Away.com, a leading website for travel planning, announced the launch of its new ‘Best Resorts & Lodges Guide’ – a comprehensive directory of the top domestic and international resorts and lodges. ‘Away.com is focused on delivering advice to travelers that helps them choose the best vacation option, no matter the destination, no matter the price,’ said Eric Brodnax, vice president and general manager of The Away Network.

The Editors of Away.com chose Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Tortola, BVI, as the Best Beach Resort.

Rosewood Little Dix Bay sits on a crescent-shaped bay on the island of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. Founded in 1964 by Laurance S. Rockefeller, the resort remains true to its founder’s vision of natural harmony and earth in balance while offering an escape from the ordinary. Elegantly appointed accommodations blend unobtrusively into the surrounding landscape and are located steps from the beach. Guests can enjoy a wide array of activities such as diving, snorkeling, watersports and hiking. World-class amenities, including three distinctive dining venues, Sense, A Rosewood Spa, tennis, fitness facility and children’s center, complete the experience.

Virgin Gorda – which translates to ‘Fat Virgin’ from Spanish – was named in 1493 by Columbus, who saw in the islands now framing Rosewood Little Dix Bay the silhouette of a portly woman lying on her back.

The island was a fairly desolate agricultural community when Laurance Rockefeller established the resort; planning and land acquisition began in 1958. Little Dix Bay opened in January of 1964. A believer in hiring and training local people to proudly serve their island, Rockefeller discovered a friendly, highly motivated work force among the residents of Virgin Gorda.

In December 1993, Little Dix Bay became part of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. It was reopened in March 1996 after extensive refurbishments.

A five-year, multi-million-dollar renovation was concluded in December 2006, signifying the rebirth of Rosewood Little Dix Bay as a legendary destination. The renovations brought a new cliffside spa, The Children’s Grove, resort-wide refurbishments of the guest rooms, and addition of 16 new Rosewood Junior Suites as well as three hilltop villas,new restaurant designs and an innovative employee training program developed across the Rosewood collection.

The resort features 100 spacious guest accommodations that seem to ‘grow’ out of the landscape. Most are shaded by native sea grape and palm trees, ensuring ultimate privacy. Each guest room has an outdoor patio or terrace on which to enjoy the idyllic setting of Virgin Gorda and its gentle tradewinds.

For special offers, visit the Little Dix Bay web site. If you choose the Rosewood as your resort in BVI, be sure and stop by our Coldwell Banker office to discuss our great buying opportunities.