Want to treat yourself to a high-end Caribbean getaway that combines unashamed luxury with strong ecotourism credentials? Then look no further than the Rosewood Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands.
Following a four-year closure and comprehensive renovation, Rosewood Little Dix Bay has reopened this month, marking one of the year's most highly anticipated events.Founded by conservationist Laurance Rockefeller in 1964 and long regarded as one of the world's greatest getaways, the standout resort has been completely revived and redesigned while staying true to its identity as a leading example of ecotourism. Set across 200 hectares of pristine private beachfront and with abundant flora and fauna, the redesigned resort provides an unparalleled island escape with world-class accommodation and bespoke services.
Rising from the ashes
I was in Virgin Gorda in 2016 when the hotel closed for a makeover that was to be completed by the end of the following year. I vaguely thought about going back in 2018 to see the outcome. But in 2017 everyone's plans were dashed when hurricane Irma struck the islands, causing massive destruction and stripping the hotel to its bare bones. Undaunted, Rosewood commissioned a complete rebuilding and renovation, incorporating hurricane-proofing into the new design. Finally reopened just a week ago, the renowned resort retains its original emphasis on celebrating the surrounding natural environment while introducing new elements that, Rosewood claims, speak to the wants and needs of today's travellers.
Managing director of Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Andreas Pade, said that an expert team of environmentalists, architects and designers had worked tirelessly to honour the resort's storied past while incorporating modern amenities and comforts. "The result is a truly one-of-a-kind offering in the British Virgin Islands that will delight discerning travellers for generations to come," he said.
https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/little-dix-bay-virgin-gorda
Tailored guest services
If you're comfortable with unrestrained opulence and room rates that start at around US$1,500 a night, this is the place for you. The selection of offerings and amenities include an entirely new, devoted butler service. Prior to each stay, butlers collect their guests' personal preferences and other pertinent details to tailor each guest's experience from beginning to end.
The butlers guide guests through a seamless, in-room check in and remain available throughout the duration of their stay to provide several additional services including assistance with unpacking and repacking and arranging dining reservations and daily activities
Airport transfers by catamaran
Those arriving by air at Tortola are 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. During the 20-minute sail to Virgin Gorda, signature beverages are offered including The Painkiller and Pelican Smash, and a brief tour of the coastal highlights is given.
https://www.bvitourism.com/virgin-gorda
True to its identitiy
Inspired by its drop-dead gorgeous 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. Honouring 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. 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.
Switch off and relax
Spread across almost a kilometre 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. There are 42 guestrooms, 35 suites, two beach houses and one hillside villa, all dressed in the soothing tones of the island's pristine sands, ancient boulders and cooling waters.
With the deliberate intention of helping guests to escape from the hurly-burly of modern life, the majority of the guestrooms and suites are digital-free sanctuaries without televisions, encouraging guests to connect with their travel companions, or simply to chill out. Unobstructed views of the sea are on display from each and every accommodation.
Distinct island dining
With an unwavering commitment to fresh and locally-inspired cuisine, Rosewood Little Dix Bay has unveiled four new dining concepts: Reef House, the signature restaurant featuring a freehand menu that rotates daily and 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; Sugar Mill, boasting creative tapas-style dishes with island influences; Pavilion, utilising international cooking methods, global ingredients and bold spices in every dish; and Rum Room, 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.
Other amenities include two swimming pools, six tennis courts, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a Rosewood Explorers Club, and a Rosewood Spa.
About Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts manages 28 luxury hotels, resorts and residences in 15 countries, with 20 new properties under development. Each Rosewood property embraces the brand's "A Sense of Place" philosophy to reflect the individual location's history, culture and sensibilities. The Rosewood collection includes The Carlyle in New York, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas and Hôtel de Crillon in Paris, as well as new classics such as Rosewood Hong Kong.
Lead photo, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts; Virgin Gorda scenic photos, Judy Barford.