For Traveling Families - Rosewood Little Dix Bay

Few Resorts Match Its Amenities and Services

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. October 14, 2008

VIRGIN GORDA, BVI, April 22, 2008. One of the Caribbean's "original" luxury resorts, Rosewood Little Dix Bay has long been a standard-bearer, known as much for its striking tropical beauty as it is for its flawless attention to service. A favorite of honeymooners, the legendary resort is also carving a niche as the Caribbean's most welcoming resort for families. New beachfront villas with two, three and four bedrooms (each with a full kitchen and private pool) and a surprisingly diverse range of complimentary activities for children and teens - including beginner tennis clinics, yoga, ballet lessons, eco-explorations and pirate dinner parties - make this celebrated resort a hands-down favorite for families.

"What distinguishes our approach is a remarkable attention to detail. What works for five year old children won't keep the teenagers entertained," says Martein van Wagenberg, managing director. "We've spent a good deal of time finding out what children, teens and their parents want and need. For first-time parents, that might mean a bottle warmer and a nanny, while a family of teenagers, a good Internet connection and a pool table are priceless."

"Beyond the practical components, our overall program seeks to reflect the thoughtfulness and focus on environmental appreciation espoused by Laurance S. Rockefeller in the founding days of the resort," says van Wagenberg. "From the moment of arrival, we want our guests to relax. That doesn't happen if the kids are begging for quarters to hit the arcade. We strive to remain true to Rockefeller's vision of natural harmony and earth in balance while offering an escape from the ordinary that is valuable to both children and their parents."

The Children's Grove: A Magical Retreat

The centerpiece of the resort's children's program is The Children's Grove, a magical retreat set in the shade of a mahogany preserve. It features 2,500 square feet of interior space devoted to creative play and indigenous pursuits. "The Children's Grove is unique in the Caribbean," says van Wagenberg, noting its miniature Caribbean chattel house, dress-up parlor, arts & crafts center, "monkey lounge," shipwreck and outside play area. On arrival, children aged five - 12 are greeted with a welcome letter and basket of sand tours, games, books and puzzles from The Children's Grove counselors inviting them to join the fun.

The program is led by experienced staff who take children on nature walks, shell collecting expeditions and treasure hunts. Many of the program's activities are designed to showcase the island's history and culture, including mocko jumbie performances, stone painting, Caribbean folk art and literature, and West Indian musical instrument crafts. A variety of themes, from Beach Bash Fridays to Save the Sea Saturdays, set the tone for each day. For example, on Wednesdays, the Animal Life Naturely theme features nature collecting and collage making, a lizard and iguana hunt and puzzle competitions. The full-day program is complimentary and includes two snacks, including "Tea Time in the Children's Grove" every afternoon. In the evenings, kids can drop in for nightly theme nights with dinner, including a Pirate Party, Pizza Night and Pajama Party Night. There is a nominal charge for dinner.

Catering to school-aged children isn't the only focus. From infants to teen-agers, the resort offers a full array of thoughtfully designed services and amenities. The tiniest guests are welcomed with in-room cribs with gender-specific bedding, a full line of Lady Primrose baby amenities, a liter bottle of Gerber baby water and a baby tub placed in the bathroom.The hotel can also provide bed rails, baby monitors and bottle warmers and arrange nanny service on request.

For older kids, the resort offers a Teen Room featuring a pool table and lending library stocked with CDs, DVDs, books and board games. There's also complimentary Internet access from 9 am to 9:30 pm so kids can stay connected with friends back home. On the beach, teens have access to complimentary snorkeling gear, Sunfish sailboats and kayaks. There's also hiking on two on-property trails and complimentary beginners' tennis clinics. Use of the resort's six tennis courts and brand-new fitness center, featuring state-of-the-art cardiovascular training equipment (including treadmills, Stairmasters and LifeCycles) and Cybex weight machines and free weights, are also complimentary.

Kids of all ages won't want to miss the complimentary Pirate Party and Buffet on Monday evenings, held at the same time as the Manager's traditional Monday evening Cocktail Party.

Room for the Family

The resort's new two-, three-, and four-bedroom beachfront villas offer the ultimate escape for traveling families. Set in the most private areas of the resort with sweeping ocean views, the villas feature private balconies, full kitchens and swimming pools, as well as oversized living and dining areas, spacious bathrooms with outdoor showers and dining pavilions and barbeque areas. For those who opt for traditional resort guest rooms, there is no charge for one child, up to 16 years old, staying in the parents' room. A resort offers a second bedroom for children under 16 accompanying their parents at 25% off the daily room rate (April 10- Dec. 19 only).

For reservations and more information, call 1-888-ROSEWOOD or visit www.littledixbay.com.