Dominica is incredibly proud to boast the official number one resort in the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Bahamas for 2022, as voted for by readers of Travel and Leisure magazine. The Secret Bay scooped top place for the second time in three years in the World’s Best Awards reader’s survey, an incredible achievement considering its location on this small but mighty island.

Here, we look at what sets the resort apart and how Dominica’s citizenship by investment programme has played such a significant role in its success.

What is Secret Bay?

Secret Bay is a six-star resort made up of residential-style eco-villas. It’s located on a clifftop promontory where the rainforest meets the sea, offering stunning views of the island. The four-acre site is just a small walk from Tibay Beach, where there is a wellness pavilion and opportunities for watersports, while there is also a sea cave, a river and another beach close by.

Secret Bay is situated in the northwest corner of Dominica. The resort is a 10-minute drive south of Portsmouth and around an hour from Douglas Charles Airport and Roseau, the capital. It was opened in 2011 and designed by celebrated architect Fruto Vivas, who combined high-end design and local craftsmanship to create a luxurious yet authentic slice of Dominica.

Although Secret Bay was briefly forced to close its doors after Hurricane Maria, it re-opened in late 2018 with renovated villas, one all new villa, and a range of new amenities.

Why is it so highly rated?

High-end luxury

You expect high levels of luxury at a six-star resort, and Secret Bay more than delivers this. You’ll find plunge pools, gourmet restaurants, bars, and pillow hammocks throughout the resort. In addition, each room comes with a fully equipped kitchen, outdoor showers, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, safes, a Sonos Bluetooth Speaker, and an Apple TV with a provided Netflix account.

World class service

Visitors are treated like kings and queens. You are supplied with an organic breakfast basket on check-in and given a smartphone to connect with villa attendants who are on call to deliver meals, deal with any issues and arrange activities. Speaking of activities, guests can take yoga classes and treatments in the wellness pavilion and spa, participate in Caribbean cooking classes, and use the complimentary kayaks, paddleboards and snorkelling gear for water activities.

Sustainability

Every villa in Secret Bay is made entirely of sustainably-sourced Guyanese hardwood and Red Cedar, while the hotel implements a Zero Waste policy by recycling, reusing and composting food waste, and using eco-friendly cutlery, crockery and glassware. Because of this, Secret Bay has received Green Globe Certification — one of the highest standards for sustainability worldwide. As such, guests can rest easy knowing that their stay has minimal impact on the environment.

What role has Dominica’s CBI programme played in its success?

Dominica’s citizenship by investment (CBI) programme enables overseas individuals to invest in the country in return for citizenship. This offers investors numerous benefits, including being able to live in Dominica, enjoy minimal taxation, and gain increased international mobility.

Applicants have two routes of investment: the Economic Diversification Fund and real estate. For the latter, there are a set of pre-approved real estate projects individuals can invest in, one of which is Secret Bay. This allows investors to buy either shared or whole ownership shares in one of its villas. The CBI programme has fueled investment in Secret Bay, giving it the funding needed to become the high-class resort it is today.

Secret Bay is just one of the many resorts applicants can invest in, while contributions to the Economic Diversification Fund go towards improving projects in the public and private sector that require financial support.

For more information on Dominica’s CBI programme or to start the application process, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.

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