With daring steps, I hauled myself higher, bare feet barely not slipping on wet, gigantic, volcanic rocks. I was in search of a bubbling hot spring, said to turn back the years.
Climbing Papa Falls, on day one of my trip to Dominica – the lush Caribbean ‘Nature Island’, I have never challenged myself quite so intensely. Reaching the top, I am not 100% sure the spring stole away any years, however the awe-inspiring view of the island’s twin waterfalls (Mama falls sits beside it) at Titou Gorge was well worth the climb.
Dominica operates at a gentler pace than the rest of the globe and, no doubt, as a result has the highest number of centenarians in the world. With just 70,000 inhabitants, the island is a perfect antithesis to the hustle and bustle of busy life back home in the UK.
I had travelled to Dominica to stay at the exclusive eco-luxury resort, Secret Bay. This in-the-know boutique hotel has won Travel and Leisure’s ‘Best Hotel in the Caribbean’ accolade, twice in the last three years.
Hotel
Secret Bay is located in verdant rainforest and accommodation is made up of individual treehouse-style villas, set on stilts amidst the canopy. To get about, golf buggies arrive at the drop of a hat, ferrying guests to and from their pads.
The concept of Secret Bay is unique and continually progressing. We discovered the hotel plans to go from the current 12 to 42 villas as part of a multi-year expansion project, with four new clifftop villas scheduled for completion imminently. Although you wouldn’t know this by walking around – building works are cleverly masked and seamlessly blend into the forest, hidden by discreet panels.
Indeed, a number of residences are being offered for sale. Priced from $1,500,000, buyers could also benefit from obtaining a second Dominican passport through the island’s Citizenship by Investment scheme.
Room
The villas are skilfully crafted in beautiful sustainable tropical hard wood, with bespoke fittings. We noted the smart kitchens, outdoor rainforest showers and wonderfully comfortable beds, made up with the highest quality sheets.
Sherina (our dedicated villa host) lovingly prepared our breakfast, which included organic eggs, organic fruit, homemade granola, natural yoghurt and mouth-watering sour sop (a local fruit) and watermelon juices. All hosts will double up as nannies for your children, if required, for up to four hours per day. Each villa is equipped with an individual iPhone and you can WhatsApp any requests directly to your dedicated villa host.
Food
The ‘no-menu’ concept Zing Zing restaurant has a sustainable approach – its motto is ‘from earth to table’. Seafood, including prime lobster, takes pride of place and dishes change daily and are prepared by the expert culinary team. We tried delicacies such as the provision croquet with root vegetables and spicy mayo.
Restaurant supervisor Sheldon proudly helps guests choose from what is on offer (no two days are ever the same) and, interestingly, we heard a new chef’s garden was to open soon, with bush teas being added to the menu, using ingredients foraged from the forest.
Spa
Secret Bay has a small semi-outdoor therapy suite – the Gommier Spa, which overlooks the ocean. We experienced a blissful massage, with Tilly as our therapist.
The hotel’s new wellness consultant from Switzerland is helping relaunch its spa concept with ‘Micro-Spas’ – so soon enough different spa experiences will be dotted over the resort.
To do
Dominica has nine active volcanoes and the island also hosts one of only two boiling lakes in the world, the second being in New Zealand. Dominica also has the Caribbean’s longest hiking trail, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Morne Trois Piton National Park. It is home to 365 rivers and dramatic waterfalls, island tours are available if you want to explore.
The resort also aims to showcase the sea to guests, with its own water sports and leisure boats, plus an inlet marina. The yoga pavilion at Secret Bay is the most blissful location I have ever practised. Raised above beach level, you are afforded dramatic sea views and experience the soundtrack of lapping waves throughout the class. Yoga is taught by Lulu, who trained 16 years ago in San Diego.
Factbox
Getting there – access Secret Bay by either Canefield or Douglas-Charles Airport, or by ferry from neighbouring islands.
Rates start at £742 per night based on double occupancy in a Ylang Ylang villa including breakfast.
Address: PO Box 21, Tibay, Portsmouth, Dominica, West Indies
Phone: +1 767 445 4444
Email: info@secretbay.dm
Website: secretbay.dm
