Review: Discovering Serenity at Rosalie Bay – A Hidden Gem in Dominica

Imagine a place where verdant rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and pristine beaches come together to create an enchanting haven of natural beauty. A place where the sun’s warm embrace and the cool Caribbean breeze coexist in perfect harmony. This dream-like oasis exists on the eastern coast of Dominica, and it’s called Rosalie Bay.

Rosalie Bay is not just a destination; it is an experience that transcends the ordinary. It is a sanctuary where you can reconnect with nature and let the stress of the world melt away. From its lush surroundings to its eco-friendly ethos, Rosalie Bay is the epitome of sustainable luxury.

From the moment you arrive, you are captivated by the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the babbling Rosalie River. The resort’s well-manicured gardens are home to vibrant tropical flora and fauna, creating an idyllic setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. This eco-chic retreat combines the best of Dominica’s natural beauty with modern comforts, providing a one-of-a-kind experience for the discerning traveler.

Spacious accommodations at Rosalie Bay

Accommodations at Rosalie Bay are as inviting as the landscape itself. The resort offers a variety of cozy and elegant cottages, each designed with sustainability and comfort in mind. Constructed from locally sourced materials, these cottages blend seamlessly with their surroundings. Inside, you’ll find tastefully decorated spaces with vaulted ceilings, four-poster beds, and private verandas. These havens of tranquility are equipped with all the modern amenities you need for a comfortable stay, including Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and solar-powered hot water. We adored our gigantic four posted bed and outdoor terrace complete with a wooden swing bench and breathtaking views of the river.

Four poster beds are always a good idea

One of the highlights of Rosalie Bay is its commitment to environmental stewardship. The resort generates its own electricity through a combination of solar panels and a micro-hydro system, ensuring that your stay is as eco-friendly as possible. The resort also participates in a turtle conservation program, protecting the endangered sea turtles that come ashore to nest on its beach.

The dedicated turtle patrol team gave us the option of being woken at night (we said yes) if the sea turtles were spotted laying their eggs on the beach. Sadly we missed this once in a lifetime experience by a couple of days as shortly after we left we saw incredible photographs of these fascinating creatures on the resort’s Instagram page.

My kind of place to do yoga..

Nature lovers will find no shortage of activities at Rosalie Bay. The resort is located near several hiking trails that lead you through Dominica’s lush rainforests, past cascading waterfalls, and to the island’s famous Boiling Lake. Guided tours are available, ensuring that you learn about the island’s rich biodiversity while you explore its natural wonders. We were taken on a delightful tour of the resort’s lush grounds, where we learnt a great deal about the diverse foliage surrounding us, including their many healing properties.

Water sports enthusiasts will be in their element, as Rosalie Bay offers ample opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and kayaking. The resort’s private black sand beach is perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sun. For a truly unique experience, embark on a whale-watching excursion and witness these majestic creatures up close.

Rosalie Bay’s wild and wonderful beach – my happy place

Your wellness journey doesn’t end with the great outdoors. Rosalie Bay is home to an exceptional spa that focuses on holistic treatments designed to balance mind, body, and spirit. Guests can indulge in a range of treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps, all of which use natural, locally sourced ingredients – many grown on the resort’s lush grounds. We were lucky enough to be taken on a tour of the medicinal herbal plants grown on site and chose specific health-boosting herbs that were later made into a tea for us to enjoy as we admired the river on the spa’s scenic balcony. Even more of the resort’s home grown herbs were also used for our therapeutic couples Jacuzzi bath – a blissful experience we will remember for a lifetime.

Enjoying tea made from herbs picked on our nature tour

The resort also offers daily yoga and meditation classes conducted by the delightfully eccentric yoga and wellness instructor Judy. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour of the grounds which ended with a rejuvenating yoga session amidst the mesmerising backdrop of the powerful Atlantic sea.

Herbal baths with river views at the spa

Savor the flavors of Dominica at the resort’s farm-to-table restaurant. The menu is a celebration of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, infused with the island’s unique culinary traditions. From grilled mahi-mahi and spiced lobster to breadfruit lasagne and glorious curry goat, the dishes are a delectable fusion of Caribbean flavours and international techniques. One of our favourite dishes was the delightfully flavoursome slow cooked stew chicken with breadfruit and beans – a Caribbean classic loved by many. With its romantic setting and serene views, dining at Rosalie Bay is a genuine feast for all the senses.

Dominican stew chicken with a healthy twist

At Rosalie Bay, you are not just a guest; you are part of a community. The resort’s warm and attentive staff is committed to providing you with exceptional service, ensuring that your stay is both comfortable and memorable. Their passion for their island home is infectious, and you’ll find yourself falling in love with the people and culture of Dominica just as much as its natural beauty.

In a world where rapid development and commercialization have left their mark on many destinations, Rosalie Bay remains an unspoiled gem. This secluded paradise offers a rare opportunity to disconnect from the stresses of modern life and reconnect with nature in its purest form. Whether you are a solo traveler seeking solitude, a couple looking for a romantic retreat, or a family in search of adventure, Rosalie Bay has something for everyone and will leave its inimitable mark on you long after you leave…

Mitra Msaad

Editor in Chief