Original Post Date: Aug 9, 2019

Updated: Oct 11, 2024

Where to stay in Dominica? If this is a question you have been asking yourself in the planning process of your trip to the nature isle of the Caribbean, this article is for you! In this article, I share a review of my experience at the Atlantique View Resort, nestled in the north east region of the island (Anse de Mai).

This is how it all started: I was looking for where to stay in Dominica for a staycation with friends, so I announced: “I am going on another staycation this weekend,”  “Again?” They exclaimed. “Why not?”, I responded in an affirmative and confirming tone. If it’s going to be this cheap to stay at Dominica’s best hotels this summer, I might as well take advantage of it! This was my trend of thought, and this was going to be my mood all summer! After indulging in a few thirst-quenching drinks at the Mero beach, my best girls and I took the road to the Atlantique View Resort: The North had called.

I had always secretly wanted to spend a night (or two) at the Atlantique View Resort in Anse de Mai. So when it came to figuring out where to stay in Dominica for that staycation, it became an easy pick.  Even though I had been there before for social events (concerts and weddings), I never stayed the night. But as fate would have it, this staycation vibes had just given me a reason to. 

Where to Stay in Dominica: The Atlantique View Resort

The sun had set on the mesmerizing flora that paints the decor surrounding the Atlantique View Resort. But despite our unanticipated late check-in, Amorie, the receptionist, did everything she could to accommodate us and make sure the process was a breeze. I was struck by her courtesy and respect, and said to myself, “this is not something that I see a lot around here”. Whilst she was taking care of all the check-in modalities, we decided to head over to the Atlantique’s Coconut Grove Restaurant and begin the festivities. 

A quiet, peaceful and relaxing dinner area was waiting for us. This was no busy city restaurant on a Friday night, or high end eatery with overwhelming crowds. It was an elegant, noiseless atmosphere, made intimate just for the three of us: for our budget and the vibes we were looking for, we had picked a good choice of where to stay in Dominica for this staycation. It was everything we needed to spend quality time with each other, as good friends. And so, drowning in the laughter of our own jokes, we dined. 

The Rooms at the Atlantique View Resort

The next best thing that happened was checking in our room at the Atlantique View Resort. As I stepped into suite 702, I felt a sense of relief. I couldn’t just “picture” myself lying on one of the suite beds, I had to feel it. The classy and elegant decor of the room made me feel like I was somewhere else. Yet, the tasteful art paintings that embellished the walls awakened the local vibes. With the perfect company, the perfect room temperature and the perfect drinks in hand, the moment felt complete. At that point, we needed nothing more.  With its spacious rooms, modern amenities, and friendly staff, it’s easy to see why the Atlantique View Resort is a good option for travelers who are looking for modest elegance on a budget, when it comes to where to stay in Dominica.

 

The Staycation Breakfast at the Atlantique View Resort

If there is one thing I always look forward to during a staycation, it’s the hotel breakfast. We started off the next morning with a power breakfast, feasting to the taste of freshly baked pancakes and creole omelettes. The local cocoa tea was not on the menu, but the servings were sufficient enough to satisfy a party of three. Out of everything we got, there is one thing I appreciated the most: the complimentary fruit platter that the chef offered.

Just like our first staycation earlier this summer, this one would not have been complete without a little bit of adventure! So if you want to explore the environs while you’re staying at the Atlantique View Resort, here are some interesting ideas!

Things to do near the Atlantique View Resort in Dominica

The Atlantique View Resort is a good choice of where to stay in Dominica because it is relatively close to the best attractions in the area such as the Chaudiere Pool, the Hampstead River and the Hampstead Estate. However, if you are not able to go to any of these spots because of the weather, there is still a handful of options that you can use to make your experience in the North complete! Here are some ideas.

Relax at the Anse Sol Dat Beach

Just a few minutes drive from the Atlantique View Resort, the Anse Sol Dat Beach is worth the stop on your way out of the region. The views are very pretty, and you can see neighboring islands (such as the Saints and Marie Galante) from the beach. It is also a popular wedding spots, and by the sight of it, one can easily understand why. From there, you can head over to Calibishie for more sightseeing and unique adventures.

Visit The Artist’s Gallery (Calibishie)

Whether you’re a fan of art or not, visiting the Artist Gallery is a must when you go to Calibishie. It is a very small and cozy studio, yet it gives you just enough to want to extend your stay. This artist painted such a vivid yet realistic picture of everything that makes Dominica so different and so beautifully unique. While you’re there, you can purchase a piece of art, or request to have a picture/sculpture made for you! 

Learn how to make Chocolate at the Chocolate Factory (Pointe Baptiste, Calibishie)

If you live in Dominica, you’ve probably seen this fancy label on the shelves of your favorite supermarkets in the city. But if you are not familiar with it, allow me to introduce you to this local chocolate made at the Pointe Baptiste Chocolate Factory! This factory has been established in Dominica for at least 10 years. 

The owner, Alan Napier, is a self-taught chocolatier, passionate about the art of chocolate making, and who eventually decided to open his own factory. His workshop is very cozy and personal. During my visit, I was impressed to see that whilst some of the equipment he uses was purchased, other machines were handmade by him.  He took time to walk us through the entire process of making chocolate, from the drying of the cocoa beans to grinding, condensing and mixing.

After your tour, you get to sample different flavours of chocolate, from peppermint to tangerine and mango. And while you’re there, you can even purchase some for home!

Explore The Red Rocks (Calibishie)

The Red Rocks in Calibishie are definitely one of the northeastern wonders you ought to see whenever you visit Dominica.  Red Rocks is a very uncanny, caved landscape formation, consisting of smooth reddened earth that has been compacted and shaped by both ocean and weather. The Red Rocks offers an unbeatable view of some of the neighboring French islands and the beautiful north-east coast of Dominica. 

While you’re there, take the time to take in the heavenly beauty of these earthly formations themselves. They wave various trails which you can explore. Don’t be afraid to get in the famous “cave”! And if you get there at dusk, you just might experience the magical moment when the sun sets behind the Dominican mountains.

If you haven’t done a staycation in Dominica yet, go for it! It is such a cost-effective alternative compared to traveling overseas. And if you’re looking for where to stay in Dominica in the North of the island, then the Atlantique View Resort is a good option. They offer great rooms, comfort at its best, a relaxing environment and proximity to one of the most scenic villages in Dominica: Calibishie.

So take the leap today, and drop your email in the previous form above if you want to get a 10% discount on your stay at the Atlantique View Resort!