Hokie24
5. maaliskuuta 2025
Having visited Dominica twice before—in 2012 and 2014—we arrived at Secret Bay in February 2025 with some concern that the experience might not live up to our past visits. A lot had changed since our last trip: COVID, Hurricane Maria, and, for us personally, the addition of three children. Feeling that our family was ready to revisit the property and the island we fell in love with so long ago, we decided to give it a try. We couldn’t have been more pleased. Any concerns that time or growth might have altered the essence of Secret Bay disappeared almost immediately. The qualities that made this place so special—the breathtaking natural beauty, the impeccable villa design, the outstanding service, and, most importantly, the warmth of the people—remained unchanged. If anything, they had only improved. The new excursions and kids’ programming introduced since our last visit allowed us to experience Secret Bay all over again through the eyes of our children. The opportunities felt endless, leaving us wishing for more time. Our experiences included a river tour with Captain Fire, snorkeling at Champagne Reef, and learning about the restoration of coral reefs, turtles, and Dominica’s ecosystems. One of the most memorable moments was a private cooking lesson with Chef Aurelien, where our oldest child took an active role in preparing an incredible meal. Whether from the cooking lesson, our private chef experience, or dining at Bwa Denn, the locally sourced cuisine was exceptional. Coming from a city where nearly every type of food is available, we found ourselves reluctant to leave the fresh, authentic flavors of Secret Bay behind. As for the villa itself, we were thrilled to be among the first guests to experience the new family-friendly accommodations. The layout was perfect for us, with a large separate space downstairs—including a bedroom, bathroom, and ample closet space—for our children. The ground floor featured a spacious common area and a well-appointed kitchen that opened to a large outdoor dining space and a private pool, where we swam and watched the sunset almost every evening. Upstairs, the villa offered a private and serene retreat, complete with a spacious bathroom and an outdoor shower. Every window framed an unforgettable view, and the thoughtful design made the villa feel like a true home away from home. Not surprisingly, our children declared they preferred it to our actual home in New York City! Rockel, our villa host, was exceptional and the kids never wanted her to leave. She made us feel so welcome and comfortable during our stay. As we left, we found ourselves wondering how paradise could have become even more extraordinary. With time to reflect, the answer became clear: Secret Bay is the result of an unwavering vision from its owners, Sandra and Gregor—a vision that has endured the test of time, COVID, and Hurricane Maria. Their dedication to creating an unmatched experience was evident as we watched them graciously visit e
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