Papillote Wilderness Retreat

We really enjoyed our stay here two years ago. When we went back this year we weren't able to stay, but were happy to hear that the restaurant was now open (and open to the public). We had a really lovely meal on the terrace -- a beautiful place overlooking the stunning Roseau valley. The menu offers a good variety of local and more familiar dishes, and we all agreed it was one of the best dinner's we'd had in Dominica.

I have now experienced paradise. Papallote is a magical wilderness retreat complete with a waterfall, geothermal pools throughout the property. It is surrounded by the tropical forest and close to other falls, spas, hiking trails. The island is scantily developed. If you are looking for glitz this is not the place for you. If you want to be consumed by nature, visit Papallote. It was the highlight of our 7 month Caribbean island-hopping trip. Wilma will serve a delicious breakfast if you ask, also dinner on our veranda overlooking the forest. Our suite was large and included a geothermal hot tub in the bathroom. The bed was comfortable. Make sure you explore all of the grounds. Sit under the waterfall and then sit in the geothermal pool nearby. Paridise.

Location is absolutely great. Staff we're obliging and friendly. However, some reviews are outdated. The rooms we're not equipped, as it says it should be, it smelled like mold, we we're not greeted and had to look for someone, did not feel welcomed,unlike other places in Dominica, and when booking had to wait for more than a week for a reply. Restaurant was not opened and the owner wasn't sure when it was going to open. Could do with some work, possibly still recovering after the hurricane.

We stayed 9 nights at Papillotte during a 18 night stay in Dominica in November 2021. It is a beautiful and unique property boasting natural hot pools and it’s own waterfall within a stone’s throw of Trafalgar Falls. The accommodations are spacious and comfortable; the staff obliging, but the grounds are the star. Whimsically lovely gardens host several rare bird species as well as the endemic ground lizard and anole. The valley view suite porch offers stunning sunset views, bat ballets at dusk and great birding. The garden suite has a private outdoor hot pool and sitting area from which you can watch agouti and opossums. If you crave lodges where you can feed the birds on the balcony, fall asleep to a chorus of tree frogs, luxuriate in a hot pool with hummingbirds surrounding you, and watch lizards and land crabs scurrying about, this is the place for you. On a practical note, the lodge serves very good meals and there are several very good local restaurants within walking distance- River Rick cafe and Patty’s Shack- as well as hot pool spas. To top it off the owner makes his own rum punch which is the best on the island bar none. Believe me, we did our research!

This is my go to resort for relaxation of body, mind, and spirit when I am to Dominica.. The owners are wonderful people who will not only make you laugh, but laugh with you 😆. There are numerous hot pools and tubs at the resort. I just love spending time at Papillote.

Papillote is in good shape again after major post-Maria repairs and remodeling. (Only the lowest hot pool remains to be restored.) If you've been here before, it's time to come back and support the recovery. If you've never been, there is nowhere else like it in the world. Beautiful.

A truly magical place. Can’t recommend this beautiful spot enough! Walk the gardens, soak in the baths and make sure you spend some time chatting and laughing with the owners.

Excellent place to relax! Great views and the owners are really nice!😄