You'll find Little Dix Bay at the spot where verdant, tropical foliage tumbles down from the hills and into the turquoise water of a crescent-shaped cove on the west side of Virgin Gorda. The higher elevations of the British Virgin Islands make for unbelievable views, and those of Little Dix Bay do not disappoint. From the blue sea and bright-white linens to the fuchsia bougainvillea and green palm fronds, everything at Little Dix Bay exists in high-def Technicolor. Sunrise to sunset, the

You'll find Little Dix Bay at the spot where verdant, tropical foliage tumbles down from the hills and into the turquoise water of a crescent-shaped cove on the west side of Virgin Gorda. The higher elevations of the British Virgin Islands make for unbelievable views, and those of Little Dix Bay do not disappoint. From the blue sea and bright-white linens to the fuchsia bougainvillea and green palm fronds, everything at Little Dix Bay exists in high-def Technicolor. Sunrise to sunset, the stunning tropical scenery is easy on the eyes and balm for the soul.

The resort is private and personable, not spacious and showy, and every detail here seems designed to enable guests to connect with their stunning surroundings. Footpaths through the lush landscaping add a down-to-earth appeal, encouraging guests to slow down and smell the salty sea air. Rooms at the resort come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but all are airy, chic, and uncluttered, with rust-colored floor tile, boxy wood furniture, and crisp white linens set off by warm wood trim and native stone details. The particularly charming, hexagonal treehouse cottages are perched on stilts, while the Rosewood Junior Suite seduces guests with a generous bedroom that flows directly to an outdoor patio and views of the ocean beyond. The dining room at Little Dix Bay offers wide, comfortable chairs; large verandas; and exquisite views that pair perfectly with the kitchen's expertly prepared and artfully presented steaks, lobsters, and king crabs... that is, if you're still hungry after the bountiful—and much more modestly priced—breakfast buffet.

The island's beaches here are narrower than their Caribbean counterparts, and the large volcanic boulders scattered along the shore form grottoes and saltwater pools, giving them an air of privacy and drama. Guests seeking adventure will enjoy striking out for a day of exploration to numerous other hidden beaches scattered throughout the region. A water taxi ferries guests to and from 13 other secluded beaches, including wild Anegada Island, home of the succulent "anegada lobster" (so often found on dinner menus) and miles of continuous white sand.

Settled in on the property? Then a trip to the spa is a must. Sensual indulgences reign supreme at Sense, A Rosewood Spa, occupying a prime cliff-side perch. The spa specializes in using indigenous herbs, spices, and plants in its slate of massages, manicures, and hot stone therapies. The effects are incomparable. Try the Little Dix Signature Body Scrub made with organic brown sugar, fresh mango, and pineapple; a body mask of Virgin Gorda honey, goat's milk, and bananas; or a locally-harvested Natural Neem Leaf Facial, and you're sure to smell sweet for hours afterwards. Tightly wound? You'll unfurl like a tranquil top after the 90-minute Seaside Sedation massage.

has been writing about the best places to stay in North America since the day after graduating college in 1984. Since then she has written over 35 guidebooks and for countless websites and print publications. She is also the editorial director of a forthcoming website on the best places to stay and the travel acquisitions editor for Countryman Press.