Virgin Gorda's Little Dix Bay Debuts Rosewood Spa

Now, with the debut of Rosewood's new spa brand, Sense, A Rosewood Spa ™, the experience becomes even more rejuvenating, with the addition of relaxation-fostering opening and closing rituals, longer treatments, and the abundant use of indigenous ingredients such as Virgin Gorda honey, goat milk and Neem leaf; and salt harvested from nearby Salt Island. Classes in movement and yoga have been introduced to energize the kids while parents enjoy their spa experience. These changes blend beautifully within what was already one of the resort's most sought-after areas: outdoor relaxation spaces; treatment cottages with windows that open to the soothing sounds of the ocean; and spa pools set among three lushly landscaped acres overlooking Sir Francis Drake Channel.

"Far from standardizing the spa, Sense is all about honoring local traditions in healing and incorporating indigenous natural elements," said Glen Ross, Spa Director. "In embracing Rosewood's signature A Sense of Place® vision, the Spa offers an incomparable indoor and outdoor environment that brilliantly reflects its breathtaking surroundings."

The Sense philosophy of Sense of Individuality, Sense of Balance, Sense of Place, and Sense of Tradition comes together to frame and enhance the spa experience with new opening and closing rituals that set a deeply calming tone. On arrival, guests are served a local bush tea of lemon grass and chamomile and complete a new lifestyle questionnaire that forms the basis for customized treatment recommendations. Treatments are now longer – a full 60- and 90-minutes – further encouraging complete renewal. Following each treatment, guests are escorted to their treatment cottage's private outdoor terrace for “terrace time” – a brief respite allowing them to relax, meditate and absorb the entrancing 25-mile water views.

Sense offers a well-edited collection of treatments, many of which fuse the indigenous botanical resources that proliferate on the island with the traditional spiritual and physical healing arts of the Caribbean culture. “Unlike many spas that add treatment after similar treatment, we’ve actually reduced the number of treatments to hone in on those that are more reflective of the island's culture and customs,” Ross noted. Among the most popular are:

• Cool Aquastones & Aloe Therapy, a wellness-inducing treatment to soothe skin with aloe vera gel from the resort's spa gardens combined with cucumber, lavender and chamomile.
• Little Dix Bay Signature Body Scrub, a fragrantly smoothing blend of organic brown sugar, fresh mangoes and pineapple;
• Salt Island Scrub, a deeply exfoliating experience, with tropical oils mixed with salt harvested from the British Virgin Islands' Salt Island;
• Natural Neem Facial, a toning and cleansing regimen, using a paste made from local Neem trees and aloe plants;
• Virgin Gorda Goat Milk & Honey Wrap, a body mask of Virgin Gorda honey, goat milk and bananas to nourish and protect the skin;

To help parents enjoy their spa time while giving the kids a spa experience of their own, Sense offers two new high-energy classes for children (aged five and up) - Kids Move ‘N’ Groove and Kids Yoga - that introduce the youngest guests to the health benefits of movement and meditation. The classes are complimentary when a parent has booked spa treatments.

A true sanctuary for the inner and outer self, the hilltop Sense Spa at Little Dix Bay features nine treatment cottages, including a dramatic Cliff Spa Suite, a spa hideaway ideal for individual or couples' treatments with an indoor room, outdoor terrace, dining area, outdoor shower, and hot tub; a striking bi-level infinity pool; and a hilltop yoga platform. Separate men's and women's changing rooms have private lockers, outdoor showers, plush terry bathrobes, slippers and an extensive selection of toiletries.

Perhaps the spa's most peaceful retreat, the hilltop yoga platform offers 360-degree views of the bay and the surrounding islands. Accommodating private and group yoga classes for up to 12, the spa's outdoor yoga practice is highlighted by the scent of island bougainvillea and salt air and sounds of the ocean and birds. The spa offers a wide range of yoga and meditation classes, including gentle, power and couples' yoga; fertility yoga; mat Pilates; guided and couples' meditation; and complimentary nature hikes along the resort's Savannah Bay and Cowhill Trails.

Two to four-and-a-half hour multi-treatment packages are offered. Guests can also enjoy treatments in the comfort and privacy of their own suite, under the stars, or on the beach by special arrangement. The spa is open from 8am – 8pm daily.