It stood through times, and it’s here to stay.
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A little bit of history…
Throwback to the 1600-1700. During the era of colonial domination, a military system was implemented at key points around the island to keep Dominica safe: one of those points was, naturally, the heart of the capital city, Roseau. Oh wait… Roseau was樂威壯 n’t the capital city back then. I’m so excited, I am getting ahead of myself.
Several forts were built around the island, and one of those was what we now know as Fort Young. And it makes sense why a fort would be built over there though: it sits on the edge of a cliff, overlooking the caribbean sea. So if enemies were to come your way, you would see them right away! When the British took over the island, The fort was renamed “Fort Young”, after the first British Governor. Eventually, it became a central police station, and it is now the premier hotel: The Fort Young Hotel, located in the capital city, Roseau.
The roles of this historical piece of land might have changed over the years, but its character has remained the same: bold, elegant and undefeated. And though the hotel has gone through several rounds of renovations (up to this day), some of the walls that kept the fort unbeatable are still there today.
So, when you step into the Fort Young Hotel, you are stepping into at least 300 years of history. For a moment, let that sink in. Welcome to Roseau, the Historical City.
Getting to the Fort Young Hotel, Dominica
Fort Young Hotel is located at the heart of the capital city, so getting there from Roseau is a breeze. Besides, even if you don’t know your way around, there is no need to use your Google Maps App. Simply ask a local where the hotel is. It is also within a walking distance to most of the city attractions including nearby beaches such as Mero Beach, which makes it very convenient for a first time/repeat visitor!
The Rooms at the Fort Young Hotel
Currently, the Fort Young Hotel offers 3 categories of rooms you can choose from:
- Ocean front suite
- Deluxe ocean front suite
- Ocean front room
What’s the difference, one might ask? (I know I surely wanted to know). Well, all the rooms give you a sweeping view of the caribbean seam and pretty similar amenities. The key difference lies in how spacious they are, with the deluxe ocean front room being the largest (and can actually accommodate up to 8 people in a dining setting). Not to say that you should dine in your room when the hotel itself has an exquisite restaurant loaded with local and international delicacies ready to make your tastebuds lose their mind but… you get the point.
Waking up to the sound of splashing waves moved by the rolling sea is… a next level kind of blessing.
The Restaurant at the Fort Young Hotel
Whenever I travel, I tend to book hotel rooms with breakfast included, or depending on the situation, a hotel with a delectable breakfast spot close by. And when I say breakfast, I don’t mean a piece of cheese or a sandwich. I mean, BREAKFAST.
I’ve been blessed to have breakfast in at least 35 cities in this beautiful world and the Breakfast at the Fort Young Hotel is at the top of my rating chart! It’s not just about the quantity, but the quality: it’s the choice of locally curated items, the blend of herbs and spices, and the uniqueness of everything all together. Top this with the dessert delicacies such as the specialty cake made with dominican fudge, or the signature fort young hotel yogurt. This is the kind of breakfast that makes me wake up extra early. This is the kind of breakfast that makes me fast at night.
Interestingly, it has been near to impossible for me to fully capture in picture, a breakfast plate at the Fort Young Hotel. Either my plate was too full at times, or I just dove straight in and forgot to take the picture at hand! This only means one thing – you’ve got to go there and… take a picture for us both!
Prefer video content? Watch the full vlog of this experience now!
Throughout the years, the Fort Young Hotel has diversified its breakfast options, frequently switching to “brunches” to accommodate the brunch lovers. Now, the signature Fort Young Hotel Brunches feature local and international cuisine, and are perfect for:
- “No cooking” sundays,
- Family day outs,
- Planned or unplanned love dates,
- Birthday celebrations,
- New friend coming to visit Dominica (and you want their adventure to start with a bang!)
- Any other reason you want to brunch!
My all time favourite item is the “cocoa tea”, and my biggest pet peeve is… the fact that the tea cup is simply never big enough.
Things to do at the Fort Young Hotel
Staying at the Fort Young Hotel is an “all-inclusive” experience, and is really one of the hotels where you can make the most out of your vacation time. They provide everything that you need, so much so that you won’t ever have to step outside unless you want to.
A lover of adventure? You can check out their sea turtles, whale watching or kayaking experiences!
More into hiking? Their partner tour guides will take you on the most exciting (and closest) hiking adventures that you can find around the capital city!
Are you more of a ‘spa and chill’ person? Well, head over to the infinity pool and jacuzzi. This is … most likely where you’re going to find me… sipping my cocktails, planning my next naps or fleshing out my next business strategy!
But what if you want more? What if you’ve soaked in so much of the hotel’s goodies that your desire for adventure makes you thirst for more? Well…here are some ideas of other amazing activities you can do near the Fort Young Hotel!
Prefer video content? Watch the full vlog of this experience now!
Things to do near the Fort Young Hotel
Explore the Dominica Museum
One of the things that I thoroughly enjoyed in my travels is understanding history. And going to museums has been one of the ways I have found useful in learning and understanding the history of a country (reading books, watching videos and documentaries, digesting articles and doing research, are ways).
The Dominica museum is not necessarily one of the largest in the Caribbean, but its richness lies in the quality and category of artifacts that it houses: elements of our joint African culture, snippets of history, and tasteful touches of what life used to be back then for Dominican ancestors, and how it came to where it is now.
There, you will learn things like:
- where the traditional wear, the wob dwiyet comes from,
- what the political system on island is like,
- where the kalinagos came from how they used to travel and survive around the island,
- where the volcanic points on the islands are, and where you should go to see the most amazing marine fauna.
It is small, but informative. To me though, the most impressive thing was realizing that the same traditional iron I used to iron my clothes with back in high school (on days where there was no light), was also used here in the Caribbean! If you know, you know. We would put charcoal and some gasoline in to light the iron, wait a little bit until it catches, test it on the ironing board, and start the ironing process. But God forbid the charcoal soils your school uniform. Whew Chile. That was a different story.
Stroll around the Old Market Square
The old market square used to be the market where slaves were traded, and at times executed. Despite its dark history, the old market is now a key tourist spot as it houses local artisans and merchants who offer unique and traditional products to visiting tourists.
Outside of the tourist season, you can appreciate the market square clock as well as other historical landmarks on the square.
Sample local cocktails at the Ruins Rock Bar
If there is a spot where (almost) all visitors unequivocally stop before diving deep into the city, it’s Ruins Rock Bar. Take a breath, take it deep. We’re in the Caribbean, take a sip!
Rekindle with nature during a picnic at the Dominica Botanical Gardens
One of the finest botanical gardens in the Caribbean, the Dominica Botanical garden is home to the bois kwaib (Sabinea carinalis), Dominica’s national tree and flower, and many other tropical trees and palms. Some of these include traditional trees that are part of the caribbean folklore culture, such as the banyan (Ficus benghalensis), and the ylang ylang (Cananga odorata), which inspired the naming of one of the secluded, luxury villas at Secret Bay. beyond its interesting flora, most people know the Dominica Botanical garden because of what happened there during Hurricane David in 1979: During the hurricane, one of the garden’s trees, the African Baobab Tree, fell and crushed an (empty) school bus. The scene has been marked, and the crushed bus can still be seen at the garden, to this day.
While you stroll throughout the gardens, let your ears be enchanted by the sound of the hummingbirds, carib grackles, and the green heron. Afterall, they are home.
Enjoy a panoramic city view at Morne Bruce
Morne Bruce is truly a scenic view point that gives you an appreciation of the capital city, Roseau, that you can’t find anywhere else. The spot was named after The General Bruce). Today, it is a common space where locals hang out for intimate picnics, or simply after work relaxation. It is not located within a walking distance, but can easily be accessed within 5-mn drive.
Unwind and heal in the therapeutic warm waters of the Sulphur Springs
Can a visit to Dominica ever be complete without taking a therapeutic dip at the Dominica Sulphur Springs? I don’t think so. And if you ever allowed yourself to go back home without going to the Dominica Sulphur Springs, then understand one thing: you need to come back to Dominica. Beyond being a spot to hang out and chill, the Sulphur Springs heal. From sore bodies to stressed out minds, there isn’t an ache they can’t unarm. Wotten Waven is the region where the majority of the sulphur springs are located, due to the island’s volcanic activity. Your next level of relaxation is only 15 mns away (driving) from Roseau. And it’s totally worth it.
Awaken your senses in the cold water pool of Ti Tou Gorge
You don’t like it hot? No problem. We have it cold, too. From the French expression “Petite Gorge” (in English, “Little Throat”), Titou Gorge is a natural cold water pool that was formed from splashing volcanic lava. The depths of the cave sparkles with naturally filtered sunlight, creating a magical ambiance that is simply too difficult to describe. You can swim in the cave only if you’re an experienced swimmer. Otherwise, it’s Ok to simply stand inside and let the refreshing water cool your pores. Titou Gorge is one of the top tourist attractions in Dominica for those who don’t want to get too far away from the city.
Interestingly… most of the time, when I think of “vacation” I think of “getting out of the city. With that in mind the idea of having a Staycation at the fort young hotel (which is in the heart of the city, Roseau), seemed counter productive. At first, I believed everyone who said it wouldn’t mean much because I would still be surrounded by the business of city life.
For once, I am glad I was wrong.
From the comfort of my Ocean suite, I felt insulated from the world around me. From the midday heat in Roseau, to the deafening horns of bus and personal drivers… I didn’t feel a thing. I didn’t hear a thing.
I truly felt protected within a fort. Lazing in the warm jacuzzi, sipping cocktails at the pool bar and flapping my melanated legs in the pool, nothing else mattered. Not a single thing.
This, my friend, is what I call a vacation. Even when the world around you is full of noise, the Fort gives you peace.
Book your stay at the Fort Young Hotel and Dive Resort Now!
You’ll thank me later.
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.
Prefer video content? Watch the full vlog of this experience now!
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