We stayed in Rose Cottage for eight days in early February 2011. It is secluded whilst being close to the office and restaurant/bar facilities. Rose Cottage is basically a large wooden structure, with cooking facilities, double bed, table, chairs and chest of drawers. There is a small ensuite shower room with toilet and washbasin. It has a large verandah with table and chairs and a hammock. There was no need to close the large windows, which allowed a through-draught of refreshing air and an occasional bird, interested in finding any food left out, to pass through.
Jem, the owner, and Websom helped to make our stay memorable. They went out of their way to help us when we found our jeep to be unroadworthy and when we managed to get ourselves lost whilst hiking in the surrounding rainforest. On the later occasion, many of the locals from the village of Grand Fond, helped to get us safely back and we became firm friends.
We ate some nights in the restaurant, the food cooked to order by a local chef, Steve. The food was good if somewhat pricey. On other occasions we ate out at lunch times and had a snack in the evening whilst sitting on our verandah, watching the fireflies romancing, listening to the crickets and tree frogs, plus the sound of the nearby river. It was magical and romantic.
As it got dark by about 6.30 p.m. we tended to go tobed quite early, especially as the electricity from the solar panels did not seem to last too long sometimes, and we resorted to candles and torches. Although a mosquito net was provided, we did not use it. Despite being in the middle of a rain forest we did not get bitten. There is a lovely secluded natural pool near the property, part of one of the three rivers that flow close by.
Rosalie Three Rivers Eco Farm is definitely a no frills place to stay but it allows you to experience Dominican nature at its best and make good friends as well. Thank you Jem and Websom.
