Virgin Gorda
British Virgin Islands


The Experience

Founded by Laurance Rockefeller in 1964, Little Dix is a haven of understated elegance, sitting on just 100 of its 500 acres, with the remaining Virgin Gorda landscape left wild. Little Dix’s grounds, groomed with orchids and bougainvillea, tumble down to a half-mile of ecru crescent beach, while the lush, untamed terrain climbs up gentle hills to a height of 1,359 feet. The beach backdrop of thick vegetation punctuated by thatched umbrellas seems stolen from a Hollywood flick, perfect for couples, while a wealth of activities attracts families as well.

The Rooms

Simple elegance defines the rooms, allowing the focus to stay on the area surrounding them. All accommodations sport stone walls and teak furniture offset by white spreads, drapes, sofas and chair fabrics, while shots of marine blue on throw pillows mirror the blue sea outside. The most luxe accommodations are the 1,050-square-foot junior suites, with indoor and outdoor showers made of fieldstone, open to the sky. But the most fun are the small, hexagonal-shaped Tree House Cottages, set on stilts in lush gardens. It’s just one room, but there’s a hammock for two -- consider it a tree house for grown-ups.

The Services

Little Dix’s amiable staff aims to please, so much so that gardeners mash the inside of aloe plants, add a light lotion and give it to guests who glow more pink than tan.

The Highlights

There’s tennis and water sports as well as swimming and hiking, but don’t mistake this for a sprawling seaside resort. Instead, activities take place in quiet corners, the better to take advantage of soothing alternatives. Head to the spa, up on a cliff with miles-long views. Or request a beach drop at any of seven beaches with a picnic and umbrella, perhaps to the four offshore Dog Islands or to Savannah Bay, where there are marked underwater coral trails. Then sit down at one of the restaurants (the Sugar Mill being as formal as open-air dining gets down here), but the most special dining experience has to be the Private Beach Dinner, with a table for two set in the sands surrounded by tiki torches and the couple’s names spelled out in the sand.

--Sandra Hart

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