Secret Bay

Secret Bay is a distinctive Caribbean retreat located in Portsmouth, Dominica. Comprising 27 private villas, each with its own plunge pool and panoramic ocean views, the property is set amid lush tropical surroundings and offers direct access to two private beaches. The resort is recognised for its commitment to sustainability, with less than 10% of its land covered by built structures and a workforce that is over 90% local. Secret Bay's culinary programme is rooted in an island-to-table philosophy, with menus driven by local produce and daily catches. The property is also home to a treehouse-style spa, a wellness pavilion suspended over the Cario River, and a range of villa categories designed by renowned architects Fruto Vivas and Claude Lauture. Secret Bay has been awarded Two MICHELIN Keys and enjoys an outstanding reputation among guests, as reflected in its high ratings across major review platforms.

Secret Bay is a three-star house — one of 140 three-star houses on Earth, among just 777 starred hotels; seat 132 of 140. An EMPTYJET Consensus of 95/100 sits beside named recognitions: Best in Country — N°1 house in Dominica and MICHELIN Guide — Two Keys. The property’s 27 private villas, two private beaches and an oceanfront pool combine with focused dining — Zing Zing’s six-course Discovery Menu — and intimate six-star service with dedicated villa hosts. Those elements together explain why Secret Bay holds its three-star place in the guide.

Secret Bay was conceived as an off-the-beaten-track Caribbean destination, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and integration with the natural environment. Over time, the property has expanded its villa offerings while maintaining a minimal footprint, with less than 10% of the land covered by built structures—a figure set to reduce further with ongoing expansion. The resort's commitment to the local community is evident, with over 90% of its workforce drawn from the surrounding area and more than 80% of gross revenues flowing back into the local economy.

Secret Bay's architectural vision is shaped by Venezuelan architect Fruto Vivas, whose work is evident in the Zabuco and Ylang Ylang Villas. The Ti-Fèy Villas were designed by resident architect Claude Lauture. The villas are constructed from sustainably-sourced Guyanese hardwood, blending contemporary design with environmental sensitivity. The Mapou Villas feature a bungalow-style configuration with floor-to-ceiling glass walls and an asymmetric design, maximising views and natural light. The resort's structures are carefully integrated into the landscape, with less than 10% of the land developed, ensuring a sense of seclusion and harmony with the surroundings.

Secret Bay offers 27 private villas, each designed to provide privacy, comfort, and a strong connection to the natural environment. Every villa features a private plunge pool and ocean views. The villa categories include:

• Zabuco Villas: Designed by Fruto Vivas, these villas offer 1 or 2 bedrooms and up to 4,083 sq ft of indoor/outdoor space, situated on twin promontories over 200 feet above sea level with panoramic ocean and mountain views.
• Ti-Fèy Villas: Designed by Claude Lauture, these hillside villas offer 1.5 or 2.5 bedrooms, up to 2,799 sq ft, and jungle-to-ocean views.
• Ylang Ylang Villas: Also by Fruto Vivas, these 1-bedroom, 2,030 sq ft villas are described as treehouse escapes.
• Mapou Villas: 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom, 1,220 sq ft bungalow-style villas with floor-to-ceiling glass walls and asymmetric design, offering uninterrupted ocean views.
• Honeymoon Villas: Secluded 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom villas with up to 3,303 sq ft, designed for privacy and romance.
• Friends & Family Villas: Configurations range from 1.5 to 2.5 bedrooms and up to 3,303 sq ft, suitable for groups or families.
• Multi-Villa Estates: These estates offer 2 to 3.5 bedrooms, 2 to 4 bathrooms, and up to 6,109 sq ft, ideal for larger groups or multi-generational stays.

All villas are equipped with high-speed wireless internet, smart TVs, Sonos Bluetooth speakers, and are served by funiculars and electric vehicles for accessibility.

Secret Bay's dining programme is rooted in an island-to-table philosophy, with menus shaped by produce from the resort's organic garden, local farms, and daily catches from local fishers.

• Zing Zing: Led by Chef Allison Lo, Zing Zing offers a 20-seat setting and a six-course Discovery Menu that changes nightly, driven by ingredient availability and the chef's creativity. There is no fixed menu, ensuring a unique experience each evening.

• Bwa Denn Restaurant: Bwa Denn presents innovative local Caribbean cuisine. The Discovery Menu experience is available twice weekly at Bwa Denn Terrazza, on Tuesdays and Fridays, offering guests a chance to explore the chef's latest creations.

• Botanica: Organic Garden & Chef’s Table: This venue provides a garden-to-fork experience, with plant-based options and an outdoor chef's table using produce from the chef’s organic garden.

The overall dining style at Secret Bay emphasises farm-raised meats, organic poultry, hand-caught local fish, and fresh vegetables, reflecting the resort's commitment to sustainability and local sourcing.

Secret Bay features a treehouse-style spa retreat overlooking Tibay Beach, offering a tranquil setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. The Bwa Mang Wellness Pavilion is suspended over the Cario River and provides a dedicated space for yoga and wellness activities. The resort also offers a Botanica Chef’s Garden Experience, which includes garden-to-fork options using produce from the chef’s organic garden. Guests can participate in guided experiences such as hikes to Trafalgar Falls, swimming in Titou Gorge, and soaking in natural hot springs, further connecting them to Dominica’s natural beauty.

Secret Bay is renowned for its attentive and personalised service. Each villa is assigned a dedicated host and concierge, providing discreet, six-star service throughout the stay. Services include personalised itineraries, dinner reservations, couple’s massages, and adventure arrangements. The resort is also equipped with accessibility features such as wheelchair-accessible ramps, lifts, electric golf carts, and the longest funicular in the Caribbean.

Secret Bay is situated in Portsmouth, Dominica, on a secluded stretch of coastline. The property offers direct access to two private beaches and is described as an off-the-beaten-track Caribbean destination. Villas are positioned to maximise privacy and views, with the Zabuco Villas perched over 200 feet above sea level, offering panoramic ocean and mountain vistas. The resort’s minimal land coverage ensures a sense of immersion in the surrounding tropical landscape.

Secret Bay is a compelling choice for travellers seeking privacy, sustainability, and a strong sense of place in the Caribbean. Its Two MICHELIN Keys, consistently high guest ratings, and thoughtful villa design make it particularly well-suited to couples, families, and groups who value seclusion and personalised service. The resort’s commitment to local sourcing, environmental stewardship, and community impact further distinguishes it within the region. Secret Bay is best chosen by those who appreciate a blend of architectural sophistication, culinary creativity, and immersive natural experiences.

Secret Bay is highly accessible, with wheelchair-friendly ramps, lifts, electric golf carts, and the longest funicular in the Caribbean. The property is committed to sustainability, with less than 10% of its land developed and a strong focus on supporting the local economy. Each villa is equipped with modern technology amenities, including high-speed wireless internet, smart TVs, and Sonos Bluetooth speakers. The resort’s private beaches and oceanfront pool provide ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation.