Dominica: Fort Young Hotel, Secret Bay named among Coolest Hotels in Caribbean

It is to be noted that both these luxurious locations are utilizing sustainable measures to provide the best to their guests.

2025-08-01 17:36:10

Fort Young Hotel has made it to the top of Cool List 2024 (PC - Facebook)

Dominica: Fort Young Hotel and Secret Bay - two of Dominica's top hotels have proudly made it to the 2024 Cool List by Caribbean Journal. Fort Young Hotel has topped the list, while Secret Bay stands at 14th position. It is to be noted that both these luxurious locations are utilizing sustainable measures to provide the best to their guests. The Cool List: the Coolest Hotels in the Caribbean for 2024, released by CJ, comprises 25 resorts from across the Caribbean and includes authentic places, including Montego Bay, Jamaica, Sunset Reef, St Kitts and several others. While appreciating the Fort Young Hotel, the Caribbean Journal said that this completely reimagined accommodation in Dominica's Roseau is a thrilling new addition to the Caribbean hotel landscape. The hotel is home to a centuries-old former fort, which has been transformed into a cutting-edge boutique style gateway which shows authenticity. Guests can find everything in this place, including a hip cocktail bar in a former troops' barracks, a rum and wine cellar, a beautiful art gallery, as well as an all-inclusive program which helps guests dive right into the local culture and environment of the island. Meanwhile, while featuring the Secret Bay, CJ outlined that this hotel single-handedly turned Dominica into a luxury destination which has some of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful villas one will ever lay eyes upon. The CJ highlighted that the resort features breathtaking design and a tremendous commitment to delivering authentic Dominican experiences. Notably, the hostel recently debuted the Caribbean's longest funicular — at more than 300 feet long, providing a much more special experience for the visitors.

Fort Young Hotel, Dominica

The hotel recently completed its multi-million dollar reimagination project, which included modernizing and expanding the hotel while going to great lengths architecturally. [caption id="attachment_66662" align="aligncenter" width="100%"]

Fort Young Hotel, Dominica[/caption]

Visitors can expect the following at the accommodation:

From 60 new Fort Block rooms to expanding dive operation and brand new amenities, including the Rum & Wine Cellar and Retail Store, the Museum Café, and the Marquis Bar and Lounge located in what was originally the troops' barracks Along with the upgraded Courtyard Lounge, these spaces are at the intersection of old and new - showcasing the evolution and innovation of the reimagination while simultaneously celebrating the fort's rich history.

Secret Bay Dominica

Secret Bay features a limited collection of freestanding, secluded and sustainably crafted villas that are immersed in nature and positioned on a breathtaking clifftop overlooking the azure Caribbean Sea. Offering architectural residential-style villas, various culinary experiences, including Zing Zing, a no-menu concept open-air restaurant and the newly opened Botanica Garden & Chef's Table, wellness facilities (including the cliffside Gommier Spa), night and day access to remote beaches, the Caribbean's longest funicular and a wealth of transformational experiences, Secret Bay provides guests with the ultimate six-star hideaway experience. [caption id="attachment_66663" align="aligncenter" width="100%"]

Secret Bay Dominica[/caption] In 2019, Secret Bay was accepted into Relais & Châteaux, becoming the first and only property in Dominica to be affiliated with the elite brand. Secret Bay was recently recertified with Green Global Certification and has received numerous accolades in its 12 years in operation.

Meanwhile, the complete list of Caribbean Journal's The Cool List: the Coolest Hotels in the Caribbean for 2024 is as follows:

Fort Young Hotel, Dominica
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Boardwalk Boutique Hotel, Aruba
Los Establos Panama
The Fred, St Croix
Zemi Beach House, Anguilla
The Lodge at Chaa Creek, Belize
Cape Eleuthera, The Bahamas
Sunset Reef, St Kitts
Graycliff, Nassau, The Bahamas
SLS Baha Mar, Nassau, The Bahamas
Le Barthelemy Hotel and Spa, St Barth
The Cove at Atlantis, Paradise Island, The Bahamas
Secret Bay, Dominica
Pink Palm, St Thomas
Baoase Luxury Resort, Curacao
The Hideout, Jost Van Dyke, BVI
Laluna, Grenada
La Bougainvillea, Eleuthera, The Bahamas
Palm Heights, Grand Cayman
La Plantation, St Martin
Habitation Saint Charles, Guadeloupe
Jakes, Jamaica
Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort
Dragon Cay, Middle Caicos, Turks and Caicos

Monika Walker

Monika Walker is a senior journalist specializing in regional and international politics, offering in-depth analysis on governance, diplomacy, and key global developments. With a degree in International Journalism, she is dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices through factual reporting. She also covers world news across every genre, providing readers with balanced and timely insights that connect the Caribbean to global conversations.