Little Dix Bay, British Virgin Islands

Thank God St Thomas, in the US Virgin Islands was not our final destination. It was just our first stop. It seemed really built up and overdeveloped, with too many roads and it was kind of suburban looking. It definitely didn’t evoke the charm and allure of a postcard of a Caribbean Island. Thankfully flying into Virgin Gorda, part of the British Virgin Islands, changed everything and put us back on course.

One of the highlights was the airport, which was practically a shack by the runway. The customs sign was on a chunk of wood written in wonky handwriting with a hot poker iron, and unfortunately I was told not to take any pictures for ‘security’ reasons by the only staff member who helped us with our luggage who happened to also be the customs officer checking our passports.

A quick 15 minute drive from the airport to the resort and we entered the Little Dix Bay. The resort, which opened in 1964, had just enough charm without being too over manicured, but rather had the feeling of pure luxury. The spacious units, which have been renovated with wicker and reed furniture, bamboo beds and no TVs, are surrounded by coconut palms, bougainvillea, hibiscus, and frangipani. On arrival, each room has a complimentary bottle of rum, which is made at the resort bearing the Little Dix Bay label and with your own private terrace overlooking bay. It is the perfect treat. The resort offers plenty of great dining, with three great open air restaurants overlooking the bay and the option at night of having a private table right on the beach.

The beach was everything I picture when thinking of a tropical retreat, with beautiful warm water sheltered by a reef. The water was extremely calm and fun for snorkeling and we could swim out to two floating rafts, lay out in the sun and dive into the sea. The tiny store on the beach provided us with snorkeling gear, and sold us disposable under water cameras to mess around with.

The facilities also include seven tennis courts, sauna, fitness centre, and water activities such as scuba diving, kayaking, deep-sea fishing and sailing.

Definitely coming back.

www.littledixbay.com