R

osewood Little Dix Bay is the Burberry of the Caribbean—a country club perched on turquoise waters, where old-style elegance reigns over flash. Like other Laurence Rockefeller resorts, it’s understated in a way that is reserved for the really rich. Casually manicured grounds are lush with rare orchids and sea grapes. Low-lying bungalows are shaded by bougainvillea and tastefully done with cane furniture, stone walls, terracotta floors, and tiled verandas that open onto tropical coves and exotic gardens. Take time to revel in the details. The pretty pebbled foot baths outside your door. The Johnny cakes and scones for tea at four o’clock.

Only recently has Little Dix eased into the twenty-first century to meet the needs of the new high society who don’t have the tough constitutions of their predecessors. Recently completed, a three year, 25 million dollar refurbishment--one of the most successful changes being the new spa perched on cliffs with 25 mile views, inspired by the impressive spa of sister resort Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort, in Mexico.

Similarly, food has become more sophisticated with a combination of a new head Chef from the south of France and a regional Chef with a long experience in "fusion" and Asian cuisine. Time can also be spent the old-fashioned way: a rugged regime of tennis, swimming, and hiking by day, and sophistication by night. After six, Thomas Pink collared shirts and light Marc Jacobs shift dresses replace khaki shorts, and a steel band plays softly. A tip for potential honeymooners: those looking for privacy should request one of the huts on the far end of the beach. Besides, like Caneel Bay, A Rosewood Resort (its big sister across the bay) Little Dix is very much a family resort.

So for those of you who don’t fancy snuggling your honey under the watchful gaze of someone else’s Junior, you might want to go somewhere else. Ultimately, however, it’s not what is in the resort, but what surrounds it that counts. Find a secluded spot underneath the palms on the perfect white beach, for perfection at Little Dix is found in nature, and nature—unspoiled white stretches of sand, hibiscus, and the poignant perfume of frangipani—is seldom more perfect than this.

How to get there: Air taxis are available from St. Thomas Airport to Virgin Gorda. The trip takes 16 mins. with a 3-min. complimentary land transfer to the resort. Air taxis cost $250USD per person each way Hotelist Club tax and airport fee. The resort's private luxury catamaran ferry leaves from Trellis Bay area near Tortola airport and travels direct to Rosewood Little Dix Bay. It takes approx. 20 min. and is $95USD per person roundtrip. Please contact customerservice@tablethotels.com to arrange a transfer.