What it lacks in stature, Ixora Spa at Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina makes up for in ambience. Located in a villa high on a south-facing bluff offering a breathtaking view of the Caribbean Sea, Ixora Spa is a secluded oasis on a small island already far removed from the traffic (no cars), commerce (the resort and its chandlery are the only businesses) and the frenzy of neighboring, more populated islands.
My husband, Kevin, and I spent a glorious two nights at Scrub Island Resort during a weeklong spring junket to the British Virgin Islands. The private island resort — the first resort development built in the British Virgin Islands in more than 15 years — opened in 2010.
The resort takes its name from its location on Scrub Island. The 230-acre island, one mile east of Tortola, traces its name to the 16th century when, legend has it, pirates trolling the region would anchor in its shallow coves to scrub barnacles from their boats.
Accommodations comprise 26 guestrooms and 26 one- and two-bedroom suites in addition to several hillside villas. Appropriate to its location, guestroom interiors evoke a Colonial West Indies feel. We stayed in a one-bedroom suite, an expansive 960-square-foot space with a covered veranda overlooking the marina, a full master bath with a separate tub and shower, a half-bath for guests, a living/dining area and a fully equipped kitchen with SubZero and Wolf stainless steel appliances.
Ixora Spa was a short but steep walk from our suite, so we opted to hitch a ride on the complimentary, on-call shuttle that circulates around the island. (On a related note, the best beaches are on the north coast opposite the guestrooms, restaurants and the marina, so the shuttle comes in handy for the return trip after soaking up rays and, perhaps, relaxing with a margarita or two while lounging beachside.)
Due to its location in one of the resort’s original guest villas, the spa boasts a relaxing, homelike atmosphere. Following check-in, a member of the spa staff escorted us to a lounge with glass doors opening onto a veranda and framing a postcard-perfect view of the Caribbean Sea and nearby islands.
We sipped cool glasses of water and enjoyed the vista until the same staffer returned to escort us across a terrace — and past an inviting infinity swimming pool — into the treatment room where we were given robes and slippers and directed to change our clothes in the adjacent bathroom. While the layout of the treatment room was a bit unexpected in light of it being repurposed from a villa bedroom, it was comfortable and functional.
We had opted for a couple’s massage. I’ve only recently become a fan of the dual treatment — enlightenment that came when I realized the benefits of being able to schedule spa appointments at the same time as my husband, and I noticed the savings: $225 for a one-hour massage in a shared room versus $125 per person for a one-hour massage in two separate rooms. I was pleased when our individual therapists asked about our personal preferences (pressure, problem areas) and tailored our treatments to our separate likes and dislikes instead of attempting to choreograph the experience.
We had intended to soak in the infinity pool (reserved specifically for spa guests) following our massages, but afternoon was waning into dusk and the air was getting cool by the time we emerged from the treatment room. Instead, we decided to embrace our warm, post-treatment afterglow while enjoying a glass of wine and watching the sunset from our veranda.
In addition to its couple’s massage, Ixora Spa offers an assortment of massage options including Chakra Balancing Massage, incorporating chakra stones and traditional energy therapy; Deep Tissue Massage, integrating heated soft packs placed along the spine and trigger-point therapy; Eterno Massage, a signature treatment combining heat packs and lavender oil; Island Rock Massage, incorporating heated basalt stones; and Ixora Massage, a gentle treatment based on principles of Swedish massage.
The spa menu also features a roster of signature body scrubs utilizing indigenous and natural ingredients including turbinado sugar crystals, natural aloe, finely ground cocoa, coconut, mango, papaya, seaweed, sea kelp and even shiitake mushrooms.
Ixora Spa by L’Occitane
Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina
Scrub Island
British Virgin Islands
tel 877 890 7444
scrubisland.com
Read This Next
Scottsdale Combines Tourism and Big Business
2015
Jan 1, 2016Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Mar 28, 2024New Adriatic Yacht Cruise and Tour Itineraries Unveiled for 2025
Set sail through crystal-clear waters and explore ports, islands and more on three new yacht cruise and tour itineraries in the Adriatic Sea from Riviera River Cruises. New 2025 itineraries combine yacht cruises with onboard accommodations and land extensions with hotel stays in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Itineraries also include tours of charming coastal towns and stops in national parks and swimming hole locations.
Sponsored Content
Experience Luxury and Tranquility at Hamad International Airport’s Hotel
Known as one of the best airports in the world and voted Best Airport in the Middle East by Global Traveler readers, Hamad International Airport aims to set new standards for the airport industry that exceed the expectations of travelers through its facility.
March 2024
Mar 28, 2024Cruise Lines Elevate the Onboard Fine-Dining Experience
It’s been a long time since the food on cruise ships resembled the bland, uninspired fare that gave onboard dining a bad name. These days, cruise passengers can look forward to menus created by Michelin-starred chefs made with top-quality ingredients served in stunning spaces. Choices abound as well. In addition to elegant main dining rooms, cruise ships have created a huge array of specialty restaurants that focus not only on perfectly executed traditional European and North American dishes but flavors and experiences from around the globe as well. In fact, meals served aboard cruise vessels have gotten so good, they’re drawing passengers onto ships: According to a recent report by luxury travel planning network Virtuoso, advisors report after Europe (specifically Italy and France), the No. 2 dining destination for travelers is aboard an ocean or river cruise. “This shows how cruise lines have really stepped up their culinary game, with consulting chefs and new restaurants and making that a focal point,” said Misty Belles, vice president, Global Public Relations, Virtuoso.
Daily
Mar 28, 2024Athens’ National Museum of Contemporary Art Opens What if Women Ruled the World? Exhibition
National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens was founded in 1997 and is supervised and subsidized by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports. The museum began its operation in 2000, when it acquired the first artwork of its collection and the first temporary exhibition took place.
Sponsored Content
Unearth Seoul’s Hidden Gems
Filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, Seoul invites travelers to unearth its many gems, and Seoul Tourism Organization is here to help travelers do just that. Through thoughtfully created initiatives like the Theme Tourism County Competition, Seoul Tourism Organization works closely with local districts to identify and showcase what makes each district unique and charming in all seasons.
Daily
Mar 28, 2024AmaWaterways Debuts Specialty Summer Cruises in Europe
AmaWaterways recently unveiled its lineup of experiences and exclusive offers for its 2024 Summer European river cruise season, and the list includes 20 Celebration of Wine Cruises, with two hosted by Samantha Brown and Chef Joanne Weir; and three Loyalty Appreciation Cruises.
Hotel Indigo La Paz Puerta Cortés Review
eFlyer Reviews
Mar 27, 2024Japan Airlines Purchases 32 Airbus, 10 Boeing
eFlyer News
Mar 27, 2024eFlyer News
Mar 27, 2024China Airlines Expands North American Network with Non-Stop Flights to Seattle
China Airlines will begin offering non-stop flights to Seattle (SEA) from Taipei (TPE) starting July 14. The new route expands the carrier’s passenger services to the northwestern United States by offering five weekly flights via the Airbus A350-900.
Sponsored Content
Fill Your Heart with Ireland
Whether it's the people, the craic (fun) or the coasts, travelers always find something to love about the island of Ireland. What fills your heart?
eFlyer Deals
Mar 27, 2024Sleep Sanctuary at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
In West Florida, indulge in a stay at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. This season, the hotel’s Sleep Sanctuary offer promises premium, beachfront accommodations; and sleep-enhancing amenities. Amenities include two aroma bracelets, a handmade soap, a bath bomb and foaming sugar scrub from Artful Soap Co.
ShareThis