It made waves when it debuted the Caribbean’s first “island included” all-inclusive program, a revolutionary new concept that got travelers out of the resort and into a series of quintessential Nature Island experiences. 

Now, the Fort Young Hotel and Dive Resort is doing it again, debuting a completely new look and an expansion that added 60 more rooms to the historic Dominica property. 

The Fort Young has officially unveiled its expansion, one that ushered in a new era for the hotel while preserving elements of the property’s original 17th century fort. 

“We are thrilled to reopen this beloved and historic section of the Fort Young Hotel, unveiling a new chapter in our storied history,” said Gregor Nassief, CEO of GEMS Holdings LTD and the Fort Young Hotel. “This reimagining demonstrates our intent to preserve the historical elements of the fort while providing a unique and unmatched guest experience.” 

The total room count now stands at 100, including the new Fort Block Collection and the recently-updated 40 Ocean Block rooms. 

The rooms are just the beginning, though: the Fort Young has debuted a series of new concepts, from a Rum & Wine Cellar housed in a former dungeon to the Museum Cafe, focusing on local Dominican coffee and teas. 

That is joined by a new bar called the Marquis Bar and Lounge set in the original troops’ barracks and a new gym near the original fort flagpole. 

The new “Old Oven Art Gallery,” dedicated to the late, legendary Dominican artist Dr Alwin Bully, is a haven for local artists and exhibits, along with private events. The inaugural exhibition includes a retrospective of Bully’s work, running for the next three months. 

It’s another new era for a very different kind of Caribbean hotel. 

“During this new era, the Fort Young Hotel is to be much more than a venue for business by day and rest at night. It is to be a place where all gather, local, regional, and international, to savor and celebrate Dominican culture, art, and cuisine, and to be refreshed,” said Andre Michael, Chairman of the Fort Young Hotel. 

For more, visit the Fort Young Hotel.