Scrub Island Resort, Spa and Marina in the British Virgin Islands is set to become the first Caribbean location to join Marriott International's Autograph Collection in early 2012. The 67-room, suite and villa resort will be added to the Autograph Collection's portfolio as part of a franchise agreement with Scrub Island Development Group.

Located on a 230-acre (93-hectare) private island, the resort features the 6,000sq ft (557sq m) Ixora Spa on a hillside overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The spa boasts three treatment rooms, including two for couples. L'isola and Privai are the product lines used, with services including hydrotherapy baths and massages.

A fitness centre equipped with 15 Life Fitness machines and free weights; watersports; and a lagoon-style, four-tier pool with waterfalls and swim-up bar are also on offer. Laurent de Kousemaeker, chief development officer for Marriott in the Caribbean and Latin America, said: "The Scrub Island Resort is perfect for the Autograph Collection because it is one-of-a-kind, independently operated property that can retain its personality."

Kip Vreeland, vice president for Autograph Collection, added: "As our first Caribbean resort in the exclusive Retreat category, we are confident that our Autograph Collection guests will embrace this unique resort as the newest member of our portfolio." Mainsail will continue to operate the resort.

Details: www.scrubisland.com Image: Scrub Island Resort, Spa and Marina