay has existed as both a destination and an idea: a place where simplicity reigns, nature leads, and time slows. While years have shaped the island’s landscape, its legend only grew — anchored by the memories of those who came seeking solitude, sea air, and storybook escape.
A New Chapter Begins
Today, Marina Cay enters a new era — one that respects its roots while inviting guests to experience its magic anew. The heart of the revival is Marina Cay Bar & Grill, a breezy, open-air gathering place where island flavors meet panoramic sea views. Accessible via Scrub Island’s private ferry or by personal vessel, Marina Cay offers a relaxed atmosphere for a leisurely lunch, sunset cocktail, or an easy evening spent lingering in good company.
The menu balances approachable favorites — think fresh-caught seafood, crisp salads, and juicy burgers — with a casual, come-as-you-are sensibility. But beyond the food, it’s the feeling that draws you in: salt on your skin, music on the breeze, and the sense that you’ve arrived somewhere special.
Beyond the Shoreline
In partnership with Up ‘n’ Under Watersports, Marina Cay now offers a full suite of aquatic activities for guests who crave a bit of motion between moments of stillness. Thrill-seekers can glide over the sea on eFoils or speed across the surface on AquaDarts, while paddlers and snorkelers can explore the reef-ringed island at a slower pace.
This blend of adventure and authenticity reinforces what Marina Cay has always done best: offer space to explore, unwind, and rediscover the joy of being fully present.
Scrub Island: A Perfect Counterpoint
While Marina Cay has its own rhythm, Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina remains the anchor for your private island experience. Here, the focus is on thoughtful details and meaningful moments. Two pristine beaches, a hillside spa, an award-winning marina, and an array of private villas offer a seamless blend of comfort and character.
Dining across the resort remains relaxed and refined. One Shoe Beach Bar & Grill on North Beach offers toes-in-the-sand fare just steps from the water — ideal for a midday bite between pool dips and beach strolls. For more expansive experiences, Scrub Island’s two signature restaurants showcase distinct sides of island dining.
At Cardamom & Co., guests are invited on a culinary journey shaped by the flavors of the spice trade and the Caribbean’s indigenous ingredients. This fine dining venue boasts sweeping views of the marina and neighboring islands, elegant service, and thoughtful dishes that celebrate regional influences.
Meanwhile, Donovan’s Reef Marina Bar & Grill embraces the casual energy of poolside dining, where every meal is accompanied by a soft breeze and stunning views. Overlooking Donovan’s Beach, this open-air favorite serves up crisp salads, signature sandwiches, and tempting appetizers. A swim-up bar allows guests to sip cocktails without ever leaving the water, and every Friday night, live music adds a festive island beat.
At Scrub Island, dining isn’t confined to the table. It’s a shaded cabana by the sea. It’s a cocktail shared on the ferry to Marina Cay. It’s the memory of a meal made more meaningful by the view.
A Place to Call Your Own
Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape or traveling with a group, Scrub Island offers accommodations designed to suit every style of stay. Ocean view guest rooms and suites provide a peaceful sanctuary with plush bedding, spa-inspired bathrooms, and private balconies overlooking the water.
For those desiring even more privacy and space, the resort’s hillside villas offer a residential-style experience with multiple bedrooms, expansive terraces, full kitchens, and private plunge or infinity pools. Each villa is positioned to capture breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and channel, creating a true sense of escape. Personalized touches — from in-villa dining to curated experiences — allow guests to relax completely, wrapped in the comfort of their own secluded retreat.
To linger a little longer, guests can take advantage of the Private Island Bliss Package, which includes a night free and a $250 resort credit — perfect for spa indulgences and memorable island moments.
Read more of your private island story at scrubisland.com and marina-cay.com. For more information on the Bliss Package, check out scrubisland.com/offers/private-island-bliss.
