Approaching Dominica, by sea or by air, is a magical affair. There you’ll see volcanic mountains shrouded in unspoiled rainforest rise sharply from the emerald waters of the Caribbean Sea. Tumbling waterfalls, ‘boiling’ lakes and jagged gorges pepper the landscape; it’s easy to understand why this eastern Caribbean paradise is known as The Nature Island. An ideal respite from which to explore this island jewel is Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort, one of the top all-inclusive destinations in the Caribbean.

Condé Nast Traveler recently named Dominica among The Best Places to Go in North America & the Caribbean in 2024, mentioning Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort as one of the best stays on the island. This comes as no surprise. Following a recent $18 million renovation, the ‘island-included’ resort now offers 60 new guest rooms (bringing the total count to 100), an art gallery and a rum cellar, with a rooftop wellness garden, retail space and other curated amenities to follow soon.

Located in the historic capital of Roseau, Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort is set within an old military fort dating back to the 17th century and named after William Young, the island’s first British governor. Since its days as a defensive stronghold, the site has served as a central police station before its welcome transformation into a beachfront resort. Visitors get a sense of this rich history as they arrive at the property; many of the original ramparts have been preserved and antique cannons feature along the walkways.

The property extends along the seafront with ocean-view and mountain-view rooms, as well as various suite options. The biggest draw of these spaces are the natural panoramas that offer guests spectacular sunsets to admire from generously sized balconies. These are furnished with comfortable armchairs and make the perfect spot for a morning coffee accompanied by the gentle sound of the sea below.

Inside, contemporary design meets historical elegance; custom wallpaper with illustrations of the original fort complements nature-inspired accessories and local fabrics, united in reflection of the region’s traditional Créole influences but with a 21st-century edge. A flat-screen TV, spacious shower (featuring the lyrics of Dominica’s national anthem in delicate script) and coffee maker offer the comforts expected of such a stay.

Dining at Fort Young Hotel is an experience in itself. Breakfast is leisurely and guests can enjoy a locally sourced buffet featuring omelettes and Créole salt fish as the highlights. For lunch, the kitchen team continues to excel with a host of local dishes and masterfully crafted drinks that showcase the exquisite Caribbean fare that marks a meal at the Palisades Restaurant.

However, the venue really comes alive as the sun sets; it’s cocktail time. Before an elegant candlelit dinner, guests are invited to savour the flavours of the Caribbean through artisanal drinks such as traditional rum-based Mojitos and Piña Coladas, or non-alcoholic offerings including fresh juices squeezed daily from local fruit. Guests can then delight in Créole-style seafood straight from the Caribbean Sea as the stars begin to come out.

A stay at Fort Young Hotel also centres around wellness and indulgence. The brand-new Zemi Spa is the island’s first and only oceanfront day spa and boasts two private treatment rooms as well as two manicure and pedicure stations. Attentive and certified professionals are on hand to deliver a host of services and treatments that combine ancient techniques with modern facilities and local products. Volcanic rock massages and locally inspired rituals can be enjoyed beside the striking seascape.

Equally relaxing is the infinity pool overlooking the sea with a gentle waterfall feature that creates a calming ambiance. Guests can also find relaxation in a large jacuzzi with views of the rugged mountains and see the lights from the homes along the bay twinkle as the sun begins to set. The new Compact Fitness Centre is open 24 hours a day, and visitors can make the most of top-of-the-range workout machines as well as showers and changing facilities.

Fort Young Hotel is an ‘island-included’ resort. While guests are ultimately there to relax and unwind, they are also encouraged to book any of the resort’s myriad land, sea and city excursions, delivered in partnership with local tour company Khatts as well as members of the local community. Dominica awaits with a treasure trove of tropical activities; those up for an adventure can choose from sea-turtle watching, hiking, canyoning, bathing in natural sulphur pools or swimming in waterfalls, to name just a few of the options. With the All-Inclusive, Island-Included package, there is simply no limit to what you can discover.

Dominica has a palpable sense of community. From friendly street vendors to warm-hearted tour guides, there is a sense that its residents wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Making the most of its location in Roseau, the hotel has a dedicated street entrance for easy access. Think local markets, delicious street food and colourful architecture. While the centre and its sights can become a little crowded when a cruise ship docks, the city is generally relaxed but with a welcome bustle. Guests can discover even more of Roseau with a local hotel guide.

Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort now manages its own dive operations with experienced local operator William Lawrence at the helm. One of the island’s most popular diving locations, the resort has recently acquired two new boats with capacity for 56 divers and offers a dedicated equipment shop stocked with everything from snorkel gear to dive watches.

Highlights in and around the hotel’s waters include submerged canons from an 18th century Spanish vessel, a sunken yacht from the early 20th century and the Rum Cage, which will soon house barrels of the hotel’s very own ocean-aged rum to be served on-site and stocked in the new boutique.

Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort is where tailor-made adventures meet luxury wellness facilities and exquisite cuisine. However, the true draw of a stay here is the people, both at the hotel and on the island. Along with the gateway to The Nature Island, guests can unlock a feeling of community that characterises any interaction at Fort Young Hotel. Whether it is your concierge explaining the meaning behind their name or your tour guide expressing their love for their home nation, it is this environment that forges connections and creates shared stories.