Dominica vacation tips
A vacation at Rosalie Bay and Dominica is truly an unforgettable experience. To help you plan your stay and make the most of your time on the Nature Island, we have compiled a few helpful Dominica vacation tips from our staff and past guests.
Get a window seat for your flight to Dominica for an amazing aerial view of the island before you land.
The drive to Rosalie Bay from Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM) is approximately one hour. You may take a taxi or reserve our private airport transfers, which is complimentary for guests staying seven nights or more and who booked direct.
If you use our airport transfer, Zahir, or another resort staff member, will greet you upon arrival with a cool and refreshing lemon-scented towel and bottled water. Then, he will transport you in air-conditioned comfort to our eco-boutique resort while highlighting various points on island during the journey.
To break up your drive to our resort, stop half-way at the Islet View Restaurant in Castle Bruce to admire their wall of local rums and amazing view of the coast!
Local EC (Eastern Caribbean) currency and US dollars are accepted on island. The official exchange rate is US$1 = EC$2.71. If using US currency at a local shop or vendor, the exchange rate is 1:2.5.
While at the airport, we suggest visiting the ATM to withdraw cash (EC) for use during your vacation. Rosalie Bay does not have an ATM, but currency can be exchanged at the Front Desk. ATMs and banks are also available in the city of Roseau.
You may use your MasterCard, Visa, or American Express at the resort. However, credit cards are not widely accepted outside of Roseau. Dominica accepts traveler’s checks in US dollars. Personal checks are not accepted.
- Garden View Junior Rooms: You can choose between a queen bed or two twin beds.
- Garden View Premier Rooms, Oceanfront Premier Rooms, and Riverside Suites: Options include a king or two queen beds.
- Ocean View Junior Suites: These suites feature a king bed along with a day bed for your comfort.
Rosalie Bay is located on the windward side of the island. The ocean breeze will keep you comfortable under the Caribbean sun and keeps us pretty much bug free. However, if you plan on hiking into the rainforest, bring bug spray with DEET.
Most cell phones are operable on Dominica. Roaming fees and charges vary for each cell phone service provider.
We advise making reservations for Day and Pool Passes to secure your spot and avoid any potential booking conflicts on the day of your visit.
A departure tax of EC$86 or US$32 is assessed at the airport prior to departure. This tax can only be paid in cash, either with EC or US dollars.
Dress at the resort is Caribbean casual. There is no need for formal clothing. Flip flops are welcome throughout the day. However, a swimsuit cover up is needed for dining during the day.
If you plan on exploring with our guided tours or hiking in Dominica, bring comfortable, supportive walking/hiking shoes with good traction as trails can be slippery, wicking long-sleeve shirts and hiking pants, extra socks and a raincoat (for hikes into the rainforest).
Our reservation cancellation policy is as follows:
- Cancellations made up to 7 days prior to the arrival date, before 4:00 PM, are eligible for a full refund.
- Cancellations made 1 to 6 days before the scheduled arrival date are non-refundable.
- Same-day cancellations or no-shows are also non-refundable.
However, guests who cancel their reservations will receive a credit at the resort. This credit can be applied to either a future stay or to any of the resort’s activities. Guests have a period of 12 months to utilize this credit.
Please note that credits cannot be exchanged for cash, and after a change in the reservation date, the credit becomes non-refundable once it has passed the refund window for the original reservation.
For those who want to relax, we are happy to provide ground transportation and guides for your tours and activities. We offer transfers from the Roseau ferry, Douglas Charles Airport, or any other transfer you request.
Airport and ferry transfer fees are US$75 for two guests.
Car rental services can be offered through various car rental agencies across Dominica and at the airport. Here are some recommendations:
The cost of a driver’s permit is EC$30/US$12.
Rosalie Bay is wired 110/220 volts (US standard), 50/60 cycle current.
Adapters are available for use, feel free to request from the Front Desk upon arrival.
Passports are required for US citizens and foreign nationals to visit Dominica. Visitors from some countries may require a Visa. No refunds will be granted for denied entry caused by failure to carry proper proof of citizenship or the appropriate Visa.
For a current list of entry requirements visit discoverdominica.com.
English is the official language. Creole (French patois) is largely spoken, but not taught in schools.
There are three meal plans available at Rosalie Bay:
- Full American Plan: This plan includes a complete breakfast, a 3-course lunch, and a 3-course dinner, with one drink included.
- Dinner Only: With this plan, you’ll enjoy a three-course dinner with one drink.
- All-Inclusive Plan: Our all-inclusive package provides a full breakfast, a 3-course lunch, a 3-course dinner, snacks in between meals, and unlimited drinks.
Room service is offered between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at a charge of US$27.
While we have a deep affection for our four-legged companions, we regret to inform you that we do not permit any pets on our premises.
Witness sea creatures year-round on Dominica. Sperm whales can be seen off the coast throughout the year, but sightings are more common from November to March. From March to October, endangered sea turtles nest and hatch on our black sand beach.
If you’re patient enough, grab a seat at our Turtle Lookout Point to see Green turtles feeding at the mouth of the Rosalie River (year-round).
Smoking is prohibited in our rooms. We have three areas allocated for smokers:
- On the beach
- Under the gazebo
- By the river
We recommend reserving your spa treatments at least 24-48 hours before arrival to ensure availability.
Swimming in the ocean is not allowed due to strong currents and occasional ocean swells. We prioritize safety. However, you can still enjoy the beach’s natural beauty from the shore.
We have a saltwater onyx-lined pool for your swimming pleasure.
Pack a camera to capture the beauty of Dominica and an underwater camera if you have it for any water tours and activities.
While Rosalie Bay is the perfect place to unplug, some guests still enjoy staying connected. Bring your iPod if you would like to listen to your favorite music in your room (each accommodation has an iPod docking station), and a laptop or tablet if you want to stay connected and take advantage of our complimentary Wi-Fi.
Many tours of Dominica are available for you to explore all that our island has to offer. Our front desk staff is happy to answer any questions and make recommendations.
Tours may be scheduled upon your arrival or in advance by contacting us.
Our tap water is drinkable. It is all-natural, and free of preservatives and chemicals. It is filtered through the vetiver grass, which purifies and cleans the water, making it safe for drinking.
Average daytime temperatures range from 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 29 degrees Celsius), with cooler temperatures in the mountains. Dry season is January to April and rainy season is July to October.
At our resort, you can anticipate a tropical climate, characterized by a mix of rainy and sunny days. Due to our location at the foothills of Morne Trois Pitons, occasional rainy days and impromptu showers are possible.
WiFi is accessible at our resort free of charge.