The question of how to handle virtual Domain Controllers has been around for quite some time. The answer really depends on what product you have decided to use as your virtualisation platform: Microsoft or VMWare. Regardless of the product you have choosen, you will still have to make the same decision when it comes to Domain Controllers: How will I handle Time Synchronisation? Before I go into the details there is one thing that both companies agree on. Do not let your VMs use more than one method for Time Sync as this could lead to numerous time changes ... and you most definitely do not want this happening on Domain Controllers.
Right, so how do the two approaches differ? Well, keeping in mind that both agree you should only use one method for time sync here are the two approaches:
Microsoft do not recommend sync'ing with the physical host whereas VMWare recommend that you do. So, from a supportability stance, which option do you choose? No surprise, but I would recommend starting with the Microsoft approach regardless of whether you are using ESX or not. Why? Well, from a support perspective following the VMWare approach means that you have to stop time sync from working as it should in a normal Active Directory Domain. In short, you make your Active Directory more or less unsupportable. If you run into problems and try and open a support case, you are putting yourself at a distinct disadvantage.
References:
Considerations when hosting Active Directory domain controller in virtual hosting environments
Support policy for Microsoft software running in non-Microsoft hardware virtualization software
VMware Time Sync and Windows Time Service