32 ARCHDIGEST.COM
DISCOVERIES
ROSEWOOD LITTLE DIX BAY (2)
HOTELS
Sea Change
When Laurance Rockefeller happened
upon a crescent of untouched coast on Virgin
Gorda some 60 years ago, the American
philanthropist set about creating Little Dix
Bay—a hotel that would come to embody
unfussy luxury in harmony with nature,
attracting the likes of Queen Elizabeth II. Five
years ago, the property (a Rosewood resort
since 1993) enlisted the New York design firm
Meyer Davis to shepherd a renovation of the
rooms. But after Hurricane Irma struck the
British Virgin Islands in 2017, what was meant
to be a light refresh pivoted to a holistic
rebuild. Though the iconic dining pavilion—its
distinctive conical roofs inspired by swaying
palms—survived, the property’s guest
accommodations were all but destroyed.
Today, Meyer Davis has faithfully re-created
Rockefeller’s vision, maintaining the
footprints of the original structures, among
them the property’s signature hexagonal
beach cottages and tree houses. (The latter
were converted from side-by-side rooms into
amply scaled suites). “We introduced pure,
honest materials to reflect the beauty and
vibrancy of the surroundings,” says Meyer
Davis founder Will Meyer, citing the use of
natural stone and wood, with campaign-style
detailing. Throughout the renovation, the
team took extra care to plan for future storms.
As we enter a new chapter in climate change,
Meyer notes, “a design is only successful if
it will last.” Little Dix remains one for the ages.
rosewoodhotels.com —SAM COCHRAN
A C. 1630 PORTRAIT OF INFANTA MARIA
OF AUSTRIA PRESIDES OVER AN ANTIQUE BENCH.
1. THE SPA POOL
AT ROSEWOOD
LITTLE DIX BAY
RESORT AND SIR
FRANCIS DRAKE
CHANNEL BEYOND.
2. THE DINING
PAVILION, WITH ITS
DISTINCTIVE
CONICAL ROOF.
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modern right now,” he explains. In his country-style kitchen,
refrigerator magnets offer a window onto his wish list.
“It’s about making a space feel livable,” remarks Renzullo, who
credits his aesthetic to his New England roots. “I grew up in this
Anglo-American-y, threadbarish but still beautiful environment.
I don’t like anything that looks studied.” His mother, a onetime
decorator, remains a source of inspiration, though it’s hard to miss
the John Fowler notes. “We’re all Anglophiles in my family. The
English do unfussy better than anybody.”
It’s no wonder Renzullo encourages his clients to make
house calls. “This place conveys a real sense of my style,” he says.
“I don’t believe any room is ever done. You live with it, see what
works, and make changes accordingly.” There are of course some
drawbacks to operating a fledgling business out of one’s home.
He notes with a laugh that meetings are best in the morning: The
apartment faces an interior courtyard and “has appalling natural
light.” So office hours end early. “By 6:30 you can’t see anything.
To have a conversation about wall colors doesn’t really work when
you can’t see an inch in front of you.” Though the moody vibes
do make the transition to cocktails an easy one. “I’ll have 30 for
dinner, 40 for drinks,” he exclaims. When you live in a ballroom,
who can blame you for filling it? —JANE KELTNER DE VALLE
