"Built as a labor of love, this 28-room eco-enterprise is a master microcosm of Dominica. Eight years of construction resulted in 22 acres of riotously verdant grounds (frangipani, ginger lily, heliconia, and hibiscus) and a hotel blessedly free of pretension. It has also resulted in a caliber of comfort, service, and dining hitherto in short supply on the island. The gingerbread-trimmed cottages, set in a horseshoe shape, face a rocky Atlantic beach or are set back with views of the Rosalie River and Morne Trois Pitons foothills. Inside, uncluttered, compact Garden View rooms and generous-sized suites have plantation-style interiors, with coarse plaster walls, stained concrete floors, and sturdy wood furniture, locally built. A three-treatment-room spa is elevated above the crashing surf. Controlling its environmental footprint, the resort uses wind turbine, solar panels, on-site water filtration, and Adirondack chairs made from recycled plastic. From March through October, guests can help monitor turtles—green, hawksbill, and leatherback—nesting on the beach. As impressive as the resort’s green sensibilities is its faith in the locals: Many of the cheery staffers hail from the village of Grand Fond, including a mason who, after construction was complete, trained to be the barman at the Caribbean-inflected Zamaan restaurant. Note: The resort released the following statement after Hurricane Maria hit the island in September 2017: "Dominica was hit by the extremely dangerous Category 5 Hurricane Maria late Monday, September 18, 2017. Fortunately, Rosalie Bay Resort was closed for the month of September for annual refurbishments, so there were no guests in-house during this time. However, due to the impact of the storm, we expect to remain closed until at least February 2020."
