About Rosalie Bay
Dominica
The History of Rosalie
A Legacy of Culture and Transformation
An Accounting by Lennox Honeychurch, Dominica’s Acknowledged Historian, and Simon George, Local Villager. Rosalie Estate, once one of Dominica’s largest estates spanning 2,081 acres, has played a significant role in the island’s agricultural, cultural, and historical development. Since the 1960s, much of the estate has been subdivided and sold. Over time, it produced sugar, cocoa, limes, bananas, and coconuts, with its rum once regarded as the finest in the country.
Rosalie Bay eco resort & spa in time
Once one of Dominica’s largest estates spanning 2,081 acres
1785 > The Legacy of Rosalie Estate
The estate witnessed a significant moment in Dominica’s history in December 1785, when a Maroon attack, led by Chief Balla, targeted the estate buildings in a stand against colonial rule. Later, on August 1, 1838, the enslaved population of Rosalie, along with the rest of Dominica, celebrated full emancipation.
The first British owners of Rosalie Estate were Governor William Stuart and later the Johnson family, who controlled it through the 19th and early 20th centuries. The estate provided housing for a sizeable population of estate workers and included a police station, school, and church. Miss Johnson, a white heiress, later married Mr. Gerard Winston, a native mulatto. In the 1950s, she sold the estate to two British investors, Messrs. Leach and Tabor.
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1990 > Struggles and Transitions
A land dispute arose when villagers, who believed they had ownership rights, were forced to dismantle their homes and relocate to Grand Fond and Riviere Cyrique. The estate’s church was abandoned and fell into ruin, but it was restored in the 1990s and is now the site of the FMI Retreat Centre.
Under Leach and Tabor’s ownership, a controversial law was enacted, forbidding villagers from bathing below the Old Bridge, leading to the saying “Beyen aba pon ah” - “Bath below the bridge.” Tragedy struck when one of the estate owners died after being struck by a falling coconut. Shortly after, the second owner also passed away. The estate was later inherited by Conrad Cyrus, an adopted child of one of the owners. Cyrus, who grew up on the estate, sold 22 acres to Beverly Deikle in 2000 for the establishment of Rosalie Bay Resort. Today, his daughter Joyce Pascal, stepdaughter Camie, and granddaughter Saudia continue to manage the remaining estate lands.
Today < Rosalie Today is a Blend of Nature and History
Rosalie remains a site of deep historical and ecological significance. Once a thriving banana plantation, the area where the conference center now stands was originally a boxing plant. Over time, coconut groves reclaimed much of the land.
To the north, across the Rosalie River, the ruins of an old aqueduct and sugar works still stand, marking the location of the estate’s original buildings. The site of the former estate house is visible on a nearby hill.
To the south, a small stream bordering the resort serves as the starting point for a nature trail, mandated by the Dominican Government to provide public access to the beach. The Nature Enhancement Team (NET), a local conservation group, maintains this trail while actively working to protect the area’s endangered sea turtles.
Rosalie Beach is one of Dominica’s most scenic shorelines, known for its driftwood-strewn landscape and its role as a vital nesting ground for Leatherback, Green, and Hawksbill sea turtles. However, the beach is also home to strong rip currents, making swimming dangerous. Instead, visitors can enjoy the Rosalie River, a refreshing and safe alternative.
Support Conservation Efforts at Rosalie
The Nature Enhancement Team (NET) continues to preserve Rosalie’s ecological and cultural heritage through beach conservation and community outreach. Donations are welcomed to sustain these efforts.
Visitors can also support NET by participating in:
Turtle Watching – US$12 per person
Turtle Talks – US$20 per person
All proceeds directly fund NET’s ongoing conservation programs, ensuring that Rosalie remains a sanctuary for both history and nature. Rosalie Bay is more than just a destination—it’s a living testament to Dominica’s resilience, culture, and commitment to conservation.
The Nature Enhancement Team inc. Brochure
Vacation with a Purpose at Rosalie bay
A Socially Responsible Getaway
Looking for a vacation that goes beyond relaxation? At Rosalie Bay Eco Resort & Spa, you can experience the perfect balance of rejuvenation and purpose. Join us in making a difference by contributing to local education, sea turtle conservation, and environmental sustainability during your stay.
Make an Impact
Support Morne Jaune Primary School
As part of our community outreach initiative, we invite you to donate books, stationery, and essential supplies to the Morne Jaune Primary School Library. Your generosity helps provide young minds with the tools they need to grow and succeed. Whether you bring educational materials, art supplies, or storybooks, your contributions will make a lasting impact on the children of Dominica.
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Protect the Sea Turtles
Donate & Volunteer
Rosalie Bay is home to one of Dominica’s most important sea turtle nesting sites. Our resort actively supports the Nature Enhancement Team (NET), which works tirelessly to protect endangered Leatherback, Green, and Hawksbill turtles.
Your donations go directly toward turtle conservation efforts, including:
- Beach patrols to monitor and protect nesting turtles
- Educational programs to raise awareness
- Safeguarding hatchlings on their journey to the sea
Want to get involved?
Join a Turtle Talk or Turtle Watching Tour, where proceeds directly support conservation efforts.
Eco-Friendly Experiences
Beach & River Cleanups
Enhance your vacation by giving back to nature. Participate in a beach cleanup along Rosalie Bay’s scenic shoreline to help keep the turtles' nesting areas safe from debris. You can also take part in a river cleanup, preserving the island’s pristine waterways and marine ecosystems. Every effort counts toward maintaining Dominica’s natural beauty for generations to come.
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Why choose a socially responsible vacation?
- Give Back to the Community – Support local children and education
- Preserve Wildlife – Contribute to crucial conservation efforts
- Sustainable Travel – Reduce your environmental impact
- Unforgettable Experiences – Create meaningful memories while making a difference.
Your contributions, whether through donations, volunteering, or simple acts of environmental stewardship, go a long way in fostering a better future for Dominica’s people and ecosystems.
Vacation with a Purpose
Book your purpose-driven vacation at Rosalie Bay Today and be part of something Bigger!
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