Anyone with an enthusiasm for white sands, turquoise waters, and indulgent comfort has to be thrilled with the long-awaited reopening of iconic Rosewood Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. Ever attentive to quality, the resort had initially closed in 2016 to undergo a thorough renovation—only to have its progress cruelly halted when the 200-mile-per-hour winds of Hurricane Irma crashed through the Caribbean in 2017, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. But all of that is in the past, and what awaits island visitors now is a fresh new take on the sybaritic comforts and superlative service that have long been a hallmark of this winsome 500-acre beachfront property.
Little Dix and its sister property Caneel Bay (which, sadly, has yet to reopen) owe their existence to conservationist Laurence S. Rockefeller, grandson of Standard Oil magnate John D. Rockefeller. He set out to develop resorts that embodied low-key luxury while also embracing conservation and a reverence for the environment. Its new incarnation keeps to those same tenets. It remains intimate, having just 80 one- and two-bedroom cottages, suites, and villas showcasing natural materials like stone and wood and set in manicured gardens behind a white-sand beach. And in keeping with the dedication to service, each room has an assigned butler, who serves as a kind of personal concierge to make restaurant and spa reservations and generally see to each guest’s comfort.
Secluded in its own north-facing bay, out of sight of development on the rest of the island, Little Dix feels remote. Yet “town,” as defined by Spanish Town is only a mile away and accessible by cabs available at the entrance. That feeling of having totally escaped aside, Little Dix’s principal asset is a sinuous, half-mile ribbon of soft sand protected by an offshore coral reef and bordered by very shallow, turquoise waters. Behind it all rise low hills covered with dryland foliage of trees and shrubs and now dotted with villas. Hiking trails lead up to low hills at either end.
Tennis players, meanwhile, can look forward to half a dozen tennis courts and two pickleball courts, a fully stocked pro shop, player matching services, and some sort of clinic or round robin on weekdays in season. Those round robins often draw local residents, who can provide first-hand advice about where to eat and what to do on the island (a snorkeling trip through Boulders and grottoes of the Baths of Virgin Gorda is not to be missed).
Jason Kesselmann presides over the complex. He played college tennis for Salisbury University in Delaware before going on to a 30-year career in teaching and coaching, most recently at the five-star Anantara Resort in the Maldives. At Little Dix, he runs a variety of programs, including specialty clinics and round robins, while also offering private lessons and player match-ups. With six hard and artificial grass courts for 80 rooms, Little Dix has one of the better court:room ratios in the Caribbean. The courts have all been recently resurfaced and abut a handsome pro shop and fitness center with stone pillars, stucco walls, and a metal roof.
Court Complex: There are two hard courts and four covered with artificial grass. They’re supplemented by two pickleball courts.
Court fees: None
Off Court
Beach: The beach at Little Dix extends for half a mile. Bohios, or thatched umbrellas, shade pairs of cushioned lounge chairs along the entire length of the beach and are free for guests to use. The waters along all of it are very shallow and remarkably warm. In addition, guests can request a free shuttle to any of nearly a dozen other beaches—The Baths of Virgin Gorda the most famous among them—located elsewhere along the west coast of Virgin Gorda or on such nearby islands as Great Dog and George Dog.
Spa & Fitness Center: The Spa sits atop a ridge at the western end of the beach. Before and after treatments you can lounge around a terraced pool with views across the water of other islands, the quiet of the secluded setting only broken by the sound of the sea washing the shore below and the birds in the trees overhead. Treatments take place not in rooms but in nine tiny huts scattered among lush tropical foliage and illuminated by the natural light that pours in through windows in doors that open onto a private outdoor patio. The spa also stages yoga classes. The Fitness Center shares a building with the tennis pro shop. Its dozen Cardio machines face outward through windows overlooking the courts while in between stand half a dozen exercise stations.
Watersports abound, including snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, waterskiing. Hiking trails lead up into the hills. And on various days there are guided garden tours, hands-on exhibits by a reef expert, local conch and coconut jewelry demonstrations, and more.
Children's programs: Kids have their own Children’s Grove, adjacent to the tennis courts, where 3-to-12-year-olds tackle a changing menu of activities, mostly indoors, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. There’s also a room for older kids with board games and a computer.
Dining: Fruits and vegetables for the four restaurants come from a far m on property, seafood from the local fisherman. All four have views of the sea and cuisine that reflects the Caribbean and the chefs inspiration. For lighter fare, there is the Rum House, which has extensive library of rare and aged rums from around the world, as well as a limited bar menu of mezzehs, sandwiches, and salads.
Accommodations
Options range from ocean view cottage rooms with private terraces up through 3- and 4-bedroom villas.
Getting there
Seasons: Year-round
Travel Instructions: From North America, most flights are likely to be routed through San Juan, Puerto Rico and then on to Terrence B. Lettsome Airport (EIS) on Tortola, where ferry service is available directly to Little Dix Bay. Alternatively, you can fly to St. Thomas and board a ferry there. Limited service is also available directly to the airport on Virgin Gorda. The BVI Tourist Board website (see below) can provide details, as well as information about access from other parts of the world.
Terrific courts and an even better pro (Ryan Everett). He went after every ball and to my dismay, returned most of them. His skills are great and his teaching style was perfect for me. My game improved greatly. It was amazing how many of his suggestions were helpful and some of them improved my ability instantly. I’d play with him any chance I could and would recommend him whenever I’m asked. He was substantially better than I’d hoped. The only thing that upset me was when he said that I was great…for an old guy! No kidding, I loved playing with him.
AG
Little Dix Bay tennis experience ranks high on my list.It is an unusual opportunity to feel like you have your own private tennis coach in a glorious setting. Variety of courts from omni courts to hard courts. Leon, the ‘Burwash’ tennis pro, is one of the best instructors I’ve had. I returned home an improved player — and that’s unusual from a ‘beach vacation’. I go back every year and look forward to my tennis time most of all. Quality for sure.
GS
I have been playing tennis for over 60 years. The bane of my tennis existence has been the serve. Leon Patchett took my serve apart and reconstructed it. This is the serve I lhave been looking for all my life. He is the only instructor I have ever had (I have had Many) who diagnosed and isolated the problem,and corrected it. I cannot praise Leon high enough. He truly made my stay at Little Dix Bay a memorable one. Guy
SM
We returned to Little Dix Bay, which we have been visiting for 40 years and for the first time at the resort took regular tennis lessons with Leon Padgett. This was an exceptional experience for both my husband and me. We have very different tennis skills and Leon was able to teach to each of our levels and build on our individual abilities, all the while keeping the instruction fun and challenging and, most of all, very exciting and productive. Our tennis sessions were a highlight of the trip, and we plan to return soon, and look forward to continuing our lessons with Leon when we do. He is a skilled teacher and a great asset to the resort.
KR
The facilities are beautiful and the tennis pro, Leon, is patient enough for beginners yet challenging enough for the most advanced players! Our whole family enjoyed the tennis program – lessons, matches, and just playing on our own on a lazy afternoon.
KL
Very inviting resort; encourages you to get involved and play. Leon, the tennis pro is fun, skilled, and encouraging! Will connect you w other resorts local to you as he is well connected. Courts and Accomodations are pristine! I am definitely going back!
EL
This was my first visit to LDB after visiting a number of Top 50 resorts. The tennis program is first rate. Leon Patchett is an excellent pro. I saw him every day for two weeks. He is great with players of all ages and abilities, positive but constructive. He focuses each day on a key area, and keeps making things more challenging as skills are mastered. He clearly loves the game and conveys that to his students. The courts are Australian style artificial turf and grass (with two hard courts) which dry and are playable immediately after it rains. High quality loaners and balls are always available, so no need to bring equipment. It would be good if more than two courts are lit, but LDB does a great job with tennis in a low key, high quality way.
LD
Little Dix has amazing pros and fantastic courts. One of the best places – if not THE best – we have found in the Caribbean and maybe even more broadly than that!
SS
Leon was not only engaging as an instructor and direct in his coaching skills. He quickly evaluated our children’s abilities and then worked on their games offering praise and encouragement all the way. Cannot wait to return. Wish there were more opportunities for juniors to play with each other. The resort is exceptional and easy to miss seeing/meeting kids who may also want to engage with other kids and meet new people. Perhaps the tennis shop can offer a signup board for players based on skill and age range. Just a thought.
DL
We have been coming to Little Dix for years with the family. The tennis program is one of the main draws. Leon Padgett is a fabulous pro for adults and kids.
PK
What a tremendous time Leon, the pro at Little Dix, organized. We were lucky enough to have a former touring pro on site vacationing and his partner. Leon organized some super intense doubles and singles matches. We battled every night we were there. Could not get enough. Playing on the artificial grass was soooooooo comfortable compared to the hard courts of my home club. Fast surface but easy on joints. Cant wait to return.
AG
Leon Patchett was the tennis pro at LDB. He was a total professional in the way he took care of his students and went way beyond what was expected of him. He made the entire stay memorable. The resort is idyllic, private and world class.
LS
The tennis program at Little Dix was perfect for me and my children…I only wish we could have stayed longer! Wonderful court setting, easy to get to. Leon’s instruction was perfect for me as well as for my beginner children. He pulled together a game with a local resident and another couple at the resort which was fun as well. We were there on a quiet week so the complex didn’t have lots of people but is was very pleasant.
EG
My fiancee and I spent an amazing week at Little Dix Bay. The water, beach and cuisine is our favorite of all caribbean destinations we’ve visited – the tennis courts, and instruction with Leon Patchett, far exceeded my expectations.
TE
One of the best resort tennis programs I’ve experienced. The Pro was extremly accommodating, and arranged matches for guests with Locals and other guests when needed. I was able to get in all the tennis I wanted with players at my level, during my weeklong stay. I can think of absolutely no negatives! The Pro was capable, accommodating, and pleasant!
MA
Great instructor, amazing courts!!
JF
All around great tennis program. Leon is a very competent and gracious pro. He did an excellent job of arrange matches for my wife and I with players at our level. He worked around our schedule which was great. My wife and I are big fans of PBI and it’s pros like Leon that make the difference.
MB
Great facility. Hard and Synthetic Grass courts. Incredible setting
JB
Lots of courts, all in good condition. Never waited to play.
DO
Spent a week at Little Dix and managed to get in two lessons with Leon to work on specific areas of my game. Leon was very helpful and made me feel relaxed and comfortable during our sessions. You can’t beat the setting on Virgin Gorda and with 6 courts there is plenty of court space.
AS
A brilliant place to learn to play tennis (why I was there). Leon Patchett was a fantastic coach with so much patience and energy. He also took a genuine interest in my progress and the tennis courts were a dream. If you’re holidaying at Little Dix, you’d be MAD not to have a coaching lesson here.
AM
Very good coach, Leon
SS
Amazing tennis in a drop-dead gorgeous setting. Leon was a fantastic, fun, and patient teacher who successfully catered across the drastically different levels of tennis skill between my (much more experienced) sister and myself. We’re solid Little Dix Bay fans and love all of the activities it provides (snorkeling, paddleboarding, and being lazy included!), but the tennis was a definite highlight for us this trip.
CC
Fabulous pro – Leon Patchett – had just arrived and went out of his way to insure our tennis experience was as good as possible given some erratic weather and a relatively low level of occupancy. We learned to love playing in the drizzle and the lack of crowds meant we could play whenever we wanted. (Note: the bad weather cleared out after a couple of days and was highly unusual for the island.) Leon has a laid back but very intelligent approach to teaching. Having played/taught all over the world, his stories are unique and an added bonus. Both Leon and the resort’s general manager reiterated the resort’s commitment to providing guests with a robust tennis experience and the widest variety of court surfaces in the Caribbean. There was no Pro Shop – which we would have liked – but the resort has also made a commitment to reinstating it. We would go back to Little Dix Bay in a heartbeat.
NS
Instructor was great. The resort was beautiful. The food – excellent. Setting – spectacular.
PG
Miguel Lopez made the tennis portion of our stay very memorable. His dedication and willingness to put himself into drills and play made it a fun experience even for accomplished players. very worthwhile to make tennis a good part of ypour experience at Little Dix Bay in Virgin Gorda.
DS
A great tennis center in one of the most secluded place. With a fitness center right in between tennis courts you spend your time playing tennis and exercising. Tennis pro (Miguel Loez) was not only excellent but very skilled in coaching the whole family.
JW
World class vacation destination with an incredible level of service! Large tennis facility with hard courts and synthetic grass courts lit for day and night play in paradise. PBI pro, Miguel Lopez was terrific running the whole facility with lessons, clinics, round robins all done to maximize the tennis experience in the BVI I can’t imagine a better place to play and relax on the beach with great cuisine to boot. It has too much going for it to remain a hidden or underutilized tennis Mecca.
HK
I would definitly highly recommend the rsort to my friends and family
MV
I want to reach out and communicate that Miguel Lopez, tennis professional at Little Dix Bay, was outstanding during my recent stay. Excellent game, demeanor, professionalism, and instruction.
JS
It was a great Resort highlighted by my stay and use of the tennis facilities. Miguel Lopez is by far the best tennis director I have ever met at any resort and I can not say enough wonderful things about him. He is extremely knowledgeable, a wonderful player and runs a top notch tennis program at the resort. I was so impressed with him that I will definitely go back based on the type of program he teaches and how well he teaches and knows the game. He is FANTASTIC!
ER
fantastic setting. very quiet, very romantic. great food. staff/service was extremely nice and accomodating. untouched. beach/water also untouched and very quiet. perfect for romantic getaway. tennis/fitness outstanding. Pro (Miguel Lopez) outstanding teacher/hitting partner. great setting. gym well-equipped and well maintained. spa is one of the best we have ever experienced. would definitely return.
RB
Both my husband and I took a number of lessons with Miguel Lopez. He was very good and asked us what we wanted to work on and tailored the drills and teaching for us. In addition to lessons with him he ran a round robin on Wednesdays with local residents included. In addition the local residents opened up informal round robins on Saturday and Sunday mornings. So over a week we got a great combination of groups, individual, and lesson time. The setting is beautiful – the beach drops by boat are a wonderful touch. Our only complaint is that the food both in town and at the resort is incredibly expensive and not very good.
83 Reviews on “Rosewood Little Dix Bay”
Terrific courts and an even better pro (Ryan Everett). He went after every ball and to my dismay, returned most of them. His skills are great and his teaching style was perfect for me. My game improved greatly. It was amazing how many of his suggestions were helpful and some of them improved my ability instantly. I’d play with him any chance I could and would recommend him whenever I’m asked. He was substantially better than I’d hoped. The only thing that upset me was when he said that I was great…for an old guy! No kidding, I loved playing with him.
Little Dix Bay tennis experience ranks high on my list.It is an unusual opportunity to feel like you have your own private tennis coach in a glorious setting. Variety of courts from omni courts to hard courts. Leon, the ‘Burwash’ tennis pro, is one of the best instructors I’ve had. I returned home an improved player — and that’s unusual from a ‘beach vacation’. I go back every year and look forward to my tennis time most of all. Quality for sure.
I have been playing tennis for over 60 years. The bane of my tennis existence has been the serve. Leon Patchett took my serve apart and reconstructed it. This is the serve I lhave been looking for all my life. He is the only instructor I have ever had (I have had Many) who diagnosed and isolated the problem,and corrected it. I cannot praise Leon high enough. He truly made my stay at Little Dix Bay a memorable one. Guy
We returned to Little Dix Bay, which we have been visiting for 40 years and for the first time at the resort took regular tennis lessons with Leon Padgett. This was an exceptional experience for both my husband and me. We have very different tennis skills and Leon was able to teach to each of our levels and build on our individual abilities, all the while keeping the instruction fun and challenging and, most of all, very exciting and productive. Our tennis sessions were a highlight of the trip, and we plan to return soon, and look forward to continuing our lessons with Leon when we do. He is a skilled teacher and a great asset to the resort.
The facilities are beautiful and the tennis pro, Leon, is patient enough for beginners yet challenging enough for the most advanced players! Our whole family enjoyed the tennis program – lessons, matches, and just playing on our own on a lazy afternoon.
Very inviting resort; encourages you to get involved and play. Leon, the tennis pro is fun, skilled, and encouraging! Will connect you w other resorts local to you as he is well connected. Courts and Accomodations are pristine! I am definitely going back!
This was my first visit to LDB after visiting a number of Top 50 resorts. The tennis program is first rate. Leon Patchett is an excellent pro. I saw him every day for two weeks. He is great with players of all ages and abilities, positive but constructive. He focuses each day on a key area, and keeps making things more challenging as skills are mastered. He clearly loves the game and conveys that to his students. The courts are Australian style artificial turf and grass (with two hard courts) which dry and are playable immediately after it rains. High quality loaners and balls are always available, so no need to bring equipment. It would be good if more than two courts are lit, but LDB does a great job with tennis in a low key, high quality way.
Little Dix has amazing pros and fantastic courts. One of the best places – if not THE best – we have found in the Caribbean and maybe even more broadly than that!
Leon was not only engaging as an instructor and direct in his coaching skills. He quickly evaluated our children’s abilities and then worked on their games offering praise and encouragement all the way. Cannot wait to return. Wish there were more opportunities for juniors to play with each other. The resort is exceptional and easy to miss seeing/meeting kids who may also want to engage with other kids and meet new people. Perhaps the tennis shop can offer a signup board for players based on skill and age range. Just a thought.
We have been coming to Little Dix for years with the family. The tennis program is one of the main draws. Leon Padgett is a fabulous pro for adults and kids.
What a tremendous time Leon, the pro at Little Dix, organized. We were lucky enough to have a former touring pro on site vacationing and his partner. Leon organized some super intense doubles and singles matches. We battled every night we were there. Could not get enough. Playing on the artificial grass was soooooooo comfortable compared to the hard courts of my home club. Fast surface but easy on joints. Cant wait to return.
Leon Patchett was the tennis pro at LDB. He was a total professional in the way he took care of his students and went way beyond what was expected of him. He made the entire stay memorable. The resort is idyllic, private and world class.
The tennis program at Little Dix was perfect for me and my children…I only wish we could have stayed longer! Wonderful court setting, easy to get to. Leon’s instruction was perfect for me as well as for my beginner children. He pulled together a game with a local resident and another couple at the resort which was fun as well. We were there on a quiet week so the complex didn’t have lots of people but is was very pleasant.
My fiancee and I spent an amazing week at Little Dix Bay. The water, beach and cuisine is our favorite of all caribbean destinations we’ve visited – the tennis courts, and instruction with Leon Patchett, far exceeded my expectations.
One of the best resort tennis programs I’ve experienced. The Pro was extremly accommodating, and arranged matches for guests with Locals and other guests when needed. I was able to get in all the tennis I wanted with players at my level, during my weeklong stay. I can think of absolutely no negatives! The Pro was capable, accommodating, and pleasant!
Great instructor, amazing courts!!
All around great tennis program. Leon is a very competent and gracious pro. He did an excellent job of arrange matches for my wife and I with players at our level. He worked around our schedule which was great. My wife and I are big fans of PBI and it’s pros like Leon that make the difference.
Great facility. Hard and Synthetic Grass courts. Incredible setting
Lots of courts, all in good condition. Never waited to play.
Spent a week at Little Dix and managed to get in two lessons with Leon to work on specific areas of my game. Leon was very helpful and made me feel relaxed and comfortable during our sessions. You can’t beat the setting on Virgin Gorda and with 6 courts there is plenty of court space.
A brilliant place to learn to play tennis (why I was there). Leon Patchett was a fantastic coach with so much patience and energy. He also took a genuine interest in my progress and the tennis courts were a dream. If you’re holidaying at Little Dix, you’d be MAD not to have a coaching lesson here.
Very good coach, Leon
Amazing tennis in a drop-dead gorgeous setting. Leon was a fantastic, fun, and patient teacher who successfully catered across the drastically different levels of tennis skill between my (much more experienced) sister and myself. We’re solid Little Dix Bay fans and love all of the activities it provides (snorkeling, paddleboarding, and being lazy included!), but the tennis was a definite highlight for us this trip.
Fabulous pro – Leon Patchett – had just arrived and went out of his way to insure our tennis experience was as good as possible given some erratic weather and a relatively low level of occupancy. We learned to love playing in the drizzle and the lack of crowds meant we could play whenever we wanted. (Note: the bad weather cleared out after a couple of days and was highly unusual for the island.)
Leon has a laid back but very intelligent approach to teaching. Having played/taught all over the world, his stories are unique and an added bonus. Both Leon and the resort’s general manager reiterated the resort’s commitment to providing guests with a robust tennis experience and the widest variety of court surfaces in the Caribbean. There was no Pro Shop – which we would have liked – but the resort has also made a commitment to reinstating it. We would go back to Little Dix Bay in a heartbeat.
Instructor was great. The resort was beautiful. The food – excellent. Setting – spectacular.
Miguel Lopez made the tennis portion of our stay very memorable. His dedication and willingness to put himself into drills and play made it a fun experience even for accomplished players. very worthwhile to make tennis a good part of ypour experience at Little Dix Bay in Virgin Gorda.
A great tennis center in one of the most secluded place. With a fitness center right in between tennis courts you spend your time playing tennis and exercising. Tennis pro (Miguel Loez) was not only excellent but very skilled in coaching the whole family.
World class vacation destination with an incredible level of service! Large tennis facility with hard courts and synthetic grass courts lit for day and night play in paradise. PBI pro, Miguel Lopez was terrific running the whole facility with lessons, clinics, round robins all done to maximize the tennis experience in the BVI I can’t imagine a better place to play and relax on the beach with great cuisine to boot. It has too much going for it to remain a hidden or underutilized tennis Mecca.
I would definitly highly recommend the rsort to my friends and family
I want to reach out and communicate that Miguel Lopez, tennis professional at Little Dix Bay, was outstanding during my recent stay. Excellent game, demeanor, professionalism, and instruction.
It was a great Resort highlighted by my stay and use of the tennis facilities. Miguel Lopez is by far the best tennis director I have ever met at any resort and I can not say enough wonderful things about him. He is extremely knowledgeable, a wonderful player and runs a top notch tennis program at the resort. I was so impressed with him that I will definitely go back based on the type of program he teaches and how well he teaches and knows the game. He is FANTASTIC!
fantastic setting. very quiet, very romantic. great food. staff/service was extremely nice and accomodating. untouched. beach/water also untouched and very quiet. perfect for romantic getaway. tennis/fitness outstanding. Pro (Miguel Lopez) outstanding teacher/hitting partner. great setting. gym well-equipped and well maintained. spa is one of the best we have ever experienced. would definitely return.
Both my husband and I took a number of lessons with Miguel Lopez. He was very good and asked us what we wanted to work on and tailored the drills and teaching for us. In addition to lessons with him he ran a round robin on Wednesdays with local residents included. In addition the local residents opened up informal round robins on Saturday and Sunday mornings. So over a week we got a great combination of groups, individual, and lesson time. The setting is beautiful – the beach drops by boat are a wonderful touch. Our only complaint is that the food both in town and at the resort is incredibly expensive and not very good.