Photography courtesy of Tara Moni

February in New York can feel endless. The city hums under gray skies, and even the most dazzling skyline can’t compete with the call of the sun. So, when the chance for an impromptu escape appeared — just the two of us, no kids, no schedules — we packed our bags and set our sights on Virgin Gorda. It wasn’t just a trip; it was a reset.

The moment we arrived at Rosewood Little Dix Bay, the world softened. The air felt lighter, tinged with salt and frangipani, and time seemed to stretch in the most luxurious way. Our villa was effortlessly elegant — understated yet indulgent, with nothing but turquoise waters ahead.

Mornings started slow, the way they should. Coffee and breakfast at Pavilion, the sea just beyond our table, the warmth of the sun replacing the layers we had left behind. But our favorite ritual? Morning tennis. There’s something about hitting a ball against a cloudless sky, feeling the rhythm of movement together, that set the tone for the day.

The beauty of Rosewood Little Dix Bay is in its perfect balance — somewhere between high-touch service and an easygoing, barefoot-luxury atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you can spend the afternoon with a book and a piña colada on the beach (which, naturally, I did) or embrace the British-inspired ritual of afternoon tea, savoring delicate pastries as the waves roll in.

For lunch, we found ourselves drawn to Reef House — a sun-drenched, seaside spot where every dish tasted like it had been kissed by the ocean breeze. But for dinner, we ventured beyond the resort, eager to experience a more local side of the island. Coco Maya delivered — a lively, beachfront restaurant where fresh flavors met flickering candlelight, and we felt, if only for a night, like we belonged.

Between slow afternoons and indulgent meals, we stumbled upon some unexpected gems. A small farm tucked away on the hotel grounds, adding an organic charm to the experience. A spa perched above the ocean, where a massage became more than relaxation — it was an immersion in sound, scent, and sea.

And then, of course, there was the Exclusive Resorts touch — the feeling of having a friend on the island, someone who knew exactly how to make a trip seamless, who anticipated the perfect experience before we even thought to ask.

If we had one more day? We’d take to the water. Rosewood Little Dix Bay offers boat excursions to nearby islands, and what better way to end a trip than sailing toward the horizon, hand in hand, with the sun dipping low over the sea?

Some trips are vacations. Others feel like a necessary pause — an exhale. Virgin Gorda was the latter, a place that reminded us what it means to slow down, to savor, to simply be. And for that, we’ll be back.

Tara Moni is a seasoned brand strategist and travel enthusiast. Follow her adventures on Instagram @tara.moni.

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