Relais & Chateaux, the global collection of boutique luxury hotels, has added its newest property in the Caribbean, and it’s a special one: Dominica’s Secret Bay.

The boutique luxury eco-resort in northern Dominica is now Relais & Chateaux’s seventh property in the wider Caribbean region.

Secret Bay is the first-ever Dominica hotel to join the collection, which emphasizes hospitality and culinary excellence.

The resort is a portfolio of secluded, high-design villas set on a clifftop overlooking the sea.

The resort’s signature “no menu” culinary program is led by executive chef Grant Lynott.

“We are extremely delighted to join Relais & Châteaux, which has always set the benchmark for preserving excellence in the timeless traditions of cuisine and hospitality,” said Secret Bay proprietor Gregor Nassief. “Secret Bay and Relais & Châteaux share similar values around celebrating authenticity; working with, and employing, the local community; and, honouring sustainable practices. The affiliation will further enhance what guests love about Secret Bay: a special place that allows them to reconnect to themselves, to nature and to the ones they love.”

It’s a major boost for a hotel that has long been the leading place to stay in Dominica, and a property that in many ways put the island on the map for luxury travelers when it debuted in 2011.

“We are very happy to count Secret Bay as a member of our family,” said Philippe Gombert, President of Relais & Châteaux, in a statement “The property will be the perfect ambassador for our values and our commitment to protect biodiversity and local heritage. The hotel is perfectly located, and offers a delicious and conscious Caribbean immersion for our guests.”

The news comes as Dominica continues to grow its hotel offerings, most notably with the recent launch of the Cabrits Resort and Spa Kempinski Dominica.

That will continue to grow as Dominica has several other luxury hotels in its development pipeline, from the Autograph Collection-branded Anichi hotel project to the recently-launched Sanctuary eco-resort.

Another top hotel, Jungle Bay, relaunched earlier this summer.

“Relais & Châteaux is the global pinnacle of hospitality and cuisine, and we are proud to have met their standards to become a partner,” said Dinesh Kissoon, general manager of Secret Bay. “Secret Bay’s commitment to bespoke, highly personalized service along with nonpareil authenticity and experiential dining makes for a once-in-a-lifetime trip for Relais & Châteaux travelers.”

Relais & Chateaux’s other Caribbean properties include hotels in Anguilla, Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, St Barth and Nevis.

— CJ