Every now and then you run across a holiday spot so relaxing that your body, mind and spirit almost rejoice, and once back home you can hardly wait to return again.
Little Dix Bay resort in the British Virgin Islands is one such place.
I recently spent a few days at this Rosewood property and within hours of my arrival, I learned what many others have known for years: This is a delightfully peaceful resort that seems to call its guests back year after year.
Let's start with the island itself.
Little Dix Bay — the name refers to both the resort and the crescent-shaped bay — is on the island of Virgin Gorda. Columbus is said to have named the island because the shape of it reminded him of a plump woman. The Little Dix part of the moniker is some kind of shortening of one of the island's 17th century privateers, Jost van Dyke.
Move on to the 1960s and you'll learn that this is one of the resorts created by Laurence S. Rockefeller to cater to wealthy visitors who enjoy remote holiday locales and appreciate nature and a quiet environment.
It takes a plane, a car and a boat ride to get to Little Dix Bay. As for that quiet environment, it's both seductive and surprising.
What's surprising is that cactuses of many types are everywhere. And so are some awfully skinny goats and cows. There's also not much of a town to visit, and the best shopping is at the resort's own gift shop.
That said, what the island might lack in lushness the resort makes up for in pleasantries and luxuries. Sense, the spa, sits on top of a hill, and I'll guarantee you that any treatment taken there will leave you refreshed.
Spend some time in the infinity pool either before or after a treatment and life's concerns will evaporate as quickly as the water warms you.
Leave the golf clubs at home but Little Dix Bay has tennis courts and a fitness center (one guest said it was the best he'd found in all of the Caribbean), along with opportunities to sail, snorkel and dive, nature trails, a swimming pool and of course a wonderful sandy beach.
My days began with a morning walk along the beach just before sunrise.
By late afternoon, I was flopped on a blue float in the bay counting the occasional white puffy clouds in the sky.
If you'd like to do some exploring and visit other beaches, such as Savannah and Spring Bay, simply ask and you'll be taken by boat.
And every week you can also enjoy a picnic at The Baths, where huge granite boulders have created natural small swimming pools.
The property has two restaurants: The Pavilion, where breakfast and lunch buffets are served; dinner is selected from the menu. Steps away from that is the Sugar Mill.
Although dress is very casual at the Pavilion, dinner is the only meal served in the Sugar Mill, so evening island dress is required. (Something to consider when making your reservations is taking advantage of one of the two meal plans available: I overheard a honeymoon couple sitting near me say that they wish they had.)
Little Dix Bay is a sprawling resort with about 90 cottages and villas, all with sea views and terraces.
A few have the added bonus of a wonderful outdoor shower.
Keep in mind that this property has a history. That means, it wasn't recently built, but is very well appointed and maintained. For those who want brand-spanking new, there are a number of suites to choose from.
The one I stayed in, Room 101, was in a new building and overlooked the swimming pool. I'd recommend it.
Oh, and did I mention that you won't find a television in your room or be given a room key? Neither is necessary.
And on that refreshing note, I'll leave you to think about when you'd like to book your trip to this little slice of tropical paradise where summer rates can still be had through Nov. 13.
With any luck at all, I'll see you there.
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