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Local Currency: The
U.S. Dollar is the official currency for both the United States
and British Virgin Islands.
Immigration & Customs: A valid passport
is required for travel to the British Virgin Islands.
Time Zone: EST
Attire at the Resort: During the daytime a cover-up and footwear are appropriate in the dining room and public areas. After sunset in the Pavilion gentlemen may wear dress shorts, a collared shirt and open shoes. Shorts, t-shirts, jeans, tennis shoes and beach sandals are not permitted. Ladies may wear suitable evening attire. During the winter season, from Christmas until Easter, we ask that gentleman to wear long slacks, a collared shirt and closed-toe shoes. At the Sugar Mill, throughout the year, gentlemen are required to wear long slacks, a collared shirt and closed-toe shoes. Jackets and ties are not necessary. Ladies may wear suitable evening attire.
Island Attractions
- The Baths of
Virgin Gorda: The British Virgin Islands’ most famous geological
landmark is The Baths situated on the southwestern tip of Virgin
Gorda. Named after large volcanic boulders which toppled over one
another forming spectacular salt-water grottoes and pools, it is
a picturesque site for swimming and snorkeling. Visitors can explore
the 20-minute snorkel trail through the boulders and pools to the
more secluded Devil’s Bay.
- Caneel Bay: Little Dix Bay’s sister resort on nearby St. John, U.S.V.I.
offers a ferry service for guests at both resorts for daytrips and transfers.
The scenic, 90-minute trip westward through the Sir Francis Drake channel features
breathtaking views of emerald islands and turquoise waters. Among the highlights
are vistas of Tortola, Jost van Dyke, Norman and Peter Islands, Cooper and Ginger
Islands, Beef Island and Scrub Island.
- Beaches: Little Dix Bay’s pristine, half-mile crescent beach is considered one of
the finest in the world. A coral reef just off the beach provides excellent snorkeling
and protects the bay, ensuring calm water for swimming year round. A beach of this
caliber is rare anywhere outside of the south Pacific region. Private water taxis also
transport guests to seven other secluded local beaches each with a character of its own.
- Hiking trails of Virgin Gorda: The Cow Hill Trail winds behind the spa on the west side
of the resort and offers spectacular views of the bay and towards the marina (approx. 40
minutes). The Savannah Bay trail starts at the eastern end of the resort and offers a more
rigorous and lengthy trek that culminates at Savannah Bay where you can enjoy a refreshing
dip in the ocean before returning home (approx. 60-minutes). At 1,500 ft., Gorda Peak is the
highest point on the island. A trail that winds through the National Park is accessible from
the island's north road and allows hikers to start mid-way up the peak and summit in about 20
minutes. Guests can climb the lookout, enjoy a bottle of champagne at sunset, and experience
breathtaking views.
- Spanish Town: Just a 15-minute stroll from the resort, guests
will find Spanish Town, the island's town and home to the Virgin
Gorda Yacht Harbour and shopping center. Visitors can shop for
souvenirs and can also visit The Coppermine. This area of Virgin
Gorda was once worked by Cornish miners, and remains of the chimney,
boiler house, cistern and mine shafts can be seen.
- Anegada Island: Fifteen miles to the northeast of Virgin Gorda
lies the sparsely populated island of Anegada, a coral atoll known
for its miles of uninterrupted white sand beaches, turquoise waters
and fresh local "Anegada lobster" (frequently featured
on the resort's dinner menu). Little Dix Bay offers guests the
chance to experience this unique island for a day-trip by boat
or by plane.
History
Virgin Gorda was named in 1493 by Columbus, who saw in the islands
that now frame Little Dix Bay the silhouette of a portly woman lying on
her back (Virgin Gorda translates to "Fat Virgin"). The island
was a fairly desolate agricultural community when Laurance S. Rockefeller
established the resort. Planning and land acquisition began in 1958; the
resort debuted in January of 1964. A believer in hiring and training local
people to proudly serve their island, Mr. Rockefeller discovered a friendly,
highly motivated work force among the residents of Virgin Gorda. With
an employee-guest ratio of two-to-one, Virgin Gordians still graciously
serve guests today at Little Dix. |
