The dream started in 1994, when Lise and Hans decided that at some point in their life, they want to live and invest in the Caribbean. From the Netherlands to Paris and Barcelona, they started preparing for this lifetime transition, exploring life in other countries and feeling what it would feel like to live in sunnier climates. On their quest to their self-promised land, they explored other islands, traveled to the Caribbean, hoping that one of them would be the perfect fit.

But nothing was, really, until they touched down in Dominica. “The sun, the sea, the nature and the friendly people. To be able to wear flip flops and shorts 365 days a year feels very relaxing.” Lise quotes, talking about what made Dominica “the perfect island” for them. A special emphasis on “the people”, as Dominican hospitality is reflected in the way The Champs’ team makes “the perfect experience” their goal, with every single customer they encounter. Two years after Lise and Hans settled on the island, The Champs opened its doors: it was the beginning of a new adventure.

Getting to Hotel The Champs, Dominica

The Champs is located in the community of Picard in Portsmouth, the second largest city on the island. The most convenient way of getting to Hotel The Champs is by driving. You can rent a car for your tours on island, using different local companies, or book a taxi service in Dominica to get you there. If you are planning a staycation/vacation with a group, you can also consider hiring a bus. Here is a list of additional options to travel around the island.

Directions (if driving): The property gives clear and detailed directions on how to get there. Alternatively, you can follow the direction here! (Departure from the capital city, Roseau):

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The Rooms and Amenities at Hotel The Champs, Dominica

When you book your stay at Hotel The Champs, you can choose one of 3 room options:

The Superior XL Room, the Superior Room or The Garden Room. Regardless of the room that you pick, you get access to all the room amenities, high speed wifi throughout the whole property, and a modern style bathroom that fits the vibes of the room you choose. The key differences between the rooms revolve around the room and bathroom sizes, as well as their proximity to the pool and kitchen areas.

Superior XL Room: definitely the largest on the property. This room comes with the option of either a king bed or two twin XL bed, with a complimentary sofa bed. This addition makes it perfect for large parties or families of 3 or more. The room is also on the first floor, one staircase away front the restaurant and breakfast area.

Superior Room: similar to the Superior XL room, but only offers king size beds and is not as spacious as its XL counterpart. 

Garden Rooms: these rooms are right next to the garden, which means you get the chance to see fruits and flowers bloom before your eyes, every single day! The garden rooms are less spacious than the superior rooms, and come with queen size beds.

They are also the closest to the pool, which means that your next dip is just a step away! Also, if you were to race to the pool with your friends staying in the superior or XL rooms, you would… probably win. 

But the pool is not the only place where you can dip at Hotel The Champs. How about the fully equipped jacuzzi? Perfect for solo times or quality time with your favourite!

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The Trendy and Flavorful Restaurant

If there is a place where the menu always changes and the flavour always pleases, it is definitely Hotel The Champs! Lise and Hans ensure that their chefs come up with a variety of meal options and almost every week there is something special happening!

When I went there, I was particularly impressed with everything we could choose from in the breakfast menu! In fact, because of their breakfast, they can easily rank as one of the top restaurants in Dominica (based on my personal preferences). I love staying at hotels where I don’t have to think about breakfast, because it helps me jump start my day and save time! And at The Champs Hotel, it is a huge plus to know that the delectable breakfast is included in any room booking!

Things you can do near Hotel The Champs, Dominica

• Go on an Indian river tour: the Indian river tour is one of the top tourist experiences when visiting Dominica. The indian river is coined after the Carib Indians (now known as Kalinagos)  who used to live along the river banks and used it as an access route to the Caribbean Sea.

• A haven for birdwatchers, the river leads you deep into the forest, past mangroves and the amazing Bwa Mang trees. You will also see old set for the witch’s house featured in the Pirates of the Caribbean films.

You might like to stop for a “dynamite” rum punch at the mellow bar along the way. I promise you: it’s tastebud-certified!

• Explore the Cabrits National Park: established in 1986, the Cabrits National Park is actually formed by remnants of an extinct volcano that was once its own island, separate from mainland Dominica. It was connected to Dominica by the sweeping in of material from Douglas Bay and Prince Rupert Bay. The now acclaimed national park derives its names from the word “goat” in French, in reference to the animals that were traded there. While at Cabrits, you can admire Fort Shirley, formerly a military outpost, built in 1765 as a garrison to defend the north of the island Dominica. Today, it is now a popular site for large meetings, conferences and wedding ceremonies. 
• Spend the day at Bell Hall Beach: one of the island’s northern black sand beaches, Bell Hall beach is a great stop for a quick and relaxing escape when visiting the North.

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• Right by the beach, there is a trendy restaurant that serves all types of local delicacies and palate pleasing bush rums! We went there once, loved it, and went there 3x again! And every single time, I was 100% satisfied!

Ready to Book your Stay at Hotel The Champs?

It’s very easy! Lise and Hans actually encourage you to book directly with them. Their reservation system is up to date, but if you are reaaaally not seeing a room available for the time of your intended stay, you can always contact them here.

Top Things to Know Before Planning your Trip to Dominica

Getting to Dominica: you can get to Dominica either by flying, or using a connecting ferry from neighboring islands. Most airlines that fly to Dominica serve the Caribbean region. If you are coming from Europe, Africa, Asia or the Americas, you will need to make a stopover in another island (Barbados, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, etc.) If you are coming from the Caribbean, you can easily get direct flights to Dominica. Ferry companies also provide connections with neighboring islands.

** Due to the CoVID 19 pandemic, some of the airlines have travel restrictions. Please, check with the airline that you plan to use for your trip to make sure they travel to Dominica before booking your trip. Also inquire with them regarding their travel restrictions/specifications.**

Best time to visit Dominica: there are so many things to do in Dominica all year round, so every day is a good day to visit the Nature isle! But if you’re looking for specific activities happening on island, here are the best recommendations: 

• February – March: Carnival Season
• May – June:Jazz and Creole Season
• July : Dominica Dive Festival 
• September – November: Dominica Independence Season (during this season, the World Creole Music Festival is also held, at the end of October)
• December: Christmas season

Dominica Weather: in general, the weather in Dominica is sunny all year long. Just like any other Caribbean island, Dominica is prone to hurricanes. The hurricane season starts in June and ends in November. 

Dominica Currency: Dominica currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar. This currency is used in the 7 islands which are part of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). These include: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Anguilla and Montserrat. 1 USD = 2.67 XCD approximately.Dominica Language: English and Creole French (Antillais Creole/Dominican Creole) are the official languages in Dominica.