Original Post Date: July 8, 2019

Updated: Oct 11, 2024

Note: The “Discover Dominica Authority” has been advertising staycation packages all across the island, so that all locals can enjoy the best of what Dominica has to offer during this summer! So I decided to experience a Summer Staycation in Dominica. Besides, it came in at the perfect time because I desperately needed a break.

In this article, I will show you exactly why this DDA Staycation package is a win-win!

The pressure had been coming from all corners: working late hours to make sure my boss is satisfied, my clients are happy and my job is done, juggling with my personal goals which included going to the gym and eating healthy, and spending at least 4 hours at practice, 4 days a week, preparing for Sisserou Singers choral concert, Sounds of Silver. Every night, I would get home fatigued, famished and frustrated. And this was not a way to live. This was not the way I wanted to live, to be, to feel this summer: I needed time out. My body, mind and soul yearned to feel fresh again. I wanted to “get out”. I wanted to be “me” again. 

I knew I could not book a flight ticket, disappear and come back in a week (“Hello M’am, your responsibilities will be waiting right back for you when you return”, I told myself). Plus this was not the mature way to deal with life. Then, it became evident to me: a “summer staycation in Dominica” is exactly what I need.

Getting There

My best girls and I took the road out of the city on Saturday afternoon, ready to “relax” at all costs. Our hour ride to Portsmouth was still tainted by our vigorous complaints about work, family, friends, Roseau’s unbearable heat, clothes that would just not fit… and anything else that was considered a major stressor in our life at that point. But all of this was about to change as we arrived at the Portsmouth Beach Hotel. 

The Portsmouth Beach Hotel for our Summer Staycation in Dominica

Ideally located with an incomparable view of the sea, the Portsmouth Beach Hotel was “the location” we needed for our summer staycation in Dominica. The check-in process was a breeze, and in no time, Room 355 was made ours for the night. A natural path paved with freshly rain-watered plants and trees led us to our room. The voice of our security escort slowly faded in the background, leaving space for the sound of the sea taking over And with the waves returning back to the sea, it felt like they took away some of my worries from me. 

Room #355 was VERY basic. With two beds, a table, a fridge, a dresser, a microwave and a basic bathroom, this is just enough to get by for the night. This would be the ideal selection if you’re looking for a budget, decent room, and with no expectations. 

Cost breakdown: 

There goes your first win: saving on cost!

• Regular price for a suite: 90 USD (approx. 243 EC)
• Discounted price: 65 USD (approx. 176 EC )     
• You save 25 USD on (approx. 67 EC) on your room price
• Here is what we ended up paying, per person: 176 EC/3 = 59 EC per person

Clem’s Super Savvy Tip: want to save more? Travel with others! It splits your hotel bill and we ended up having more fun! (PS: during the online booking, I requested an extra bed since we would be a party of 3).

The Activities

The Spa (“not included, comes at an extra cost”)

I had heard about the Body Bliss Spa before. And so, for our summer staycation, getting some pampering time was on the agenda. Plus, as I partisan of all “feel good” experiences, I did not need much convincing to give a “yes” to massages at the Body Bliss Spa. From the time we stepped through the doors to the time we left, our experience was simply commendable. And the massage… just took it away. As the gentle pressure of her hands untangled my once resilient “stress knots”, I could feel my back coming alive again.

With my legs and arms made light as a feather, I couldn’t help but fall asleep in her tender care. I had opted for the hour long “Blissful Massage”, yet it felt like an hour was just not enough. And then, awakening me from my relaxed slumber, she said, in a soothing voice, this one thing that made me cry: “Your massage is over”. Good things truly come to an end but this was not the end of our summer staycation in Dominica.

Note: The Body Bliss & Spa is conveniently located within a 5-mn drive of the Portsmouth Beach Hotel. The staff is very responsive and welcoming! We got there very late, and they were still happy to accommodate us.

The Spa Services are not included in the cost of this staycation. However, I spoke to the Manager and she agreed to give a spicy discount to everyone who read this article! So drop your email below to get a coupon code for a discount on your next spa appointment at Body Bliss & Spa!

Here is the price list for the services offered at the Body Bliss & Spa:

Dinner Night Out

After our revitalizing spa session, we dined at Riverside International Restaurant and Bar. Built along the banks of the Picard river, the restaurants offers exquisite culinary delights, including Asian, International and Western delicacies. The best part of it (apart from the fact that the food is amazing) is it is affordable.

 

Cost breakdown: 

Here goes your second win! Saving on meal cost and service charge. 

Pork Chops meal + 2 sides: 45 EC, Grilled Lobster meal + 2 sides: 65 EC, Traditional cocktails: 15 EC

For a similar meal and drink at a different restaurant, you’d end up paying a 10-15 EC more. Plus, the service charge and taxes are lower.

Clem’s Super Savvy Tips: 

• Go there early if you don’t want to run out of side dishes, or place your order in advance. Also, the cocktails there are amazing. (This is the place where I had my first “Mai Thai”).
• Other dining options: Madiba, Clara’s House. 

Winner’s Breakfast

The next morning, we started our day in the best way we could: with a power breakfast. We could choose from either a continental, American or Local breakfast meals. Each option has its perks, and your choice truly depends on what you are feeling for during your staycation. There is also an option to choose single breakfast items (French toast, pancakes, tea/milk/cocoa tea only, etc.) or have them as “add-ons” to your breakfast.

Cost breakdown:

Here goes your third win! Save on breakfast items based on your appetite and your pocket.

• Single breakfast item: 15 EC
• Breakfast meal: 35 EC
• Any add-on: 10 EC

Here, you really have the option of going for what you want and what you can afford. You could go for a single breakfast item (either pancakes, or french toast, etc.) add a drink (cocoa tea, regular tea, etc.) or bring your own drink to save more. You can also opt for a breakfast meal, base

We opted for an American Breakfast (pancakes, bacon strips and scrambled eggs), with add-ons (cocoa tea, green salad, and extra bacon strips). 

The wonders of the morning were prolonged with a morning sea-bath. After all, our summer staycation in Dominica would simply not be complete without a sea experience! Passing my toes through the Picard black sand beach, the breezy sea caressing my shin, with a complimentary cocktail in my hands; I couldn’t have wished for a better morning. Yet, things kept getting better.

Another Day at The Spa ( “Add-On”)

I could not imagine myself leaving Portsmouth without making another turn at the Body Bliss Spa. After the “magic” that Hanna and her team worked on me the night before, we needed to replicate that experience for my face. Not only because I longed for that summer glow, but also, Sounds of Silver was coming up the next weekend and I had no choice but to be at my best! Hanna blessed my face with a purifying, detoxicating and rejuvenating hot stone massage. I wasn’t in heaven, heaven was in me. 

Final Baseline Cost: 134 EC.

Note: this final baseline cost does not include the Spa services at Body Bliss & Spa, they come at a separate price.

Here is the price list for the services offered at the Body Bliss & Spa:

For our summer staycation in Dominica, we only had one goal in mind: get rid of all the worries that we had in my mind. We came back to the city better than we left: with a clearer spirit, a happier mood, and still… a lot of money in our bank accounts.

Among other things, a staycation is truly one of my favorite last minute getaway ideas. But it is even better when you can do it on a budget. If we could do it, you can do it too. 

(If you have any questions about this article, let me know in the comments below. Happy to give you more details.)

Adventurously,
Clem