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Secret Bay in Dominica: An In-Depth Review of This Hidden Gem

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Victoria M. Walker

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The author received a media rate for their stay at Secret Bay. All opinions are the author’s own, and Secret Bay had no input in any part of this review.

I visited Secret Bay, a resort on the Caribbean island of Dominica, with a travel companion during Thanksgiving week in 2024. 

Rarely am I completely blown away by a resort, but I was by this one. From the moment we checked in until the morning we left, this resort proved it was worth the 6 stars it gives itself.   

Thanks to high-end amenities, a picturesque beach, great dining, and friendly service, our 3-night stay seemed too short. I enjoyed it so much that I plan to visit the resort yearly. 

Read on to learn everything about Secret Bay, and why it’s one of the best resorts in the Caribbean, if not in North America.

Overview of Secret Bay

Secret Bay has won numerous awards and accolades from publications such as Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, and Fodor’s Travel — and with good reason.

The resort has just 22 villas, ranging from 1-bedrooms to 3.5-bedrooms. Each villa includes a private plunge pool, dedicated villa hosts, and an on-call concierge. Some villas offer direct views of the beach, while others feel like a treehouse in the rainforest. All are incredibly private; I didn’t see a single person near our villa during our stay, except for the concierge (more about that later).

Secret Bay feels like being on a private island, thanks to its remote location between a clifftop and the sea. 

Tibay Beach
Tibay Beach at Secret Bay.

The resort is built entirely from sustainably sourced materials and is certified as Green Globe property, one of the world’s highest standards for sustainability.

Booking Secret Bay

In full disclosure, I paid a media rate of $500 per night for my 3-night stay at Secret Bay for the Ti-Fèy V Villa. I put the purchase on my Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardInformation collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One. to earn 2x Capital One miles on all other purchases.

The standard rate for this 1.5-bedroom villa starts at around $1,055 per night, depending on your travel dates. 

Secret Bay is a member of Relais & Châteaux, a collection of individually owned and operated luxury hotels and restaurants worldwide. While the resort is not a member of any major loyalty program, it is part of the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) program, which provides benefits to cardholders of The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.

When you book through the FHR program for a reservation at Secret Bay, you’ll receive the following benefits:

  • Noon check-in, when available
  • Room upgrade upon arrival, when available
  • Daily breakfast for 2
  • $125 property credit to be used during the stay
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout

Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts is one of the best perks of having an Amex Platinum card or Amex Business Platinum card. Learn more about these cards you should have in your wallet if you’re interested in taking advantage of the FHR program:

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS
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The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

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The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. Apply With Confidence and, if approved, find out your welcome offer before deciding to accept the Card. You may not be eligible for the maximum welcome offer amount.
As High As 175,000 Points (Find out your offer)
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When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
  • 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
  • 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
Cons
  • $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
  • Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
Card Highlights
  • You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. Apply With Confidence and, if approved, find out your welcome offer before deciding to accept the Card. You may not be eligible for the maximum welcome offer amount.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
  • $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
  • Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
  • $695 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.
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This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)
This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!
Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
150,000 points
$3,300
$695
18.49% - 27.49% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card tailored toward business owners who are frequent travelers with a high number of annual expenses.

When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,400 lounges, along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card can is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels at Amex Travel
  • Access to over 1,400 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
  • Get 50% more Membership Rewards points (1.5 points per $1) on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (on up to $2 million per calendar year)
Cons
  • High annual fee of $695 (rates & fees)
  • Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags
Card Highlights
  • Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
  • Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card®.
  • Fly like a pro with a $200 Airline Fee Credit. Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals.
  • NEW! Make the Business Platinum Card® work even harder for you. Hilton For Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Benefit enrollment required.
  • 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
  • Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
  • $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card®.
  • $695 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.
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Bottom Line:

Dominica has just 1 hotel that is part of a major loyalty program, the InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa, an IHG Hotel. Atlantique View Resort And Spa, Ascend Hotel Collection, which was part of Choice Hotels, recently closed. Many resorts on the island are under smaller brands or are family-owned. However, Tranquility Beach Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton, plans to open in the next few years.

Getting to Dominica

Dominica is a small, mountainous Caribbean island home to more than 70,000 people. Thanks to its tropical rainforests and hot springs, it’s known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean.” Located between Martinique and Guadeloupe, it’s the largest and most northerly of the Windward Islands, which include Grenada, Saint Lucia, Martinique, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

There are several ways to get to Dominica from the U.S.:

  • The only flight from the U.S. mainland is currently on American Airlines, which offers a daily service from Miami (MIA) to Dominica Douglas Charles Airport (DOM) on 76-seat Embraer 175 aircraft.
  • The next option is to fly to San Juan (SJU) or St. Martin (SXM) and catch a commuter flight on Silver Airways or Winair, respectively.
  • The third option is to fly into Fort de France (FDF) in Martinique or Pointe-à-Pitre (PTP) in Guadeloupe, both in the French Caribbean, and take a 2-hour ferry to the Dominican capital, Roseau. 

Flying to Dominica directly from the New York area will soon be much easier. United Airlines announced a nonstop flight from Newark (EWR) to Dominica, starting on February 15, 2025, and operating once per week on Saturdays. United will fly a Boeing 737-700 on this route, which is notable because other airlines that fly to the island offer smaller jets or commuter planes.

While the current airport is small, Dominica will open a new one in 2026, roughly a 20-minute drive from the current one.

Hot Tip:

If you check into The Lounge Dominica using your Priority Pass card, you’ll enjoy expedited security and immigration screening.

Location of Secret Bay

Secret Bay is located on the northern side of the island, near Portsmouth.

Our driver was waiting to greet us outside the airport, a complimentary perk from the resort that comes with every booking.

With our bags in the back, we settled in for our hour-long ride, which took us through several villages and past gorgeous, windswept beaches.

Hot Tip:

It’s a picturesque ride, but if you’re prone to car sickness, I strongly suggest bringing ginger ale or Dramamine along, as the roads are winding during some parts.

Checking In and Funicular Ride

We arrived at the Mouben Welcome House, which is located at the center of the resort and serves as a check-in and socializing area. 

I’m not easily left speechless, but Secret Bay took me entirely by surprise. The best way to describe it is green. Everything was green, and it was evident from the moment we arrived.

Secret Bay Welcome House
The Mouben Welcome House.

There was ample seating and a place to grab water while waiting for check-in. We were immediately greeted with a welcome drink and given a brief overview of the resort. Our host informed us that most of the resort’s guests were Americans getting away for the Thanksgiving holiday, like us. 

I immediately noticed how friendly everyone seemed to be. Dominica is known for its warm hospitality, and that was evident from the moment we stepped out of the van. 

Check-in was quick and seamless. Our host assured us our bags would be delivered to our villa, and after a quick tour of the main grounds, it was time to head there.

Staffers shuttled guests to and from their villas to the welcome area in golf carts at all times during the day, but there was another and far more unusual way to get around: a funicular. That’s right, the resort has its own private funicular. It fits up to 6 passengers and ascends 400 feet, stopping at the welcome house, midway, and at the top.

Secret Bay Funicular
The funicular shuttled guests between different parts of the resort.

It was a novel experience, if slow going. But it offered gorgeous views at the top, with the entire resort and the sea below.

Ti-Fèy V Villa

The villa blew us away upon entering: it was massive! It was unlike any hotel room, suite, or villa I’ve stayed in, primarily because of the breathtaking, unobstructed rainforest views. This particular villa didn’t have great beach views, but the rainforest views were more than enough.

The Ti-Fèy V is a 2-level, 1-bedroom, 2-bath villa. With a large bedroom, pool deck, and ample outdoor seating, it had more than enough space for 2 people to stretch out, relax, and play. Like the other villas, it was perched on a cliff and offered complete privacy, which we loved. 

Walk To Ti Fey Villa
Our villa was a short walk from the funicular.

The Ti-Fèy V villa was at the midway point of the funicular, but our concierge warned us before check-in that getting to our particular villa would be a hike. She wasn’t lying. There are 89 steps from the road, so make sure to bring comfortable shoes.

Ti Fey Stairs
There are a lot of steps before arriving at the villa!

The villa felt like a treehouse for adults, with nooks and hideaways perfect for exploring.

Ti Fey Entrance
The entrance to Ti-Fèy V.

The first nook we discovered was near the top of the stairs, where a hammock greeted us. We put it to good use — it was nice to lie down and listen to the sounds of nature in the mornings.

Villa Hammock
Our villa included an ultra-private hammock.

Kitchen and Living Room

The villa’s entrance led directly into the main sitting room.

Secret Bay Living Room
The main living room.

The living room had a small couch with footrests.

Secret Bay Couch
A small loveseat for 2.

There was a small TV in the sitting area. It was smaller than at other resorts I’ve stayed at, but if you’re visiting Secret Bay, you’re probably not spending much time watching television. There was also a Sonos sound speaker, Apple TV, and Netflix.

Secret Bay TV
The TV and sound system.

Dominica uses European outlets, but don’t worry if you forget your adapter at home (like I did). Adapters were on the countertop for guests to use.

Secret Bay Outlets
Each villa includes adapters — so don’t worry if you forget yours.

All villas at Secret Bay have a fully stocked kitchen, including plates, cutlery, seasonings, and an electric cooktop and oven. We didn’t use any of it — more on why below — but it’s clear that the resort thought of everything to keep guests satisfied.

Secret Bay Main Room
All villas at Secret Bay are stocked with essentials you’d find at home.

The villa is meant to recreate the comforts of home, so it includes amenities like a dishwasher and a full-sized washer-dryer combo that you won’t find at many resorts.

Washer Secret Bay
A full-sized washing machine and dryer was a nice surprise.

When we arrived, our fridge was stocked with breakfast essentials, such as bacon, eggs, sodas, beer, and water. The bacon and eggs were the items we’d designated in our prearrival request, but the sodas and beers seemed to be items our concierge thought we’d enjoy.

Secret Bay Fridge
Our fridge was restocked each day.

There was a minibar with full-sized bottles of Moët & Chandon Champagne and white wines. 

Secret Bay Minibar
We helped ourselves to several bottles of Moët & Chandon during our stay, but note that these bottles aren’t complimentary.

There was an Eletta coffee machine, though we didn’t use it.

Secret Bay Coffee Machine
The coffee machine.

We had access to an entire stock of plates, bowls, cutlery, cups, and glasses (both glass and plastic, in case we wanted to drink by the pool).

Secret Bay Glasses
The resort offers glass and plastic cups in case you want to drink by the pool.

There was also a blender, toaster, and coffee maker, which we didn’t use.

Secret Bay Toaster
Lots of small appliances.

There were pots, pans, and even a cast-iron skillet, which I noticed had been greased.

Secret Bay Pots and Pans
We didn’t use the cookware, but our concierge did.

There were a few yoga mats and blocks underneath the staircase.

Secret Bay Yoga Mat
We enjoyed yoga out by the pool in the mornings.

A sweet treat was on the counter, which we munched on while settling into the room.

Secret Bay Treat
The sweet treat was a nice, thoughtful touch.

A lovely welcome note was also waiting on the countertop.

Secret Bay Welcome Note
We received a very nice note welcoming us to Secret Bay.

Bedroom

The bedroom was on the villa’s top floor, accessed via a winding staircase.

Secret Bay Staircase
The staircase to the bedroom.

There was a pretty spacious desk with books about the Eastern Caribbean and some games, such as Monopoly, to keep guests occupied.

Secret Bay Desk
Some games and coffee-table books.

The desk also held a flashlight, aloe vera, and bug spray. Given Secret Bay’s location in a rainforest, mosquitoes are plentiful — expect lots of bug bites if you don’t take precautions.

Secret Bay Bug Spray
Make sure to apply lots of bug spray during your visit.

The king bed was incredibly plush and comfortable.

Secret Bay Bed
The bedroom felt like living in a treehouse.

The nightstand held a night lamp and the in-villa cordless phone (when was the last time you saw one of these?).

Secret Bay Nightstand
Each villa comes with a personal iPhone for your use, but there’s also a cordless telephone.

Beside the bed was a comfortable chair and ottoman, with fantastic views of the rainforest outside. 

Secret Bay Chair
Views of the rainforest.

Bathroom and Outdoor Shower

The villa had 2 full-sized bathrooms.

The first bathroom was on the main floor, just off the living room. 

Secret Bay Downstairs Bathroom
The door to the bathroom on the main floor.

There were robes for us to wear, which is always a plus when staying at a resort.

Secret Bay Robes
Secret Bay-branded robes, which were very comfy.

The downstairs bathroom had a shower, while the upstairs bathroom had a tub/shower combo.

Secret Bay Bathroom Shower
The shower in the downstairs bathroom.

There was ample closet space in the downstairs bathroom.

Secret Bay Closet
Closet space and an umbrella (it rains frequently in the Caribbean!).

The downstairs sink had 1 basin, while the sink in the bathroom upstairs had 2.

Secret Bay Sink
Sink and storage drawer.

Upstairs, the bathroom had a separate area for the toilet.

Secret Bay Upstairs Bathroom
The upstairs bathroom.

There were also more robes and towels.

Secret Bay Upstairs
The upstairs bathroom had rainforest views.

My favorite feature of our villa was the outdoor shower, off the upstairs bathroom. Showering in the rainforest was a novel experience, and it made relaxing and unwinding in the morning and evening that much better.

Secret Bay Outdoor Shower
Picture this: the sun is rising over your luxury villa in a rainforest. You’re listening to the sounds of nature while warm water cascades down your skin. 

When I travel, I pay close attention to how much of the local community is featured throughout the property, especially at resorts abroad. Secret Bay didn’t disappoint here.

While it might seem trivial, I really respected Secret Bay’s commitment to working with local businesses. The resort sourced its soap from a local Dominican vendor, The Coal Pot. The soap smelled terrific, and I appreciated that the company uses all-natural ingredients.

Secret Bay Soap
The soap was handmade in Dominica.

Even the shampoo and conditioner were handmade in Dominica, a sign that the resort respects the local community.

Secret Bay Conditioner
The bathroom products being made in the Caribbean were a sign that Secret Bay considers the local community.

Deck and Plunge Pool

Secret Bay’s villas are large enough to feel like you aren’t encroaching on a travel partner, and there’s just as much space outside as there is inside.

Our villa included a deck off the kitchen, with seating for 4. The deck offered impressive views of the rainforest and, if you looked closely, some of the sea.

Secret Bay Deck
Deck seating with a much-appreciated mosquito net.

I mentioned earlier how mosquitos are unavoidable if you’re outside in the rainforest. The deck had a mosquito net to keep out pesky bugs, and it was nice to sit outside, particularly in the evenings, without worrying that we’d get bitten.

There was a Weber grill, but we didn’t use it.

Weber Grill
Every villa includes a grill for your use.

The private infinity plunge pool was a major highlight. In fact, we spent the good part of the second day at Secret Bay in the pool and on the deck, which had seating for 2 and a side table to rest our drinks.

The pool was about 4 feet deep and could be heated to your desired temperature by texting your concierge on WhatsApp. With the sun’s reflection off the water, the pool’s temperature was perfect, so I didn’t feel the need to ask.

Secret Bay Pool Deck
Kicking it by the pool.

Amenities

Secret Bay boasts an impressive array of amenities, from watersports to a relaxing spa, designed to appeal to different types of travelers.

Gwiyavye’ Lap Pool & Bar

The pool was located between the guest house and the beach.

Secret Bay Lap Pool
A large lap pool sits between the bar and the beach.

You could look at the beach and hear the waves crashing on the shore as you swam or ordered a drink from the pool bar.

Fitness Center

The fitness center — out in the open air, unlike any fitness center I’d seen before — was steps from the welcome house.

A full squat rack, bench press, bike, and treadmill were available.

Secret Bay Bench Press
You can keep your fitness routine going at Secret Bay.

Plenty of towels and bug spray were on hand, and so was water to keep you hydrated, which is a must if you exercise outdoors.

Secret Bay Bug Spray
Staying hydrated.

The space also had a large ping-pong table and ample seating.

Secret Bay Ping Pong Table
A ping-pong table.

Spa

Gommier Spa is an open-air, treehouse-style spa with options for solo, family, and couples. It overlooks Tibay Beach, and private in-villa appointments are also possible.

Secret Bay Spa Sign
The spa is located in the northern part of the resort.

Unfortunately, the spa was booked during our stay, so I didn’t get to take photos or look at pricing options.

Secret Bay Spa
Spa treatment rooms at Secret Bay.

The Beach and Watersports

Secret Bay has 2 private beaches: Tibay Beach and the aptly-named Secret Beach. Tibay Beach is connected to the resort, and it is stunning. Dominica is home to some of the Caribbean’s few black-sand beaches, and Tibay Beach is one of them.

Tibay Beach Black Sand
Black sand beaches are pretty uncommon in the Caribbean, but there are several in Dominica.

There was ample seating along the shore, with trees acting as a natural barrier to shield from the sun.

Tibay Beach Seating
Seating along the beach.

Here, you could reserve watersports equipment like kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel gear. 

Secret Bay Kayak
Kayaking at Secret Bay.

The other beach is, indeed, a secret — so much so that you have to rent a kayak to get to it!

Secret Beach
Secret Beach. Image Credit: Secret Bay

Secret Beach is roughly 5 minutes by kayak from the resort — the only way to access the beach. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to check out Secret Beach, and I wish we had. I’d never kayaked before, and I am not a strong swimmer. However, I resolved to be a better swimmer on my next stay at Secret Bay to enjoy Secret Beach.

Concierge

Many high-end resorts have a private concierge or butler available to guests. But this was my first time having a concierge who was dedicated solely to our villa.

Every villa at Secret Bay includes an on-call concierge who serves as an expert guide for navigating the resort and the country. The concierge handles dinner reservations, excursions, and travel to and from the resort. And the best part? Our concierge would drop by every morning to cook breakfast.

Secret Bay Concierge
Our concierge was extremely helpful and kind, making light conversation over breakfast and explaining the history of the resort and Dominica’s history to us.

We had an in-villa iPhone during the stay, and we communicated with our concierge and front desk via its WhatsApp. This was particularly helpful when we couldn’t use the funicular to reach the main resort area. All we had to do was text our concierge on WhatsApp to request a golf cart to come to our villa.

Secret Bay WhatsApp
The concierge sent helpful notes via WhatsApp during our stay.

Food and Beverage

Bwa Denn

We exclusively dined at Bwa Denn, the resort’s main restaurant. During lunch service, the restaurant also served the lap pool and beach area.

It had a full-service bar, conference space, mini theater, wine cellar, and indoor and outdoor seating.

Secret Bay Wine Cellar
The wine cellar was a neat surprise.

Bwa Denn was beautifully decorated, with African-inspired art in a warehouse-like setting.

Bwa Denn
Bwa Denn restaurant.

This space also held a brewery, where the resort brewed kombucha. 

Bwa Denn Kombucha
The resort brews its own kombucha in-house.

There was also a gift shop where you could purchase items made in Dominica, but it was closed when we visited.

Secret Bay Gift Shop
The gift shop sold items like clothing, spices, and jewelry.

A lobster ravioli appetizer was the highlight of our meals in Dominica.

Secret Bay Apps
The lobster ravioli was tasty and was far more filling than we expected from an appetizer.

A perfectly cooked beef ribeye with potatoes and vegetables also stood out, but I was extremely satisfied with everything we ate at Secret Bay.

Prices were commensurate with what you’d expect for a luxe resort: entrees were around $40 (before tip), while starters hovered around $17 each.

Ribeye
The ribeye for dinner.

For lunch, I enjoyed the Kubuli Burger by the pool.

Fish Burger
The Kubuli Burger is a delicious fish sandwich battered in beer.

My cocktail was the Green Iguana, made with lemongrass rum, a must-have spirit in the Caribbean.

Green Iguana
The Green Iguana cocktail was yummy.

In fact, the bar was stocked with lots of Caribbean-made spirits.

Secret Bay Bar
Local spirits from Dominica.

In-Villa Dining

A few weeks before our trip, I received an email with a pretravel questionnaire asking what we wanted the fridge stocked with. Every stay at Secret Bay includes a complimentary breakfast served in the villa and cooked by the concierge, which we greatly appreciated. 

Your villa is stocked with:

  • Farm fresh eggs
  • Organic fruit
  • Homemade granola
  • Yogurt
  • Bread
  • Jams and dried fruit
  • Coffee and tea

These items are restocked frequently during your stay by the concierge, who takes stock of what needs replenishing. We opted to keep breakfast simple with bacon, eggs, toast, and apple juice.

Secret Bay Villa Breakfast
A (literally) home-cooked meal — a rarity for me.

Breakfast is complimentary. However, you can arrange for private cooking lessons and other meals for a fee.

Service

I’ve written this in other reviews, but it bears repeating here: The mark of good service is kindness and unobtrusiveness. Secret Bay positively shined here. Every interaction I had with staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, whether it was in person, over the phone, or via WhatsApp.

Final Thoughts

Secret Bay is an ultra-luxe, nature-forward resort on one of the most beautiful and unspoiled Caribbean islands. It is a fantastic property for anyone looking to go off the grid and be fully immersed in nature and wellness.

The resort is perfect for singles, couples, and families. Indeed, I saw all types of guests during my 3-night stay. While the high price may be a turn-off for some, the resort’s amenities — from its villas to its dining to its many outdoor activities — make Secret Bay one of the best resorts in the Caribbean.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Dominica?

Dominica is a small island in the Caribbean between Guadeloupe and Martinique. 

Is Secret Bay a part of a loyalty program?

Secret Bay is a Relais & Châteaux resort, which is a collection of individual luxury hotels and restaurants around the world.

Is Secret Bay an all-villa resort?

Yes, Secret Bay is an all-villa resort, with each villa including a private plunge pool, personal concierge, and more.

Can I book Secret Bay with American Express Membership Rewards points?

Yes, you can book Secret Bay with American Express Membership Rewards points, but it will cost you a considerable amount of points per night. Instead, you can book a cash stay through the Fine Hotels + Resorts program if you have the Amex Platinum card or Amex Business Platinum card. You’ll get enhanced perks like room upgrades (if they’re available), early check-in, and a property credit.

Victoria M. Walker's image

About Victoria M. Walker

Victoria holds a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism from the Howard University School of Communications and is an award-winning journalist, travel reporter, and the founder of the “Carrying On with Victoria M. Walker” newsletter.

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