PARTNER CONTENT
Bold Beginnings
Imagine a visionary — a man with a dream so bold it redefined paradise. Supported by an energetic team of passionate minds, Joe Collier, along with his wife, Camille, set sail across the Caribbean, seeking untapped beauty and sustainable opportunity. This journey led them to Scrub Island, a pristine oasis just east of Tortola in the beautiful British Virgin Islands. Originally home to a single restaurant and a family residence, the allure of the island sparked curiosity. A short dinghy ride and a serendipitous dinner later, a transformative partnership was born, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Today, Scrub Island stands as a premier destination for families and couples, blending luxurious leisure with unparalleled investment opportunities. Designed by acclaimed architects OBMI and developed by Mainsail Lodging & Development, this exclusive island community seamlessly combines the sophisticated amenities of a luxury resort with the convenience and security of a self-sufficient residential community. Here, guests and residents enjoy exceptional service, stunning amenities, and a sense of sanctuary that’s truly unmatched.
One Man, One Vision
What sets Collier apart from other skilled developers in the Caribbean? He’s not only a developer; he’s a storyteller, a creative visionary, and yes — a unicyclist! With 40 years of experience, Joe’s legacy goes beyond groundbreaking projects; it’s rooted in his commitment to hospitality and creating vibrant communities where his team thrives together. His belief in Scrub Island is shared by a family of residents, travelers, and those who simply seek a place to belong.
“We wanted to create more than just a beautiful destination. We envisioned a community where people feel genuinely connected — to the land, to the sea, and to one another. Scrub Island is that place and more,” says Collier, resident & founder of Mainsail Lodging & Development.
Scrub Island welcomes everyone — from passionate boaters and adventure seekers to those looking for tranquil escape. The dedicated onsite real estate team is here to help you embark on this journey, with fully furnished offerings starting at $1 million.
The Best of Both Worlds
Welcome to your paradise, where natural beauty meets unparalleled lifestyle.
Formed by volcanic activity, Scrub Island comprises two pristine, private tropical islands connected by a narrow isthmus and boasting unmatched natural beauty. Covering 170 acres, Big Scrub remains largely undeveloped and boasts breathtaking 360-degree views of the Caribbean Sea and neighboring islands from its highest peak, which reaches 438 feet. At 60 acres in size, Little Scrub is the heart of the resort, featuring two restaurants, four bars, two sparkling swimming pools – one complete with epic water slide and swim-up bar, as well as a vibrant marina village with boutique shops, gourmet market, diving and sailing schools, fitness center, and, perched above it all, the iconic Ixora Spa.
The lively, full-service marina offers 55 slips available for lease or transient docking, including five for mega yachts up to 170 feet, and is a constant hub of aquatic action and energy. It can also proudly claim to be hands down the cleanest marina in the BVI, with crystal clear turquoise waters adding to its allure.
Scrub Island is fringed by three idyllic white sand beaches that shelve into the Caribbean Sea. The rest of the island’s unspoiled coastline is peppered with protected coves, inlets and reefs fabulous for underwater exploration. This paradise is also virtually vehicle-free with resort shuttles serving as the primary form of transportation, maximizing the overall ambiance of perfect peace and tranquility.
Just off the shore from Scrub Island, uncover another 8-acre island gem that has experienced a stunning transformation, now proudly standing as Marina Cay Bar & Grill. Within this tropical oasis, indulge in Caribbean-inspired dining set against a breathtaking open-air backdrop with panoramic views of Tortola and its nearby islands. Managed by Scrub Island, Marina Cay is accessible to local residents, visitors, and resort guests via Scrub Island’s private ferry.
Carefree Investment
With over $150 million USD already invested, Scrub Island offers a select number of unique freehold real estate options that attract a wide range of investors worldwide. Scrub Island’s exclusive real estate collection includes fully furnished turnkey marina village condominiums, a range of two- to six-bedroom luxury private villas complete with infinity pools, expansive grounds and all the comforts of home, as well as pristine homesites for the prospective dream home builder. All villas and condominiums have been constructed to the highest specifications, strictly adhering to Miami Dade high velocity hurricane zone building codes and standards. Each private villa has been thoughtfully positioned and designed to respect the contours of the land, maximize surrounding views and breezes, enhance natural light and shade to balance indoor and outdoor living, and to enhance homeowner privacy.
An established rental & property management program ensures that each property is impeccably cared for year-round by a dedicated on-site team. From reservations and bookings, travel logistics and transfers, personalized provisioning, housekeeping, private chefs, sensational spa experiences, and special events to bespoke care and upkeep of your unique investment, the resort has you truly covered.
A Safe and Stable Haven
The BVI boasts one of the most affluent economies in the Caribbean, supported by a flourishing financial services industry and booming tourism sector. While not immune to worldwide recessions, depressions, endemics, and wars, the BVI has weathered many a literal and figurative storm and emerged undefeated. The territory remains a global offshore epicenter, with more offshore companies registered than anywhere else in the world. Company incorporation costs and administration burdens continue to be comparably low, BVI companies are operationally flexible, and corporate governance can be adapted to suit structure. Caribbean real estate too has proven resilient to global market fluctuations, and investments remain relatively low leverage, further reducing financial risk.
A Credible Currency and Low Tax Regime
Despite being a British territory, the US dollar has been the legal tender of the BVI since 1959 with no plans to replace it in either the near or distant future. There are no exchange controls, which is a substantial bonus for US investors as this removes all risk associated with exchange rate fluctuation. There are also no constraints on the movement of dollar funds into or out of the country.
The BVI also remains a low-tax jurisdiction that appears on the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s “whitelist” reflecting a high level of tax transparency, regulatory, and compliance standards. The BVI offers freedom from income, corporate and personal tax. In addition, there is no withholding tax, sales tax, value added tax, capital gains or transfers tax, estate duty tax, inheritance, or succession tax. Property taxes are nominal, although investors do pay a once-off Stamp Duty of 12 percent of the property value to the government upon purchase of either land of completed home.
Accessibility
While the BVI has typically been considered somewhat remote, access to the archipelago continues to become easier. June 2023 saw the start of regular, direct American Airlines flights from Miami, Florida, into Tortola’s Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport. All other flights into the BVI connect through Puerto Rico, St. Thomas in the USVI, Antigua, and St. Martin with continual improvements being made to each airport to enhance the travel and transit experience.
As for Scrub Island’s specific location? Absolutely perfect. Exit airport customs and hop into your pre-arranged taxi, which whisks you to a private ferry a mere two minutes away. Enjoy a 15-minute ferry ride with the balmy breezes in your hair and the sunshine on your skin and the sea air filling your lungs, and you will be met by the warm, smiling faces of the resort’s hostess team. It simply doesn’t get easier than that.
Outstanding Quality of Life
The year-round sunshine, temperate seas, and consistent conditions make for a life lived predominantly in salt water and fresh air. Scrub Island is an ideal destination for all manner of boaters, and boasts some of the world’s best fishing, diving, snorkeling, kitesurfing, and paddleboarding. The waters surrounding Scrub Island are arguably the safest, most user-friendly in the Caribbean. The islands that make up the BVI archipelago are within close reach of each other, making for safe, line-of-sight boating for seasoned professionals and beginners alike. Time on land can be spent hiking, exploring unspoiled beaches, participating in year-round cultural events, wining and dining in an ever-expanding array of restaurants and bars, and dancing under the stars at regular festive events and beach parties.
An Ever-Changing Existence
Like it or not, our world was irrevocably altered by 2020’s pandemic and continues to be transformed by a changing climate, a growing population, declining resources, groundbreaking technological advancements, and shifting economic and political landscapes. Among all this uncertainty exists a continual search for stability, safety, and all things that support a better work-life balance, improved mental and physical wellness, and more meaningful relationships with those we love as well as our natural surroundings. Scrub Island offers all of this in spades. Why invest in Scrub Island? Why on earth not?
