UPDATE: Rosewood Little Dix Bay will close for renovations on May 1, 2016 and is scheduled to reopen in 2017.

Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Virgin Gorda, is a 105-room, casually elegant, luxury property of rooms and villas that’s set on a crescent-shaped bay. Originally opened in 1964 by Laurance Rockefeller, of the famed Rockefeller family, the resort rests on a preserved area of land. In 1993, the resort became one of the Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, with a five-year, $25-million renovation that was complete in December 2006, turning it into the modern property it remains. The renovation included the additional of a Cliffside spa, a children’s center, new junior suites and hilltop villas, and resort-wide refurbishments.

Rooms are light and airy, most with floor-to-ceiling windows for cross ventilation. Light wood and teak furnishings combine with stone walls and natural-colored fabrics. Three on-site restaurants and a number of on-site recreation mean families can enjoy a full vacation without leaving the resort.

Upon arrival, a staff member escorts you to your room. Palm, mahogany and other tropical trees shade many of the resort's cottages, each of which typically contain two to eight units. Little Dix Bay offers 100 rooms, including villas. The stone and wood walls, tile floors, light wood and teak furniture evoke an island decor. The rooms were last updated in the renovation completed in December 2006. Rooms come with an outdoor patio or terrace, air-conditioning and a telephone. Half of the units also have outdoor showers.

One child 11 and younger in a room with parents is free, although there is a fee for a rollaway bed.

Rooms and suites include standard rooms, junior suites and one-bedroom suites with separate bedroom and living rooms. For large families, the Dover Hill Villas, in a somewhat secluded area of the resort, and the Beach Villas, near the ocean, feature living/dining areas plus two or three bedrooms. Also good for families are the ocean cottages, as these can be connected, which come with two queen size beds and have tubs.

All rooms come equipped with Bose CD player, air-conditioning, in-room safe, robes, and a mini-bar. DVD players are available upon request, and the resort has a complimentary DVD library.

This 2,500-square-foot facility shaded by mahogany trees, is the center for the resort's children's program for ages three and older. Depending on the number of kids signed up, the groups typically divide into ages 3 to 6, and 7 to 12. Kids go on scavenger hunts, create crafts, collect shells, play dress-up, listen to Caribbean stories and enjoy pirate parties. The complimentary program operates five days a week, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and children may lunch with their counselors. Kids can sign-up for evening programs from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. As part of the program, children may eat dinner with their counselors.

Although the resort features a Teen Renter, it's located within the Children's Grove. That may discourage some teens from entering the facility to meet other teens and to play foosball, billiards and Ping Pong.

Even little ones, ages 3 to 5, can try tennis at the resort's Wednesday clinics, which also offer pointers for older children. At the Fitness Center, ages 5 and older, for an extra fee, participate in Kid's Yoga and Kid's Move n' Groove, a dance class, and can go on "adventure hikes."

Rates include complimentary use of kayaks and Sunfish sailboats, as well as transportation by boat to any of the resort's seven stretches of sand. These "beach drops," a favorite activity, come with beach towels, a shade umbrella and snorkel gear. For an extra fee, add a picnic lunch. Although the resort features a pool, there is no separate kiddie pool.

On Monday nights, kids can enjoy the Pirates Party, a free party for kids while mom and dad enjoy the adult-only Manager's Cocktail Party.

Pavilion
The resort's main restaurant, the open-air Pavilion, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, including a popular Caribbean buffet on Monday nights.

Beach Grill
From 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Beach Grill features salads, sandwiches, pizza and burgers.

Sugar Mill
For a romantic night when the kids are dining with counselors and participating in the children's program, reserve a table at the Sugar Mill, the resort's most upscale restaurant serving up cuisine with an Asian flare. Children younger than 12 are not permitted in the Mill.

Children's menus are available in the Beach Grill for lunch and in the Pavilion for dinner.

All About the Extras
For Babies
Hotel staff will baby proof rooms, at your request, and provide en-suite wireless baby monitors. Baby Primrose skincare products are also available for sensitive skin, and kids receive child-sized bathrobes and slippers to enjoy during their stay. Changing tables, diaper pails, baby bathtubs, bed rails, and in-room bottle warmers are also available, at no charge. Reserve at time of reservation to ensure availability.

Welcome Gift
Kids receive pails, shovels and other beach toys.

Babysitting
With at least 24 hours notice, the resort can help guests obtain a babysitter (not part of the resort's staff). Babysitters cost $12 per hour for up to two related children plus $3 per hour extra for a third child.

Cribs & Rollaways
If you need a crib, request one when you make your reservation. Although cribs are complimentary, rollaway beds cost extra.

Dining Plans
The resort offers meal plan options for guests. The Modified American Plan includes breakfast and dinner for $115 per person, per day. The Full American Plan also includes lunch for $150 per person, per day. The Lobster Meal Plan, offered November through May, is $195 per person, per day, for all three meals. Gratuity is added and plans are 50 percent off for kids 5 to 11, and free for children 4 and under.

The Art of Smart Timing
The temperature in the British Virgin Islands stays near 80 degrees year-round, with no clear wet or dry season, making any time of year a good time to visit.

Getting There
Little Dix Bay is located on BVI's Virgin Gorda, which operates an international airport. The resort is five minutes from Virgin Gorda Airport, or 20 minutes on the resort's private catamaran from Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport in Tortola.

For Mom and Dad
Sense, A Rosewood Spa, provides a dramatic view of from the cliff's edge, in an adults-only setting. Body treatments, facials, nail treatments, massages, couples treatments and more are available.