We arrived in Dominica at 7:30 p.m., local time after traveling for 18 hrs. The trip from the airport in the dark and falling rain was not for the faint of heart, especially considering that we were tired and hungry.
We were happy to see the lights of the resort from a distance. We expected the tedium of the check-in and to have missed dinner, but, to our amazement, we were greeted by Marcella, one of the owners who suggested that we eat first and complete the check-in in the morning. The food was great that night, as it was for an offered 3 meals a day every day. It took a couple days to realize that we would be consistently offered more delicious food than we could eat, prepared in a style with Belgian and Caribbean influences. Roger (Marcella's husband and the other owner), was a chef in Belgium before moving to Dominica 13 years ago.
The rest of the week maintained the feeling of the first night. The owners were consistently visible and very hospitable. The food was consistently very good to excellent. The beach was very secluded and picturesque, though the small to medium round pebbles made walking barefoot a challenge (scuba boots would be handy for swimming at the beach). The staff was very helpful and pleasant. The room was spare, but comfortable. We were very happy with the lack of a TV.
The roads were a challenge throughout the island because of the potholes, curves, and narrow width. We did not run into problems with crowds from the cruise ships that dock in Roseau, though we knew to ask about that before planning trips.
Our biggest challenge was the arrival of a toddler in the next room a couple nights before we left. The open window nature of the resort meant that we didn't sleep unless the toddler did. That was a minor annoyance, but only minor, since were in an island paradise with great food and an open bar on our all-inclusive package.
I'll be very happy if my travels take me back to the Sunset Bay Beach Club.
