Rosewood Little Dix Bay is situated on one of the Caribbean’s finest shorelines, beyond a colorful barrier reef, where gentle blue waters meet the powder-white sands of a stunning half-mile crescent beach. The luxury Caribbean resort is surrounded by the untamed wilderness of Virgin Gorda, an island of volcanic origin featuring rugged hills, quiet coves, and unspoiled beaches. An eco-friendly resort ahead of its time, Rosewood Little Dix Bay has always featured the natural environment at the heart of its design. One of the first Caribbean resorts to promote sustainable luxury, the beachside retreat has welcomed guests to a world of undiluted tropical splendor for over half a century.
A haven of tranquility, Rosewood Little Dix Bay offers an escape from the ordinary. Since 1964, guests have been captivated by this truly authentic, quintessentially Caribbean island experience. When Christopher Columbus came upon Virgin Gorda in 1493, he saw in the island’s shape a portly woman in repose and thus named the island “Virgin Gorda” (“Fat Virgin”). To this day, the island remains largely undeveloped, an unspoiled paradise of verdant hills, secluded coves, and beautiful beaches surrounded by the clear blue waters of the Sir Francis Drake Channel.
When Laurance Rockefeller first encountered Virgin Gorda, the island was home to a struggling agricultural community. In 1958, the conservationist began buying up land with the dream of establishing a resort in harmony with nature. He chose a sandy crescent bay. He dubbed the "wilderness beach" for the site of his environmentally minded endeavor. When it opened in 1964, Little Dix Bay represented a new style of island retreat. The hideaway featured cottages tucked unobtrusively into the surrounding landscape, just steps from a pristine white-sand beach that would quickly earn a reputation as one of the finest in the world.
In 1993, Little Dix Bay joined Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. The resort continued to draw legions of loyal guests who appreciated its understated approach to luxury and respect for the environment. Following its golden anniversary, the legendary property closed to undergo a multi-million-dollar renovation. In keeping with Rockefeller’s original vision, the reimagined resort is still composed of a limited number of structures positioned to follow the landscape lines. Local cultural motifs and indigenous materials have been incorporated into the resort’s architecture. The interiors reflect the mid-century modern design movement's spirit, which prevailed at the resort’s inception.
Luxury British Virgin Islands Accommodations - Rosewood Little Dix Bay has long been synonymous with barefoot luxury. Remaining true to its heritage, the resort’s British Virgin Island accommodations blend a sophisticated Caribbean sensibility with the understated refinement of mid-century modern design. Interiors are composed of crisp, clean lines, layers of texture, organic forms, and natural materials such as wood and stone. Open, light-filled spaces and inviting outdoor living areas accentuate the connection with the island’s lush tropical landscape. The rooms and suites are nestled discreetly amongst the manicures gardens and shaded footpaths that edge the resort’s pristine crescent beach. Simultaneously, the luxury Caribbean villas offer unmatched privacy on the beach or the hillside above the bay. All BVI accommodations enjoy ocean views and dedicated butler service.
Dining - "The Sugar Mill" - The perfect destination for a romantic dinner for two or a relaxing evening with friends, the vibrant Sugar Mill offers beautifully prepared Caribbean cuisine in an authentic beachfront setting. The curved architecture of the open-air stone mill affords panoramic views of the bay. As the sun sets over the horizon, guests can slip into elegant lounge seating and enjoy handcrafted small bites paired with craft cocktails, sangrias, and exclusive wines served by mixologists from traveling bars. The Sugar Mill menu features traditional and modern tapas created with time-honored local recipes and ingredients. Innovative flavor combinations and memorable presentations accentuate the experience. The restaurant’s centerpiece is an irresistible raw bar featuring fresh lobster, ceviche, and other succulent delicacies of the day.
"Pavilion" - Situated beneath iconic vaulted rooftops at the heart of the resort, Pavilion offers sweeping views of the sea from every table. Guests enjoy an elaborate breakfast service, á la carte lunch and dinner menus, and a choice of traditional, lounge or terrace seating. Centuries of maritime trade have shaped the BVI’s culinary heritage, bringing spices from distant lands to the islands. Pavilion showcases this panoply of flavors with comfort foods and shared plates issuing from an open chef’s kitchen. Fresh meats, seafood, and local ingredients are elevated with traditional cooking techniques and original presentations. Enveloped by Caribbean trade winds and the surf's gentle sounds, the experience is a feast for the senses.
"The Rum Room" - Set next to the Pavilion, the eclectic, Wallaby-shingled Rum Room is dedicated to the liquid gold of empires, adventurers, and buccaneers. The relaxed, open-air lounge offers an extensive library of rare and aged rums from around the world, along with a global selection of wines. Throughout the day and into the evening, bartenders mix cocktails from the resort’s formative years, classics from the 1960s and 1970s, such as martinis, fizzes, highballs, and the Collins. Overlooking the glistening bay, the bar spills out onto a terrace for those who prefer to combine their drinks and conversation with a dose of sun and surf. Guests are encouraged to explore the spirit’s illustrious past and sample small-batch rums at weekly tasting sessions. The Rum Room also hosts local live entertainment.
"The Reef House" - Just steps from the sand, Reef House looks out to intoxicating views of Little Dix Bay. The open-air restaurant offers a chic colonial-inspired atmosphere for relaxed dining in tune with the island's laid-back rhythms. Drawing on the region's rich heritage, Reef House utilizes the freshest local provisions from land and sea, herbs from the resort’s own garden, and simple preparation methods to deliver a contemporary take on the bold flavors of the Caribbean. The farm-to-table menu includes exceptional vegetarian options and signature dishes. The Reef House bar presents a selection of organic white and rosé wines worldwide and a fine collection of aged and flavored spirits. Guests enjoy delightful tequila aperitifs and handcrafted rum cocktails at a leisurely pace marked by comings and goings on the resort’s private dock.
Spa & Wellness - Rosewood Little Dix Bay is a place designed in harmony with nature, where guests can surrender their cares and disconnect from the world. It’s the perfect place to unwind and nurture mind, body, and soul with restorative spa treatments, wellness experiences, fitness opportunities, and a variety of outdoor activities. Set high on a bluff at the cliff's edge, Sense, A Rosewood Spa overlooks Sir Francis Drake Channel's glistening and the resort below. The intoxicating beauty of the surrounding environment captures the essence of relaxation and renewal. The spa features a stunning two-tier infinity pool, outdoor relaxation areas, and a hilltop yoga platform with 25-mile panoramic views of the sea. Eight treatment rooms are set along footpaths, which meander through the spa’s lush tropical gardens, including an exclusive Cliff Spa Suite designed for couples. All rooms feature private terraces and windows that open to the hypnotic rhythm of ocean waves. Many of the spa’s Caribbean-inspired treatments fuse the indigenous botanical resources proliferating within the resort's grounds with therapeutic practices and progressive concepts in health and wellness.