PRESS RELEASES
January 06, 2020
Long regarded as one of the world’s greatest getaways, the reimagined Rosewood Little Dix Bay brings a new age of luxury to the British Virgin Islands through distinctive architecture and design that is both contemporary and classic. Originally founded in 1964 by conservationist Laurance Rockefeller, the new resort incorporates modern style while staying true to the property’s prolific roots as a leading example of ecotourism. Inspired by the barefoot luxury lifestyle and nautical qualities of the destination, the design at Rosewood Little Dix Bay exudes a transcendent sense of ease and serenity, inviting guests to feel immediately at home.
Today, following a four-year, full renovation, Rosewood Little Dix Bay resurfaces as a paramount Caribbean retreat, retaining its original emphasis on celebrating the surrounding natural environment while introducing new elements that speak to the desires of today’s ultra-luxury travelers. In keeping with Rosewood’s guiding A Sense of Place® philosophy, wherein the sensibilities of the destination influence the offerings provided there, the resort’s new design reflects the essential ethos of Virgin Gorda through a dedication to local materials, distinctive color schemes, authentic artifacts, and dynamic architectural elements that bring the external atmosphere indoors.
Inspired by its supreme setting with architecture positioned to follow the lines of the landscape, lead architecture firm OBMI modernized the resort’s suite accommodations and new Reef House restaurant while focusing on resilient design solutions, while the property’s new design by New York-based design team Meyer Davis evokes a relaxed yet refined sense of luxury, carefully curated to both highlight and harmonize with the island’s endless natural beauty. Drawing inspiration from the eccentric and playful era in which the resort was built, while concurrently incorporating Rockefeller’s original vision of “earth in balance,” the unique resort celebrates the energy of the 1960s in a contemporary, eco-friendly manner with the footprint and structures of the property remaining the same.
“Over the last four years, the OBMI and Meyer Davis teams have worked diligently to illuminate the spirit of sophisticated island living, all while honoring the resort’s illustrious legacy,” said Andreas Pade, managing director of Rosewood Little Dix Bay. “Each piece of the property’s new guest suites and design has been thoughtfully dreamt up, and expertly realized, to evoke a sense of laid-back luxury. We are proud to officially introduce the reimagined retreat to heritage guests and first-time visitors alike.”
Pavilion
Upon arrival at Rosewood Little Dix Bay, guests are greeted by the resort’s conical-shaped roofs, an unmistakable element original to the 1964 property at Pavilion. Set in different directions and diverse shapes, each roof is formed to blend into the swaying palm trees scattered around the island. At the heart of the resort, just beyond its new dock that stands over the bay, Pavilion’s impressive foyer welcomes guests with a bespoke, paddle-inspired monkeypod reception desk complimented by an extensive mix of both vintage and modern furniture and paintings and photographs depicting scenes of sand and sea. An oversized rug with mid-century modern inspired geometric patterns lines the floor, which leads out to the centrally located, free-form Pavilion Pool. Directly overlooking the beach with stunning water views, the Pavilion Pool offers a peaceful place to take in the beauty of the destination while relaxing on a plush lounge chair.
Guest Accommodations
Nestled discreetly amongst the manicured gardens and shaded footpaths that edge the pristine crescent beach, 42 guestrooms, and 35 suites offer elevated design and décor unmatched in the destination. Built to be a rich oasis disconnected from the distractions of the modern world, each guestroom and suite showcases unobstructed views of the sea as its center point, with the majority of the accommodations serving as digital-free sanctuaries shorn of televisions.
A short stroll from the water’s edge, ten hexagon-shaped Beach Front Cottage guestrooms provide not only a unique silhouette of a room but also plenty of space for stays at 570-square-feet each. A wall of glass doors lines one of the room’s six sides, allowing for sparkling views of the bay from within and opening up to a private, fully-furnished patio. Grouped in sets of two, the Beach Front Cottages offer enhanced privacy and quiet for travelers seeking peace and solitude. Also, near the beach and gathered in sets of four, adjoining Ocean View Cottage accommodations offer an ideal option for families or small groups of friends. At 350-square-feet, each guestroom features a king bed with plush bedding and Rivolta Carmingnani Italian linens, an oversized bathroom with dual vanities and a relaxing indoor rain shower, and a furnished outdoor patio. A neutral color palette allows the natural setting just beyond the building’s edge to take center stage.
A range of sophisticated and modern suites combine the utmost in space and style for travelers seeking an even more elevated stay. Most unique are the Tree House Suites, set within a secluded shaded area of the island and inspired by the resort’s original stilt houses. Rising seven feet off the ground and surrounded by picturesque palm trees, the seven one-bedroom Tree House Suites measure 970-square-feet and feature separate living and bedrooms. Highlights of each accommodation include a wraparound terrace boasting panoramic views of the beach, flora and fauna, a covered garden patio, and an outdoor rain shower. On the west end of the resort, seven One-Bedroom Pool Suites present an array of luxuries with private plunge pools overlooking the bay. A rich Pietra Cardosa stone wall, made with local rock, serves as a key focal point of the room and the backdrop for a four-poster, wood king canopy bed – a premier example of the resort’s commitment to pure and locally sourced materials. Boasting 1,075-square-feet, the sun-filled suites offer separate living rooms and private patios with individual pools, inviting guests to socialize in the setting of their choosing and, for the first time in the property’s history, to enjoy a swim in the seclusion of their own space. Elsewhere, One- and Two-Bedroom Suites ranging from 750- to 1,500-square-feet are comprised of separate sleeping and living areas, both adorned with rich wood furniture and finishings, and a spacious double patio. Surrounded by the resort’s verdant gardens, the sixteen Ocean View Junior Suites span 685-square-feet and feature an oversized bedroom and exterior living area delivering breathtaking views of the bay. Involving a layout that allows them to connect to an adjacent accommodation, the Ocean View Junior Suites are another ideal option for small groups or families looking for the ultimate home-away-from-home.
Beach Houses & Villas
Rounding out the resort's 80 accommodations are the property's two beach houses and one hillside villa, all offering an unparalleled sense of privacy and serenity. Both components of the original property, the resort's two-bedroom, 1,743-square-foot Columbus House and three-bedroom, 2,505-square-foot Laurance House remain true to their heritage by blending island ethos with mid-century modern design. Each home's interior is composed of crisp, clean lines, layers of texture, and natural materials indigenous to the island such as wood and stone. Boasting open floorplans, the light-filled homes are equipped with large living areas, full kitchens, and inviting outdoor areas complete with their own private pools and dining gazebos, as well as direct beach access.
Set high upon the island's Dover Hill, the singular Villa Joy delivers superlative space and service and is perhaps the most incredible accommodation on the property. Reminiscent of a private estate, the four-bedroom, 3,000-square-foot hilltop hideaway features large living and dining rooms, each extending a relaxed style through a soft, natural color palette that reflects the surrounding land and sea. Each of the villa's sprawling bedrooms is complemented by an en-suite bathroom incorporating a dual vanity, free-form soaking tub, and outdoor rain shower. Outside, a private pool, dining pavilion, and barbeque area create the quintessential place for island entertaining.
Distinct Dining Destinations
Centrally located and easily accessed from all accommodations, the resort’s four new dining and bar venues further capture the unique design scheme fashioned throughout the property. An alfresco “farm-to-fork” dining experience, the resort’s signature open-air restaurant Reef House boasts a casually chic and trendy style. Like the restaurant’s distinctive menu, the design is inspired by the culture and heritage of the British Virgin Islands. Tropical flower arrangements complementing the hues of the nearby gardens that adorn each tabletop, while vibrant tableware such as colored stone plates and reconditioned vintage cutlery add to the space’s casual-chic atmosphere reminiscent of the island vibe. Two private dining rooms, designed to reflect the same Caribbean charm as the larger Reef House restaurant, allow for exquisite events hosted by hotel guests and locals alike.
Envisioned as a gathering place for guests to socialize over fine food and drink in the most stunning of settings, the tapas-style Sugar Mill exudes a distinct design scheme that complements the property’s open-air stone mill in which it resides. The design team created a casual aesthetic throughout the space that beautifully balances an authentic island atmosphere with a more modern approach. An eclectic mix of glassware graces the tops of each table, from mason jars to clip-top soda bottles to handmade stoneware and cast-iron dishware. Further celebrating the Caribbean community, local ceramics are prominently featured throughout the space and used in a multitude of capacities, adding an extra element of variety and character.
Named after the iconic building in which it resides at the center of the resort, all-day eatery Pavilion is inspired by the spirit of the West Indies and displays sweeping views of the sea from every table. A dramatic leathered Venatino black granite bar top is showcased in the back of the restaurant and serves as a gathering space for friends and couples to enjoy a pre- or post- meal cocktail. Glassware with simple, standard lines accent each table, and an outdoor show kitchen allows guests to discover the details of each dish in a laid-back setting. Located just off Pavilion, Rum Room is an eclectic, Wallaby-shingled bar dedicated to a library of rare rums from around the world. Overlooking the gleaming bay, the open-air lounge features an outdoor, beachfront terrace and delivers a sophisticated and comfortable lounge experience.
Recreational Spaces
High on a bluff overlooking the stunning Sir Francis Drake Channel, Sense, A Rosewood Spa is a cliffside sanctuary, expertly incorporating the island’s tranquil character throughout each shared space and individual treatment room alike. Private terraces usher in the calming sounds of the ocean, bolstering the serenity of the spa experience that awaits both pre- and post- treatment. Directly adjacent to Sense Spa, the two-tiered Spa Infinity Pool, framed by lush tropical palms, vibrant flowers, and volcanic rocks, offers further opportunity to relax and unwind. Also situated within the spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center is outfitted with the latest boxing and kickboxing equipment, strength and cardio machines, and free weights for a memorable workout overlooking the bay.
Leveraging its supreme oceanfront location and seamlessly blending elegance and ease, the resort’s various event venues offer a truly spectacular space for celebrations of all sizes. Indoor options include the glass-enclosed, 1,000-square-foot Great Room, which is permeated with sunlight and ideal for gatherings of up to 70 people, and the 430-square-foot Mahogany Boardroom, an intimate and sophisticated space located in the center of the property. Outdoor venue highlights include the manicured Croquet Lawn, which sets an unsurpassed stage for seated dinners and receptions under the stars, and various pool decks surrounded by tropical gardens, perfect for private soirées.
About Rosewood Little Dix Bay®
Situated across 500 acres of pristine beachfront property, Rosewood Little Dix Bay is located on Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands. The resort’s 80 ultra-luxury guestrooms, suites, houses, and villa embody barefoot luxury, blending into the lush landscape with chic, modern design by New York-based design firm Meyer Davis. Rosewood Little Dix Bay offers four distinct dining venues including its signature restaurant Reef House, serving local cuisine with true farm-to-table inspiration; Sugar Mill, an open-air restaurant with international influence; Pavilion with a menu of international dishes and bold spices; and Rum Room, offering an array of rare rums from around the globe. Amenities include two swimming pools, six tennis courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a Rosewood Explorers Club, and Sense®, A Rosewood Spa.
