Secret Bay in Dominica is an eco-luxury resort nestled among lush rainforests and stunning clifftop villas. It offers a perfect blend of comfort, privacy, and breathtaking Caribbean beauty.
Welcome to Paradise
Arriving in Dominica, we stepped into a world of total serenity. Dominica — known as the "Nature Island of the Caribbean" — presented a stunning blend of lush landscapes and seclusion. No other Caribbean destination I've been to matches this level of tranquility.
Upon arrival at Secret Bay, the staff greeted us with refreshing lemongrass iced tea, which set the tone perfectly. After check-in, an electric vehicle brought us to our one-of-a-kind clifftop villa. For cliffside villas, the funicular offers another scenic route — a detail that feels both practical and theatrical at once.
The Clifftop Zabuco Honeymoon Villa
We stayed in the remarkable Clifftop Zabuco Honeymoon Villa II. The villa had a private plunge pool with an expansive deck and stunning views. Features included an outdoor shower, a shaded hammock sofa suspended beneath the villa, and a vast open terrace and lounge area — the ideal spot for morning coffee and sunset cocktails.
Fun fact: "Zabuco" is the local term for "apricot" — a fitting name for a villa so deeply rooted in the natural world around it.
Morning Indulgence with Private Chef Sofiya
One of the most unique aspects of our stay was the private breakfast experience with host and chef, Sofiya. From perfectly baked bread and fresh eggs to tropical fruits — each bite was a delightful taste of island living. Her warmth and attention to detail made breakfast the perfect start to every day.
Each evening we made a point of enjoying Secret Bay's Pavilion — a new addition since our last visit. The outdoor lounge area, with panoramic views, was a beautiful spot to unwind while watching the sunset. The new Bwa Denn Restaurant presented exceptional Caribbean flavors. The Lobster Ravioli with coconut and turmeric sauce, crafted by Executive Chef Aurelien Bulgheroni, was a standout.
How much Secret Bay has grown
We were thrilled to see how much the resort had evolved in three years. The new additions elevate it to a genuinely different tier of experience:
What's New at Secret Bay
- The Pavilion — rooftop tapas deck + Bwa Denn Restaurant on the main level
- Pool with deck bar — a private oasis surrounded by the sounds of nature
- Open air fitness center — for active guests seeking wellness and tranquility
- Homemade kombucha — crafted on-site with green tea, light and refreshing
- Art gallery & boutique — showcasing local Dominican artists and craftspeople
Fragments & Rust — Bwa Denn Art Gallery
A highlight we didn't expect: the new art gallery celebrating Dominican creativity. Work by local artists was displayed throughout, from paintings to sculpture to handcrafted jewelry.
Paintings by Aaron Hamilton · Tear Drop Sculpture by Carol Sorhaindo · Freshwater Pearl jewelry by Paula Bellot.
Sea Turtle Release
We were fortunate to witness a baby sea turtle release. High tides were threatening a nearby nest, so the turtles were carefully relocated — tiny creatures making their way to the water guided only by instinct. It was a quiet, magical reminder of the natural world Secret Bay works hard to protect.
Fort Young Hotel, Roseau
After checking out, we headed to Fort Young Hotel in Roseau — Secret Bay's sister property and a completely different kind of experience. More lively, more urban, with a scenic pool, hot tub, seaside restaurant, and a museum celebrating local artists. Outside the fitness room: a jersey signed by Thea LaFond, Dominica's first Olympic gold medalist.
Secret Bay doesn't compete with the Caribbean's flashier resorts — it quietly surpasses them. The combination of clifftop seclusion, private chef breakfasts, thoughtful new additions, and genuine eco-consciousness creates something rare: a luxury resort that feels like it belongs to the island it sits on. If you're planning a Caribbean escape, make it here.