Overall Impression This rustic off the beaten track island of 70,000 inhabitants was charming thanks to its old Caribbean character and natural unspoiled beauty (60 percent of the island was under natural vegetation). Popular with hikers and adventure seekers the serene and mountainous island filled with waterfalls and greenery, including six types of tropical forest, is home to the Kalinago people, the few remaining original indian inhabitants of the region.

What Dominica (pronounced dom-in-ee-ka) lacked in infrastructure, refinement and easy access it made up for manifold in beautiful scenery, devoid of highrise buildings, and genuine unpretentious locals. A gentle pace, little to no crime, hiking trails, seascapes, and landscapes were the most notable features. I will recommend this island to well traveled friends and colleagues who appreciate strenuous hiking, natural beauty and challenging to reach less discovered destinations.

Cost Of Visiting Reasonable

Currency Eastern Caribbean dollars. United States dollars were accepted widely.

Electrical Current 220/240 volts and type G plug.

Health And Vaccinations No vaccinations were required for entry except for visitors from countries with yellow fever. Medical care on the island was limited with one hospital and several clinics; and serious conditions made air evacuation necessary (one of my fellow travelers on the return flight was on his way to Miami, Florida for urgent surgery). According to one source, doctors and hospitals on the island required payment in cash for treatment.

Location Between Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean, one of the Windward Islands.

Measures The metric system was used.

Technology All the tourist areas of the island I visited had electricity, running water, television, some internet access, and cell phone signal.

Time GMT minus four hours.

Transportation Within the island the best way to get around was to rent a car and self drive, especially if staying outside of the main urban areas. Driving was on the left side of the road and many of the roads were in poor repair, with limited signage and impatient speed favoring drivers. It was also possible to hire someone to serve as guide and driver.

How To Get There Reaching Dominica from the United States mainland via commercial flights was a time consuming and frustrating process, especially off season. The fastest route to get there when I visited the island was on American Airlines and American Eagle out of Miami, Florida with a change of airplanes in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It was necessary to follow the reverse route on the way back. On my return home, the departing flight out of Dominica was delayed five hours and when we arrived in San Juan the airline refused to let us board our next flight although there was enough time to make the connection. Instead we had to spend the night in San Juan and connect on flights to the mainland the following morning. It was also possible to fly from Europe, the United States and other Caribbean islands to nearby islands, such as Martinique, Guadeloupe, Saint Lucia or Antigua, and connect with a regional airline. There was ferry service from Saint Lucia, Martinique and Guadeloupe.

Facilities Outside the main towns of Roseau and Portsmouth and tourist areas there were few facilities.

Shopping And Souvenirs It was possible to purchase authentic Carib handicrafts made by members of the Carib Craft Association in the Kalinago Barana Aute Carib Cultural Village. Visitors to the village could purchase basket and display souvenirs made from woven larouma reed. There were several art galleries and tourist oriented shops. The American owned Tallipot Gallery in Roseau served tasty meals and displayed local art. Guidebooks and souvenirs including t-shirts and handicrafts could be found in the Roseau market and at hotels.

Tourism Highlights Nature oriented activities such as hiking, snorkeling, and whale and dolphin watching (seven species of whale and eleven species of dolphin spent time in the waters of Dominica) were the most abundant. Hiking attractions on the island were classified from one to five in ascending order by their degree of difficulty with One being Very Easy and Five being Very Difficult. Some of the better known points of interest were Trafalgar Falls, twin waterfalls in the Roseau Valley requiring a 10-minute Degree One walk to see from a covered viewing platform; Emerald Pool, a popular choice along the most accessible trail in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, requiring a 15-minute Degree Two walk to reach the small swimming area; Morne Diablotin, a 1.25 mile Degree Four hike averaging three hours each way; and Boiling Lake, described as a three-hour each way Degree Four destination although I heard from locals who had been there that it was longer and more difficult than commonly described.

Other well known attractions were Victoria Falls, reached by hiking with a guide through a difficult and unmarked trail and traversing a fast moving river; Titou Gorge, a narrow canyon and small waterfall where some visitors liked to swim in spite of the strong current; Freshwater Lake; and Indian River, a picturesque river accessed by a short guided rowboat ride and made famous in one of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.

For hikers the most notable of the island’s natural attractions was the Waitukubuli National Trail which cut across part of the country’s 289 square miles and had 14 distinct hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty spread over 115 miles. The Trail crossed a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Morne Trois Pitons National Park), national parks, forest reserves, private property, historic sites, and former Carib paths. The mostly forest Trail was under development by the Dominica government with the assistance of Martinique and the European Union. It began at Scotts Head/Soufriere in the southwest and reached north to Cabrits on the opposite tip of the island. The average length of time to hike the entire Trail, for those inclined to do so, was more than two weeks.

Even the easiest of the trails, Segment One from Scotts Head to Soufriere, required almost four hours to traverse by fit hikers. Conditions of the steep and difficult segment were at times very poor and the trail itself difficult to identify. Some visitors, my guide explained, liked the mostly natural path which had no supporting guardrails, facilities, access to water or first aid, or cell phone signal and very limited signage. These conditions made the services of a local guide essential for all but the most adventurous and physically fit of hikers.

The Kalinago Barana Aute Carib Cultural Village by the Sea (kalinagobaranaaute.com), home to the 3,500 surviving descendants of the indigenous inhabitants of the region, was a unique attraction within the island’s Carib Territory. I especially enjoyed the Kalinago bread sold roadside in the mornings in the Carib Territory. While there were other attractions on my wish list the summer weather did not always cooperate and more than once we were rained out of our plans. With a few exceptions most of the places I stopped at during my low season visit had few visitors and seldom any lines. The island’s official website, DiscoverDominica.com, had some helpful information.

Other Few luxury options were available. The hotels I stayed at offered comfortable though not luxurious accommodations. Green practices and concern for the environment were evident in some places. One of hotels where I stayed applied responsible tourism practices.

Date Of Latest Visit July 2011

Reviewers Article and Copyrighted Photos by Elena del Valle

Would You Visit This Destination Again? Yes

Overall Impression This waterfront hotel in the heart of Dominica’s main city was well suited for tourism and business activities. Its amenities and facilities, especially the in suite WiFi internet access, were convenient. Facilities included a bay facing swimming pool, water fronting restaurant, meeting rooms, shops, dive center, bar, spa, and fitness room. While I spent most of my days exploring the island and made use of only some of the hotel facilities it was nice to know they were there. I took advantage of the restaurant and fitness room daily and visited the spa once. The facilities were functional although the hotel was showing some signs of age.

My waterfront suite with a waterfront covered balcony and a kitchenette was spacious and comfortable, allowing me ample room to work and relax at the hotel named for a former fort. I loved the surf sounds and waterfront views from my suite. Should I find myself in need of a place to stay in Roseau a suite at this hotel would be on my short list.

Children Yes, the hotel welcomed children of all ages.

Class of Accommodation Three star waterfront city hotel

Connectivity There was complimentary high speed WiFi in my suite. It worked well during my stay. Although the system allowed me to download emails to my iPad I was unable to use the search engines or surf the web for the first two days of my stay. After that I had regular internet access and email capability.

General Manager Frederique Huard

Handicapped Access The hotel was limited in its access for guests in wheelchairs as many parts of the property could only be reached via stairs.

Length of Stay Four nights

Location On the bay in the heart of the island’s capital city.

Owned And Managed Phillip Nassief

Pets Allowed No

Size The multi-story hotel with multiple buildings had 73 rooms and a staff compliment of 100.

Year Opened-Renovated The hotel first opened its doors in 1964 under a different ownership than the present one. In 1979, it was totally destroyed by Hurricane David. The hotel was rebuilt and reopened in 1989 under the present ownership with 32 rooms. In 2000, 21 rooms, duty free shops, an additional bar and a dining room were added. In 2004, another 20 rooms were added along with a new swimming pool and bar.

Lobby And Common Areas The hotel was constructed around an 18 century fort erected to protect Dominica from attack from French invaders. In spite of the damage from the 1979 hurricane much of the original building survived and formed the reception area, Marquis and Balas Bar and functions office.

The core of the hotel was historic with new buildings added over time. The area around the reception and bar had stone floors and walls. The cozy reception area, manned by two or three young ladies, was home to a desk in the back and open on two sides. There was a sofa against the wall and two armless chairs with a table in between in the opposite corner facing the hotel’s library bookshelf with loaner books and board games. The desk area was framed by two bright red walls. Above there was a high wood ceiling. Past the entrance hallway, framed on the outside by a gold colored cannon on either side, there was a special events and dining room area on the right. The hotel bar was an open sitting area under a covered roof in the center next to reception and a courtyard. At the end of the hall there were public restrooms and past them a set of stone stairs led to the rest of the hotel, the area fronting the water. At the top of the stairs there were several options. To the left and right there were staff offices and hotel rooms as well as an activities desk. Straight forward and to the left there were more hotel rooms and a few steps down there was a terrace facing the water. In the terrace there were three round Jacuzzi tubs. Two of the tubs were filled with murky looking water and a third one was empty. The building walls looked like they needed a coat of paint indoors and outdoors. The interior hallway next to my suite had dead plants peaking out of decorator openings and a worn look. The walls in the buildings visible from the pool likewise looked in need of paint.

To the right an open area led to stairs and an elevator to go down (although the main entrance was at street level this was the fifth and highest floor of the hotel) to further water fronting guest rooms, the pool area (second floor), the gym (up a short staircase from the second floor), spa (second floor), dive center (ground floor), Waterfront Restaurant (up a short staircase from the second floor, courtyard with waterfall and small pond, and duty free gift shops (ground floor).

Bathroom From the bedroom to the bathroom there was no door. I simply walked back and was in the bathroom. The center of the bathroom was taken up by a double sided wood vanity with small mirrors on two sides and full length mirrors on the other two sides. On the right side of the bathroom, there was a large built-in wood closet with an electronic safe, hanging and shelf space. On the left side of the vanity there were twin sinks set atop a russet marble base. A large wood framed mirror was set on the wall above them. The rear of the bathroom was taken up by a Jacuzzi bathtub (there were rust stains on the inside of the tub). To the right of the bathtub there was a shower with a glass door (there was no soap dish or any surface other than the floor on which to place soap or toiletries). To the left of the bathtub there was a toilet within a water closet. There was no light above the Jacuzzi or in the interior of the shower.

Room I stayed in Suite 207, the Point Michel Suite (named for a village by the same name in south Dominica), a 600-square foot waterfront suite on the second floor of a five story building steps away from the pool. The best feature of the suite, in addition to its size and amenities, was the view of the water from almost every angle. The view from my room and balcony was to a rocky shore, part of the town, a jetty and the Caribbean Sea. At the end of the day, the sunset to the right as I stood on my balcony, was pretty and welcome.

To enter my two bathroom oceanfront suite I used an electronic key card. Immediately to the left of the entrance there was a full bathroom with a shower. A short hallway led to a dining and kitchenette area. In the center of the room atop a beige and rust color flower patterned square rug (there was a larger rug in the same pattern in the living area) there was a round wood table with two matching cushioned wood chairs. A 2009 wood framed oil painting of an Indian River landscape hung on one wall. On the opposite wall there was a 2009 unframed oil painting of a rural landscape by the same artist. Behind the table on the left side of the room there was a kitchen area with a sink, Frigidaire microwave oven, and Tropical mini refrigerator. White cabinets were stocked with dinnerware, glassware, and cutlery. On the black and beige marble countertop there was a Clatronic blender, Oster hot water pitcher and a Saachi coffeemaker.

Next was a living area with a sofa and two armchairs set around a rattan and glass square coffee table. The cloth furniture was upholstered in shades of apricot, fuchsia and gold. Floor to ceiling muted yellow gold curtains covered sliding glass doors that led to side and rear outer areas (in the adjacent bedroom there were curtains matching those in the living area). A pale blond desk and armless chair occupied the space next to the right side of the living room and provided a place for a large LG flatscreen television. Twin lamps sat across the room atop end tables.

The flooring was of medium beige ceramic tiles. The temperature was controlled by a central air conditioner with an individual thermostat and fans in each room. From the living area a sliding glass door and mosquito screen led to a waterfront covered balcony, my favorite area of the suite.

Double white doors led to the bedroom which had a doorless bathroom on the right and water facing windows on the left. There was a queen bed in the middle set against a built-in large headboard that reached the ceiling. On either side of the bed there was a glass topped square night table with a lamp (the night table on the right also had a phone). Across from the bed there was a pale blonde dresser with a lamp, alarm clock and Hitachi flatscreen television on top. There were also two apricot and gold armchairs like the ones in the adjacent living area and one foot stool. A planter occupied the left corner nearest the bathroom. There was a strong smell of cigarette and air freshener in the room although the hotel had a no smoking policy in guest rooms.

Food And Restaurants On arrival there was a welcome plate with three slices of cake, cheese, spice and vanilla with chocolate layers. I liked the cheese and vanilla cakes best. Meals were served at the Waterfront restaurant overlooking the Caribbean Sea (although I ate nearly all my meals on the veranda there was an indoor air conditioned dining area). Dishes were made fresh daily using local ingredients “with an international flare.”

Breakfast, served between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. on a water fronting covered veranda at the Waterfront Restaurant, was buffet style and completely self service (the staff removed dirty dishes). There was sliced fruit (melon, watermelon, orange, banana and papaya), yogurt, cold cereal, hot oatmeal, bottled juices, pastries and breads (the croissant style bread was my favorite) and jams, scrambled eggs, boiled fish, sausage and bacon in chafing dishes. In addition to the restaurant meal options at the hotel it was possible to order room service and the Balas Bar had snacks in its menu.

Lunch was buffet style. The day I had lunch it was a Caribbean themed lunch with jerk chicken, citron fish, provisions (root vegetables and dumplings), rice, three types of salad and two dessert platters (pineapple and a variety of cakes including carrot cake and chocolate cake). Dinner, served a la carte at the Waterfront Restaurant, was satisfying. I tried the calalou soup which was creamy and flavorful, and the smoked marlin appetizer with a small salad and pita pockets, a favorite.

Amenities There were toiletries, two white cotton bathrobes, electronic safe, cable television, telephone, iron, ironing board, and complimentary WiFi. There were two fresh flower arrangements in the living area and one smaller one in the bathroom, an umbrella, three telephones (in the living area, bedroom night table and bathroom). Pool towels were available at reception I discovered by asking.

Facilities Massage and Wellness Centre, pool, gym, hot and cold water Jacuzzi tubs, duty free shops, two restaurants, three bars, and small lending library.

Pool The 920 square foot pool faced the bay. At its deepest end it was 4 feet deep.

Fitness center and spa There was a bay facing 449 square foot air conditioned fitness center with a pleasant water view housing six types of Life Fitness bicycle, treadmill, elliptical and weight machines and free weights; and a 249 square foot spa.

Denice, who had four years of experience and was trained by a masseuse from Guyana, gave me a one hour Swedish Massage which included arms, legs, feet, stomach, head and stretching. She had confident hands and a pleasant demeanor.

Conference Facilities There were two 368 square foot meeting rooms and a 1,521 square foot conference room. Audiovisual equipment was available.

Other I could hear loud sounds from the common areas near my room into the evening and early morning. I could also hear the sounds of the surf below my window. The ground level waterfront area below the restaurant was undergoing renovations and the sounds of the work carried upstairs to the veranda making for a very noisy lunch. Smoking was allowed in the guest terraces and balconies, in Bala’s Bar and the Boardwalk. I saw guests smoking in the pool area as well.

According to a spokesperson, the Hotel provides food to a soup kitchen every day and has sponsored several activities in the community.

Cleanliness Very good

Date of Review July 2011

Reviewers

Photos and Article by Elena del Valle

Service The room was serviced once daily. I requested a spa appointment in the early morning and the front desk attendant said she would be in touch to confirm the time and I never heard from her. She scheduled the masseuse but didn’t tell me. The front desk sent me to the Business Center when I asked about using a computer with a printer to check-in for my flight. After looking around with little success I encountered the duty manager who explained the Business Center had been closed (there was ample a signage for the Business Center around the hotel) nd the front desk person was temporary and didn’t know.

Would You Stay There Again? Yes

Overall Impression One of my most vivid memories of Dominica is the sound of the surf in my room at Jungle Bay, an eco-friendly property on the Atlantic fronting side of the Windward Island. Thanks to the close proximity of my room to the beach, the open design without air conditioning of the room and the strong surf crashing on the shore around the clock, there was always an energizing, and strangely also soothing, surf sound in my room.

Jungle Bay’s nature, fitness and ecotourism orientation attracted me from the start. The rustic rooms, called Cottages, were on a hill, lush with greenery and natural vegetation, facing the ocean. Walking was built into the design of the ocean fronting property. From reception to my room, and my room was one of the nearest rooms to reception, it was a walk of several minutes. To reach the restaurant or pool from my room I had to negotiate steep steps down from my front door and walk several minutes along a hill hugging road. As a guest, being somewhat physically fit was definitely a bonus that enhanced my enjoyment of and appreciation for the property.

The challenge, at times, was deciding what to do. It was tempting to relax on my balcony and enjoy the scenery, ocean view and bird and surf sounds. A variety of hikes, yoga classes, spa services and activities on offer, drew me out. During my stay I had time to sample the resort’s restaurant, swim in the rock pool below the restaurant, and take advantage of a handful of the activities and spa services available. One morning, I went on an escorted hike with one of the property’s senior guides to Victoria Falls, one of the area’s best known attractions. It was an exciting and memorable outing. To recover from the strenuous hike I indulged in spa treatments.

In addition to the surf sounds in my room, activities and facilities I appreciated the hotel’s friendly staff, organic meals and many responsible tourism practices. Jungle Bay will be on my list of options for a rustic, fitness and nature oriented island getaway.

Children Families with children were welcome at Jungle Bay. According to a spokes person, “the physical layout and design of Jungle Bay may not be the easiest environment for children less than 12 years. Some of our cottages have high balconies and sometimes require a lot of walking. Our swimming pool is 4 feet deep and adult supervision is required for those under twelve. That being said, we welcome families with a sense of adventure to relax and explore the wonders of nature at Jungle Bay.” I saw families with children at meal times and in the common areas during my stay.

Class of Accommodation An eco-friendly deluxe waterfront hotel

Connectivity There was complimentary internet WiFi access in the main building only. The open air game room on the second floor also housed a computer for guest use. It was covered with plastic. Although I was unable to connect to the internet with the hotel WiFi on my iPad during my stay, I checked email messages using the hotel computer several times. Every time I did I had to wait for someone to finish using the computer or hurry because someone was waiting to use it after me.

General Manager Sam Raphael

Handicapped Access According to a property representative, the property “is not suitable for wheelchairs (the cottages are located on a hill and the property requires a lot of walking).”

Length of Stay Two nights

Location In Pointe Mulatre in southeastern Domica.

Owned And Managed Samuel “Sam” and Glenda Raphael

Pets Allowed No

Size The 55-acre property was home to 35 single story detached rooms in addition to common areas such as three story main building, two-story spa and restaurant. There were 65 employees.

Year Opened-Renovated The property was established in 2005. Upgrading and renovations were undertaken annually in September when the property closed for this purpose.

Lobby And Common Areas A narrow road let to a parking area and a main building where a single multistory building housed reception and a souvenir shop, an activities center, management office, yoga rooms, and a guest entertainment room. Although the property was designed mainly for pedestrians, the narrow road continued past a barrier, allowing access to the rooms and additional common areas. The road was especially convenient in case of inclement weather (which I experienced first hand) and to drop off and pick luggage. A few minute’s walk from the main building, an attractive swimming pool and the hotel restaurant were perched above a rocky beach facing the water. On the hill, behind the restaurant, there were 35 detached rooms. The hotel style was meant to be “rustic yet elegant” and built with locally sourced and locally made furnishings.

Bathroom The bathroom was in the back of the room. A wood door led into the bathroom. There was a built-in small rectangular mirror above a built-in wood shelf with a sink to the left side of the room. A toilet was next. Across the toilet there was a rack with two each of fresh smelling face cloths, hand and bath towels. A second wood door led to a covered shower, an extension of the bathroom with openings at the top that gave the feeling of an outdoor shower although the room itself was fully enclosed and had a roof. The water was tepid the first time I showered although the following nights it was hot. There was a white light above the mirror and another in the shower.

Room The hotel offered only one category of room, Deluxe Private Jungle Cottage. Some, like mine, had a Premium Ocean View. My room Cottage 1, Breadfruit, was a 40 square meter stand alone wood building built on stilts on the hill facing the Atlantic coast. A wood door led to a small entrance area with a double door wide closet on the left and a built-in shelf facing the wall where I set up my carry on bag and iPad. A queen bed on a wood frame took up the center of the left side of the room. A simple beige bedspread atop a think blanket covered the bed. In addition to two large pillows there were four ruby and ruby and beige patterned cushions atop the bed. Identical wood shelves built into the wall on either side of the bed served as night tables. Both had lamps, one had an alarm clock and the other a telephone. There was also a night lamp clipped onto the center of the bed. A folded mosquito net dangled from the ceiling above the bed. I found no need for it and slept with it untouched.

Across from the bed there were two cushioned wood armchairs with a rectangular matching table between them. A short cabinet with two drawers was set against the wall behind the chairs and next to it there was a mini refrigerator with a carafe of chilled spring water. A Melita coffee/tea machine sat atop the cabinet and in the top drawer there were self service ingredients for coffee and tea. A reed mat was on the wood floor between the bed and the armchairs. A fan, hung from the ceiling in the center of the room, and six glass and wood windows provided ventilation. The room had a high wood ceiling, wood floors and locally made wood furnishings.

A glass and wood door led from the room to a small covered balcony with a red hammock, my favorite place in the room. From the shelter of the balcony and the comfort of the hammock I enjoyed the ocean view and the greenery surrounding the room. It was especially appealing when it was raining (even though I got a little wet standing on the balcony) and it was hot in the room because I had to shut the windows to keep the rain out.

The temperature in the room was warm. When the staff serviced the room they closed all the windows and doors and turned off the ceiling fan impeding natural air circulation. At night the wind would slam a window or door shut. Bayleaf oil in the room kept insects away. The room was faintly lit. There was one light at the entrance, one lamp clipped to the head of the bed, one upright lamp by the two armchairs and two night table lamps. There was a small light on the balcony.

Restaurant The Pavilion Restaurant, poolside and on the waterfront, emphasized mostly vegetarian, seafood, and chicken dishes with a “distinct Caribbean flavor.” About 80 percent of the food was organic and sourced from the neighboring villages. Breakfast was buffet style. During my stay, there were two types of boxed cereal and muesli, four types of milk (coconut, soy low fat and regular), four types of fresh sliced fruit (mango, banana, orange and watermelon, wax apple, pineapple), oatmeal cookies (a favorite), pumpkin muffins, pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, Johnny cakes, sausage slices, sliced bread and pastries, yogurt, “cakes,” a fried bread with and without melted savory cheese spread. It was also possible to order eggs any style and hot oatmeal or Cream of Wheat. Lunch, served between 12 noon and 3 p.m. was plated. I enjoyed the Chicken Ginger Wrap made with shredded chicken, ginger sauce, lettuce, carrots, onions and wrapped in a chick pea shell. It was served with two slices of tasty fried ripe plantain.

Amenities There was a carafe of spring water in the mini refrigerator, umbrella, flashlight (essential to see the steps to my cottage at night), fresh flower arrangement, hammock on the balcony, tissue paper and liquid soap, body lotion, and shampoo in large refillable bottles. There were local and United States style electrical plugs.

Facilities A main building housing reception, two yoga studios, activities center and souvenir shop. Within the property there were also spa, pool and Pavilion Restaurant facilities.

Pool The swimming pool was one level down from the Pavilion Restaurant and above the pebbled beach (not a swimming beach). It was 26 feet wide by 36 feet long and four feet deep and was made of stone. There were cushioned adjustable lounge chairs and umbrellas scattered around the pool area. There was an outdoor shower and men and women’s bathrooms nearby that served pool and restaurant guests. A few steps down from the pool there was a lush green garden with an armchair or two that looked rather inviting.

Spa There was a 100 square meter spa with six treatment rooms: three private massage treatment rooms, one treatment room for facials, one treatment room for nail care and one couples massage room. Massages, facials and nail care therapies incorporating natural techniques and ingredients were on offer by appointment.

In lieu of a fitness center the hotel encouraged guests to remain outdoors and take advantage of the “natural jungle gym.”’ A boot camp program was available several times a year.

During my stay I had three pleasant spa treatments. First, I had an hour long Tres Forte Massage described as a deep tissue massage in the spa menu, and a 30-minute Pied Mol relaxing foot massage one day. The following day Glenda gave me a lovely one hour Jungle Bay Massage.

When I arrived at the spa for my 10 a.m. appointment the door was closed and no one was around. I used the spa phone to call reception. A minute later Fiona from reception called me back to say Onika, the therapist, was running late and would arrive in 10 minutes. She asked that I return to my cottage and Onika would call me when she was ready. A few minutes later she called.

Onika used coconut oil for the 50-minute Tres Forte Massage, more of a light deep tissue massage with emphasis on the upper arms and thighs including feet, neck, shoulders, and hands. Within the treatment room I could clearly hear the sound of the waves. The open windows brought in a cooling ocean breeze and a beautiful view of the ocean.

My 4:30 p.m. foot massage was soothing and just what I needed after an afternoon hike to Victoria Falls. Noreen soaked my feet in warm water in a wood bowl for a couple of minutes before asking me to lie down. She turned on the fan to cool down the room before rubbing melted coconut butter on both feet then began (and later ended) the treatment with a gentle massage of both feet at the same time. She covered my left foot with a towel and massaged my right foot first and then covered my right foot and massaged my left foot. The gentle stroking motions left me in a subtle slumber.

What I liked most about the spa was the water facing hillside location, treatment rooms with large open windows and friendly staff with a pleasant demeanor and a gentle disposition. Sounds carried within the spa. I could hear the phone ring, voices in the nearby rooms and the conversations of guests popping into schedule a treatment.

The decor was simple though attractive within the wood building. When I lay face down for my massage there were pretty flowers in a bowl; when I lay face up for the foot massage a handsome rattan fan drew my gaze. Always there was the sound of the surf and the occasional gentle breezes floating off the water.

Conference Facilities The hotel meeting facilities included 2,400 square foot stone and hardwood floor meeting space with views of the Atlantic Ocean, 2,400 square foot open air veranda for receptions, meals and buffet service for up to 150 people, and 1,000 square foot hardwood break out meeting room. There were 110 and 220 volt electrical systems, public address system, podium, LCD projector and screen. Business facilities offered wireless internet connectivity in the main building, fax machine, photocopiers and printers, as well as two computers with internet connection.

Other The hotel purchased as many supplies as possible from 40 vendors in the neighboring villages.

The hotel had been recognized with the 2011 and 2010 Dominica Tourism Board and Hotel Association Responsible Tourism Award, 2010 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Award for Highly Commended Best Accommodation for Local Communities, and 2009 Islands Magazine Responsible Travel Blue List. Sam was recognized with the 2010 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Award Best personal contribution to responsible tourism.

Responsible And Green Tourism I liked the resort’s eco-friendly mission, “to enhance the natural environment and improve the livelihood of surrounding communities so that the region is improved in a sustainable way, while providing quality, comfortable nature-based experiences for our guests.”

Practices included: construction utilizing used wood and discarded stone from an old mining quarry; elevating its 35 rooms on wooden posts beneath the tree canopy to minimize disturbance of the soil; relying on local staff for the manufacture of furnishings with local materials; designing the rooms to rely on natural ventilation in the hope of eliminating the need for air conditioning (it was rather hot in my room at times) to reduce energy consumption; purchasing locally made goods and services; reduction of excess packaging to reduce waste; serving 95 percent locally grown organic food without pesticides or chemicals; serving local cuisine to encourage travelers to try new meals and showcase the traditional island recipes to make staff proud of their culture; using food waste for composting; using on-demand gas heaters to reduce energy consumption; relying on water from an on site spring fed stream; striving to manage waste and energy use to limit the disturbance of the local ecosystem; training local guides in responsible travel techniques; recycling glass bottles; working with school children from nearby villages to reduce the chance of sea turtles being poisoned or strangled by trash; and educating local communities about sea turtle conservation.

Cleanliness Excellent

Date of Review July 2011

Reviewers

Photos and Article by Elena del Valle

Service My room was serviced daily. Johanna and Fiona at the front desk were helpful and pleasant; Justinian and Danna at the restaurant introduced themselves and showed interest in my visit. They both took time to ask if I enjoyed the meals and how I liked the island. Justinian was especially helpful. Glenda and Sam were interested hosts with a contagious enthusiasm. When I asked for extra water it was delivered shortly after I requested it. The flowers I had left atop the minibar (picked up during a visit to the Carib village) for lack of a vase and not wanting to be a bother were integrated into the existing flower arrangement and a second flower arrangement was added to fit all the flowers. I enjoyed Glenda’s beginner yoga class as a gentle way to stretch and start the day. Justine, my guide on a river hike, was quiet and ready to lend a helping hand when I faltered because of strong currents and high water while crossing the river.

Would You Stay There Again? Yes