Secret Bay, Dominica

Tucked away in the lush Eastern Caribbean, Dominica is often called “Nature Island”, and for good reason. Refreshingly untouched, it is an emerald canvas of rainforest with waterfalls and quiet beaches with no crowds or interruptions.

A picture of Ireland's Ballyfin Demesne property.

Tucked away in the lush Eastern Caribbean, Dominica is often called “Nature Island”, and for good reason. Refreshingly untouched, it is an emerald canvas of rainforest with waterfalls and quiet beaches with no crowds or interruptions.

At the heart of this untouched paradise lies Secret Bay, a breathtaking resort that immerses you into the depths of nature, while providing your every need. This resort offers travelers a rare experience with nature and is ideal for those with an eco-conscious soul. 

Where is Secret Bay?

Secret Bay is perched on a cliffside on Dominica’s Northwest coast, near the sleepy town of Portsmouth. Accessed through the rainforest, it feels like a truly private getaway in every sense… 

Set within a dense tropical jungle and overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the resort offers private beach coves, nature trails, and even a hillside funicular to transport guests between the villas, activities, and main areas.

While getting here requires a bit of effort, the reward is total immersion in beauty and the feeling that you have arrived somewhere undiscovered.

What makes Secret Bay Special?

This is not your typical five-star experience. Secret Bay is an intimate, 23-villa hideaway designed for those seeking barefoot luxury, tranquility, and a deep connection with nature. 

The resort is completely focused on sustainability, from its organic gardens to the thoughtfully designed villas built into the landscape. You’re not just staying in a room, you’re living in harmony with the rainforest.

Secret Bay’s service is personalized, catered to you at every turn. The staff is very involved in your stay, eager to make it as smooth as possible. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a signature cocktail or mocktail and introduced to their dedicated villa host, who serves as a personal concierge throughout their stay.

Private chefs are accessible upon request, and grocery is replenished within the villas themselves. 

Arrival & First Impressions

As the plane descends into Dominica, the view out the window is breathtaking. Endless green peaks, mist, and the ocean beyond. Upon arrival, the first word out of your mouth will be “Wow.”

Arrival at Secret Bay is designed to be seamless, private, and immersive. There are personalized transfers from the airport, offering a scenic journey through the island’s rainforest-covered hills. 

The resort's layout is intentionally secluded, with villas nestled into the natural landscape across multiple elevations. A funicular system transports guests between levels, while golf carts are available for escorted travel around the property. Guests who enjoy walking will find the terrain scenic but hilly, with pathways surrounded by lush vegetation and ocean views. Check-in is conducted in-villa, eliminating the need for a traditional front desk. 

The overall ambiance upon arrival reflects Secret Bay's ethos: refined, tranquil, and deeply connected to nature. From the fragrant lemongrass in the air to the design of the villas, every detail is curated to evoke a sense of grounding.

Accommodations at Secret Bay

Secret Bay offers an all-villa experience, designed for the discerning traveler who values privacy, nature, and elevated comfort. Each of the freestanding villas is tucked into the lush hillside or perched cliffside, providing panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea.

Guests can choose from a range of villa styles, including:

  • Ti-Fèy Villas: Treetop-style accommodations with stunning ocean views, ideal for couples or solo travelers.
  • Ylang Ylang Villas: Romantic hideaways with indoor-outdoor living spaces and private plunge pools.
  • Zabuco Villas: Cliffside retreats featuring expansive decks, gourmet kitchens, and sweeping sea views, perfect for honeymoons or milestone celebrations.
  • Clifftop Villas & Multi-Villa Estates: Spacious, multi-bedroom layouts for families or small groups, offering additional privacy and comfort.

The villas include:

  • A private plunge pool with jungle or ocean views
  • A fully equipped gourmet kitchen, pre-stocked upon request with fresh, local ingredients
  • Indoor-outdoor rain showers and spa-style bathrooms
  • Curated libraries, locally sourced amenities, and thoughtful, eco-conscious touches
  • Optional in-villa wellness and dining experiences, including private yoga, spa treatments, and chef-prepared meals

Five-Star Amenities at Secret Bay

Whether your idea of indulgence is a sunrise yoga session or swimming with whales, Secret Bay delivers.

  • Beach & Pool: The resort’s beach is stunning and uncrowded, with incredible snorkeling. The infinity pool overlooks the sea, perfect for golden hour dips.
  • Wellness: Morning yoga on the jungle deck is a daily ritual. The on-site wellness pavilion offers open-air treatments, massage rituals, and body therapies using locally sourced ingredients. *Private sessions can be arranged in-villa.
  • Adventure: Experiences include rainforest hikes, hidden waterfall tours, cooking demonstrations in outdoor jungle kitchens, and seasonal opportunities to swim with whales!
  • Water Activities: Kayaking, paddleboarding, and (for the lucky) the chance to swim with whales. 

Dining at Secret Bay

Gastronomy is central to the Secret Bay experience. As part of the Relais & Châteaux network, the resort’s culinary approach emphasizes fresh, locally sourced, and wellness-focused cuisine.

  • Bwa Denn: Where food, art, and community converge. This modern, minimalist space is home to 100+ Caribbean and Latin American art pieces, local art installations, an island-to-table restaurant, "no menu" fine dining experience and tapas terrace, full-service bar, kombucha microbrewery and more.
  • In-Villa Dining: Breakfast, lunch, or dinner can be delivered directly to villas, complete with curated wine pairings and custom menus.
  • Cooking Classes: A standout experience includes walking through the resort’s trails to gather herbs and ingredients before enjoying a chef-led, open-air cooking presentation and tasting.

Secret bay strives to source ingredients that are as local, organic and traceable as possible, ensuring that each dish reflects the vibrant flavors of the island while promoting the health of our community and planet.

Family-Friendly Features

While the property is primarily geared toward couples and small groups, it can accommodate families with older children. Multi-bedroom villas offer ample space and flexibility, and activities like snorkeling, paddleboarding, and hiking are suitable for teens.

However, the terrain is hilly and uneven, making it less suitable for young children or guests with mobility concerns. Families considering Secret Bay should be comfortable with a highly active and nature-integrated setting.

Perks You Get with KBT

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Daily Organic Breakfast Basket for two guests per bedroom, for duration of the stay, filled with farm fresh eggs, organic fruit and all homemade granola, yogurt, bread, jam, dried fruit and local lemongrass and cocoa teas, delivered daily and served in-villa by your Villa Host.
  • Complimentary lunch or dinner for two people/room, once during stay, excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities (minimum 3-courses & value of $100USD)
  • A complimentary 50 minute massage for up to two people, per room, once during stay
  • Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

Why Secret Bay Should Be on Your Bucket List

Secret Bay stands apart as one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive and intentional retreats. With a focus on sustainability, intimacy, and experiential travel, the resort offers something rare: a chance to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature, without compromising on quality or comfort.

Travelers seeking a unique destination that blends untouched beauty with thoughtful design and personalized service will find Secret Bay to be an unforgettable escape. Plus, as a Virtuoso agency we get the most exclusive perks to make sure your stay is absolute perfection. Whether planning a romantic retreat, milestone trip, or wellness-focused getaway, this property delivers on both soul and sophistication.