If there is one place on Earth that I’ve been so far that is near and dear to my heart, it is the island of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. My family visited almost every summer growing up, and I have to say that out of all of the Caribbean islands I’ve been to (I think I’ve been to around 12) , everything about Virgin Gorda is just better in every way than all of the others. Bathtub clear water, amazing snorkeling and perfect crescent-shaped beaches are a dim a dozen around here, and they never get old.
If Virgin Gorda is the most awe-inspiring island in the Caribbean, the most wonderful resort is where we have been lucky to stay each time, Little Dix Bay. The property is managed by Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, and was established by Laurance S. Rockefeller in 1964. There is something totally magical about the place; it’s like a step back in time. Many of the staff members have worked there for years and years, and part of the experience is seeing familiar faces each time we go back. Little Dix Bay is in every way, a world-class resort. All of the rooms are steps from the beach, the spa sits on a cliff overlooking the ocean, and the restaurants on the property are in large outdoor pavilions, with one in a historic sugar mill.
Most beach resorts prefer for you to stay on property all day, but that isn’t the case here. Each day, you can pick from beaches from all around Virgin Gorda and a few nearby islands and the staff at the dock will bring you by boat to the beach of your choice for the day. All you have to do is specify drop off and pick up times, and they will bring you, a beach umbrella, and a picnic lunch to some of the most private and perfect beaches imaginable (and it’s all part of the resort fee).
After being to the island so many times, I have a few beach recommendations to make sure to check out if you make it to Virgin Gorda:
Valley Trunk: Valley Trunk is a private beach only accessible by boat that is fairly close to Little Dix Bay. This is the BEST beach I have ever been to. A beach side mansion is the only bit of civilization you’ll be sharing your day with.
The Baths: The Baths are what Virgin Gorda is known best for. A maze of ropes, ladders and steep descents down volcanic boulders brings you in and out of the “baths” that are naturally made in the rocks when the tide comes in and out. The beach there is pretty spectacular there, too and is one of the few beaches on the island that has a few restaurants to pick from.
Spring Bay: Located really close to The Baths, Spring Bay is a public beach where Little Dix hosts its Spring Bay Picnic each week. It’s basically a beach side BBQ.
Mountain Trunk: The sand isn’t quite as perfect at mountain trunk as it is on the other beaches, but a coral reef located steps from the beach is a great reason to spend the afternoon there. Of all the beach side coral reefs on the island, this one seems to be the one most brimming with life (including the occasional barracuda).
If you stay long enough to make a day trip to another island, my choice is Anegada. It takes a good amount of time to get there by boat, but it is well worth it. There is only one restaurant on the main beach, and you have two choices of what to order when you get there: lobster or the catch of the day. You order when you arrive because the lobster is still alive when you get there, and it takes a couple of hours for lunch to be ready (awesome). Anegada also has a very impressive coral reef filled with blue tangs, parrot fish and also some of the lobster you may have for lunch.
If you making plans for a beach vacation in the coming months, I couldn’t recommend Virgin Gorda and Little Dix Bay enough. If you have more questions about other places I’ve been to, or want to know more about Virgin Gorda, just leave a comment below and I’d love to chat with you.
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Photos // All photos courtesy Little Dix Bay
Looks like heaven! I have yet to find an island in the Caribbean that I love…I will have to save up for this beautiful place!!!
It is so worth it! It’s hard to find an authentic experience that hasn’t been American-ized in the Caribbea these days, but this place seems to keep its charm and hasn’t been totally invaded by cruise ships :)
My favorite too of course! A slice of heaven on earth!
I am reading on reviews that the Bathes get pretty crowded….how was your experience when you went?
Hi Justin – yes, it can … It’s absolutely the most touristy spot on the island, but it is also a must see. I would recommend getting there in the morning to try and avoid crowds as best as you can!