Secret Bay in Dominica is popular with nature-lovers. Seen here is the Wild Orchid garden deck that oversees the Caribbean Sea.
Secret Bay in Dominica
Dominica, often considered a heaven for nature-lovers and adventure-seekers, is a great pitch for seasoned Caribbean travelers. It is located in a tropical climate, which makes Secret Bay a year-round destination for Caribbean-bound families.
Available throughout the year are a range of family-bonding experiences and activities, including snorkeling, bird watching, biking, hiking, kayaking, art classes, cooking classes, sailing, horseback riding, lionfish hunting and botanical tours.
Set on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean, Secret Bay’s three Zabuco Villas are the most popular accommodations. With more than 2,700 square feet of indoor / outdoor space, two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a private pool, the Zing-Zing villa provides plenty of room for families.
The villa, which has bi-folding doors built between the living spaces, is raised above the ground and gets its share of natural light and gentle breeze. Nice Touch: Zing-Zing villa cantilevers out through the forest toward the ocean, which gives it a tree-house vibe.
Throughout the stay, guests have access to a concierge and private dining options, curated on the basis of individual preferences.
Those with specific room requests should contact Lenita Norris ([email protected]), the guest services manager and concierge.
Although there is no restaurant here, the hotel’s private chef creates dishes using locally sourced and sustainable food. Meals are generally completely customized to the personal preferences of the guest and served in the comfort of their villa or bungalow. Note: Secret Bay’s culinary services are available only to guests of the hotel.
Pictured: The Mapou Bungalow is a treehouse perched on the hillside.
Secret Bay does not have a spa, but personalized treatments by a trained professional can
be arranged in the villa. Spa services include varying types of massages, pedicures and more.
Hint: Book in-room treatments either upon arrival or 24 hours
in advance.
The nearest airport is Douglas-Charles Airport, which is about an hour’s drive away. Secret Bay provides airport transfer for guests. Private jets may land at either Douglas-Charles or Canefield Airport, depending on the size of the jet. There are, however, no special terminals for private jets.
Secret Bay can arrange a variety of personal experiences, for example a private helicopter service to the neighboring islands such as Antigua, Guadeloupe, Martinique and St. Lucia.
For all other inquiries and to further customize a VIP’s family vacation to Secret Bay, advisors should reach out to Marvin Daniel ([email protected]), general manager.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla
Formerly the Viceroy Anguilla, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla is perfect for families looking for access
to two separate beaches and perhaps the best room views in all of Anguilla.
Luxury Travel Advisor toured the hotel last year when it was still the Viceroy Anguilla.
Pictured: Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla is set on two beaches — Half Shell Beach and Meads Bay.
As of press time, the hotel was on schedule to open this month and is currently accepting reservations. Although this is a popular selection among couples, it is a great fit for families because of its restaurants, service, room space and beaches.
Set on two beaches — Half Shell Beach and Meads Bay — the location is what sets this hotel apart from other notable luxury resorts in Anguilla. Hint: Half Shell Beach is the smaller of the two and attracts fewer people because the water is a bit rocky.
Families and smaller groups can opt for the Five-Bedroom Beachfront Villa. It comes with a golf cart to make it easier for guests to get around the grounds, as well as a “Lifestyle Assistant” (think butler). We love its enormous balcony and the fact that it sports several outdoor showers.
For special arrangements, luxury travel advisors should reach out to Wesley Woolard ([email protected]), travel sales coordinator.
Pictured: Formerly the Viceroy Anguilla, the hotel is slated to open this month with 166 total accommodations.
The resort is also home to an 8,800-square-foot spa. Ordinarily, spa reservations can be made the week prior; however during the resort’s holiday season, booking should be made at least a month in advance.
Hint: The Double Rainbow is the spa’s most popular treatment (so named for the double rainbows that are often sighted in Anguilla), in which two therapists administer a massage and a facial. Note: Spa buy-outs and in-room treatments are both available.
To help customize the experience, get in touch with Murielle Henneigen ([email protected]), spa director.
The best dining option on the island set within the hotel is Cobà, the signature restaurant of the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla. The ambiance is outstanding and commands guests’ attention as soon as they walk through the door. The restaurant usually welcomes patrons with some tasteful live music, such as covers of popular American classics.
Those looking to make special dinner arrangements should seek out Jan Valasek ([email protected]), the director of food and beverage.
As far as the staff goes, the only major position change in the hotel has been in the form of the general manager.
Ilse Harley ([email protected]), appointed the general manager in July, is overseeing the transition of the hotel. She was most recently at the Four Seasons Hotel Seattle.
Domaine des Fonds Blancs in Martinique
Pictured: Domaine des Fonds Blancs is set on the shores of Le Francois on Martinique’s Atlantic coast, and includes the 7,000+-square-foot Villa Isabelle.
Families heading to the French-Caribbean, the foodie paradise of Martinique, should check out Domaine des Fonds Blancs, which opened in 2014 and is one of the hottest hotels on the island for discerning families.
Set on the shores of Le Francois on Martinique’s laid-back Atlantic coast, the resort’s swanky, flagship, 7,000+-square-foot Villa Isabelle is the place for guests to get pampered.
Although all of the rooms at this villa work for children, we were told Suite Victoire would be the best simply because it’s the largest.
Nice Touch: There is plenty to keep families busy here as the villa is home to a flat-screen TV with Bose Home Theater System, a DVD / Blu-Ray player, an Apple TV, a dining area with two air-conditioning units and one Guest Powder Room.
The villa also has a swing onsite for children as well as other activities such as kayaking, table tennis, ball games and a huge field to play on. Tip: The villa offers high chairs and playpens for babies and a babysitting service can be arranged upon request.
For dining, we were told the best option is Le Campêche in Cap Est Lagoon Resort and Spa, which is roughly 10 minutes from Domaine des Fonds Blancs.
For special inquiries, contact Pierre Jean Gouyer, ([email protected]), owner.