Following a four-year closure and comprehensive renovation, Rosewood Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands debuts, marking one of the year’s most highly anticipated openings. Originally founded by conservationist Laurance Rockefeller over half a century ago in 1964 and long regarded as one of the world’s greatest getaways, the iconic resort has been completely revived and redesigned while staying true to its identity as a leading example of ecotourism. Set across 500 acres of pristine private beachfront and breathtaking flora and fauna, the reimagined resort provides an unparalleled island escape with expertly appointed accommodations, inspired amenities, dynamic dining outlets and bespoke services and programming.
A Unique History and Heritage
Virgin Gorda, the third largest island of the British Virgin Islands, is a distinguished oasis rich with rolling hills, secluded coves and white sand beaches and commonly considered one of the Caribbean’s most coveted destinations. Ideally situated along one of the island’s most beautiful bays, Rosewood Little Dix Bay initially opened in 1964 and was quickly established among affluential explorers as a destination of choice. Throughout a fifty-two-year tenure, the property held a premier place in the hearts of travelers from around the world, many of whom returned annually alongside new friends and family members to share with them the riches of the resort. After closing for a refurbishment in 2016, the property was soon shuttered by the effects of Hurricane Irma. Today, following a four-year, full renovation, the renowned resort remerges to universally delight as a paramount Caribbean retreat, retaining its original emphasis on celebrating the surrounding natural environment while introducing new elements that speak to the wants and needs of today’s travelers.
Dedicated Service
The elevated journey that awaits at the new Rosewood Little Dix Bay begins before guests arrive in the British Virgin Islands through a selection of new offerings and amenities, including an entirely new, devoted butler service. Prior to each stay, guests’ individual butlers collect their personal preferences and other pertinent details regarding their visits to tailor each guest’s experience from beginning to end. Guests’ butlers guide them through a seamless, in-room check in and remain available throughout the duration of their getaway to provide several additional services designed to further enhance the guest experience, including assistance with unpacking and repacking and arranging dining reservations and daily activities. Beyond the dedicated resort butlers, a signature “soap butler” also greets visitors towards the beginning of their journey, offering a selection of local artisanal soaps from EC Soap Co. to enjoy throughout their stay.
Bespoke Ocean Arrival
Those arriving to the destination by airplane in Tortola are then whisked away to the resort on one of Rosewood’s brand new, luxury catamarans. The exclusive vessels are rigged with attractive finishes and first-class amenities, including spacious, covered lounge areas that provide relaxed seating spaces with a perfect view of the sea. Onboard, captain and crew guide guests on the seamless, 20-minute sail to Virgin Gorda, complete with signature beverages such as The Painkiller and Pelican Smash and a brief tour of the coastal highlights. The tranquil ride offers the ultimate in luxury travel on the sea and alludes to the well-appointed experience guests will enjoy once on shore at the resort. Upon arrival to the resort’s new private dock, travelers are greeted by their butlers and continue to the personalized check-in experience.
A Reimagined Oasis
Inspired by its supreme setting with architecture positioned to follow the lines of the landscape, the property’s intuitive, modern design by New York-based design team Meyer Davis evokes a relaxed yet refined sense of luxury bolstered by boundless natural beauty. Honoring Laurance Rockefeller’s original vision, the footprint and structures of the property remain the same, including the resort’s unmistakable conical shaped roofs that sit atop the heart of the resort, Pavilion. Inside, each distinct guest space pays homage to Rosewood Little Dix Bay’s laid-back heritage while simultaneously incorporating a contemporary and residential vibe, with an aim to exude the feeling of a private home and offer a transcendent sense of ease throughout the entire guest journey. In keeping with Rosewood’s guiding A Sense of Place® philosophy, wherein the local sensibilities of the destination serve to inspire the offerings provided there, the resort’s new design reflects the intrinsic style and sentiment of Virgin Gorda through unique décor, authentic artifacts and dynamic design elements that bring the external environment indoors.
Supreme Stays
Spread across a half mile of beachfront property overlooking a tranquil bay, the resort’s 80 accommodations have been designed with privacy and relaxation in mind and aim to foster guest connection. 42 guestrooms, 35 suites, two beach houses and one hillside villa dressed in the soothing tones of the island’s pristine sands, ancient boulders and cooling waters offer elevated design and décor. With the intention to create an oasis disconnected from the world, the majority of the guestrooms and suites are digital-free sanctuaries without televisions, encouraging guests to focus on connecting with their travel companions. Unobstructed views of the sea are on display from each and every accommodation, including the hexagonal-shaped Ocean View Cottage and Beach Front Cottage guestrooms. The sophisticated and modern suites, ranging from unique Tree House Suites inspired by the resort’s original stilt houses to One-Bedroom Pool Suites with private plunge pools overlooking the bay, present an array of luxuries including outdoor rain showers and private patios. For more spacious stays, the Ocean View Junior Suites, with connecting suite capabilities and One- and Two-Bedroom Suites provide an inspired home-away-from-home ideal for intimate group getaways.
Set upon the island’s Dover Hill, the resort’s luxury villa delivers the utmost in space and service as well as panoramic views of Little Dix Bay and the nearby islands. Reminiscent of a private estate, the four-bedroom Villa Joy will quickly establish itself as the optimal accommodation for larger families and groups of friends, with a grand living room and dining room, private pool, outdoor dining pavilion and barbeque area. The property’s original two-bedroom Columbus House and three-bedroom Laurance House offer the same elevated levels of comfort and leisure with large living spaces, a full kitchen, an oversized terrace, a private pool and direct access to the beach. Bespoke services and amenities enhance every stay, including signature AERIN bath and body products, complimentary bikes and chauffeured golf cart transportation around the resort, as well as an entirely new dedicated butler service for all guests.
Distinct Island Dining
With an unwavering commitment to fresh and locally-inspired cuisine, Rosewood Little Dix Bay unveils four new dining concepts offering a dynamic gastronomic experience complemented by an unmatched ambiance. Featuring a freehand menu that rotates daily, the chic and colorfully designed signature restaurant Reef House showcases premier al fresco “farm-to-fork” dining, with fresh provisions and ingredients sourced daily from the property’s on-site garden as well as through local purveyors. Boasting creative tapas-style dishes with island influences, Sugar Mill is housed in the property’s open-air stone mill and features panoramic views of the bay. An elevated raw bar headlines the carefully curated menu, which is paired with an innovative wine list and specialty craft cocktails. Situated in the heart of the resort beneath its iconic vaulted rooftops, Pavilion utilizes international cooking methods, global ingredients and bold spices in every dish. The chef’s outdoor show kitchen allows guests to discover the details of each dish in a laid-back setting offering sweeping views of the sea from every table. Located just off Pavilion, Rum Room is stocked with 107 different labels of aged and rare rums from around the world, with bartenders serving a mix of new and classic concoctions throughout the day. The relaxed and open-air atmosphere provides a classic Caribbean environment for pre or post-meal libations or to sample the many rums on offer in weekly tasting sessions.
Elevated Wellness
Set against the stunning Sir Francis Drake Channel with sweeping cliffside views of the bay below, the resort’s Sense, A Rosewood Spa has been meticulously designed to incorporate the island’s tranquil ethos and style within each of the eight treatment rooms and throughout the unique menu of inspired offerings. Off each treatment room is a private terrace providing direct ocean views to enjoy during or post-treatment. Restorative treatments and therapies leverage the island’s rich botanical resources, with highlights including Afri-Cure, a signature service that incorporates local Jumbie Tree leaves, Tamarind Tree leaves, lemongrass and harvested Salt Island sea salt. The elevated spa menu also includes experiential treatments that invite guests off property to explore the wonders of the destination, such as The Baths Journey that begins with a tour of and swim in the British Virgin Island’s famed Baths National Park followed by a warm body scrub and mask made with fresh ingredients cultivated from the resort’s gardens. Ideal for guests looking to unwind before or after treatments, the two-tiered Spa Infinity Pool, framed by lush tropical palms, colorful flowers and volcanic rocks, sits directly adjacent to Sense Spa and offers a calming and quiet atmosphere.
For the fitness enthusiast, a selection of indoor and outdoor activities provide ample opportunity to engage both the body and mind. Two hiking trails boasting expansive views of the island encourage exploration amongst guests, complete with a Hiking Butler whom assists with all hiking related activities such as providing necessary gear, guides and tips. The half-mile of crescent beach provides a setting for Island Bathing and allows guests meditate surrounded by nature with the soundtrack of the ocean. An outdoor yoga platform hosts a range of classes set amongst one of the world’s most beautiful backdrops. Further, a state-of-the-art fitness center is outfitted with the latest boxing and kickboxing equipment, strength and cardio machines and free weights, as well as a juice and smoothie bar, serving nourishing refreshments and light bites.
Refined Recreation
Rosewood Little Dix Bay debuts six new tennis courts spanning cement and artificial grass surfaces, as well as two pickle ball courts. A resident tennis instructor is available for private lessons designed for all skill levels, and specialty clinics and competitions are held weekly to foster a fun and engaging atmosphere and strong sense of community. A wide range of watersports are offered on property, including kayaking, paddle boarding and surfing. Guests can also arrange curated beach drops to Virgin Gorda’s seven secluded beaches complete with picnics and all essentials for a day on the sand. Just steps from the beach, the resort’s main pool, the free-form, centrally-located Pavilion Pool, offers food and beverage service courtesy of the nearby dining outlet, Pavilion.
Rosewood Explorers
For Rosewood’s younger guests, a holistic Rosewood Explorers children’s program boasts a range of authentic and immersive activities, both at the dedicated clubhouse and throughout the property, curated to educate children on their surroundings, all while fostering a sense of adventure and social responsibility and awareness. Inspired experiences include meet-and-greets with local lizards, snakes and other wildlife at the property’s own petting zoo, wades through the island’s waters to learn about reef protection and observe the destination’s indigenous marine life, and cooking classes utilizing local ingredients grown at the resort’s sustainable farm. Additional children’s programming at the resort includes a kids-only reservations line and restaurant section where young guests have a unique opportunity to dine together, away from their families, fostering independence and lasting relationships with one another.
Elegant Weddings & Events
A selection of distinct indoor and outdoor event spaces ideal for weddings, corporate meetings and celebrations solidify Rosewood Little Dix Bay as a one-of-a-kind gathering place for commemorating life’s most important moments. The indoor event space encompasses the dazzling Great Room, filled with natural light and perfect for gatherings up to 70 people, and the private Mahogany Boardroom, an intimate and sophisticated venue comfortably seating up to 14 people. Outside, the private beach and lawns serve as picturesque backdrops for celebrations of all sizes. In addition to the dedicated event spaces throughout the grounds, private dining will be an option at each of the property’s culinary outlets. Rosewood Little Dix Bay’s wedding specialists guide couples throughout the entire wedding planning process each step of the way to help create personalized celebrations.
Rosewood Little Dix Bay is currently accepting reservations. To learn more about the resort and book a visit, please visit rosewoodhotels.com/littledixbay.
