My recent visit to the Nature Island brought me to my favorite Dominica hotel – Fort Young. Its prime location, activities, amenities and views make Dominica’s finest heritage hotel the perfect place to stay. I spend a lot of time in hotels and I have high expectations, but as soon as I walked in the main doors of Fort Young, I could easily see it was going to impress. From the friendly staff and luxurious amenities to the ideally situated property, Fort Young Hotel always left me smiling.
Fort Young wasn’t my only accommodation in Dominica. I stayed at two other fantastic properties as well, but they just couldn’t compare to the location of Fort Young. It is situated at the heart of the capital city with the main market and ferry port connecting island hoppers to neighboring islands just a minute’s walk from the entrance. They also have their own dock where Dive Dominica will pick up for ocean tours and sightseeing. I booked the whale watching tour with Dive Dominica and hopped on the boat directly in front of the hotel. There was no fuss or transfers. For scuba divers, the hotel has their own fully equipped dive shop. Hikers can arrange a wide variety of excursions in close proximity to the hotel such as treks to waterfalls in the rainforest and bird watching trips from the hotel’s own activities desk. At night, the sounds of the capital vanish and are replaced by the lapping of waves right outside your window.
After long days of hiking and exploring the country, I was definitely looking for some traditional Caribbean relaxation. The rooftop Jacuzzi was ideal for soaking my over-worked muscles and the infinity pool seemed to disappear into the ocean with the best sea views on the island. I played under the waterfall and took underwater shots with my GoPro.
Their restaurant, Palisades, is one of the best known places to eat on the island. I watches the sun dip into the sea while enjoying a cocktail and a main course of spicy Jerk chicken. The Caribbean dining experience wouldn’t be complete without ice cream so I was sure to save room for dessert. I could have eaten anywhere on the island but I continued to dine at Palisades.
When I did return to my suite, it combined spectacular views with comfort and relaxation. It had a walk-though dressing room, along with a huge bathroom featuring a whirlpool tub and shower. Fresh bottles of water were supplied and I kept them cold in the mini fridge. My balcony overlooked the Caribbean Sea and the sound of waves lulled me to sleep at night. I left the balcony door open and the fresh air along with the sounds of the sea were as soothing as a mother’s song.
Although I didn’t scuba dive while I was in Dominica, Fort Young’s partnership with Buddy Dive is definitely worth mentioning. Last year, I visited Buddy Dive Resort in Bonaire and it was one of my all-time favorite resorts in the Caribbean. They are known as Bonaire’s leading dive resort and even have a drive-thru air and Nitrox fill station. Starting in August, Scuba divers can experience the services and standards of Bonaire’s Buddy Dive Resort in Dominica. Buddy Dive at Fort Young will be a full service operation that combines extensive dive knowledge, facilities and resources, while providing divers with personal attention from the friendly dive staff. It’s going to be a killer combination that will be impossible to match in the country.
There are tons of accommodation options in Dominica. From tent camping to all-inclusive resorts, you can find it all, but no other property combines the ideal location with as many amenities and services as Fort Young.
Fort Young looks wonderful. The beds in your suite look very luxurious, and I would have loved to spend time in that rooftop jacuzzi, too!
Fort Young looks wonderful. The beds in your suite look very luxurious, and I would have loved to spend time in that rooftop jacuzzi, too!
Wow, Fort Young looks like the perfect place for a holiday! I love how you have so many options for activities- whale watching, hiking, and diving. Although, it would be hard for me to part from that pool, what an incredible view!
Wow, Fort Young looks like the perfect place for a holiday! I love how you have so many options for activities- whale watching, hiking, and diving. Although, it would be hard for me to part from that pool, what an incredible view!
Looks like the perfect relaxation and a bit of luxuary after a days hiking. That pool looks really inviting!
Looks like a gorgeous place to stay and great location too!
Looks like a gorgeous place to stay and great location too!
Ha! The pool looks really inviting while the bed looks inviting as well, I would probably be torn staying here having to decide which I should choose to spend more time in! 😀
Ha! The pool looks really inviting while the bed looks inviting as well, I would probably be torn staying here having to decide which I should choose to spend more time in! 😀
I need to get myself some nice hotels. I love the atmosphere in hostels but I think I am ready to get pampered like you did 🙂
Dominica looks like a dream! I could see myself relaxing by the pool or spa for hours. I love my busy/adventure filled vacations but every now and then I need to sit back and take it easy. I’m going to look into this destination a bit more and probably add it to my already long, ever-growing travel list!
Dominica looks like a dream! I could see myself relaxing by the pool or spa for hours. I love my busy/adventure filled vacations but every now and then I need to sit back and take it easy. I’m going to look into this destination a bit more and probably add it to my already long, ever-growing travel list!
What gorgeous photos! Looks like you had a great time! Would love to go there!
What gorgeous photos! Looks like you had a great time! Would love to go there!
How nice does this place look! I’d be in that jacuzzi quick smart!
How nice does this place look! I’d be in that jacuzzi quick smart!
We already love the Caribbean, and this look like a must-stay for Dominica. Succinct text and beautiful, clear photos make this post readable and inviting.
We already love the Caribbean, and this look like a must-stay for Dominica. Succinct text and beautiful, clear photos make this post readable and inviting.
Wow, LOOK at that pool! Amazing location – sounds like a seriously fab hotel. And I love that the diving and whale watching tours will pick you up straight from the dock – convenience is a big part of which accommodation we book now, so this seriously sounds like it ticks just about every box!! Thanks for a great review 🙂
I have been to Dominica a few times and I am actually married to a Dominican. This is a beautiful hotel and everything you have said and shown is very true. I would have to save a very very long time to be able to afford to stay at this hotel though. I have had the pleasure of having Sunday brunch there though, and it was the best meal I had on the island. I LOVE DOMINICA!!!!
I have been to Dominica a few times and I am actually married to a Dominican. This is a beautiful hotel and everything you have said and shown is very true. I would have to save a very very long time to be able to afford to stay at this hotel though. I have had the pleasure of having Sunday brunch there though, and it was the best meal I had on the island. I LOVE DOMINICA!!!!