It’s the heartbeat of historic Roseau, the endlessly charming and romantic capital of the Eastern Caribbean hotspot of Dominica.
Now, the legendary Fort Young Hotel and Dive Resort is reopening its doors following a dramatic $18 million re-imagination and expansion.
The Fort Young, the Caribbean’s first “all-inclusive, island-included” resort, is now accepting reservations for stays beginning in November.
The transformation, which includes the addition of 60 new rooms and new amenities, has taken the hotel and its 17th century core into the 21st century while preserving its centuries-old architectural elements.
It underscores the resort’s unique position as Roseau’s preeminent large hotel and a unique all-inclusive, one that combines traditional inclusions like food and beverage with local adventures, from hiking and snorkeling to walking tours and vitas to local eateries.
“Having survived two hurricanes in the last 50 years, the Fort Young Hotel has shown resilience through rebirth, and we are excited to usher in this evolution of our beloved landmark hotel,” said Gregor Nassief, CEO of GEMS Holdings Limited and the Fort Young Hotel. “This re-imagination pays homage to the site’s past, ensuring that the new structures harmoniously coexist with the cherished fabric and narratives associated with the original 17th century fort. We are eager to welcome future guests and local Dominica patrons, alike, to experience this intersection of old and new.”
The project included the refurbishment of 40 oceanfront rooms and suites, along with the aforementioned 60 new suites; the latter will be called the Fort Collection, bringing the hotel’s total room count to 100.
The new room interiors were inspired by the 17th century creole architecture of Roseau, with its “colorful geometric woodwork that adorns building facades and interiors ,” along with the fort itself.
It’s part of what is in many ways a brand-new resort: that includes the new Compass Fitness Center; the Marquis Bar and Lounge, set in what were once the troops’ barracks in the fort; the Museum Cafe, an “intimate and sunken” cafe with local Dominican coffee and pastries; the Old Oven Art Gallery, which will feature a rotating exhibition of local artists set within the fort’s original brick oven; a Work + Play Hub with state-of-the-art meeting spaces, board rooms and game rooms, along with audiovisual equipment; and the Rum and Wine Cellar, which will offer regular rum takings featuring rums from around the Caribbean and the world.
But it’s not just a resort — it’s a dive resort, and the Fort Young has announced expanded dive operations including two new boats and a new dive program under the helm of William “Billy” Lawrence.
That includes another new addition to the property: an enhanced shore diving experience with many underwater features including an ocean aging process of the well known “BB Rum” from Belfast Estate, a blend of the island’s famous Bois Bande spiced rum.
By the end of next year, the Fort Young will also have added a new auditorium with capacity for 100 people, the first of its kind on the island.
It’s a different kind for for Dominica and the Caribbean – one that expertly blends authenticity, adventure, wellness (there’s a fantastic Zemi Spa) and history in the heart of one of the Caribbean’s most scenic cities.
For more, visit the Fort Young Hotel and Dive Resort.