I visited secret Bay from March 22 to March 29, traveling on the nonstop United flight from Newark to Dominica. Upon arrival, Tyrone from Secret Bay was waiting to drive me to the resort.
Airport transfers were included they were private. Never being to Dominica, Ty gave me a brief overview on the way to the resort, including a quick drive-through Portsmouth, the closest town to the resort. Great driver, warm and welcoming.
Without going through a play-by-play of every moment of every day, which I very easily could do, I’ll state a few aspects of my visit.
I’ve been very fortunate to have traveled to several islands in the Pacific, including Hawaii. I’ve been to the People’s Republic twice and some tropical areas in Asia.
The week at Secret Bay, was simply spectacular.
I do not believe in all my travels. I had a more relaxing week away. Secret Bay, with no cliché, is a secret solitude that is unmatched in the Caribbean probably let alone in the Western Hemisphere.
I believe there are more employees than guests. The grounds are so meticulously maintained. I’m a single traveler, I had Ylang Ylang One Villa. Martina was my villa host. I cannot speak more highly of her. She was so incredibly gracious, it’s beyond words. Yet unimposing. Tina made sure that I had fresh fruit, local snacks. Tina as well arranged my schedule to service the villa both morning and evening. Things I didn’t even ask for and I really didn’t request anything, I had anyway. There was nothing to request.
The villa was spotless. The outdoor living area with the breeze off the mountains, it’s hard to explain unless you experience it yourself. Bath facilities were immaculate. A large soaking tub. I did not use the tub per say, however it was incorporated into the shower. Which had a rainfall head which was refreshing. The plunge pool outside, completely private was, again just spectacular. I was in and out of the pool several times a day. Private lounge chairs were adjacent. I cannot stress enough regarding privacy. This is delicate to mention, I am not a “naturalist” nor is this resort intended to be represented as such, however you needn’t be concerned whatsoever if you chose to not wear swim attire on your villa property to sunbathe, etc.
Wildlife, unbelievable. I was fortunate on three occasions at dusk to see several parrots fly by. There were no mosquitoes, or insects of any kind, at least that I saw.
The whole property is built onto the mountainside. It was a great walk back-and-forth from my location to the main building where the restaurant is. Although if you’re staying out farther away, there are golf carts and drivers at your disposal. Anywhere on the vast resort you’d like to go.
The restaurant from breakfast through dinner with Chef Aurelien at the helm along with Josefani, who is the food and beverage manager operates a meticulously well-oiled machine. I dined with them six of the seven evenings and each night was again, marvelous to say the least. There were three fine dining events scattered throughout the week, one featuring local creole cuisine, one Italian, and one Asian. I can’t say enough about the quality and meticulous presentation. A true gem at the restaurant is Curvlyn, professional, and charismatic beyond compare. As well, the entire staff from breakfast through dinner, including the beach bar service area, second to none.
You did not ask for anything at Secret Bay, between Jessica and her staff and concierge, they almost anticipated your needs. The activities that they also provide off property, even though I did not experience any, interacting with other guests from what I understand, again our top notch to say the least. The morning after I arrived, I was greeted by Craig Sands, the general manager of the resort. Craig treats the resort as if it is his own. By the end of my visit I gained a great friend. Charismatic gentleman who cares deeply for his guests, and as well treats his staff with the upmost respect. I will return to Secret Bay sooner than later.