LOCATION: Luxury resort on a crescent beach on the island of Virgin Gorda in the BVIs, about 12 miles from Tortola and its international airport.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Cottages and suites nestle amid lush, cooling vegetation on the edge of a fabulous half-mile beach protected by coral reef. The resort belies the Spanish name of the island (‘Fat Virgin’) bestowed by Columbus, though the beach has its curves. Barely a TV in sight and, boy, you would not want one. This is a retreat for those who don’t seek seclusion, with a choice of places to eat, live music most evenings and the island’s Spanish Town a 15-minute stroll away.

THE FACTS: A mix of rooms, cottages, suites, houses and villas available, on the beach or just back from it.

WOW: The Little Dix beach is rated among the world’s finest. The island’s Baths of Virgin Gorda - beachside baths and grottoes formed by volcanic boulders - should not be missed.

BACKGROUND: Little Dix was developed as a resort by Rockefeller family member Laurance Spelman, opening in 1964. Now run by luxury property management company Rosewood, which completed a five-year renovation in 2006 adding tasteful suites, villas and a dramatic cliff-top spa with an infinity pool that appears to be on a precipice (it’s not).

HOW MUCH: Ocean View room from £284 a night

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