For the first time since Hurricane Irma devastated Marina Cay in 2017, the eight-acre island near Trellis Bay reopened on June 30 with a bar and grill that will be managed by the nearby Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina.
Starting in the 1990s, the island hosted a Pusser’s Restaurant, but Irma forced it to close along with a few villas that were also located there.
Now, the cay is leased by Scrub Island Development Group, which is planning future work designed to appeal to destination weddings and other public and private events, according to a press release from the group.
The new Marina Cay Bar & Grill will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., serving lunch and dinner in a setting overlooking Tortola and other nearby islands, the release stated.
‘New chapter’
The island will be open to residents, resort guests and other visitors via Scrub Island’s private ferry, as well as charter boats via 29 mooring balls, which may be reserved via the BoatyBall app.
“This is an exciting new chapter for Marina Cay, which has been a treasured landmark in the British Virgin Islands for generations,” said Julianne Corlew, vice president and managing partner of Mainsail Lodging and Development. “We’re thrilled to reopen the island and the restaurant, once again welcoming our BVI neighbours and visitors from around the globe to enjoy the tastes and sights of the Caribbean on Marina Cay.”
The restaurant is currently offering a limited menu with a variety of food and drinks. Visitors also get access to hammocks, Adirondack chairs and beach palapas, according to the release.
Showers are available for boaters, and the neighbouring resort on Scrub Island offers fuel service, ice, trash disposal and other provisions from its market.
Island’s history
Marina Cay has a storied history.
In the late 1930s, it was home to Americans Robb and Rodie White, whose life there was chronicled in Mr. White’s 1953 book, Our Virgin Island.
The book was later adapted for a film starring Sidney Poitier and John Cassavetes, which was partially shot on location.
In 1956, the island was purchased by New York City native Eugene “Gene” Tonkonogy, and later a small resort operated there, according to the press release.
For more information, go to Marina-Cay.com. Reservations will soon be available through that website or the OpenTable app.