VIRGIN GORDA, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS—Following a four-year closure and comprehensive renovation, the 80-room Rosewood Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands has opened. 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.
“We are excited to welcome a new wave of ultra-luxury travelers as well as our adoring legacy guests to the reimagined Rosewood Little Dix Bay,” said Andreas Pade, Managing Director of Rosewood Little Dix Bay. “Over the last four years, an expert team of environmentalists, architects and designers has worked tirelessly to honor the resort’s storied past while incorporating modern amenities and comforts, creating a truly one-of-a-kind offering in the British Virgin Islands that will delight discerning travelers for generations to come.”
Unique History & Heritage
Situated along one of Virgin Gorda’s most beautiful bays, Rosewood Little Dix Bay initially opened in 1964 and was quickly established amongst affluential explorers as a destination of choice. Throughout a 52-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.
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 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.
Distinct Island Dining
Four dining outlets combine the best of Caribbean cuisine with international influences and awe-inspiring ambiance to produce a one-of-a-kind culinary experience unmatched in the region. Featuring a freehand menu that rotates daily, the chic and colorful 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. Slightly more casual, Sugar Mill serves creative tapas-style dishes paired with specialty craft cocktails from within the property’s open-air stone mill. 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, as shown through demonstrations at the restaurant’s outdoor show kitchen. Located just off Pavilion, the relaxed, indoor-outdoor 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.
Elevated Wellness
Set against the Sir Francis Drake Channel with sweeping cliffside views of the bay below, the resort’s Sense, A Rosewood Spa incorporates the island’s tranquil style, ethos and offerings within each of the eight treatment rooms and throughout the unique menu of inspired services. Highlights include Afri-Cure, a signature service that incorporates local Jumbie Tree leaves, Tamarind Tree leaves, lemongrass and harvested Salt Island sea salt, as well as The Baths Journey, an experiential treatment that invites guests off property to explore the wonders of the destination. Ideal for guests looking to unwind before or after treatments, the two-tiered Spa Infinity Pool sits directly adjacent to Sense Spa and offers a calming and quiet atmosphere. The facility further features a state-of-the-art fitness center, a juice and smoothie bar and an outdoor yoga and group fitness platform.
Refined Recreation
Additional wellness and recreational offerings allow guests to further engage the body and mind in the most stunning of settings, including two hiking trails boasting expansive views of the island, curated beach drops to Virgin Gorda’s seven secluded bays and an immersive Island Bathing program soundtracked by the songs of the sea. Six tennis courts spanning cement and artificial grass surfaces, as well as two pickle ball courts, can be enjoyed during private lessons with the resort’s resident instructor as well as during weekly clinics and competitions. A wide range of watersports are also represented on property, ranging from kayaking to paddle boarding to surfing, while the centrally located, fully serviced Pavilion Pool offers an optimal environment for a serene swim. For younger guests, a holistic Rosewood Explorers children’s program boasts a range of authentic and immersive activities curated to educate children on their surroundings 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.
To learn more about the resort, visit rosewoodhotels.com/littledixbay.
