Rosewood Little Dix Bay

A Caribbean old-timer that’s been completely updated, Little Dix still shines most brightly in the beach department, with a half-mile of wedding-worthy sands flanked by massive boulders and liberally shaded by palms. Other resorts have infinity pools; this place has an infinity sea, with schooners threatening to sail right off the horizon.

The jungle-meets-ocean setting makes it one of the most romantic spots on this sparsely populated island, and the thick tropical grounds allow for utmost tranquility and relaxation. The hotel is directly on a beautiful sandy beach, and most units are just a couple dozen yards from the water. Rooms have island-inspired decor with elegant wood furnishings, exposed stone walls, and wooden beams, but some may find the level of luxury to be underwhelming for the price.

The resort has a gorgeous, crescent beach. But the lush grounds mean that the resort is largely a view democracy. The exceptions are second-story junior suites and rooms 113-120 because they’re set back on a rise. As the room numbers rise from 101, so does the elevation. The exception are the two Beach House Villas, which are a stone’s throw from the beach.

When Laurance Rockefeller founded Little Dix Bay in 1964 as a haven for well-to-do travelers, he had the foresight to choose an island that would dodge the wrath of rampant development, which has spoiled so many pristine Caribbean locales. Some four decades later, Little Dix continues to pamper the rich and demanding, even more so now, after a recent $25 million overhaul by oil heiress Caroline Rose Hunt’s Rosewood group. And the resort’s new Asia-meets-the-tropics style—indigenous woods, handcrafted furniture, Italian linens—was worth every million. In response to the growing demand, there are now three sprawling hilltop villas, each with its own private plunge pool, decked-out kitchen, and outdoor stone showers.

This laid-back luxury resort offers a gorgeous crescent of sand, plenty of activities, and good restaurants. You can swim, sun, and snorkel any time of the day or night, play tennis or windsurf, or just relax with a good book. The hotel's restaurants serve stellar food, but you're only a five-minute drive from Spanish Town's less-expensive restaurants and shopping. Rooms have rattan-and-wood furniture and a casual feel. The gardens are gorgeous, with lots of lush plantings kept snipped to perfection. Depending on when you visit, your fellow guests will be honeymooners or folks who've spent a week or two in the winter season for years.