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Helfried W

Best Experience ever on Dominica

Review of Secret Bay
5.0 of 5 bubblesReviewed 5 Aug 2024
Our stay in Secret Bay was the best experience of our island hopping tour through the Caribbean islands. Arriving on the island we've been welcomed by a friendly and helpful chauffeur. At the resort it was even better and after a few minutes we could enter the luxury villa on top of the cliff. Our private villa host offered us an excellent service and we just enjoyed the colorful scenery, the delicious meals, either in the villa or at the new restaurant, and the privacy. The family summary after more than three weeks travelling in the Caribbean is clear, Secret Bay is the best place to be!
Thanks to the whole team for having us. It was a memorable experience!
Date of stay: July 2024
Room Tip: Although we travelled in the rainy season, we had a lot of time to souk up sun. Using the local...
Trip type: Travelled with family
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Craig Sands, General Manager at Secret Bay, responded to this review
Responded 5 Aug 2024
Good Day!

Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience at Secret Bay! It was a pleasure meeting you and your family. We're thrilled to hear that your stay with us was the highlight of your Caribbean island-hopping tour.

We're glad our chauffeur and villa host provided excellent service and that you enjoyed the luxury of your villa, the beautiful scenery, and our delicious meals. Your kind words about the privacy and overall experience mean a lot to us.

We cannot wait to welcome you back for another memorable stay.

Warm regards,

Craig Sands
General Manager
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The listings of booking offers for each property take into account the compensation paid to us by our partners. Prices shown may be for varying room types. Prices displayed are the lowest available, corresponding to the least expensive room type available, as provided from our partners as of the time of the user’s search.
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      9 - 14 of 695 reviews
      Reviewed 31 July 2024

      Secret Bay exceeded our ( already high ) expectations !

      The exquisite care and stunning beauty with which each structure is gently nestled WITHIN the dreamingly idylic natural surroundings, almost defies description.

      Our particular Villa, ( TiFey 1 ) was just perfect. I especially enjoyed the plunge pool, and the outdoor shower.

      The cuisine was chef's kiss phenomenal !

      The staff, from the groundskeepers, restaurant staff, villa attendant, concierge, affiliated tour guidesman, activities desk folks, shuttle drivers, bartenders, EVERYONE ...was super friendly and helpful, with just the right degree of interaction.

      Even the iguanas seemed to be smiling. ( Although, fair to say... this MIGHT have been my imagination ! ? )

      We intend to return yearly, at a MINIMUM.

      Additionally, although we've been to numerous other Caribbean islands, multiple times... this was our first time visiting Dominica.

      STUNNING !

      ( Almost nature overload ! )

      It isn't 'hype' if it's TRUE !

      This island, ( and Secret Bay in particular )... DEFINITELY outshines !

      Hard not to fall in love.

      ( Don't fight it... just GO ! )

      Room tip: Get one of the beach shack guys, ( Kenny ROCKS )... to show ya the caves on a kayak/snorkle. You'll see some very cool stuff !
      Date of stay: July 2024
      • Trip type: Travelled with family
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      Thank Darryl F
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Craig Sands, General Manager at Secret Bay, responded to this reviewResponded 2 August 2024

      Good Day Darryl,

      Thank you for your fantastic review! We’re delighted that Secret Bay exceeded your expectations and that you loved the unique charm of TiFey 1, especially the plunge pool and outdoor shower.

      It's wonderful to hear you enjoyed our cuisine and that our staff contributed to your memorable experience. We're thrilled that you found Dominica as stunning as we do, it is truly a magical Island.

      We look forward to welcoming you back. Your feedback is truly appreciated.

      Warm regards,

      Craig Sand
      General Manager

      Report response as inappropriate
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
      Reviewed 20 July 2024

      My husband and I had the unfortunate experience of ending our vacation and having to leave our villa at Secret Bay last week, only to come home and spend much of our time missing Secret Bay. It was in every sense, truly a home away from home. When arriving at the property, it is clear that every detail was thoughtfully and meticulously considered. They have created an environment in which it is simply impossible for you not to relax, unwind and be fully transported to serenity. While they have over 100 employees, most of whom you do not see, you can clearly see that they are working non-stop behind the scenes to maintain such a beautiful property. The landscaping team could not do a better job. Everything that you see outside of your villa and throughout the property, the gardens are just lovely. We had the pleasure of Elena being our host for the week and the other reviews do not lie, she is fantastic. I cried when we said our goodbyes on our last morning because she truly was such an excellent support, ensuring that we had more than what we needed to be comfortable and anticipating our every need. From Craig, the General Manager to the concierge, to the bellmen and cart guys to the restaurant staff, watersport and bar staff, everyone was wonderful, welcoming, accommodating and happy to recommend all of the things that you could do around the island to enjoy the nature lovers paradise that they enjoy. The accommodations at Secret Bay are fantastic - exactly what you'd expect at this price point and the service is equally unmatched. While it would be a shame to visit Secret Bay and not leave the resort, you honestly do not have to leave the resort if you don't want to. You have everything that you need right on property. From the delicious food at Zing Zing to the home cooked breakfast in your villa daily, the infinity edge pool, the pool in your private villa, the black sand beach, secret beach, the gym, I could go on and on. We have stayed at numerous Relais & Chateau properties around the world and this is without a doubt our favorite. We cannot wait to return and can only hope that the gem of a resort that this is and the treasure that this island is remain as beautiful, as peaceful and as other worldly as they are until we can return again.

      Date of stay: July 2024
      • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
        • Value
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        • Sleep Quality
        • Rooms
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      Thank Chloe C
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Craig Sands, General Manager at Secret Bay, responded to this reviewResponded 26 July 2024

      Dear chloec,

      Thank you for your heartfelt and glowing review. We're touched by your kind words and thrilled to hear that Secret Bay felt like a true home away from home for you and your husband. It's wonderful to know that every aspect of your stay, from the thoughtful details to the exceptional service provided by our team, particularly Elena, contributed to a serene and memorable experience.

      We appreciate your recognition of our staff's efforts, both visible and behind the scenes, to maintain the beauty and tranquility of our property. Your compliments on the accommodations, dining experiences, and various amenities are greatly appreciated.

      We are honored to be your favorite among the Relais & Châteaux properties you've visited, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming you back to our little paradise. We, too, hope that Secret Bay and Dominica continue to be the beautiful, peaceful sanctuary that you experienced. Until then, we wish you all the best and look forward to your return.

      Warm regards,

      Craig Sands
      General Manager
      Secret Bay

      Report response as inappropriate
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
      Reviewed 17 July 2024

      Secret Bay definitely took us by surprised; completely exceeded our exceptions as the online pictures do not do it justice. The staff are very friendly and consistently helpful and the activities and services available on the property bountiful. We could have stayed longer but want to return to explore other parts of the island.

      Date of stay: July 2024
      • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
        • Value
        • Location
        • Sleep Quality
        • Rooms
        • Cleanliness
        • Service
      Thank josemD6588HI
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Craig Sands, General Manager at Secret Bay, responded to this reviewResponded 26 July 2024

      Dear josem,

      Thank you for your fantastic review! We're delighted to hear that Secret Bay exceeded your expectations and that our staff's friendliness and helpfulness made your stay memorable. It's great to know you enjoyed the activities and services available at our property. We appreciate your kind words and look forward to welcoming you back, perhaps for a longer stay, to explore more of our beautiful island.

      Warm regards,

      Craig Sands
      General Manager
      Secret Bay

      Report response as inappropriate
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
      Reviewed 11 July 2024

      Secret Bay has just been voted the top resort in the Caribbean by Travel and Leisure and we think it's right. We know number 2 too, but Secret Bay is in a class of its own. In our overcrowded, overstressed, over-excited world, Secret Bay offers a very special luxury in the luxury class: peace, privacy and wonderfully green, lush nature.
      The spacious, stylishly designed villas in the middle of abandunt nature and with a private pool are so far apart that we quickly forgot we weren't the only guests. Each villa has its own concierge, so that everything from breakfast to in-dining could be organised according to our individual wishes. When we left the beautiful villas, an infinity pool, a beach with palm trees, a top restaurant, water sports of all kinds and friendly staff awaited us. On the way to the beach, we were greeted by iguanas, crabs, birds and lots of lizards.
      We will definitely be back, especially as Secret Bay is expanding. A new building with fine dining, bar, casual restaurant, kombucha production and the best collection of contemporary art in the Caribbean will be opening soon. We can only recommend Secret Bay. After a very short time, we felt more relaxed and pampered than ever before.

      Room tip: Take a kajak or finns and swim to Secret Beach, enjoy a scenic beach, be brave and snorkel with a guide in a cave to see lobster, crabs...
      Date of stay: July 2024
      • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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      1  Thank Alexandra H
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Craig Sands, General Manager at Secret Bay, responded to this reviewResponded 26 July 2024

      Dear G8679DHalexandrah,

      Thank you for your glowing review! We're thrilled that you found Secret Bay to be a peaceful and luxurious retreat, offering unparalleled privacy and a connection with nature. It's wonderful to hear that you enjoyed the spacious villas, personalized service, and our various amenities, including the infinity pool, beach, and dining experiences.

      We're excited about our upcoming expansions and are glad you're looking forward to them as well. It's fantastic to know that your stay left you feeling relaxed and pampered. We appreciate your high recommendation and can't wait to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience.

      Warm regards,

      Craig Sands
      General Manager
      Secret Bay

      Report response as inappropriate
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
      Reviewed 10 July 2024

      Its unusual for me to write a review, and more so during my stay. Secret Bay is wonderful as many resorts are, but its uniquely wonderful. The location is unique, with forest and beach, an unusual combination, an embrace by nature that we have never experienced – not just the sights and the sounds but also the feel, day and night. Really special. The villas are architecturally unique, with everything you could imagine, and so is the service concept with our wonderful villa host Francesca. It’s a private and secluded escape, perfect for my wife and I, but can’t wait for the kids to experience it. The food, the service, the natural environment. Dining at Zing Zing was amazing, and so was dining in-villa, and tomorrow we have booked Botanica for a plant based immersion. And when we step out of the resort, we step into the Caribbean’s most lush and beautiful island, with, in our opinion, the friendliest people. Love it all and already planning our return….. There were a couple minor and short lived maintenance issues, very quickly resolved. A true gem of a resort, with truly wonderful people taking care of you. Oh, and private pools and views to die for...

      Date of stay: July 2024
      • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
        • Value
        • Location
        • Sleep Quality
        • Rooms
        • Cleanliness
        • Service
      Thank Nick A
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Craig Sands, General Manager at Secret Bay, responded to this reviewResponded 26 July 2024

      Dear N5909CCnicka,

      Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a wonderful review during your stay at Secret Bay. We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the unique blend of forest and beach that makes our location so special. It's heartwarming to know that the architecture of our villas, the service concept, and Francesca's hospitality have contributed to a memorable experience for you and your wife.

      We're glad that you found our dining options, including Zing Zing and the in-villa dining, to be delightful. Your excitement about the plant-based immersion at Botanica is contagious, and we're sure you'll enjoy it as well.

      We appreciate your understanding regarding the minor maintenance issues and are pleased that they were resolved quickly. Your kind words about our private pools, stunning views, and the overall resort experience mean a lot to us. We look forward to welcoming you and your children back for another unforgettable stay.

      Warm regards,

      Craig Sands
      General Manager
      Secret Bay

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      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
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