Original Post Date: Feb 26, 2024

Ecofriendly resorts in the Caribbean offer travelers a sustainable and luxurious way to experience the region’s natural beauty, all while minimizing their environmental footprint. The best eco-resorts in the Caribbean are those that embrace nature, exhibit sustainability practices and provide offerings for eco-conscious travelers. And the Rosalie Bay Eco Resort is definitely one of them: this is Dominica resort “built around nature”. Everyone has their definition of luxury. For some, it’s a life in the high rise, top notch and high-end buildings. For others, an undisturbed escape in the woods. In this article, I am sharing a review of my experience at one of the top ecofriendly resorts in the Caribbean and in Dominica: the Rosalie Bay Ecoresort. 

Ecofriendly resorts in the Caribbean are designed with the environment in mind, using renewable energy sources, sustainable materials, and practices that protect the surrounding ecosystems. When I went to the Rosalie Bay Resort, I wasn’t looking for what one would consider the traditional “luxury”: fancy rooms beyond the norm, off the charts and borderline distracting amenities. I sought a place where I could find solace for a sisterly retreat, where I could escape in upscale nature while still in touch with the world. The Rosalie Bay Eco resort was perfect for this, and there are so many things that made it one of the best eco-resorts in the Caribbean for me. 

I’ve been around the world (and I’m grateful for it). Yet, I felt a different sense of belonging during my time at Rosalie Bay. It was in the upscale property. The decor. The natural atmosphere. The sufficient amenities. The “rekindling” with nature. The staff, and the friendly community. Not so far from being in an enchanted forest, my stay at Rosalie Bay was simply magical. It is one of the best eco-resorts in the Caribbean that I would definitely recommend, especially as you are planning your trip to Dominica.

The history behind one of the best ecofriendly resorts in the Caribbean

Behind every chef d’oeuvre of excellence, lives an intrinsic piece of history. I sat with the manager (Mrs Coipel), as she took me back to how the story started at Rosalie Bay and how it became one of the best eco-resorts in the Caribbean. And she did so candidly.

Rosalie Bay Resort was built close to 21 years ago (in the 2000s). The vision for this Dominica resort was simple: vintage-style architecture where people would reconnect with nature. It took some time to get the vision conveyed and executed. Planted within a natural estate, it was important for the founders to ensure that they “don’t lose the green feel”. So, they ensured that nature in its whole was infused at the core of this resort. “We built it around it. From the start, we wanted to highlight the ecotourism feel and nature conservation aspect of our property”, Mrs. Coipel added. 

 

Sustainable Travel Experiences at one of the Best Eco Resorts in the Caribbean: Turtle Watching

Choosing an ecofriendly resort in the Caribbean allows guests to enjoy guilt-free relaxation, knowing their stay supports conservation efforts and local communities. People commonly go to the Rosalie Bay Eco resort because of their signature “turtle watching experiences”, and even that is intentional. Even before the Rosalie Bay Resort was built, from the time the founders knew that the Rosalie beach was a turtle nesting beach, they launched their turtle preservation program. It became Rosalie’s signature. Alongside turtle protection, they continued their mission and incorporated environmental protection as one of the pillars of the property. The Rosalie Bay Eco Resort is fueled by renewable energy and a multitude of solar panels, which adds to what makes him one of the best eco resorts in the Caribbean, and in Dominica. And inasmuch as their strength (energy) comes from nature, they are very conscious about how this energy is utilized everyday, and not wasted. You can see it with the smart design of their resort rooms that feature several windows to allow natural air to flow in (in addition to air conditioning). You can also see it in the architectural design of their common living areas (such as the restaurant), where both light and wind easily penetrate, unencumbered. 

Sustainability Focus at one of the Best Ecofriendly Resorts in the Caribbean

The cleanest water you could find

Beyond being built around nature, the Rosalie Bay Eco resort was built with intention. This Caribbean nature resort has a natural water filtration system: the vetiver grass, intentionally planted along the river banks, filters all the water that services the property (shower, pool, and kitchen). 

The Signature Onyx Pool, Heated in Royalty

Even the sensational Rosalie Bay Eco Resort pool was built and designed with nature in mind. The pool is lined with Onyx, a black and white banded silica mineral which is known for its historical royalty and heat absorbent property. During the day, the Onyx stones that line the pool absorb sunlight. At night, it releases this heat, ensuring that the guests can enjoy a naturally heated swim. 

Beyond its natural properties, the Onyx stone also has a history of royalty. In fact, the term Onyx is a latin word that means “fingernail” or ‘claw” in English. According to the Greek mythology, onyx stones formed from the fingernails of the goddess Apphrodite. Legend has it that one day, while Aphrodite (goddess of beauty) was sleeping near the Indus river (maybe a greek version of the Rosalie river, who knows!), her son Eros (the analogue of “Cupid” in the Roman Mythology) used one of his arrows to cut off her fingernail. The nail fell into the river and transformed into Onyx. 

How to get to the Rosalie Bay Eco Resort,  Dominica

The Rosalie Bay Resort is nestled in the calm village of Laplaine, only 45 minutes from the capital city, Roseau, and 50 minutes from the Douglas Charles Airport. If you’re driving alone and you don’t know your way to this Dominica resort, you can find it easily using Google Maps. But if you’re taking a taxi or a bus tour, chances are, they most likely know where you are supposed to go. 

The Rooms at the Rosalie Bay Resort – Ecofriendly Resort in the Caribbean

Depending on the kind of experience you want during your Dominica vacation or staycation, the Rosalie Bay Eco Resort offers a variety of rooms you can choose from. Essentially, they differ based on how spacious they are, and how many amenities they provide. Rooms like the junior garden suite are pretty cozy and comfortable for a party of two, whereas options like the oceanfront and ocean view suites are a lot more spacious. 

 

Good to know though – the ocean view suites at this Caribbean eco resort give you an unmatchable view of the Atlantic ocean, whereas the riverside suites bring you closer to the refreshing Rosalie riv威而鋼 er. And the garden view suites … well, you guessed it:) They overlook the many Rosalie gardens, with a view of the ocean from your room’s veranda. What a nature view: what an added perk for one of the best eco-resorts in the Caribbean.

I would recommend picking the rooms you want based on your vibes and your budget. You can see more details of the room options at Rosalie Bay Resort here!

Dining at one of the best ecofriendly resorts in the Caribbean

Many ecofriendly resorts in the Caribbean offer farm-to-table dining experiences where guests can savor dishes made from produce grown right on the property. At Rosalie, dining is not just about enjoying delicious food but also about supporting local farmers and reducing the carbon footprint of your meals. There is no better way for a resort to position itself as eco friendly, than promoting its services as ‘eat what you plant’. Or in the commonly used Dominican slang, “mange sa nou plante” (we eat what we plant). It is refreshing to see that a Dominica resort like Rosalie Bay Eco Resort promotes a holistic and healthy lifestyle, even in its cuisine: these are aspects that I particularly appreciate when visiting a sustainable property.

The dishes are seasoned and marinated with freshly picked herbs and spices from the Rosalie gardens, everyday. Your daily continental breakfast (with a local touch) features fruits and vegetables from the Rosalie garden, and when not, from the local markets and farmers. This is the perfect option for the health conscious or sustainable traveler, and even for those who are traveling with kids. There truly is no room to doubt where your food is coming from: you can see it in the garden when you do your daily tours. This is yet another reason why you should visit the Rosalie Bay Eco resort, one of the best eco resorts in the Caribbean. Choosing an ecofriendly resort in the Caribbean means indulging in dining experiences that are both environmentally responsible and deeply connected to the local culture.

And while you wait for your meals to be freshly cooked, make sure you try out Rosalie’s signature cocktail: the Leatherback drink, named after the leatherback turtle.

Sustainable Activities at one of the Best Ecofriendly Resorts in the Caribbean – Rosalie Bay Resort

Many ecofriendly resorts in the Caribbean also offer activities such as guided nature hikes, organic farm-to-table dining, and educational programs that promote environmental awareness. All the activities at Rosalie Bay Eco Resort are centered around holistic wellness: body, mind and spirit. From picking your own herbs for the afternoon tea, to indulging in a sensational full body massage, there is something to do for anyone and any family on a healthy journey. 

Here are a few ideas of things that you can do during your stay at Rosalie. 

1. The Rosalie Bay Garden Tour

Included in every Dominica vacation or staycation at the Rosalie Bay Resort, the Rosalie garden tour is a great way to reconnect with nature, while learning about traditional herbal medicine that make the island so self-sustained. At the end of the tour, you can pick your own herbs to make your own healing tea!

2. Swim at the Onyx pool or in the Rosalie River 

Take a dip or a plunge anytime you please. If you’re feeling for a river bath in the morning, then the Rosalie river is yours. As long as the tides are not high. And if you want to take a dip in the onyx pool after lunch, you can do that too. 

 

3. Restore your Glo at the Glo’ Spa

A visit at the Glo Spa is mandatory, for anyone who goes to this Dominica resort for a staycation. Even if you don’t have the time, cater at least 15 mins for a massage. Your body and mind will thank you later. Book a session for a manicure, pedicure, full body massage, or for all three. Whatever you end up picking, be comforted by the fact that natural herbs, products and oils will be used to restore your inner glow, during your treatment.

4. Get back in shape at the Rosalie Bay Resort Gym

The fully stocked gym at this Caribbean eco resort is a great compliment for those who want to be more active during their stay. I love the fact that it is available. If you are used to exercising, you don’t have to stop because you are on vacation. You can definitely keep up with your daily jogs or push ups!

 

PS: they also offer yoga sessions for those who are into these types of activities. Ensure that you contact them in advance to schedule a solo or group session. 

Activities near one of the best ecofriendly resorts in the Caribbean – The Rosalie Bay Resort

Staying at an ecofriendly resort in the Caribbean ensures a unique and responsible vacation experience, where comfort and sustainability go hand in hand. Being at the Rosalie Bay Eco Resort, you won’t lack a thing. But if you want to spice up your experience because you’re staying longer, here are some  activities you can add to your list.

• Take a dip at Jacko Falls: named after a prominent slave resistant chief (Jacko), the Jacko falls are one of the most memorable and most accessible waterfalls in Dominica. Hidden in plain sight, the Jacko falls can be accessed after a 5-7 mns walk from the main road. And if you want to see a video of what you might expect before heading there, check out this Jacko Falls video by Yuri A Jones. 

 

• Explore Cold Soufriere: an interesting natural variant of nature’s wonders, Cold Soufriere is different from any of the other sulphur springs on island. At any site of volcanic activity in Dominica, you’d expect warm water (or at the very least, lukewarm water). But at Cold Soufriere, the water from the water springs is cold, though the geological formation has the same features as one of the hot springs along the island. 

• Grab a Black Pudding Bite at Succufee: Succufee is a popular spot for those traveling out of town for island adventures! Stop there on your way to Rosalie, or on your way to any of the other spots in the area!

 

 

Looking for more ideas of things you can do in Dominica this summer? Make sure to check out my complete list of suggestions!

Want to see never before shown Behind the Scenes of my staycation experience at Rosalie? Check it out here!

Want to see exclusive behind the scenes of my time at Rosalie? You can see it here! 

Have you ever been to Rosalie? Or are you planning to go after having read this post? Let me know in the comments below!

Created: July 8 2021 – Updated: Feb 26 2024