If your plans call for an extended stay — and they should — consider renting a beachfront “bach,” the iconic, simple New Zealand cottage for the true Great Barrier experience. Pass the days away hiking, kayaking, reading a good book, swimming, fishing and simply enjoying time with your family and friends.
The day after I left Great Barrier, I found myself poring over real estate listings, looking for my own retreat on this off-the-grid oasis. I shall return!
View a complete photo gallery of Great Barrier Island, and check out the island's official website.
Indulge on Scrub Island, British Virgin Islands
“Excuse me, we checked in yesterday; is it possible for us to stay another night, maybe more?” I ask the friendly front-desk manager. Her beaming smile gives me the answer I hope for. After four days of cruising with 10 people on board a 47-footer — including four energetic boys under 13 — Scrub Island Resort and Marina is a sanctuary. 
The two-story cascading waterfall from the lagoon pool grabs the boys’ attention before we even secure our lines, and the gourmet restaurants call out to me. No more macaroni and cheese with a juice-box chaser!
Scrub is a unique property, with a view of Virgin Gorda across the Sir Francis Drake Channel. The island’s privately owned villas and suites can be placed into a rental pool and managed by the resort. Several variations of the residences are for sale. The new 53-slip marina can hold boats up to 150 feet and is surrounded by the resort’s amenities.
For a nominal daily resort fee, marina guests can enjoy all Scrub has to offer. Yachtsmen, take note! During visits to other resort islands in the BVIs, “boat people” are directed to “quarantined” sections of the resort and treated more as nuisances than guests. During one cruise a few years ago, we were actually shown to a table right beside the dish station in a completely empty restaurant. Don’t expect any similar slights from Scrub Island’s warm staff.
In addition to the pool, amenities include a spa, three restaurants, a fitness center, three private beaches and nature trails. Within a two-minute dinghy ride from the marina you’ll find fantastic snorkeling. Take the time to walk to the northeastern side of the island and experience another beach, small pool and quaint restaurant. We spent hours here, doing absolutely nothing.
Although parts of the resort were still under construction during our August visit, the experience was a highlight of our summer. From first-class service and amenities to splendid views, this charming island oasis will be on my BVI itinerary for years to come.
View a complete photo gallery of Scrub Island.
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